Dear Stephen,
Trying to get some new ideas and insight regarding my husband’s illness. He has been disabled from lyme and other tickborne diseases for over 10 years now. We finally were able to afford extended IV antibiotics recently. His Parkinsonian tremors and mycolonus and dystonia and seizure-like episodes had virtually gone away after 7 months of IV rocephin and 4 months of IV zithromax with tindamax in the combo. Then he tried low dose naltrexone to modulate his immune system. Coincidentally during that hospital stay he got some lab results which showed a very high titer for babesia duncani. He had treated for an unknown babesia species seen on multiple bloodsmears in the past. We decided to try aggressive babesia treatment for the first time to try to eliminate his lingering symptoms.
Trying to get some new ideas and insight regarding my husband’s illness. He has been disabled from lyme and other tickborne diseases for over 10 years now. We finally were able to afford extended IV antibiotics recently. His Parkinsonian tremors and mycolonus and dystonia and seizure-like episodes had virtually gone away after 7 months of IV rocephin and 4 months of IV zithromax with tindamax in the combo. Then he tried low dose naltrexone to modulate his immune system. Coincidentally during that hospital stay he got some lab results which showed a very high titer for babesia duncani. He had treated for an unknown babesia species seen on multiple bloodsmears in the past. We decided to try aggressive babesia treatment for the first time to try to eliminate his lingering symptoms.
Since then it has been a real roller coaster ride. Five hospitalizations for high fevers – 101.6 up to 105.6. Three times he had positive blood cultures for Serratia marcescens. The PICC line was replaced 2 times and has now been pulled. It was cultured and was negative 2 times. Hubby had a rash at one point and subsequently had a positive test for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. And most recently he had a positive test for Human Granulocytic Ehrlichia. None of these infections had ever shown positive in previous tests over the years. The real downhill progression with daily fevers of 99.5 up to 101.5 began with IV flagyl on 3/15 – no previous history of fevers. The quinine and IV clindamycin combo was probably the most helpful in alleviating headaches/brain swelling but within 3 or 4 days of stopping after doing 6 rounds over a few months the dizziness and neuro symptoms and sweating all increased.
Now he’s on aggressive oral medications for babesia – malarone, artemisinin and lariam plus diflucan and also levaquin for the serratia. We have always tried to combine herbs with antibiotics and supplements in our treatment approach. Right now it seems like the antibiotics are failing. We need some new herbal suggestions to treat serratia, RMSF, and ehrlichia/anaplasma. Tried coptis for the serratia, but the dose may have been too low. By the way – cryptolepis at ½ ounce 3 times daily a couple of years ago was the first thing that actually stopped his Parkinsonian tremors. But at that time the herb became unavailable for several months and later we could not repeat the results. Blood smears in December were clean indicating the bartonella may actually be gone. It was after that that we began the babesia treatment.
Doctors have differing opinions, but hubby and I think that many of the infections are sequestered in his red blood cells and as we kill off the babesia the other things are coming out of hiding. The babesia must still be present because he has episodes of hemolysis with decreased RBC, decreased hemoglobin and decreased hematocrit. Also has increased bilirubin, increased LDH and decreased platelet counts during these episodes. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Fevers, fatigue and headaches seem to be the most bothersome symptoms at this time. Plus the nausea which has been a constant issue for the entire 10 years. Boneset tincture will help the fever to break for moderate fevers, but it does not do much to relieve low grade fevers that come and go multiple times daily. Thyroid tests actually indicate hypothyroid with very elevated TSH. Have tried vinpocetine, gingko, butterbur, feverfew, prickly ash bark tincture, high dose niacin and high dose lumbrokinase for brain pressure/swelling headaches. The lumbrokinase is probably the most
helpful. Thanks.
helpful. Thanks.
Stephen’s response:
Try Sida acuta (woodlandessence.com), it is specific for protecting red blood cells and will also kill a broad range of organisms that infect the blood, both Gram positive and negative. I would suggest the use of 1 tsp 3x daily for two weeks, then go to ½ tsp for a while. I would highly suggest the use of bidens pilosa or pinnata tincture as well, it is specific for serratia. You can get it from julie@gaianstudies.org. Regrettably I don’t know of any other sources on that. I would highly suggest the use of a tincture blend of lomatium, licorice, isatis leaf/root as well for helping immune/energy. ½ tsp 3x daily. Julie carries that as well. Or you can look online and find the tinctures and blend them yourself, here is a good source for many of them: sagewomanherbs.com. Knotweed is one of the better things for the headaches. His symptom picture is so complex that if these suggestions do not help I would recommend working with Julie McIntyre so you can get enough individual attention to create a detailed protocol for him.
Try Sida acuta (woodlandessence.com), it is specific for protecting red blood cells and will also kill a broad range of organisms that infect the blood, both Gram positive and negative. I would suggest the use of 1 tsp 3x daily for two weeks, then go to ½ tsp for a while. I would highly suggest the use of bidens pilosa or pinnata tincture as well, it is specific for serratia. You can get it from julie@gaianstudies.org. Regrettably I don’t know of any other sources on that. I would highly suggest the use of a tincture blend of lomatium, licorice, isatis leaf/root as well for helping immune/energy. ½ tsp 3x daily. Julie carries that as well. Or you can look online and find the tinctures and blend them yourself, here is a good source for many of them: sagewomanherbs.com. Knotweed is one of the better things for the headaches. His symptom picture is so complex that if these suggestions do not help I would recommend working with Julie McIntyre so you can get enough individual attention to create a detailed protocol for him.
Stephen
Dear Stephen,
I happened upon your site looking for natural remedies for serratia marcescens, I contracted the bacteria 2 months a go when I had facial plastic surgery. antibiotics did very little, although I am great full the site has not got any worse. I am certainly much better than I was several weeks a go, my energy is good, I feel good :)
since stopping the antibiotics on wednesday I have been taking very large amounts of herbal supplements all of which I muscle tested for and continuing vitamin C IV infusions 50,000 2 X per week, the site is definitely less red, so I believe I am on the right track.
I have contacted the people you recommended and intend to have a private consultation with Valerie, as well as purchase the herbs you recommended.
I would like to thank you for the information
have a blessed sunday :)
have you looked at the Gerson Therapy, might be worth buying the book :)
Hi Stephen
I have had lymes and anaplasma for almost two years now, and seems to be getting worse rather than better
I have been taking herbs for about 8 months now and some antibiotics :
tinnidazole, praziquental, pyrtantel, and have taken a few doses of doxy.
I am wondering which herbs are specific to anaplasma? There seems to be a lot of information for lymes, babesia and bartonella, but I have had a hard time finding the right anaplasma herbs.
I have a terrible rash, that started on my scalp ( were I was bitten) but has since spread to my entire body. It causes burning, itching and red bumps that spread if I don’t keep oils on my skin every 4-5 hours.
I am wondering if the rash is indicative of any particular co-infection?
While I did not test positive for RMSF, I am wondering if it is something that has fallen under the radar.
Thanks so much
Leanne Nolet
I would appreciate any information in regards to these rashes. I have the same thing going on, now effecting 75% of my body. Itching,scalp/face burning, thin and crinkly looking skin. Appears to be Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans.
What would be the cause/treatment?
Hi Stephen, I tested positive for RMSF antibodies on 03/2019, last time bitten was 2013 as I had moved out of Missouri. Now in Nevada and haven’t been bitten since. No one will address this, do I need to be treated? I was told by Nevada Health Dept of the positive test and they said don’t worry you just had doxycycline 2 weeks ago. I thought Doxy was given for Acute within a certain number of days. This would be Chronic if it was 6 years later and tested positive.