Hello,
We see Dr. J, too, for my 16 year old daughter. Our initial visit with him was on 10/31/08 at which time he presumed that she had bartonella along with the lyme. He did put her on rifampin along with zithromax and plaquenil. She was on the rifampin for three weeks at which time we got the blood test results back which showed that she had two forms of babesia which he wanted to treat first. I don't know why he didn't continue to treat the bartonella. She tolerated the rifampin quite well. I think that is the medicine that turns your urine a different color, so that was the only unpleasant thing we noticed. She did take it on an empty stomach. I don't know what it took care of, but I can tell you since we have been off of it that the rages and mood swings have come out in full force. Also, other bartonella symptoms have intensified since being on no meds for that.
We see him again on Monday. In the meantime, we have consulted Dr. K (recommended by Dr. J) for her inability to stand or walk. He took her off the meds for babesia and started her on the meds for bartonella (minocycline and cipro). These did not work at all, in fact, they seem like they ruined her stomach. Right now she can't tolerate any pills and is starting the IV Rocephin treatment for the lyme. The bartonella is taking a back burner for now because she can't take any orals. However, when I go to Dr. J on Monday I am going to see what he thinks we should do to treat the bartonella. Maybe we will be back on rifampin, who knows. These two doctors are going to work together on her issues.
I wish you lots of luck. You are in the best place to get your son better. Dr. J is wonderful, and so is Dr. K if you ever need to see him.
Lisa