These are the treatments that I spent many an hour researching and then eventually trying. This section is not meant to be the definitive answer as we all react differently to treatments but a guide based on actual experience.
Guaifenesin www.guaifenesin.com
I tried this for 4 years but it did nothing but cause huge amounts of pain which I thought was part of the healing process. Dr. St. Amand does say such treatment is not appropriate for those with infections at the time I did not know I had Lyme.
Hemex www.hemex.com
The opportunity to go to Phoenix, Arizona came up so I had blood taken at Hemex and was informed of high Fibrinogen, Prothrombin and a high Lp(a) level. Dr. Berg thought that I had a genetic coagulation defect as there have been several family members who have had strokes.
I took 6 months of low dose Heparin but all I really got for my efforts were bruises all over my stomach. The trick is to inject very very slowly. It's not painful, the needles are like those used for diabetics. The aim is not to thin the blood but to normalise it.
Doxycyline, Cholestyramine (CSM Questran Lite) and Actos.
I was given 3 weeks of Doxycyline then about 3 months of CSM and Actos then a further 6 weeks of Doxycyline. www.chronicneurotoxins.com
The Actos was wonderful at stopping the body pain whilst the CSM was doing the job of mopping up the neurotoxins which Borrelia gives off. Actos is an oral diabetic medication so being sensible with your diet and eating regularly is important.
I credit this combo for getting me out of the constant crushing fatigue and world wide body pain. Be aware that CSM is very constipating it is better to anticipate this than to try and deal with it after the fact! Taking Lactulose or other laxatives will most probably be necessary.
Marshall Protocol www.marshallprotocol.com
This is a combination of low dose Minocycline and Benicar (Olmesartan) The Benicar lowers blood pressure and suppresses the bodies inflammatory cascade which means that less antibiotics can be used but with the same effectiveness. I did feel a little better after only a couple of months but then had a reaction to the Minocycline (not being able to breath proved harder than I imagined!).
Obtain the DVD version of protocol www.lymebook.com/marshallprotocol
Salt & Vitamin C www.lymephotos.com
This protocol just came to me one day in an e-mail by a lovely lady called Rosemary who lives in Australia. She said a friend of hers had tried it and was making great strides with it. Her friend also wrote to me and confirmed that he was getting genuine results, so off I went at least it is affordable and requires no prescriptions.
This combination has helped me have more stamina. I have been on this treatment for nearly 2 years. www.lymestrategies@yahoogroups.com This chat group discusses this protocol and there is plenty of experience to be found here.
Lee Cowden Protocol
www.health4youonline.com/health_supplements_rio_health_nutramedix_quina.htm
Herbal antibiotic protocol using alternating Cumanda and Samento. I am currently on this protocol as well. It is early days yet but these two herbs are definitely packing a punch.
Olive Leaf Extract www.olea.com.au
Whilst holidaying in Australia I met a gentleman who had Lyme and several other co infections, he was very enthusiastic about Olive Leaf Extract. It is reputed to have many health benefits as well as being anti-microbial. An opportunity to visit the plantation whilst in Oz was not to be missed "Skippy the Scooter or Not". It was fantastic vast fields of olive trees as far as the eye could see. Below are a couple of photos one of me in their Shop the other self explanatory. I have not tried it as a serious protocol yet so can not add it to my personal experience.
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The Importance of Detoxing....not nice but necessary
The main aim of treatment is to kill the infection. During this process neurotoxins are created as part of the 'die-off' or Herxheimer reaction. In the main we are not efficient detoxifiers so our bodies need help with getting rid of these nasties.
Each thing I tried has helped in some area and I think that's how it will be, it's a case of... 'How do you eat an elephant?? One bite at a time'.
Detoxing Methods
I can not stress how important this is so please pay attention, Lyme patients are often deficient in Glutathione which makes Detoxing difficult so it is vital to keep the routes of elimination open.
Drinking Water
I think it's a case of 'water, water, everywhere and nere a drop to drink'if it is at all possible drink filtered water, when travelling, the cheapest option is distilled water, most large drug stores in the USA, like Wallgreens or CVS stock it if not then get reverse osmosis filtered water and then any bottled if that's all they have.
If you can afford to have a home Reverse Osmosis system installed this would be great if not then the simple jug filters are commonly available and cheap filters are available in the UK at most Wilkinson's stores or on E-bay. A reliable Reverse Osmosis water company is Earthly Goods Group, at 8 Field Close, Grafham, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 0AY. Tel: 01480 812004. Len Timbrell is approved by the Gerson Support group and gives great service even sending out notices when filters are due to be changed (every six months) and then sends them to you. They cover all areas of the UK.
Cleanses www.handsherbshealing.co.uk
A company in the UK called Hands Herbs Healing have excellent cleanses, bowel, kidney, total body etc. They have qualified herbalists who can advise you which product will be the most suitable for your requirements and if you have any questions during the process you can call to get reassurance or guidance. Their website shows all their wonderful products.
Cholestyramine-Questran www.chronicneurotoxins.com
Although technically a prescription only medication this cholesterol lowering drug binds neurotoxins and allows for their excretion via the bowel, note it causes extreme constipation and you must make sure you take enough laxatives like lactulose or magnesium oxide even enemas won't sort this out.
This medication is often given with Actos to lessen the 'Herxheimer like' reaction it's a bit like when you stir up the sediment in your electric kettle this is what's happening in your blood and the blood is circulating around the brain, it makes for some colourful dreams. I landed by parachute onto a beach in Hawaii and began to fight with the Germans! My book on dreams didn't cover this one!
Colonics www.karunaretreats.com/ColonicBoard.aspx
Home Colema kits are a very cost effective alternative to colonic irrigations. Having a home system means you can do it when you need to at a time that is convenient to you. The average colonic session is about £55 and upwards to £90 at over £200 for your own board it will soon pay for itself as a lifetime investment.
Having a treatment from a qualified therapist will give you an idea of what to expect and give you confidence to do it yourself. A very knowledgeable lady called Jean Clarke can be found in Streatham, South London www.colon-clinic.co.uk
I am not 'cured' yet but I am better than I was 3 years ago, so I consider myself lucky and know that if it is my destiny to be cured I will be... and nothing can stop it. I give thanks to everyone who has given me a guide to the next level and if anything I have presented on this site helps someone else... then I am happy. Good Luck.