Re: Itching.....with Lyme

[Guest guest]

I get periodic itching all over my body, and lately my scalp pretty bad,

plus I was noticing huge dandruff. This was brand new for me, so I

mentioned to the doctor, he examined me and said that I have a form of

psoriasis. I asked if that was from Lyme and he said, " Probably " I thought

my skin may be dry from Winter, but I had never had the flaking before this

year. He rx'd a shampoo and it has worked immediately, only thing is, it

makes my hair feel greasy, so I am alternating shampoos with regular stuff

and the rx brand.

I have taken Atarax in the past for my overall itching (mostly my hands

and feet), but I have found the itching stops after 20 minutes or so, so I

just wait it out rather than take a pill that will drug me and make me

tired.

When they say Lyme disease affects every body organ, we must remember

that the skin is our largest organ.

Marta

[Guest guest]

Also, everyone needs to be very careful to let the

LLMD treating them know of the itching as there

are times when this could be a key to the liver

reacting to the high dose abx or the Lyme too.

And, when I say itching, I'm referring to very

pronounced itching that is bothersome and is not

limited to the scalp.

I do not write this to alarm anyone, but to make

you aware that while the itching most probably

is caused by the Lyme, we don't need to be our

own doctors, we need to tell the LLMD's

anything that is not normal for us and often

some of the things we've accepted as normal

because we've had the symptoms so long they

seem to be " normal " and indeed they could be

an important clue for the physician.

Wishing us all health and freedom from pain,

both physical and emotional -

[Guest guest]

wrote:

>

.... we don't need to be our own doctors...

Dear Sandy: I wish that were true!!! However, that has certainly NOT

been my experience up to this point... But, I do go to see Dr. B on

Wednesday, so I hope this will change. Wish me luck!

Lovette

[Guest guest]

Folks,

Could this scalp itching possibly be a sign of

candidiasis (systemic yeast overgrowth)? When I

had this problem years ago (without Lyme) one of

my symptoms was amazing World Class dandruff and

itching like you're describing. When I took care

of the yeast problem (through diet and oral

over-the-counter anti-yeast stuff) it went away. I

think (it was 20 years ago, so I don't really

remember) I might have rinsed my scalp with some

of the anti-fungal stuff dissolved in water and

left it on for a little while in the shower. I

know my grandmother had yeast infections of her

skin under her arms and breasts when she was

bedbound, so it obviously can live and thrive on

your skin, although I think it like moist places

best. But maybe it's worth a try...?

(whose scalp is about the only thing on her

body that hasn't acted weird yet)

[Guest guest]

Hi Marta,

I have itching all over, too, and vasculits on both legs. I use itch-x

to stop the itching. It's a couple of dollars a tube and works wonders.

I get mine at Wal-Mart because they have those free electric carts but

I'm sure they have it elsewhere. There are other salves that stop the

itching but itch-x dries and doesn't rub off. And it works. I need

stock in that company.

The Tampa doctor wants to start me on IV Claforan with a PICC and pump.

That sounds like a good name for lawyers or some business. Anyway does

anyone know about Claforan?

Thanks,

On Mon, 8 Feb 1999 04:25:01 -0500 " Marta McCoy " <mlmccoy@...>

writes:

>From: " Marta McCoy " <mlmccoy@...>

>

>I get periodic itching all over my body, and lately my scalp pretty

>bad,

>plus I was noticing huge dandruff. This was brand new for me, so I

>mentioned to the doctor, he examined me and said that I have a form of

>psoriasis. I asked if that was from Lyme and he said, " Probably " I

>thought

>my skin may be dry from Winter, but I had never had the flaking before

>this

>year. He rx'd a shampoo and it has worked immediately, only thing is,

>it

>makes my hair feel greasy, so I am alternating shampoos with regular

>stuff

>and the rx brand.

> I have taken Atarax in the past for my overall itching (mostly my

>hands

>and feet), but I have found the itching stops after 20 minutes or so,

>so I

>just wait it out rather than take a pill that will drug me and make me

>tired.

> When they say Lyme disease affects every body organ, we must

>remember

>that the skin is our largest organ.

>Marta

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

Ever since lyme I will get uncontrollable itching, all over, sometimes for a

few hours then sometimes for a day or two. We have never figured it out. It

was just Lyme I guess. I just deal with it with atarax, or whatever.

Connie

[Guest guest]

Hi Jean. I am on nIzarel for yeast, but it might still be a by-product

of yeast.

The dermatoigist said I have rosea on my face, and a form of that on my

scalp. Since I am on doxy for lyme, he said that should clear up the

rosea {spelling?}.

I have a prescription lotion that I apply, that helps alot.

Thank you for the information

KAREN

[Guest guest]

Good Advice , my doctor checks my liver pretty regularly. Here's

hoping those tests are reliable!!!!

<BG>

Marta

-

>From: <swsftwtx@...>

>

>Also, everyone needs to be very careful to let the

>LLMD treating them know of the itching as there

>are times when this could be a key to the liver

>reacting to the high dose abx or the Lyme too.

>And, when I say itching, I'm referring to very

>pronounced itching that is bothersome and is not

>limited to the scalp.

>

>I

[Guest guest]

Hi Connie, about that itching. I was just wondrering if you were always on

antibiotics when the itching occured? I used to get itching on the tops of my

feet and wrists but lately I itch like crazy on my thighs. My dr. took me off

the bactrim saying that the bruising may have been an allergic reaction or the

drug affecting my platelets. he took blood levels and I am awaiting the

results. Now I am wondering if it was just a herx or something. Since so many

people seem to complain of itching. I have been off the bactrim for three days

and still had some itching today; not as bad as the last episode but it did

not disapear. Strange. I know you have taken bactrim before.. What did you

think of it? What tare you taking now. And how are you feeling. Have you tried

that roxythromicin combined with Bactrim. I read a study that had great

results. I know you can't get it in he US but I am sure there is a way. anyway

feel better Please tell me what you think of my itchy bactrim situatiion. I

don't know if it was or wasn't a good idea to stop it. Thanks for listening

-Val

[Guest guest]

I only take atarax at night before bed because it does make me very

drousy, so the dermatoligist said to take it at bed time.

KAREN

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I had my liver profile tested and it came back normal, but I still have

the itching. I too take for granted the symptoms I have, because I have

lived with them so long. My LLMD said that he thinks I forgot how it

feels to be well. I have been working on that since he said that to

me....trying to remember how it felt when I was well. I also have alot

of trouble trying to figure out the lyme cycle. I don't have enough

good days to link together to say when the spiro's are multiplying. Any

suggestions? I do write my symptoms down, but I still can't figure out

the cycle. Take care,

KAREN

[Guest guest]

Hi

Could be yeast, I did not think of that!!! I do take 100mg of diflucan

daily, and plenty of refrigerator acidophilus, but I do not watch my

diet....is there a specific test I can do to determine if this is yeast????

The doctor put me on diflucan daily over a year ago, because I had yeast

hives on my abdomen/trunk....they haven't returned since then.

Thanks,

Marta

>From: Scully <jscully@...>

>

>Folks,

>Could this scalp itching possibly be a sign of

>candidiasis (systemic yeast overgrowth)? When I

>had this problem years ago (without Lyme) one of

>my symptoms was amazing World Class dandruff and

>itching like you're describing. When I took care

>of the yeast problem (through diet and oral

>over-the-counter anti-yeast stuff) it went away.

[Guest guest]

,

I have dealt with Lyme, HME & maybe HGE since August of 96 and I have

never been able to find a trend or a pattern to my symptoms or herx die-offs

in all that time.

The only thing I can figure is when I change meds, I normally will get a

good herx a few days after, and I seem to have something going on monthly

around the time of my period...but other than that, I sometimes confuse

symptoms and herxing. Depending on the severity.....no wonder some doctors

get so frustrated with us. This disease is an enigma. I stopped trying to

keep a diary of symptoms, it made me feel too much like a hypochondriac,

which I know is wrong, but I try not to dwell on what hurts too much. This

list is enough Lyme conversation/writing for me. But others I know with

Lyme swear by their diary.

Marta

From: RVKLA@...

Hi ,

I had my liver profile tested and it came back normal, but I still have

the itching. I too take for granted the symptoms I have, because I have

lived with them so long. My LLMD said that he thinks I forgot how it

feels to be well.

[Guest guest]

Marta,

I don't know of a specific test that you could do (although maybe the doctor

could take a sample and try to see if anything grows?) Otherwise, I would think

that if you noticed a flareup in the itching after eating yeasty or fermented

foods, then that might be a clue that it's a yeast sensitivity. Have you ever

kept a food diary and tried to see any pattern?

I have a touch of asthma, which has flared up in the last week or so. I finally

noticed that I would start wheezing whenever I ate bread, cake, aged cheese, or

peanuts (which could be a separate allergy, or just because peanuts tend to

have a lot of mold spores on them because they're grown underground). I'm not

on any anti-fungals now, but since I've been on abx since September, I guess

it's about time. I've been able to avoid them so far by watching my diet and

taking acidophilus, but I guess my luck has run out.

When I was tracking down my candidiasis problem years ago, I used the book " The

Yeast Connection " by G. Crook, MD. Many of the symptoms of candidiasis

are VERY similar to those of Lyme, so I've begun to wonder if my crushing

fatigue of the last few weeks and mental fog could be yeast. My joints are so

much better that i'd almost say I'm cured if it weren't for sleeping 16 hours a

day and walking around in a stupor for the other 8.

Jean

Marta McCoy wrote:

> From: " Marta McCoy " <mlmccoy@...>

>

> Hi

> Could be yeast, I did not think of that!!! I do take 100mg of diflucan

> daily, and plenty of refrigerator acidophilus, but I do not watch my

> diet....is there a specific test I can do to determine if this is yeast????

> The doctor put me on diflucan daily over a year ago, because I had yeast

> hives on my abdomen/trunk....they haven't returned since then.

> Thanks,

> Marta

>

[Guest guest]

HI Val,

Yes I was on antibiotics. I do get terrible itching from yeast. It is on my

skin from head to toe. But those crazy itching episodes were just that. I

itched everywhere and never found a certain spot. But the yeast spots will

itch like crazy for 2 or 3 days before it will erupt. It looks like someone

picked you with a pin. I am not ever going off abx until I feel I am cured

and won't have a terrible relapse. Right now it just keeps me even and above

water. I know we shouldn't take them for a long time, but it maintains me. I

have to work as I am the insurance earner, and mine hasn't given me any

trouble as of yet.

have a good day,

Connie

[Guest guest]

Hi Val,

Reread your post. I will be a hot fudge sundae that you have underlying

yeast. I am on Zithromax 600 once a day. Keeps me going and I am slowly

better as the months go on. Been on in a few years.

Love,

Con

[Guest guest]

Martha.....You wrote exactly how I feel.

Thanks, because it's been bothering me.

KAREN

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks for the info, I have tried other topicals, benedryl etc. but the

itching seems to be very deep and not at skin level....does that make sense?

And like I said, it goes away pretty quick. What exactly is vasculitis?

Picc & Pump....good one! I like this one Dewee, Cheetam and Howe....LOL.

My IV company uses an infusion needle which takes only 5 minutes to

inject, I hook it up to the line attached to my port. I am not sure if it

is good or not to do this method, I have heard alternating reports, that the

slow infusion is the best and vice versa. Before I go back on IV, which may

be soon if the neuro agrees with my primary doctor, I am going to look into

the best method further.

I was on Claforan for only 2 weeks out of my 6 weeks of IV, I had no

allergic reaction to it at all, I know of some people with Lyme who swear

that Claforan is the only IV drug they did well on. It also will not hurt

your gallbladder as Rocephin is known to do.

Marta

>From: " J. Swilley " <ljswilley@...>

>

>>

>I have itching all over, too, and vasculits on both legs. I use itch-x

>to stop the itching. It's a couple of dollars a tube and works wonders.

>I get mine at Wal-Mart because they have those free electric carts but

>I'm sure they have it elsewhere. There are other salves that stop the

>itching but itch-x dries and doesn't rub off. And it works. I need

>stock in that company.

>

>The Tampa doctor wants to start me on IV Claforan with a PICC and pump.

>That sounds like a good name for lawyers or some business. Anyway does

>anyone know about Claforan?

[Guest guest]

Hi Connie, thanks for the info. Oh, and believe me I don't blame you about

staying on the antibiotics. I am going to stay on them as long as possible. I

dont care. I am much beter on them than off. the last time I went off them

thinking I was cured, and when it came back a year later, it was worse than

ever. by the way have your ever tried that Flagyl. Just curious. Feel better

-Val

[Guest guest]

Hi Val,

I had surgery this past summer and ended up with a post surgical infection

called pseudomonous. I was so sick and allergic to the penicillins and all

the cephalosporins. Along with gentamycin, vancomycin, they put me on Flagyl

and cipro. I got better and my lyme wasn't too bad. Allthough I was so sick

I didn't know if my lyme was bad or not. I was on flagyl about 3-4 weeks. I

do not know if it helped my lyme or not. I would like to try it this summer

when I can stay home with herx.

Hugs,

Connie

[Guest guest]

Dear Lovette,

Let me correct what I wrote a little bit. What

I intended was that we cannot assume everything

is a symptom of Lyme, we need to let the doctor

know any new symptoms because we do not

necessarily know everything they do about Lyme

and or how the body reacts to the treatments.

I know that we all have to be informed consumer

patients, and learn everything we can about Lyme

and the treatments, reactions to treatments, and

that we do know our bodies better than anyone else.

Wishing you a great appointment with Dr. B! I wish

I could see him for confirming opinion as my #$%^

insurance company is denying payment to my Lyme

doctor stating that treatment for chronic Lyme is

" not medically necessary " and I don't have the energy

to fight them. The insurance company sought out

a medical opinion from Yale and of course was told

that I did not need any medical treatment! Grr...!!!

Wishing you the very best of luck with Dr. B. and the

treatment for Lyme!

Wishing us all health and freedom from pain,

both physical and emotional -

F. Mott wrote:

> From: " F. Mott " <smott@...>

>

> wrote:

> >

> ... we don't need to be our own doctors...

>

> Dear Sandy: I wish that were true!!! However, that has certainly NOT

> been my experience up to this point... But, I do go to see Dr. B on

> Wednesday, so I hope this will change. Wish me luck!

>

> Lovette

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

HI Connie, Just wondering, Did you run a high fever with the post surgical

infection. I know the spirochetes supposedly die at a certain high temperature

and I wonder if it would have helped your Lyme. Also is Vancomycin only given

through IV. What about gentamycin? How long in total did you stay on the combo

(meaning Vancomycin ,Gentamycin and Flagyl and Cipro) all a once right? Sorry

to bug you just being crazy curious and interested. thanks-Val