The Marshall Protocol Study Site > PROGRESS REPORTS [members in study cohort] > Phase One Alumni Forum > West Tennessee progress
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The Marshall Protocol Study Site > PROGRESS REPORTS [members in study cohort] > Phase One Alumni Forum > West Tennessee progress |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3 
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Hi Everyone, Benicar 40mg q 4-6, Minocycline 25mg q 48 Took My first Minocycline Tuesday night and not aware of any herxing yet. All my symptoms were occurring prior to starting Minocycline. I talked about some of my symptoms in the Benicar only forum. WestTennessee Benicar My 25-D level on 5-15-06 was 44.2. I was supplemented by my doctor after that test with Vit D3 from 2,000iu qd to 6,000iu qd and for a week in august even up to 12,000iu qd. On 8/9/06 I stopped all vit D supp. but by then I had alot of hypervitaminosis-D symptoms. I have not had a repeat 25-D level since I just stopped supp. on 8/9/06. I doubt I will be doing much herxing right away with such high 25-D levels. My most lingering symptom of hypervitaminosis-D is a skin burning sensation on by entire back. I never had this symptom until my doctor raised my Vit D3 dosage so high. Since starting the MP on 8/29/06 my stinging comes and goes. My back pain, fatigue, mental fog, and muscle twitches are about the same. I have had very bad burning on the bottom my feet in the past, but starting Lyrica has completely relieved that. I don't believe my back stinging is related to my neuropathy even though my neurologist isn't sure. I am a single mom and I have to take my daughter to and from school very day. The total time is 1 and half hours in the sun each day. Some days are more if she has after school activities. I have tried increasing my Benicar 40mg dose to very 4 hours when I have to take my daughter to school. The problem is if I followed Dr Marshall's suggestion of increasing Benicar q4 if you have sun exposure, I would have to stay on q4 at all times during the week due to school trips We have just recently moved to a new town and school so I find it hard to have someone else take her for me at this time. I wear my Noirs inside and outside and use zinc oxide on any exposed skin when out in the sun. If I can tolerate Benicar 40mg q4, should I do this dosing during the week and go back down to Benicar q6 on weekends? I will be taking my second dose of Minocycline tonight. If I continue not to have any significant herxing, I may extend my dose out to 72 hours and see how I feel. If anybody has any suggestions or advice for me regarding my Benicar dosing due to the necessary outside time, I would greatly appreciated it. All take care, West Tennessee |
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Aussie Barb Research Team 
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WT Welcome to the Mino forum and thank you for posting.. I have edited to add your Benicar Link and some white space.. please leave some white space in your text so it is not all in one block.. it can be too difficult for unwell Members and Staff to read. thank you.. Information re neuropathy: Will the MP treat paresthesia and neuropathy? Benicar: If Dr agrees, some who go out to work each day, take their Benicar Q4 or 5H during the day. - or you can take extra half tablet (20mg) any time during cycle as you are going out.. see also BenicarQuiklink extending your mino dosing to help find the Herx is often helpful.. see FAQs I'm eager to get well. How can I speed up my progress on the MP? and this self assesser herx checker FAQ. may help you to check each aspect to get best value Why isn't the Marshall Protocol working? what am I doing wrong? I don't know if you plan on having more children, but this FAQ is essential Information. Can a pregnant woman be on the Marshall Protocol? thanks, all best, Barb .... |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Thanks for your quick response and advice Barb. Think I'll follow the Benicar 40mg q5 during the work week for now and see how things go. Take care, West Tennessee |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Benicar 40mg q4-6h, Minocycline 25mg q48h 10 days on Benicar now. I've gone between 4 to 6 hours dosing based on the amount of time I have to spend outside. I'm on my 2nd dose of Minocycline 25mg q48h. I had reported in earlier post that I was having a burning sensation on my back that comes and goes. I think it is due to the sun because when I begin to feel it, I increase my Benicar to q4h and in about an hour or so the burning sensation is either better or gone. Even though my 25-D level is very high at 44.2, I believe I am herxing! I noted a bad headche a few hours after I took my dose and a repeat of the headache during the next evening. About 12 hours after my 2nd dose I had trouble with several things at once. I had an increase in my mucles twitching,on and off burning sensation in my right foot and a feeling of numbess in my right leg. Very stiff neck pain. It was hard to move my neck from side to side and the pain extended to my lower back also. I applied hot rice packs on my back pain. This did provide some relief. After about four hours of this, I just felt exhausted. Most of my symptoms had begun to eased up. I had a period during the afternoon that I felt pretty good. Then around 6pm I felt like I was hurting everywhere and felt heavy. My BP was 87/53 which I have been doing just fine with. My best guess is I am having some tolerable herexing. I feel real sleepy right now, may try to sleep without my Ambien and see how long I sleep. Night Night to all, West Tennessee Last edited on Sat Sep 9th, 2006 07:45 by West Tennessee |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Benicar q4-6h, Minocycline 25mg q48-72 Hello All, I have extended my 4th dose of Minocycline 25mg out to 72h to see if I noticed any more herxing. I have a very high 25-D of 44.2. I have been so afraid I would not be able to herx until my levels come down further, but I have had mild herxing with each dose every since I started the Minocycline. I am so thankful. At 60 hours out, I have noticed an increase in my muscle twitching both in area coverage and intensity. I also have an increase in neck and lower back pain. My energy level is down and mental fog is worse. All is tolerable, Not having any anxiety today. My doctor is calling in Librium to the pharmacy today for my anxiety. He didn't want to prescribe Valium as recommeded by Dr. Marshall. Hope there is no problem with Librium. I plan to take my 5 th dose of Minocycline 25mg tonight. After tonights dose, I will wait another 72 hours since I did herx more than with the 48 hours. Take care all, West Tennessee |
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Foundation Staff . 
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Hi West, Our experience has been with the more popular benzodiazepine, Valium which we know works better than its generic form. All benzos are habit-forming and should be used with discretion but they are not contraindicated on the MP. We suggest you use Librium only when anxiety is intolerable. Please let us know how you get along with it. Best, Meg |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Hello to everybody, Benicar 40mg q 4-6h, Minocycline 25mg q 72h I'm on my 6th dose of Minocycline. My last two doses have been spaced out to 72h . I had some mild to moderate herxing during my 60th hour, lasting for about 4 hours, I took my 6th dose last night and I will pay very close attention to my symptoms over the next 72 hours. If I have very little or only mild herxing to occur, I plan to increase my minocycline up to 50mg. I will have been on Minocycline at 25mg for two weeks this coming Monday. I am very thankful I am herxing at all since my 25-D level was so high when I began the MP.(44.2) I will be repeating my 25-D level this week. I will post again if I have any significant herxing within these 72 hours. Yesterday I had a bad headache about 5 hours before my next dose of Mino 25mg was due. I saw a new doctor yesterday. She stated she would not prescribe the Benicar at such high levels that are required by the MP. I am thankful my other doctor will, at least for now, My new doctor ordered blood work to check my kidney function. She stated the high doses of Benicar can damage your kidneys and need to be monitored closely. She also changed my anxiety medication from Librium to Valium 2mg. This doctor did not personally like the Libriun my other doctor prescribe. She also order Ultram 50mg for my neck and low back pain. We will all just keep pushing forward at our slow and steady pace. For the first time we know there is a wonderful prize waiting at the finish line, our health back. Keep smiling, West Tennessee |
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Aussie Barb Research Team
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WT Thank you for posting.. You are managing all well, and gaining experience.. good to see you have the Valium and ultram.. If you do need to know at all, there is this Information: To protect your organs from damage by asking Doc(s) to increase the Benicar to 40mg every 4 hours, when you need it. A recent paper should keep Doc comfortable about higher dose ARBs: "Long-term safety of high-dose angiotensin receptor blocker therapy in hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease" Looking forward to seeing how you go, and your 25D result.. all best, Barb ... |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Hi Gang, Benicar 40 q4, Minocycline 50mg q48 I have an update , but a question also. I've been on Benicar for 23 days. Because I am a single mom, I have to be out in the sun daily. I wear my Noirs, hat, and coat my exposed skin with the new translucent Zinc Oxide. Due to being out so much, I've been taking my Benicar 40 mg q4 hours and I am tolerating it very well. Average BP is 87/47 I was on Mino 25mg for two weeks, with the last three doses extended out to 72 hour. The first two 72 hour doses I had fairly decent amout of herxing. My last 72 hour I had pretty much nothing. With this occurring, I decided to increase up to 50 mg q 48 and see what happened. I took my first 50mg dose at 7pm Monday 9/18/06. I fell asleep shortly after that, and I slept for 18 hours straight except for when the alarm went off for my Benicar. When I did wake up I was so emotional, I couldn't handle anything. I would say I was crying if I were awake. The crying was over nothing serious. I decided to go back to sleep, and put this day in my past. Yesterday was one of the best days I have had in years. No pain, good energy, and good mood!!!! I took my 2nd dose of Mino 50mg last night. Here is my question. I have been taking Estradiol 2mg IM q 10 days to manage my hot flashes, mood and energy level. It has been one month and three days since my last shot. I have had not had one hot flash, nor any breast tenderness. Do you want me to stay on a schedule with the estrogen, or just take the lowest dose that keeps my hot flashes under control? I would appreciate your guidance on this matter. Take care all, West Tennessee |
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Aussie Barb Research Team
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WT Thank you for posting.. for guidance, see this FAQ to discuss with your Dr..: Why should I avoid hormone replacement medication? "the lowest dose that keeps my hot flashes under control" is in line with our recommendations of If you have intolerable symptoms of a hormone deficiency and your doctor orders supplementation, standard (low) doses of hormone medication, less than a few milligrams per day in most cases, will probably not interfere with the immune system. It will be advantageous to wean off this supplementation as symptoms allow. ie. Monitor symptoms and with your Drs guidance, reduce or eliminate medications or supplements as symptoms resolve. <<< thanks, all best, Barb ... |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Hello, Benicar 40mg q4-6, Minocycline 50mg q48 I have a quick question that I have not been able to find the answer to in anyone's posting. I am 51 and my GP wants me to have a colonoscopy in the next few weeks. I did have a stool sample positive for blood, but a repeat was negative. Is there any reason I should postpone this test until I finish the MP? I am just begining Phase 1 of the protocol. Thank you for guidance in this matter. Happy Days to all, West Tennessee |
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Foundation Staff .
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West, There is no contraindication to having a colonoscopy while on the MP. With your history of a stool positive for blood, it's a good idea to have this exam. You might try to time your antibiotic dosing so that you are feeling your best during the testing time. Best, Meg |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Hi Meg, Was looking for a good excuse not to go through that fun procedure. Really, I'm glad I can get it taken care of now. Thanks for letting me know it's both safe and necessary. God Bless, West Tennessee |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Hello, I'm afraid I had my first mistake that life can throw at you now and then. My daughter stayed with her father this week end. This is the first time she's been away since my starting the MP. I took my sheduled 6:00pm dose of Benicar. I settled in on the couch around 7:30 pm Saturday night. My last dose of Benicar is always at 10:00pm and I fill my next day pill box. The most important thing I do is set my 6:00am alarm for my morning Benicar. I fell asleep sometime around 7:30pm Saturday night and never woke up until 2:30 am Sunday morning. I was very confused for some reason, but knew I had to take a Benicar. After that , I left my couch and headed for my bed. I never filled my pill box nor did I set my alarm. The next time I woke up was Sunday afternoon at 1:30 pm. I probably would have slept longer, but my daughter called me to scheduled our time to pick her up. I have read other progress reports where people have sleep for long periods of time . It is assumed the body needs this rest in it's healing process. I am concerned that the eleven hour period of sleeping without taking any Benicar has messed things up for me. Has my blockade been lost? I have read where it can take a week or two to get it back in place. What kind of problems can I expect? Will my herxing be worse because I don't have the full effect of the Benicar? Anxious to hear back. West Tennessee |
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Aussie Barb Research Team
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WT see this FAQ What times should I take my Benicar? What if I forget a dose? - taking an extra half tablet (20mg) any time during the cycle, or adjusting dosage to 40mg Q4H. see also BenicarQuiklink may all help getting back on track more quickly.. all best, Barb .... |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Thanks so much Barb. Just knowing you are out there for us is such a safe feeling! I feel sure I will get back on track just fine. I plan to have alarms set all over the house. Even if I set one every hour, I'm sure it would remind me of something I need to do.  Thanks again for doing God's work.Take care, West Ten |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Benicar 40mg q4-6, Mino 50mg q72hours I took my first dose of Mino50mg Sunday 9/24/06. Doing well on Benicar 40mg q4. I take Benicar so frequently due to daily sun exposure. I saw a new doctor on Thursday 9/24/06. She placed me on Ultram 50mg tid (prn) for pain and Valium 2mg to be used as needed for anxiety. I have taken the ultram , 2 doses most days since getting it last Thursday. I've taken two doses of Valium for anxiety since getting the Valium last week. I noticed itching Saturday night but no rash at the site. The itching was generalized over my body but was gone about 4 hour later. Sunday I woke up at 1:30pm. My itching had returned, but this time a red slighly raised rash had also developed. The rash is the located on my inner thighs, back of thighs and buttocks. By today the itching and light red rash had spread to both of my wrist, soles of feet and palms of hands. If you look close, you can find one or two here and there on other parts of my body. The red areas range in size from a head of a pencil eraser , to the size of a dime. They are pretty much flat now, but will raise up if I scratch them. I called the doctor today, and she feels I'm probably allergic to the Ultram or the Valium,or one of the other meds I'm taking. She's the doc that didn't like the MP idea. She would like me to stop all meds, but knows I won't stop the Benicar nor the Minocycline. I agreed to stop the Ultram and the Valium. She refuses to give me any new meds untill the rash clears itself. My question is this " Could the rash with itching be due to skin herxing? The itching is kept comfortable with the use of Benedryl. Do the skin problems others have, sound similar to mine in terms of herxing, or more like a drug reaction? Sure would appreciate some help here. I'm afraid my doctor will want to take me off all meds, because she's not convinced the MP is really that safe. I don't agree with her on this at all, that's why I'm asking for so much information. I'm afraid I'm looking like my dog when she had fleas  West Tennessee |
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Aussie Barb Research Team
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WT I have moved your post to your progress report for continuity.. Thank you for posting your details.. for future reference, when noticing a new symptom, (as itch Saturday night) it is important to assess if any meds adjustments are required before proceeding. see the FAQ I've developed a rash. What should I do? the benadryl may be helpful.. use caution re sleepiness caused by taking it. -can take extra half tablet Benicar (20mg) any time during cycle, or adjust dosage to 40mg Q4H. see also BenicarQuiklink Reduce mino back to 25mg or stop it altogether for now as long as your symptoms do not increase by stopping it. If using a hydrocortisone OTC use it sparingly. Tissues treated with steroids do not heal well and all steroids are absorbed systemically. Let us know if you have further questions. all best, Barb ... |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Hi To All, Benicar 40mg q4-6, minocycline 50mg q72 I've Been on Minocycline 50mg q72 hours for two doses now and have not experienced any significant herxing. I have just taken my third dose today of Mino 50mg. I will wait 48 hr this time and if no notible herx I'll move on to Mino 75mg. I did have an allergic reaction to Ultram(broke out in a rash) and have been changed to Darvocet-N100mg. Not aware that this pain med causes any problems. This last week my main symptoms have been frequent headaches and my usual fatigue. My sleeping around the clock phase seems to be over. My back skin stinging sensation I had experienced when I first started the MP has completely gone, I also notice less muscle twitching. At least so good things are happening. I got my latest 25-D results back. On 9/20/06 is was 56. Since my last test in May that was 44.2, I had been on mega doses of Vit D3 per MD, so I am excited to see it that low. I just still worry that I'm not killing as many bacteria as I should because my 25-D is still so elevated. My husband and my daughter got their D Metabolite test back. Do I post them on the prelim test area for someone to evaluate? My husband was 25-D 29, 1,25D 83 , My daughter was 25-D 55, 1,25D 43. My daughter doesn't supplement with VitD, nor comsume a lot of Vit D food, so I 'm concerned why her 25-D is so elevated. They won't be able to see a doctor till late November. An answer about the correct place to post my family's D results would be greatly appreciated. Take care all West Tennessee |
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Aussie Barb Research Team
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WT Thank you for posting. Do consider the headaches before increasing the mino to 75mg.. you report re 25D: "On 9/20/06 is was 56. Since my last test in May that was 44.2 I am excited to see it that low." I am unsure. Is the recent result 44.2 or 56.. ? thanks. Other aspects to check in the self assesser herx checker FAQ.Why isn't the Marshall Protocol working? what am I doing wrong? . Do I need to get my 25-D down before I start the MP? Here is Information re How to post for other people and What to include in your preliminary test result reports. When you can, please fill the D details etc into your signature line to help Staff and others reading < see this link for all details to include. you may need to abbreviate some of the Info to fit it all in.. Thank You .. Signature line: Phase 1 MP 8/29/06, LYME UNDIAG 20+yrs,Diag 8/2/06, FATIGUE,,BACKPAIN,NEUROPATHY, MUSCLE TWITCHING, ANXIETY,INSOMNIA. MEDS-LYRICA 100MG,AMBIEN 12.5MG,Darvocet-n100mg,Estradiol 2mgIM Valium 2mg 8/29/06 BENICAR 40mg q 4-6, Minocycline 50mg q72. Avoid sun/l Suggested: with the addition of the Ds thanks.. >>>> LYME 8/2/06 UNDIAG 20+yrs| FATIGUE BACKPAIN NEUROPATHY MUSCLE TWITCHING ANXIETY INSOMNIA| LYRICA AMBIEN Darvocet-n Estradiol Valium| 8/29/06 BENICAR 40mg q 4-6| 9/3/06 Mino/now 50mg| NoIR Avoid light/D| Thanks, all best, Barb ... |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Hi Barb, Sorry, I can be so confussing. I have been going to a doctor that has been supplementing me with VitD3 for over one year. With no supplementation except in my diet my 25-D level was 39.9. At that time he started me on VitD3 2,000iu qd. That was 5/2/05. A repeat of my 25-D levels on 5/16/06 was 44.2. On that date the doc increased my VitD3 up to 6,000iu qd. I stayed on 6,000iu until the first week in August, when I developed in a lot of discomfort. For one week my doc raised my VitD3 up to 12,000iu. I did get quiet a bit relief that was short lived. During that time I was researching the MP , and on 8/9/06 I stopped all VitD, including any D in my diet. I hope you now understand my excitment over my latest 25-D level only being 56. I'm very sure it was higher than either of us would have liked to imagined if it were tested just after the 12,000iu time period. Taking you advice to Continue my Mino at 50mg at q72h. I had some of the most significant herxing today ( the day after taking the Mino.) Thanks so much. I will register my husband and children as preMP and enter their lab and all under their own user name. Sorry so late getting back to you. between herxing and raising a teenager, not much time. Take care of yourself, West tennessee |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Benicar 40mg q5-6h, Mino50mg q72h Life is getting way out of control trying to follow this program and raising a teeange daughter, taking care of a home and and everything else life throws at you. I'm not working per say, but I own property and rent out five business on our property. To the best of my knowledge, I started taking the Mino 50mg q 48h on 9/24/06 and after a couple of doses moved it out to 72h. I seem to herx more as I get closer to 60 hours. I developed intense pain in my lumbar area one week ago. I've been seen by a chiropractor a few times with very little improvement. He feels it's mainly due to inflammation due to the bacterial infection and pallitive treatment are the best for now. Two doses ago of Mino 50mg out around 64 hrs, I developed what I call the spots you get in front of your eyes after a flash bulb from a camera goes off. I had no center vision except for cirular bright light in both eyes. I did have peripheral vision in both eyes. It lasted about 2 hours. It happened again, I would say right at the 72hr of the same dose of Mino 50mg. We were eating out and I was very tired. For the first time ever, while the spots were in front of me eyes, I was unable to swallow any of my food. I could swallow liquids. The swallowing problem has not occured again, but my family has noticed a change in my voice quality. They describe it like someone with a sore throat, but my throat isn't sore. To move on to my last 72 hour of Mino 50mg, none of the visual distrubances ,nor swallowing problems have returned.I would say I have felt like crap ( hope you can say that) about every hour of every day. My lower back is still hurting and plan on adjustment this week from my chiropractor. I feel like something needs to give. I've not had any good days the last three days. I have read situations like this and you suggested going up to next dose, and sure enough they would feel better. My next dose for my Mino 50mg will be 12 noon tomorrow. I really feel I need to do something because I continuouly feel miserable. I please need some instruction. This isn't intolerable herxing. I just feeling tired, irritable, sleepy achey and painful back for three days. Not a decent break in three days. Help if you can West Tennesse Last edited on Mon Oct 9th, 2006 09:40 by West Tennessee |
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Aussie Barb Research Team
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WT Thank you for your detailed report.. you have been managing your mino schedule well.. re eyes: see FAQ Will Herxing cause increased eye inflammation? If you are concerned please check with your Opthalmologist. It is important to visit a health-professional when you need advice about your eyes. Tightening of throat muscles, difficulty swallowing are listed as Hypervitaminosis-D Symptoms and have been reported as Herx.. If you are concerned do not hesitate to contact your Dr. If Dr agrees, to minimise symptoms -can take extra half tablet Benicar (20mg) any time during cycle, or adjust dosage to 40mg Q4H. see also BenicarQuiklink some report that chewing the Benicar gives relief of symptoms faster. Rest is a very important part of managing and healing..By being pushed to the limit of tolerable herxing our body is working to capacity.. for help in assessing your needs see Tools to check: << please check if you need to make adjustments in any area, and feel free to ask on the Board. thank you. and also: there are Herx tracking charts in the Downloadable MP Documents FORMATTED FOR DESKTOP PRINTING re mino: You have been on this one level for 2 weeks which may be time for you to increase as you have suggested.. see Increasing Tip and symptoms for information. Let us know if you have any questions. all best, Barb ... |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Benicar 40mg q4h, Minocycline 75mg q72h Hi All, Started my Mino 75mg on 10/9/06, after generally feeling horrible 24/7. Took first dose of mino 75mg at 7AM and started feeling better later that evening. Increasing my Mino dose from 50mg to 75mg was the right move. Thanks for the good advise.The first couple of doses was every 48h with a few signs of herxing returning. A lot of sleep required, more emotional, on and off periods of increased muscles twitching in most large muscles,mild headaches on and off not lasting very long, continued lumbar pain that at times limited my mobility. Decided to extend out to 72h and observe changes. As of 10/17/06 I have been on Mino 75mg for 1 week. The main changes I have noticed since I extended the Mino out to 72h is as follows; Continued need to sleep a lot, muscle twitching increase in frequency and at times very strong, a mild vibrating sensation all over my body. The main concerning change to me is a return of skin stinging over my back. I had this symptom before I started the MP, and it resolved within a couple of weeks once MP was implemented. I am aware that the skin stinging can be caused by hypervitaminosis D. This is my question. Is the return of my back skin burning part of my herxing, or is it more likely an increase in my D level? I have examined my diet closely. The only question I have there is your recomendation for the best brand of yogurt to eat. I am eating Dannon low fat, and I do enjoy it daily with a berry of some type for my sweet tooth. My other thought, as towards increased D levels, is that I'm not using enough zinc oxide when I have to go out in the sun to pick my daughter up from school. I will try to do a better job with coverage of zinc oxide and see if there is any difference. I would appreciate a suggestion for the best yogurt for us to eat when on the MP. I'm planning on going another week with Mino at 75mg unless I start feeling worse, then I'll try going up to Mino 100mg. Take care to all. West Tennessee |
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Aussie Barb Research Team
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WT Thank you for posting.. re foods: see FOOD TIPS re Helpful hints and Dairy Products re Ds: see Vitamin D Tutorial The stores of D should gradually drop, it just takes time. Meanwhile, if you are herxing OK then you will be progressing fine. Just be aware that one day the 25-D will drop, and as it drops you will herx more, and may need to reduce the abx dose. So it is best to have the D measured every 2-3 months. filelink symptoms: HERXHEIMER REACTION The effectiveness of the MP against the bacteria that are driving your Th1 inflammation means that your immune system is stimulated to kill the intraphagocytic bacteria. you have been able to identify this response to the antibiotics. Light exposure: some are reporting that light exposure is increasing their 25D even with the zinc oxide.. covering up is the best protector.. Thanks, all best, Barb ... |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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GoodMorning All, Benicar 40mgQ4-5hr Minocycline 75mg q72hr My last dose of Minocycline 75mg was Friday morning Oct.20 at 10AM. I was planning to take my next dose Monday AM of Oct.23 and this would have been keeping with my every 72hour dosing. I have had increased emotional stress in my home the last week or so and I been very emotional. This has been hard on my teenage daughter. She's been trying to get here emotions around the fact she may have to go on MP also since she has an elevated 1,25-D level. Her doctor's appointment isn't till Nov.29. I have already started removing Vit D out of her food but other issues such as the sun, she's not ready to deal with at this time. Due to above problems, I have decided to extend my Minocycline out a few days and just see who I would be without the same levels of Mino for a while. I am now four days out from my last dose of Mino 75mg. These are the changes in the last 24 hours that I have noticed. No visual disturbances that had become common since 50mg of Mino, not as much back pain, not as much mental fog, and not quite as much difficulty dealing with emotional issues. A few hours yesterday I could have said I felt good. A am still very sleeply. If I allow myself, I think I could sleep 24 hours a day. As compared to some other people, I'm not that sick. Yet, I thought the sleepiness was due to my body's need to rest to heal. Could the Benicar at q4-5hr be causing this? (b/p staying at 80/50) ,or am I trying to move too fast on the antibiotics? My plan right now is to restart the Minocycline tomorrow, which would be 5 days since my last dose. Is starting back at 75mg ok? A few days off the antibiotics has helped a little, but I don't feel that it's been so great that it is worth not going ahead and start killing again. So, my questions are, what mg of mino should I start back at, and is it ok now and then to go out 4 or 5 days just to rest for a while, and should I be concerned about my need to sleep so much? Thanks so much for your help. West Tennessee |
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Aussie Barb Research Team
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WT Thank you for your detailed posting.. good to see you can see some positives.. As you have only really extended the mino cycle feel free to start back at the same dose or to drop back to 50mg if you feel inclined.. It is fine to extend the cycle every now and then to give yourself a break.. when your 25D drops and your Immune system is fully activated you may not have the same opportunity.. As you have said the sleep is part of the immune response and the healing.. Rest is a very important part of managing and healing.. By being pushed to the limit of tolerable our body is working to capacity. and see this filelink re malaise. Thanks, all best to you and yours, Barb ... |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Dear Barb, So nice to have you out there for all of us during our time of need. I do have one question regarding your response about taking a 4 or 5 day break from antibiotics. You said when my 25-D comes down and my immune system fully activates I won't be able to enjoy like I am now. What will make the antibiotic break so different from now? I was looking forward to the breaks when that time came and knowing things will be harder to balance than compared to today Thanks again for your time and care. West Tennessee |
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Aussie Barb Research Team
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WT re when your 25D drops and your Immune system is fully activated you may not have the same opportunity.. ie that is a "may not" as opposed to "will not".. there is no way of knowing for sure.. The 25-D seems to be the most critical factor as to whether the immune system is able to start working. The antibiotic/s modulate the ability of the immune system to kill the pathogens. Giving a (more frequent or) regular dose often reduces the killing, and folks who cease using the antibiotics sometimes have more, and less predictable, inflammation than when they were using the protocol. The aim is always to achieve tolerable symptoms.. There are different ways of having a break as you go along.. that will all unfold one day at a time. How to take a break from the Marshall Protocol? Thanks, Barb ... |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Benicar 40mg q4-5hr, Minocycline 100mg q72hr Update as of 11/7/06, Started Minocycline 100mg on 10/29/06. Started out taking Mino every 48hrs. After the 10/31/06 48hr dose of Mino, I increased dosing out to 72hrs. On 48hr dosing, my herxing was tolerable and nothing new. On the 72hr Mino dosing I have had only one new herx symptom, "very uncomfortable substernal pain". Didn't know what to do about it at first so I grabbed the PeptoBismol. It gave me instance relief. As of this date I have had two more episodes with the Pepto helping everytime. I am continuing with the muscle twitching which increases in area coverage and intensity through out the 72hr Mino period. I'm continuing with visual disturbances but not lasting as long anymore. Still experiencing numbness lasting a few seconds to a few minutes in both the hand and foot on the same side of the body when it occurs, but can alternate sides during the 72hr mino periods. I continue to swing from being anxious to crying, as well as joint pain with some days worse than others. The one symptom that has occured consistantly over the last month or so has been the need to sleep a lot. About three weeks into the MP my doctor took me off my Armour Thyroid due to my anxiety and worsening insomnia. No blood work was done at that time, but symptoms improved. My TSH on 2/8/06 was 3.77. On 11/6/06 my TSH was 6.34. Do you see this hormone change occur very often? I was under the idea that your need for thyroid medication would lessen over time, not increase. I will see my doctor 11/9/06 for med adjustment. I would like your opinion on this matter before my doctor appointment if possible. I will be having my 25-D redrawn next week. Hoping to see a decrease from the 25-D of 56 drawn back on 9/20/06. I'm getting close to the end of Phase 1. You had said earlier that you didn't like to see people go on to Phase 2 unless their 25-D was below 20. Am I correct with this thought? I am able to tolerate the Mino 100mg herxing without problem except for the excessive sleepiness. I'm sure this will be corrected with the thyroid medication adjustment. Please let me know how you want me to proceed from here in reguards to moving on to Phase 2. One more quick question. I will be having a spiral CT of my lungs in the next few days. Is there any problem with them using contrast dye with this procedure while on MP? Thank you for your time and guidance. West Tennessee |
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Aussie Barb Research Team
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WT Thank you for your post. When you take the pepto, make sure it is well away from your mino.. because it can interfere with the absorption. some find milk thistle helpful for R upper quadrant, but that may be not be helpful to you. 25D test: There is no need to retest the more expensive 1,25-D.. As your body goes through the immune response, killing the intraphagocytic bacteria and healing - you can expect hormone fluctuations. Dr. Marshall has created a diagram summarizing some of the key relationships between the body's hormones and 1,25-D. You can access it at http://autoimmunityresearch.org/hormones.pdf For detailed Information to discuss with your Dr see THYROID DISEASE and Th1 inflammation. sleepiness can also be an immunopathological response.. HERXHEIMER REACTION see also: How can I control my anxiety and depression? What is a neuro Herx? re CT scan: To discuss with your Dr: What tests do I need to monitor my progress on the MP? says in part: If you wait until you are further along, your tests will improve. As treatment continues, the presence of the Herxheimer reactions confirms the continuing efficacy of treatment. And finally, symptom resolution, absence of Herxheimer reactions and normal blood work indicate recovery. see this FAQ Where can I find phase two and three? for information re sending an email for the Phase 2 Questionnaire to fill and return. and you will be given feedback and access to the Information. and ... We then encourage you to begin a new progress report in the Phase 2 forum to discuss recommendations re the new meds and dosing in preparation for your Dr visit. If your 25D continues to be high, we recommend the Modified Phase Two. Thank you. Thanks, all best, Barb ... |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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 Benicar 40mg q4-5h, minocycline 100mg q72hReaching my third month on Phase 1. I've received my Phase 2 questionaire and retured it yesterday. Wondering how long it will be before I hear back? My latest VitD-25 was 29. This has come down from 56 in the last 2 months. I am happy to see the drop because I have really worked hard following the guide lines. I'm concerned I may still have to do a modified Phase 2 because of the 25-D level was 29. At this point I don't even know what a modified Phase 2 is, but hopefully it will all be explained to me. I hope I hear soon about my changes to Phase 2 because I have now been at Mino 100mg for one month and very little herxing is occurring. I still have a lot of fatigue, some mental fog , but is getting better. I still feel the muscle twitching. Not sure if this is getting less or if I'm just getting use to them. I hate to bring on more and or new herxing with the Phase 2 over the Holidays, but my family all agree they want me to keep working towards the finish line. I hope to have more energy next X-mas because I do love the season when I have energy. A very large accomplishment I have had lately is being able to sleep some nights without a sleeping pill. It will be a year in Jan. that I have had to take a sleeping pill every night to sleep. I did have to start back on my thyroid med due to my latest lab test. Hope this will help with my energy level. Wishing enough energy for all this busy season. West Tennessee |
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West Tennessee Member in Phase 3
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Alumni forum Update Phase 3 meds. Benicar 40mg q4-6hr First I want to say THANKS SO MUCH for the HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes. It means so much. Not that I'm a year old, but one more year on MP. This Aug. will be 3yrs. I really feel my anniversary date for 3 yrs will be Dec. 2009 since I started out with such an elevated 25-D due to MD supplementation for joint pain. I know it was worth starting even with an elevated 25-D because I had IP present but really kicked in around Dec.2006. light exp: only wearing Noirs. No zinx oxide this winter but may start back this summer. Not out much during day,most in the evening palliative meds: oxycontin 40mg prn back pain, Valium 10mg prn anxiety, Lyrica 100mg qd for fibromyalgia syndrome.(decreased from 300mg qd and doing fairly well, much less fliud retension)Synthroid 50mcg qd (a lot of trouble balancing TSH levels in therapeautic range through out all phases of MP Symptoms: This is my third attempt to go full strength Z (day 1 of cycle) Anxiety level 0-8(believe this has to be effected by wide ranges in TSH levels)Valium, and if real bad oxycontin helps Muscles twitching level(0-6) stronger than with any other combo Fibromyalgia level(0-5) better control with higher Lyrica but didn't like side effects with higher level of 100mg tid, now at 50mg bid and doing ok. Oxycontin helps with this discomfort and the anxiety. Back pain level (0-8) very simple movement can set it off or nothing I'm aware of sets pain off. Rest, ice packs, Valium and Oxycontin helps control. No pain in knees, wrist nor any other joints except back. This is great improvement. Brain fog level(0-3 ) months of improvments seen in this area. Back pain makes it hard to focus, but this would be the same for most anyone. fatigue level(0-4) good if TSH levels are in normal range. Overall significant improvement seen in increased energy levels weight: Oct.2008 weight 184lbs, today 157lb. SWEET!!! Following MP diet and as promised--- weight just started to decrease as bacterial load has decreased. Didn't even miss my birthday cake!!! Plan : to continue rotating abx as IP stops or greatly improves. Plan to continue with No plans to stop insight just to see how healthly I really can be. I see a BIG light at the end of this tunnel now, so for anyone in doubt-- hang in there, this really does heal you---I'm living well proof. A gift of patience to all on MP West Tennessee |
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