Guest guest Posted November 16, 2006 Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 What is a herx reaction from antibiotic use? Could someone please explain this? Thank You, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2006 Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 , this is from the FAQ on www.rheumatic.org. I suggest you print the FAQ off and keep it handy. It should answer most of your questions concerning this therapy. 6. EXPLAIN THE JARISCH HERXHEIMER REACTION. This drug-induced flare reaction may occur within hours, the next day or within the first weeks after the patient starts the antibiotics - or any time there is a change in antibiotic or dosage. It is caused by a die-off of organisms, which in turn create toxins that circulate in the body. This will often cause a temporary worsening of symptoms. Patients may experience a range of symptoms from mild fatigue and sleepiness to flu-like symptoms - chills, low grade fever, night sweats, muscle aches, aching and swollen joints, nausea, hives, skin rashes, depression and short term memory loss. Hives and rash are sometimes mistaken for an allergic reaction. If the Herxheimer reaction is severe, the medication may be stopped and a small dose of prednisone (no more than 10 mg.) may be prescribed. When the flare subsides, the medication is re-introduced at a slow rate. When this Herxheimer reaction occurs, it is a good indicator that the antibiotic is reaching its target - a very positive sign. The length of time for this reaction varies from patient to patient. About twenty percent of patients do not experience the Herxheimer reaction. Scleroderma patients seem to experience the Herxheimer reaction less often than RA patients. Oxidative therapy may be useful in reducing these symptoms. Garth Nicholson, M.D., director of The Institute for Molecular Medicine in Huntington Beach, California recommends peroxide baths (four 16 oz. bottles of 3% hydrogen peroxide in 20 inch bath or Jacuzzi, with 2 cups of Epsom salt. Patients soak in hot water plus the Epsom salt for five minutes until pores are open, then add the peroxide solution. This should be repeated three times a week at bedtime. No vitamins should be taken 8 hours before bath. The peroxide can also be directly applied to the skin after a hot shower/tub. The peroxide should be left on for 5 minutes and then washed off. Another useful suggestion from Dr. Nicholson - blend one whole lemon, then add 1 cup fruit juice or water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Strain and drink liquid. Far-infrared saunas have also been found helpful in removing toxins from the body. Instructions for building an inexpensive far-infrared sauna can be found at www.mercola.com or www.drlwilson.com. It is very important to drink adequate amounts of water to flush the toxins from the body - no less than two quarts a day. Water not only flushes the toxins out of the system, but lubricates the joints and carries nutrients to the cells. You also need to make sure you have two to three good size bowel movements daily. Should constipation be a problem, try taking a rounded teaspoon of pysillium (Metamucil or a generic) in 8 ounces of water, one to three times daily. Drinking warm prune juice on first arising in the morning is also helpful. If necessary, you may also add powdered vitamin C (to tolerance) to the prune juice. rheumatic herx reaction > What is a herx reaction from antibiotic use? Could someone please > explain this? Thank You, > > > > > To unsubscribe, email: rheumatic-unsubscribeegroups > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2011 Report Share Posted February 18, 2011 While I love 's explanation, I too was wondering how you tell the difference between too many killed creating neurotoxins and the need to up detox - or - lyme guys increasing creating more neurotoxins and the need to up killing protocols. Alison, this is the dilemma. Wish someone really had an answer, _____ From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Connie Blaze Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 11:52 AM Subject: Re: [ ] herx reaction I like this explanation http://lymebook.com/blog/the-recovery-process/herx-reactions/herx-reaction-f undamentals/ Connie [ ] herx reaction Hello, Could someone comment on telling the difference between a herx reaction or if you are just feeling worse from the lyme. How do you know which it is? Thank you for any comments. Alison Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2011 Report Share Posted February 18, 2011 My short answer is this - If I am experiencing an increase of symptoms, I decrease or stop my " medications " . If the symptoms decrease then I assume that it is a herx response that I am experiencing. Connie RE: [ ] herx reaction While I love 's explanation, I too was wondering how you tell the difference between too many killed creating neurotoxins and the need to up detox - or - lyme guys increasing creating more neurotoxins and the need to up killing protocols. Alison, this is the dilemma. Wish someone really had an answer, _____ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2011 Report Share Posted February 19, 2011 > > > My short answer is this - If I am experiencing an increase of symptoms, I decrease or stop my " medications " . If the symptoms decrease then I assume that it is a herx response that I am experiencing. > > Connie > > >That is good advice, Connie. Hadn't thought of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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