Taking Cipro for strep... herxing, and what to do now

[pixiesmommy]

So I have been on Cipro for 7 days for strep, and prior to that was on 2 courses of Azith (one for possible mycoplasma- had bronchitis, and the other for strep.) Anyway, I have never been on Cipro before and am on my last day/dose and am in increasing pain in my joints. (I am allergic to all abx but Azith and Cipro, if you're wondering why those two...) And I have been an emotional wreck (read: a total witch) and think I must be herxing. I have tended to feel better on Azith, but this is HORRIBLE. My joint pain is the worst is has ever been.

 

My LLMD appt for myself is not until March. I'm thinking of dosing myself with something in the meantime, but am a little worried that whatever I take might interfere with testing. I have done my Western Blot/Igenex already, but not co-infections testing yet.

 

I was thinking of emailing the LLMD and just asking him directly, but since I'm not in his care yet, my thoughts are that he won't give me advice without having my history, etc yet.

 

Thoughts?

 

I did take a long hot epsom salt bath, but haven't noticed much change in the pain yet. I have been able to lay low with a heating pad rotating through my joints today as they ache, since Pixie is also laid up on the couch herxing. Arghhhhhhh!

[pixiesmommy]

I know my question was about as clear as mud. I'm basically wondering if I am making things worse by going off abx for 3 weeks, just to probably go on them again. I did email the LLMD and asked him the same. I'm so frustrated and emotional tonight. Feels like I'm up against a brick wall either way.

[MichaelTampa]

I think in general if things are working, it is good to stay on them. So, if it is a herx, and manageable, really would be better to stay on it. Not sure what actual choices you have to getting a refill to continue. If herx is so bad, sometimes people reduce dose or take small break for a couple days perhaps, but a few weeks is a long time. Not the end of the world, but normally not ideal. You'll let the bugs regrow, and perhaps end up growing more resistant to the drugs you are taking.

[pixiesmommy]

He emailed back and said Cipro does nothing for Lyme, so it won't hurt me to be off it.

[Suzan]

Hugs to you! Do you have a sauna yet? That could help you too. I hope you feel better today.

 

Susan

[momofgirls]

Our doc said sometimes it is helpful to start a little treatment before testing. He started me on samento initially and I felt a really strong herx. The dose is 15 drops twice a day and I felt it after only a few days. You could start with that?

Edited February 21, 2011 by momofgirls