Bartonella

[philamom]

My daughter was positive for Bartonella hensalae in 2010/2011. Since then her tests have been negative, until last week - positive again. Her llmd wants to add Doryx & Bactrim. DD is fighting a cold/fever right now. Would you suggest waiting until feeling better before starting meds? Also, should I separate them- few days in between?

[rowingmom]

Yes, wait until she is feeling better and start one at a time.

 

Did you treat bartonella previously and then test negative? Is she being treated by a LLMD? I think they usually add rifampin to that mix.

 

Chart, chart, chart to look for herxes and resolution. If you would like a copy of DDs Excel chart as a template, just ask.

Edited October 24, 2013 by rowingmom

[philamom]

Thanks. Just sent you my email. DD has taken Doryx before- just this past spring for a few months, but never Bactrim. A little concerned.

Edited October 24, 2013 by philamom

[sf_mom]

I agree with Rowingmom. I would even wait until things settle from starting the Doryx which could be a week or two.

 

As you know, we just started our 4th year of treatment and we still have indications of Bartonella. Recently we did a rotation of all antibiotics for all the kids, older son is on Biaxin, Omnicef and Alinia for Bartonella, Lyme and some coverage for Babesia. As soon as we made the full switch we had complaints of the soles of his feet hurting first thing in the morning.

[rowingmom]

JMHO - doxy alone is not going to do anything for bartonella.

 

DD had an allergic reaction to bactrim, which I originally put down to a herx, but it kept escalating to urticaria and then I twigged.

 

The LLMD switched her to biaxin and rifampin which produced a great improvement (well, after the initial herx).

[SSS]

Philamom, just curious if you feel like sharing, what prompted you to retest for Bartonella?

Was she symptomatic again?

 

(I loathe Bartonella)

[philamom]

You know, I forgot there were two antibiotics that start with "B". I'm not sure which one was prescribed - find out when I pick it up.

 

I agree. I'll start the Doryx when she is feeling better, and then add the other one shortly after - depending on the herx. She is already taking Amoxicillin.

 

S&S- we never stopped testing. After a year and half of testing positive, it started coming back negative - until now. I don't think she ever got rid of it though. Testing positive is difficult as you know, bart can be very elusive.

Edited October 24, 2013 by philamom

[philamom]

Yes, wait until she is feeling better and start one at a time.

 

Did you treat bartonella previously and then test negative? Is she being treated by a LLMD? I think they usually add rifampin to that mix.

 

Chart, chart, chart to look for herxes and resolution. If you would like a copy of DDs Excel chart as a template, just ask.

Yes, she was treated for bart previously and then tested negative. Her LLMD is located in CT.

[Hopeny]

While I know some have had good experiences with it, many have severe allergic reactions to bactrim. My four year old has such a horrendous reaction I am fortunate that a cardiologist we had an emergency appointment with figured out the problem or I can't bear to think about the outcome. She developed high fevers (105) and severe neutropenia. I feel sick thinking about it. Two md's have told me they think it should be taken off the market. Rifampin is a much older and safer choice. Good luck

[SSS]

I'm an adult, getting older by the minute,

but I started Bactrim DS about 10 days ago for the first time,

and I'm okay.

When I took Rifampin, it really messed with my hormones.