Lyme disease help?

Just diagnosed with Lyme Disease! Please Help!

• Hi, I was just diagnosed with Lyme Disease yesterday and I have a couple of questions. And I know I should be asking my Doctors all of these questions. I plan on asking the rheumatologist when I have my appointment tomorrow but I really can't wait that long because I'm really anxious about this right now. Even if you can only half answer one of these questions any input would be greatly appreciated! Especially if you've had any personal experience with Lyme. My Dr. referred me to a rheumatologist who I am seeing tomorrow. I've never even heard of a rheumatologist, is it standard procedure to be referred to one? My doctor prescribed me 3 weeks of Doxycycline. Is that long enough? Can Doxycycline stain your teeth if your an adult? I had a bulls eye rash exactly a month ago. Am I still in the beginning stages? Do I still have a chance of being cured? Am I really going to have to give up the beach for the rest of the summer because of the Doxycycline? Thanks!

• Answer:

  1st, a rheumatologist often knows more about Lyme because they specialize in joint problems which often occur w/ a Lyme infection. 2nd, if you had the bullseye a full MONTH ago, it's unfortunate you didn't see a doc then & get diagnosed early, as it was easier to treat. You are most likely getting into the "early disseminated stage" now & will need a MINIMUM of two drug protocols over 2-4 months. Doxy is often the 1st choice, as it's also affective against some of the more serious co-infections you MIGHT have picked up from that same bite. And, yes, sad to say, while you are ON doxy- which the rheumatologist Might have you on for a Couple of months- you need to stay out of the sun. Having to avoid the beach for 2 months is SO MUCH LESS A PROBLEM than what this disease can DO to you!! FORtunately, you can be switched to, say, amoxycillun at a point best determined by your doctor, which will allow you to catch some rays again. REMEMBER, getting rid of Lyme is MUCH more than just taking pills for a few weeks You NEED to alter your diet Major, (HI Protien Hi Fiber LOW CARBS), excercise while you are on the abx, take probiotics (capsules & yoghurt) between doses, Get PLENTY of sleep & do everything to keep your immune system up, incl hrbs like Cat's Claw. As a final commentary, 3 weeks of doxy @ 100mg twice/day this late in the game is HIGHLY unlikely to be enough to squash the buggers. They have a growth phase of every 28 days...FAR longer than any other bacteria commonly affecting humans. These are Nasty borrelia. Put your life activities on hold until you & your doc(s) think you're in the clear. Good luck!