Today, and in fact the entire last five days have been marked by an exceptional amount of symptom increase. I can only hope it is the result of herxing and not increased damage to the substantia nigra (the portion of the central brain responsible for producing dopamine). There is some concern that the brain inflammation produced by Lyme infection (and even from die off from antibiotics) can hurt the brain and cause worsening Parkinson's symptoms such as those that I have: Tremors, loss of balance, difficulty speaking, swallowing, initiating movement, and sleep issues.
All these sx have been worse lately, while I have been doing the therapeutic dose of 4 g of IV Rocephin per day. This is a very strong dose. In addition I am taking Zithromax and Mepron daily. So it is not surprising that I could be herxing. Still, it was very difficult today. My feet are beginning to really hurt as a result of the relentless quivering, especially of the toes on the left foot.
All these sx have been worse lately, while I have been doing the therapeutic dose of 4 g of IV Rocephin per day. This is a very strong dose. In addition I am taking Zithromax and Mepron daily. So it is not surprising that I could be herxing. Still, it was very difficult today. My feet are beginning to really hurt as a result of the relentless quivering, especially of the toes on the left foot.
Dr. Eric Gordon answered a question about Parkinson's and Lyme on the Gordon Medical site. I repeat it here, with credit to the CALDA site and Gordon Medical site:
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| Dr. Eric Gordon |
Question: I have Lyme and have received extensive treatment. I have now been diagnosed with Parkinson's which does respond to dopamine. Can Lyme imitate Parkinson's?Answer: Lyme can cause Parkinson's in a person with the right genetic and environmental risks and exposures. Parkinson's is probably a result of inflammation in the brain resulting in destruction of dopamine producing cells.
Treating the Lyme will help reduce inflammation. If the Lyme is gone dormant or quiescent, and the Parkinson symptoms persist, treatment with IV phospholipids and glutathione will help the Parkinson's. Multiple other supportive measures are useful, including structural and nutritional treatments to reestablish a normal balance of immune function. Heavy metal toxicity is often an inciting cause of Parkinson's and a cause of failure of antibiotic therapy in chronic Lyme.There is no one treatment for persistent Lyme. Long term antibiotics may be needed, especially for severe neurologic symptoms. You need to have your Lyme status reevaluated to make a better decision on what to do next.Dopamine is not a long term solution for Parkinson's. It is an effective band-aid.
Dr. Eric Gordon practices in Santa Rosa, California, at Gordon Medical Associates, www.gordonmedical.com.
CALDA is making this blog available to address unanswered questions posed by patients at the recent "Putting Lyme Behind You" conference. Doctors who were panelists at the conference will take turns answering questions, so you will learn different points of view. Check their site weekly for updates.
The neurological symptoms of both can be initiated by neurotoxins whether they are from microorganisms or from the ever-increasing persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as pesticides, in the environment. The oxidative stress and inflammation result. Glutathione (GSH) and ph-lipids for the membranes are very important as GSH bind neurotoxins and extends its antioxidant properties to the cells. Detoxification therefore is a must and needs to be effective yet tolerable enough as to not hurt an individual. We always start there. You can bind them but is there an effective fiber in the gut to bind them to prevent recirculation is the question. He gave a good answer and I wonder if he realizes that the Lyme spirochete produces a neurotoxin.
ReplyDeleteWell put. I actually tested positive for some pesticides, particularly transnonochlor. Yes, Dr Gordon is aware that the Bb spirochete produces a neurotoxin. I was given the Ritchie Shoemaker visual test to determine whether I have neurotoxic brain, and that was positive. Killing the bacteria (Bb) off with herbs or antibiotics produces neurotoxins too, I am told. This is one reason to go slowly with antibiotics and herbs, so as to avoid damage to the basal ganglia, which is very a sensitive part of the brain. Damage to the basal ganglia is related to movement disorders. My understanding is that one should use agents such as IMD, bentonite clay, and choloestyramine to help bind toxins and remove them from the body along with the feces. Thank you for your input, although I am responding to it many months later. Good reminders!
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