Short Intermittent Steroid Use

Before I get started, I understand the dangers of using steroids with Lyme. However, in my case, it may be wise to use it sparingly.

So, here's my situation.

I have inflammation on my brainstem. Went to my Lyme Literate Neuro yesterday. I finally got to see the lead guy, Thank God! First and foremost, he assured me that the symptoms I was experiencing was not ALS. However, he said the inflammation on my brainstem is concerning and has to be approached very carefully.

He asked me if I was familiar with "Miller Time". I responded with a yes thinking he was talking about Happy Hour...lol. He laughed and told me about a Dr Miller who had healed himself by using oral abx with the ED drug, Levitra. He said that Levitra heavily penetrates the BBB and it will carry the abx with it. He touts it to be almost as effective as IV therapy. So, he wants me to try Levitra on the days I take the Flagyl. He is expecting major die off using this method. Therefore, he suggests using steroids to calm the inflammation and then proceed with the normal protocol.

Sounds good in theory. But, I am REALLY nervous about using the Flagyl with my current protocol. Even without the Levitra, I experienced a huge neuro herx yesterday. Biggest yet. Produces a massive amount of anxiety to the point where I was wondering if I should go to the ER. Instead I slammed some Red Sage and Pinnella-Burbur. I felt crazy until I woke up this morning.

This new protocol is very effective. But, I think it's dangerously so in my case.

I just found out about an ILADS trained Functional/Holistic doctor 3 hours from me. He has had good success with his Lyme patients. I may go that route. With all this in mind, I still plan on going to Sanoviv in Mexico. But, once I get back, I will probably seek out the Functional Med guy.

Anyhow, what are your views on using steroids in my case?

Girlie said...
Question: If you're already having a neuro herx without enhancing it...then it's obviously getting a good amount into the brain - is that not good enough - do you need the Levitra?


Levitra - isn't a steroid?

I know sometimes low doses of steroids are needed. Some of us with lyme have poorly functioning adrenals...so low doses of cortisone is prescribed - 2.5-5 mg - low doses.

Higher doses can suppress immune function and cause a worsening of lyme (as you know)

Lol. Excellent point about using the Levitra.

What he was proposing is using the Levitra for better brain penetration. Then using a steroid to lower the inflammation that the abx and Levitra would create. He's trying to be aggressive with it because we don't want it spreading any more.

We would use the steroids right after the Flagyl had time to work. And then resume protocol without the Levitra and steroids until the next Flagyl dose.

Levitra is an ED drug.