New to Lyme Community!

Hello everyone! It was suggested to start a thread introducing myself and my journey so far.
So far it's been short! I got a bite in August 2021, followed by a bullseye rash and flu-like symptoms. I did not look into the issue till early 2022 when I developed worsening symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, memory issues, muscle twitches, and various other symptoms. I got a PCR test done by my general practitioner that came back negative, so I am taking personal steps to get tested through iGenx. I was also diagnosed with Candida in 2020, which accumulated after antibiotics from surgery and bad self-care. I have yet to treat it, but am now taking the steps to implement the proper diet. I have also tested sensitive to all grains via labwork and various nuts and seeds, which I hope to fix through healing my gut.
I admit I don't know much about my case, particularly as I still need a positive result, but plan on tackling Lyme and Candida at the same time if possible. I hope to find a naturopath and/or LLMD in the Los Angeles area that can help guide me but will do my best to accumulate research as well.
I apprentice in the Welcome forum, and am open to any advice on testing, diet, and LLMDs in Southern Cali!
Thanks for sticking around, looking forward to tackling this beside you all

“ I got a bite in August 2021, followed by a bullseye rash and flu-like symptoms. I did not look into the issue till early 2022 when I developed worsening symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, memory issues, muscle twitches, and various other symptoms. I got a PCR test done by my general practitioner that came back negative, so I am taking personal steps to get tested through iGenx.“

You don’t need to test. A known tick bite plus a bullseye rash - subsequent symptoms - that IS Lyme disease.

I can understand why you want one though.

I appreciate the support! I didn’t know that the bullseye rash was only known to Lyme along with the symptoms following it. In that case I suppose it’s still in my best interest to search for an LLMD? I’m not sure how to put together a regimen myself and my general practitioner won’t give out antibiotics. I’d love to hear what steps you all took initially(I will browse your profiles) and thank you again for the advice!

A good place to start while you are searching for an LLMD is to start detoxing. Since we know you have the infections (you had the Bullseye rash), and it's been a while that you've lived with the infections, you can pretty much assume that your body is dealing with too many toxins.

As the bacteria dies off (whether from treatment or natural cycles), they release toxins that cause/intensify symptoms. When this is caused by treatment, it's called "herxing". The full name is a Jarrishc-Herxheimer reaction, and it was first noted with Syphilis patients - the Lyme bacteria is similar to having a Syphilis infection in many ways, actually, as both are caused by spirochete bacteria. That may be more information than you wanted, sorry!

Anyway, our bodies can become overwhelmed with toxins, and so many of us need to help our bodies move those toxins out, otherwise, they embed in our tissues and continue to cause increased symptoms.

There are a lot of different detoxing methods, and you will likely need to use many different methods throughout your treatment to help your body heal. I suggest that you start off slow, and only add in a few things until you see how you are doing.

Here are some sites that are dedicated to helping Lyme patients learn to detox - this forum can be a great help as well though! The ones below are the ones that I have found most useful:

https://www.tiredoflyme.com/detox-methods.html

https://www.ladyoflyme.com/blog/detoxguide

https://rawlsmd.com/health-articles/the-best-ways-to-lyme-detox-on-a-budget

Hello, SeasideMom
Welcome to the forum.

I do think you’re herxing from the treatment.
It’s okay to back down on the dosage.

Are you doing anything for detox?
My favourite is exercising on the elliptical followed up with a warm Epsom bath.

Here is a link to a website that has detox suggestions.

Are you taking Milk thistle for detox?

https://www.tiredoflyme.com/detox-methods.html

Welcome here SeasideMom !