Mr. Herxheimer

I thought I'd write this post while I was actually "herxing". For the Lymies out there you know that it probably will take me 2, maybe 3 hours to write this! 

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm back on IV antibiotics as well as oral antibiotics. I'm on for two weeks, off for one then back on for 2 weeks, off for one. This method is called pulsing. When I start on a-bombs (antibiotics) someone else always comes along, Mr. Herxheimer. 

Meeting Mr. Herxheimer

Lyme disease has more crazy, painful symptoms than this post has time for explaining. Once the antibiotics start to kill the bacteria in the body, Mr. Herxheimer makes his entrance. Here's how he works. "Herxing is believed to occur when injured or dead bacteria release their endotoxins into the blood and tissues faster than the body can comfortably handle it. This provokes a sudden and exaggerated inflammatory response." (Chronic Illness Recovery Education) So basically all the crazy, painful symptoms that you previously had are intensified for a while because the toxins have nothing to do and nowhere to go so they take it out on you! Here's a pic of when I came out of a routine herxing episode: 

Thankful for a bed and my chevron :)

No one sees these moments but my family and some friends, and now you. I share this because I want people to know about chronic Lyme issues and I want to encourage other Lyme sufferers that they're not alone in the battle. 

"I lift my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." This is a verse that has helped me get up after being curled up in a ball of pain from herxing. There is hope! 

*Robin*