Hi YepLilly,

Make sure to drink a glass of water with the doxy to wash it down good. Dont lay down after taking Doxy as it could cause upset stomach. I always had to eat something bright before taking it.

You might get herxing from the doxy killing the bacteria so be sure to detox by taking Epsom salt baths and drinking plenty of water with lemon juice in it.

Its good to keep a journal of all your symptoms and any changes/aditions of any medicine or herbals/supplements.

When starting herbal tinctures , its usually best to start with one and a very low dose to see how you react. If you do ok you the increase amount after a few days.

If your taking herbals in capsule form, I would also try to start at very low dose to see how you do.

Take the probiotics a few hours after abx. some people take them at bedtime to allow them to work thru the night.

Usually your llmd will treat by the symptoms and if still treating they usually add in different ABX and at least 2 or more.

Others should be along to add their input soon.


Hey hang in there, I understand how overwhelming this can be, but you have us guys for support now and you are not alone.

Take care and I wish you the best of healing, Jo

YepLilly said...
Hi everyone,

This is my second post here. I was a bit on edge on my first post (I have just been diagnosed with Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia, and have fertility/thyroid issues - long story). But now I'm starting to accept this.

I'm starting the treatment today: 400mg of Doxycycline per day (200mg - 2 times per day) for 4-6 weeks. This is my plan:

- Since I don't have the typical Lyme symptoms, I'll keep a journal of any unrelated symptoms and see if they improve.

- I'll be on the lookout for any herx reactions and take note if I start feeling ill.

- The doctor gave me a mix of herbal things (can't remember the details at the moment), so I might start taking that a couple weeks from today.

- I'll drink water, take my probiotics, etc.

Anything else I should be aware of?
Any common next steps after the first round on Doxycycline?

Thanks again!

Hi YepLilly - welcome to our community.

goshawk has given you some good information.
As she stated, usually antibiotic treatment for chronic lyme consists of at least two antibiotics. Your LLMD may be waiting a few weeks before adding in the second one.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask....lots of knowledge and support here.

Hi the Lyme Bacteria can take on 3 different forms. They have to be treated with different ABX to try to eradicate them all.


Here is a short explanation from the web Lymebook: www.lymebook.com/top10forms

I just found that one quick Im sure there a more extensive explanations on the web.



Hope that helps to explain it a bit. Take care Jo

YepLilly said...
Thanks Girlie!

That's good to know since he mainly mentioned Dox and Herbal supplements. Why is it common to use 2 different antibiotics?

A few reasons I can think of: As Goshawk mentioned - lyme has different forms - spirochete, biofilms, cyst form.

Also, different antibiotics work in different ways to irradicate the bacteria.
"Families of antibiotics work differently. For instance the penicillins and cephalosporins work to weaken the outer covering of the spirochete while the tetracylines and the macrolides limit the ability of the spirochete and l-form to grow by blocking protein production." (From LLMD MR Treatlyme book)

Also, I believe it helps prevent the bacteria becoming resistant to the antibiotics.