Lyme Disease+Post Streptococal Rheumatic Arthritis

Dear L.,

I was diagnosed w/ Lyme disease about 2 wks after my daughter was born, and like you, that was only after fighting for blood tests, etc. I was on multiple antibiotics for over 18 months before my symptoms finally subsided. I also took probiotics regularly to conteract the antibiotics. I suggest you find an excellent dr who specializes in treating Lyme disease. Left untreated w/out the proper antibiotics it can cause permanent damage. My Dr was in the southern end of York and treats Lyme patients almost exclusively . His name is Dr. Richard Daly and his number is ###-###-####. I hope your son heals quickly.

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Dear L.,

I don't know the effects of long term use of antibiotics. But I do know what untreated lyme disease can do. I have a friend who has a little boy, not so little anymore, who had untreated lyme disease, was told it was just a bad case of the flu when he was taken to the doctor. He showed not one of the "classic" signs. He has numerous neurological disorders and spends most of his time at Kennedy Krieger institute.

If one of my kids was diagnosed, and we spend ALOT of time out doors, so I have them tested twice a year, just to be safe because most do not show the "symptoms". I would work with a naturopathic doctor in addition to a "conventional" doctor to prevent damage to immune and to help do all I can to repair his little body.

I know a lot of people think this is new age tree hugging hippie stuff, but they can do a lot of healing you wont get from conventional treatments. And our kids are worth to much not to give it a try.

Lots of healing energy is being sent to your boy. Please keep us updated as to how he is responding to treatment.

"We must be the change we want to see in the world"
-Gandhi

Abundant Blessings
Trish

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L.,

Get a 2nd opinion!!!! I had Lyme and was administered a year of antibotics. It took me YEARS for my body to recover from the antibiotics....even after I got through the Lyme I was ALWAYS sick because my body had no immune system. Most doctors who I saw post-Lyme disease was shocked to hear of my year long antiobiotic therapy. I had to go through a 10-year regime of medical doctors, nutritional therapy, and alternative therapies to try to get my immune system back. I later found out the doctor that treated me for Lyme was not well regarded in the medical community. Just curious, what is the doctor's name? (you can email me privately). If my daughter was ever diagnosed with Lyme Disease I would never put her through a year of antibiotics. It's pretty much standard practice now to receive a few weeks worth of intensive antibiotic treatment.

Now, I am not a doctor and Lyme Disease is nothing to fool around with. See a few doctors for their advice and ask them if they treat children with Lyme Disease. There is a Lyme Disease association...you can check with them as well for treatment/doctor recommendations.

To help your son deal with the arthritic pain the best advice I can give is to join an indoor heated pool and encourage him to swim every day. It was the only thing that got me through the pain, and it will be fun for him.

Good Luck.

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I am a flower essence practitioner in Bala Cynwyd and I have a protocol for Lyme Disease using safe and effective flower essences. If you are interested in this help please call me at ###-###-####. Cost will be low. It can help with the arthritis as well.

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L.,

I am putting you and your son in my prayers. This must be very difficult for you to deal with, having so much to sort through to provide what is best for your son.

I personally have Lyme's myself and was first diagnosed when I was only 18. I am 35 and have only had one other flare up in that time. I have been very lucky. It was believed that I had contracted the disease almost a year before I was diagnosed. That being said, I was treated with a high does of antibiotics for several days at that time. Your son can be treated for the Lyme's in much the same fashion.

As for the PSRA, I am not familiar with that but did some research and found that this occurs after an unusual reaction to strep throat. It is considered another form of rheumatic fever and this occurs when there is already an issue with one's immune system being compromised in some way. Anti-inflammatory treatments are not very effective, though I would have to say that natural treatments for this can be found.

Based on what I know, and personal experience, your goal right now would be to get your son on an acute antibiotic treatment. One suggested for the PSRA is a single shot of 1,200,000 units of benzathine penicillin which will eradicate the bacteria and gives protection for three to four weeks. As for the Lyme's that very well could be treated with that, but only a Dr. could tell you that for sure.

Aside from that, I strongly urge you to get a second opinion from someone who specializes in the treatment of PSRA and also Lyme's Disease. Long term antibiotics can do irreparable damage to one's system if not countered with the correct nutritional support. So, before you even get that far, get your son on a good pre and pro-biotic as suggested by several other moms here. Considering the PSRA, your son's immune system is already compromised and the Lyme's can spread rapidly because of that. Build back up his gut (50-80% of your immune systems defenses are found here) and put him on a path to recovery even before you seek intense treatments for him. Be cautions with the timing of the pro-biotics and the administering of the antibiotics. They can counteract each other. This is easily done by waiting a good hour or two after the meds before giving him the pro-biotics. Kefir is a wonderful source (as an additional source) of these and can easily be mixed into delicious fresh fruit shakes. There are many excellent brands of pro-biotics to choose from. I can help you find one that would suit your son, if you'd like. Others have made excellent suggestions already.

I wish you the best in treating your son, and pray for his recovery.

Blessings,
Rolinda
Wife, Mother, Friend

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I would sincerely suggest that you find a local holistic center in your area. Anti-biotics will definitely compromise your son's immune system. There are, however, supplements and natural remedies that can assist you in your efforts to improve your son's overall health. They will probably suggest that you improve his diet, use more whole and live (uncooked foods). Use your computer to investigate the latest natural remedies for these complications. And do find a traditional practioner who iswilling to support your decision to try a holistic approach and who will also be willing to assist you with possible side effects and less debilitating medicines .

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My son was diagnosed with lyme disease a year ago. At first we thought it was juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (my dad has RA), but then the dr tested him for lyme and that was what it was. He was only put on 28 days of antibiotics. And that seemed to take care of it. He'll always have it though and it could flare up at any time. We just have to keep an eye on him and if the symptoms start again, take him to the doctor for another round of antibiotics. I don't have any experience with the PSRA though...

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do lots of your own medical research to be sure I have been through medical problems and found its best to reserch all procedures and med drs are human. resourses...merck manual..nursing guides..physicians desk reference and illness specific books..some of these things are on the internet but be sure they are reputable

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Nah, he'll be fine on antibiotics for a year. Although the indiscriminate use of antibiotics is bad, it's ok when it's necessary. Two of my daughters were on prophylactic ampicillin for several years for urinary reflux and it went well. I did find a few chewable ampicillin tablets in closets and between mattesses, though, so be sure you watch him actually swallowing the drug! And have him take it exactly as directed. S.

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I am 36 and was on antibiotics for about 4 months. That has reaked havok with my immune system, so I can understand why you would be worried about your child's. It sounds to me, however, you really have no choice. It sound like your child really has to go this route. I would also add a hematologist and an infectious disease specialist to the list of people to see. Dr. Peter Axelrod at Temple University hospital. Is an excellent infectious diesase doctor. He is very through and a very caring individual. If it were my child, he would be the first person I would call for a second opionon. If you need numbers or address contact me. I currently travel 3 hours to see him, so I say he is good. Good luck to your entire family.

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Hi L., I am so sorry to hear about your son being ill. I know this must be such a hard time for all of you. I saw that you already received several responses. Many of them suggested naturalistic/holistic ideas...I am all for that , but I just wanted to add that whatever you do, what's most important is seeing a children's Neurologist ( who may also send you to a rheumatologist)for a second opinion, and repeat all blood work. I'm not a Dr. but I've been ill a long time and have learned a lot. 3-4 weeks of an antibiotic should be all your son needs. Best of Luck to all of you!
W.

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You may want to look into probiotics to replace all of the good bacteria that the antibiotics are killing.

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Hi L.,

For what it is worth...
My daughter was 2 3/4 when she was diagnosed w/ Lymes disease. One day she woke up and couldn't walk because of the swelling in her knee. The doctor gave her Amoxicilian if I recall correctly (the pink medicine). The doctor said it was critical to give this to her every 8 hrs for 30 days. W/in a day however her knee swelling subsided from the Motrin. My daughter is now 10 and healthy.

Best of luck. It is so difficult when your child is not well.

J.

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I just want to ask if he was actually tested for both and it was found in his body. Doctors frequently diagnose things these days without actually finding what they say people have. It's scary. If he hasn't been tested immediately.
A year seems a bit long. I would look into it more if I were you. Get at least another opinion. Do some more research on it.
Maybe you should see if a naturalist can help. Grapefruit seed extract is a great natural antibiotic. I would think it could alter his immune system greatly to be on antibiotic for so long.
I also don't see how it would work any better. Seek out a naturalist and see what they say. If you can't find one locally, look one up on the net. Good luck.

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Dear L.,
So sorry to hear about your son. I'm not a doctor and this is not medical advice. I suggest that you do what your doctor suggests. But I know that the body is very able to heal itself when it is up in the correct environment. What you can do is to provide the best environment so that his body can compensate and be healthy dispite what the doctors prescribe for him. I'm associated with a total wellness company because it focuses on empowering the body to regaine health at the cellular level. It's focus is on cellular energy, clean air, clean living water, quality deep, recoveing sleep, and whole food nutrition. Everything that the body needs to help itself to be well. This is a 35 year Japanese company (World headquarters is in Irvine, Ca.)and all of the products are highly researched, and are distributed hear in the U.S.

Your son may have health challenges throughout his life if his body is not allowed to overcome what the medical system will do to it with only using chemicals for treating his symptoms. Think of a precious flower in the wrong environment and how it would struggle to survive. Now put that same flower in a green house with the correct environment ( msunlight, water, nutrition, etc.)and it can thrive. Our bodies are no different. I have seen this over and over again.

Please, for your son's sake call or be open to checking out
additional information.

The best to you and your family,

M. Schultheis
###-###-####

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