Weeks 11-19: I'm So Much Better

My last post detailed weeks 9 and 10 of Dr J's protocol. This post is long overdo for a couple of reasons: (1) I've been on the challenging part of the protocol, pulsed IV Tigecycline (Tygacil, 50 mg), and (2) (the best reason of all), I am so much better on my days and weeks off antibiotics that I've been "doing life," and not living through a computer!!! Remember some of the doses mentioned here are high as I am pulsing drugs, M, W, and F.

After nearly 2 years largely "in bed," I am coming back! This protocol is working and I am doing better than ever.

To summarize the last several weeks: a lot of nausea and vomiting on Tigecycline infusion days, with oral Mycobutin (Rifabutin), high dose Artemesinin (1000 mg twice daily, M,W,F), ending with 2 days of Metronidazole (Flagyl) and many herxes, such as joint pains, (mainly at night), persistent, but improving R shoulder pain, oscillating body temperature, and hyper even manic moods coupled with classic OCD, (obsessive compulsive disorder). Fortunately the OCD has improved my (previously nonexistent) sex drive and greatly helped with organizing and house cleaning. The exuberant, almost euphoric feeling of mania is a welcome change to nearly 2 years of moody depression.

On my drug holidays I have been feeling, for the most part, "normal." I am slowly becoming social, feeling more connected, and enjoying my days instead of barely tolerating life and hiding out in dark, quiet corners. I am making breakfasts, driving carpools, shopping at noisy clothing stores with my kids, following recipes and shopping lists, and cooking meals. It's so nice to hear my daughter say "Wow, Mom is back."

I am about to start my 3rd, 2 week cycle of pulsed Tigecycline. Dr J says that my improvements are ahead of schedule, which he attributes to my adding vitamins to intravenous Lactated Ringer solutions, in addition to IV pushes of Glutathione, and detox work (amalgam removal, infrared sauna, salt baths, Chlorella, NAC and EDTA.

The nausea and vomiting from Tigecycline is very tough, but this drug has been a "game changer" for me. My immune system and general health is returning (remember I have had Lyme since age 12 with bone, liver, lung and brain involvement (Limbic Seizures, with spasticity on my left side).

I am now in my 19th week, having completed 2 cycles of Tigecycline. My how time flies in Lyme world!