Son has Lyme,started treatment 2 days ago

First of all, I'm so very sorry, Dancingbear!!! One of a mother's worst nightmares is watching her kids go through stuff like this!

I really don't understand why a doctor who understands Lyme would treat with IV meds for only 3 days though? That simply makes no sense to me. Did your doc happen to explain why only 3 days? That's not going to treat Lyme, no matter what abx is used, especially since he could have been infected for a month by now and has experienced so many symptoms already.

If your doctor can't explain this, with good references for it working, I would definitely either get him to another LLMD or start him on an herbal protocol immediately.

Also, be sure that he is detoxing, because even though the treatment may not be enough for treating Lyme, it will likely create toxins from whatever it is killing.

Now that you have explained that part, and he has now been switched over to the other protocol, I can see that it made sense. Sorry!!

I'm glad that you know for sure this early!! That's a really good thing!!

Be sure that you show him about detoxing though! And you already know about the diet and how to take the Doxy, right?

I think he will do well with your guidance and under your watchful eye!!!

Personally, I would do an herbal protocol, but that surely doesn't mean that it's necessary at this point in time.

I would however encourage you to check into astragalus for either just an immune booster or for to add to his treatments and then for him to stay on it as a Lyme preventative after he is done with treating this infection.

This will help explain a lot about astragalus if you don't already know about it: buhnerhealinglyme.com/herbs/astragalus-contraindicated/

So I read the link on astragalus and I am a little confused. Do you think I should start my son on it now or wait until he is symptom free? Also, is it something I can take even thou I don't consider my self fully cured?

Also, please include the amount you suggest.


Thanks

I think it's wise to wait and see where he is with his infection, as you have read, it can cause quite a herx if used while the person has chronic Lyme, since it ramps up the parts of the immune system that deals with Lyme.

With that said, though, Buhner says that some people with chronic Lyme actually feel better while using astragalus!! So you can feel free to do a little experimenting on yourself.

The preventative daily dose (when there is thought to be no infection) is 1,000 mgs a day, but if a tick attaches, or if you have other reason to suspect a Lyme infection, then the dose goes up to 3,000 mgs a day for 30 days.

I have managed to have reason to be concerned with a possible Lyme infection about every 20 - 30 days all summer long though (Ugh!! Stupid ticks!!) so I have been on 3,000 mgs since about May I think. I know that I've been at this dose for quite a while! LOL!

Anyway, so far no issues with being on that large of a dose for that long for me. I know that someone commented (I believe it was RowingMom) that they had issues with inflammation at 3,000 mgs a day, so do be careful with it.

As for where to purchase it, if you wish to buy in bulk, we have some suggested companies that some have been using with good success (no issues with the company) near the bottom of page 1 in the "New to Lyme?" thread.

Or Buhner has sources listed for both capsulated and bulk herbs here: buhnerhealinglyme.com/resources/herb-source-list/

And yes, that's pretty much what I meant about diet - and remember, he may need to eat a bit of his meal, take the Doxy and then eat the rest of his meal - then be sure to stay upright for at least 20 minutes (not even reclining) in order to avoid stomach issues.

I know what you mean!! I do the same things with my own kids.

I make my own capsules. I take 2 size 0 capsules three times a day to get 3,000 mgs. If you pack the size 0's tightly, you will get 500 mgs in each (basically).

It sounds like your son should be evaluated for Bartonella too.

I'm not sure how many mgs are in a 1/4 tsp of powder. Each herb has a different weight, depending on what part of the plant is used. Astragalus and turmeric are both root herbs, and I know that a 0 size cap that I fill, contains right around 500 mgs (give or take a few mgs).

I do suggest that once your son (& you) are healed that you carefully consider astragalus for use as a preventative. If you feel it's right for your son to try it now, that's up to you. I can't really make that decision and feel right about it.

Here are the links to posts about astragalus on Buhner's site:
buhnerhealinglyme.com/category/herbs/astragalus/

With these two likely the most important from what I have read, and a lot of good information contained in them!!:

buhnerhealinglyme.com/herbs/astragalus-contraindicated/

buhnerhealinglyme.com/basics/astragalus-dose-discrepancy/

Is your doctor very familiar with herbs and their usage? If not, they won't want you taking them most likely - even though they have no idea how helpful they can be. You may have to do your own research and determine what is the best approach for you and your son in your situation.

If one of my now adult children ever get infected, I will most definitely do what I can to have them use herbs though. It was herbs that allowed me to heal.

I had a very inflammatory reaction to 1500 mg (3x 500 mg) after 3 days. I was in overall pain and could barely walk properly.

K and I are now dosing 500 mg every other day. I would start there if you decide to use astragalus and see how it goes before increasing the dosage. Good idea to make sure other herxing is finished before you introduce it.

Please don't start your son on high doses.

DB~just a quick so sry to hear! Hugs to you & family.

rowingmom said...
I had a very inflammatory reaction to 1500 mg (3x 500 mg) after 3 days. I was in overall pain and could barely walk properly.

K and I are now dosing 500 mg every other day. I would start there if you decide to use astragalus and see how it goes before increasing the dosage. Good idea to make sure other herxing is finished before you introduce it.

Please don't start your son on high doses.

I did mention this above, but I wanted to thank you for adding the details. So Thanks!