New Acute Lyme - Correct Treatment?

Hi everyone, I am a very active and healthy 33 year old male living in a high-lyme area in Western PA. Exactly three weeks ago I found a tick on my head after having cleaned a few off of my dog. I had it pulled out, went to emergency clinic with it, and was given a prophylactic dose of doxycycline. They threw away the tick, which was a nymph, non-engorged (having only been on me for probably ~16 hours).

I never developed a rash of my head, but starting this past Wednesday (T+17 days) I developed the worst migraine of my life and overall fatigue/weakness. Over the next 3 days I've had sore knees at time, stiff neck, and a constant low-level migraine. Yesterday (T+20) I went back to the emergency clinic, and was given doxycycline 100mg 2x/day for 21 days. I did some research, saw that that is less than the recommended amount of Abx to start, so I called my good friend who is an MD and he said just double it (200mg 2x/day) and once I run out he will write the new script to get the other half of the 21 days done.

A few questions:

• How early is it considered that I have caught it? How often does someone who starts Abx within 3 weeks of the bite recover fully from the acute phase and don't progress to chronic issues? How long does that take?
  
  
• Is 400mg a day for 21 days enough antibiotics? Shuold the doxy be higher or for longer, and should I be doing another Abx as well?
  
  
• I've found the Buhner herbal protocol and have purchased the herbs. Is there any harm/risk is starting that right away? Anything I need to be aware of in terms of dosing etc?
  
  
• What about the Cowden protocol? Is there a less expensive way to do the core of it, without paying the $350/month for all of it pre-packaged?
  
  
• I've called all the LLMD's in my area, and my Doctor friend has an "in" with one of them, so I should be in to see her within the next few days. What do I need to make sure happens in that first appointment?
  
  
• Anything else I need to do or know at this point?
  

I see from reading the posts how amazingly supportive and knowledgeable this community is, thank you all so much in advance for your help.

Ben

Hi Ben and welcome to our forum,

I am very sorry you were bitten by a tick but like Girlie said you have a good chance if its treated properly now to stop it before it goes chronic.

Make sure to drink plenty of water when you take the doxy.

Don't lay down after taking the doxy right away.

Its best to usually eat something when you take the doxy.

Make sure to take a good probiotic, and take it a few hrs after taking the doxy.


Buhner states that his recommended herbals can be taken along with ABX. However, one must always check for side effects and contradictions.

Just be aware that herbals can be potent. Its best to start very low doses and go slow.

Its best to start with only one herbal at a time to see how you react or respond to it. That way if there was an issue, you can determine which herbal it was that caused it.

It would be excellent if you are able to see an llmd that fast.

You would want to understand what their modes of treatment are...abx, abx and herbals, just herbals, other therapies,supplements etc.

They hopefully would discuss detoxing, it is important.

Are they available in an emergency or if you have questions after hours, etc.


Do they understand and are able to diagnose and treat the coinfections, like Bartonella, Babesia to name a few.


We do encourage you to read our"New to Lyme" start here thread at the top of the page.

It has a lot of good information.

Feel free to ask questions and reach out for support when you need it.

I don't know much about the cowden protocol but others should be along to chime in.

Take care and I wish you the best of healing.

Recommend garlic too or a babesia med to be safe. Kill it all before it starts. Raw garlic two cloves twice a day or allimax buy at herb stores or amazon. Good luck hope you recover let us know ok

Thank you guys. I got the LLMD appointment set up for next Tuesday as of now (T+30 from bite, T+10 from starting Abx), and my Dr friend is going to see if he can get it pushed up to sometime this week.

In the meanwhile I am doing the doxy 200mg 2x/day, Buhner's Herbal Protocol + probiotics, Epsom Salt baths [took the first one today - best I've felt in a week], and eating insanely clean. I have taken probiotics, multivitamin, and fish oil daily for years and am continuing. I have a high tolerance for meds and supplements so I've just gone full-on with the recommended doses of Buhners herbs, and so far no trouble.

I've found a place that does infrared saunas near me and going to try that tomorrow. I'll keep you guys posted how its going, appreciate the advice (and from any one else that wants to chime in).