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Head pain and lymes

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Lyme Disease
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madrivergirl30
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2010
Posts : 205
Posted 9/20/2010 7:39 PM (GMT -7)
Littlehutton,

My experience has been different for each Herx reaction...even the symptoms have differed each time. My doctor has told me that Herx reactions can last for months... I think some people view them differently than others, as I've heard some refer to Herx reactions that last less than an hour (I think this is mostly folks using IV antibiotics who are having such symptoms as convulsions immediately after administering...). I'm usually referring to Herx in the sense of an increase in symptoms and pain level that can last a long time and/or be cyclical. It's all very confusing to me. I just know that every single time I call my doctor complaining, nine times out of time he says it's likely a Herx or "Lyme irritation," no matter what the symptom.
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littlehutton
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2010
Posts : 96
Posted 9/21/2010 12:54 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Madrivergirl

the Herx reaction is a confusing one for sure, though I have not yet had the pleasure of experiencing one, it's something which I find quite confusing. Obviously it's quite a different experience for everyone depending on the degree of infection and also which type of medication they are using.

Why do some people use IV and others don't, is it a choice issue or does it depend on the extent of the infection? I've been told that the IV route is extremely expensive, although recovery is usually quicker, is this true?

In general how long does one need to be on treatment for before the herx phase stops altogether?
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Traveler
Elite Member
Joined : May 2007
Posts : 36318
Posted 9/21/2010 7:40 AM (GMT -7)
It's good to see that you've been reading up on this, Littlehutton!! As Madriver said she experiences, herx's can be different each time and is different for each person, so it would be impossible for someone to be able to predict what another person will experience. The definition of a Herx is a worsening of symptoms caused by the release of large amounts of toxins. This is why a few of us talk so much about detoxing.

The choice between using IV meds & oral meds is made by the doc. It depends on how long you have had the infection(s) and the severity of the symptoms. As far as recovery, that depends on things like how long you have had the infection, to what extent any damage may be, and how strong your body systems still are. Obviously, those of us that have had this infection(s) a very long time, will take much longer to heal. In my case, I was 1st infected with RMSF at the age of 5, and although I was treated with abx, no one knows what other infections I may have had that weren't treated. Since I'm now staring hard at 50 - I'll be in treatment for quite a while. I also must say that I have had many, many other opportunities to be infected & re-infected since that time.
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mamoo
New Member
Joined : Oct 2007
Posts : 9
Posted 9/21/2010 7:55 AM (GMT -7)
I was diagnosed almost 3 years ago with Neuro Lyme.  One of the main things that still bothers me is the feeling that someone is trying to pull my hair off my scalp.  Sometimes I think this is just crazy, but it has been a lasting symptom.  I still have alot of muscle cramping and joint stiffness, but I have just decided this is the way it is going to be and just learn to live each day to the fullest.  Hope you can find some relief to your symptoms.
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lymabean
New Member
Joined : Sep 2010
Posts : 10
Posted 9/21/2010 10:04 PM (GMT -7)
mamoo I get that same sensation is it like a tugging sensation? because its soo annoying!
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littlehutton
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2010
Posts : 96
Posted 9/22/2010 2:15 AM (GMT -7)
Thats exactly what I have experienced. It feels really sore, and like a heavy pulling sensation at the back of my head, feels like someone is either pulling my hair or that I have some instrument sticking out of the back of my head which is weighing it down.

Thank you everyone for sharing you experience with this, I thought I was going nuts and so did all the doctors!!!!

So relieved to hear I am not alone on this one, and have not completely lost the plot!

Hope you all feel better soon :)
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mamoo
New Member
Joined : Oct 2007
Posts : 9
Posted 9/23/2010 7:45 AM (GMT -7)
littlehutton no you are not crazy, and yes when I describe this sensation to the doctors or others they all look at me like I have grown horns. Hope you feel better soon.
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littlehutton
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2010
Posts : 96
Posted 9/24/2010 1:00 AM (GMT -7)
Thanks Mamoo

It's such a relief to discuss these things with others who understand what I'm going through, before I started communicating on these boards, I was completely lost in all of this. Doctors make you feel even worse, with their dismissive attitudes!

Trav,

I cannot believe that you have been infected for the best part of 45 years! Thats so shocking! When and how were you eventually diagnosed, and how long have you been on treatment?

Best wishes
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gorbybelle
Regular Member
Joined : May 2009
Posts : 147
Posted 9/25/2010 11:14 AM (GMT -7)
Everyone is different some never experience a herx. - some almost immediately after starting abx. - within hours. Read all you can on the subject of de-toxing as this will help clear the toxins which cause herxing. My own experience of a herx. was the first thing I noticed was my legs felt like lead - I was moving slower than a tortoise! - I had random stabbing pains - short sharp type pains - in places I hadn't usually noticed. After about 4 days I could not get out of bed I felt totally out of it - untill I had the worst diarreah - ughhhh - but after that I started to feel better. Also during the herx. I was crying alot itching all over I had constant draining down the back of my throat - all ways for the body to get rid of unwanted stuff.

I did read somewhere that keeping the bowels moving is essential during a herx. - makes sense to me - also drink plenty of water with lemon.

Herxing for me lasted about a week - everyone has different experiences though - Best wishes
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littlehutton
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2010
Posts : 96
Posted 9/25/2010 12:44 PM (GMT -7)
Hi gorbybelle

Thank you for the advice, I have heard many talk about detoxing which to me does make sense, I think diet is also a factor, I have heard others mention about avoiding certain foods such as dairy etc.

I have an appointment with an LLMD in 2 weeks now, so hopefully if all goes well I should be on treatment soon, then I shall have to learn all about herxing and detoxing! There is still so much to learn about this disease!
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