Round Two

So, I am really sorry that I haven't posted for a while. These last couple of weeks has been really hard on me: emotionally, mentally, and most definitely physically.


After visiting a third time with Dr. Jemsek he decided to put me on two IV antibiotics, plus a liquid that has the look and consistency of bright yellow poster paint...lol. During my visit I found out that every round of treatment was going to take a greater toll on my body than the last. The nurse point blank told me that my final three weeks of treatment was going to be heck. This has been a very big worry on my mind because of my orchestra classes starting very soon. When I got home I met with one of my principals, and am now trying to working with the district in getting me an aid for at least the first trimester who would also be the substitute when I was too ill to work. I hope it is something that can be worked out, because it would relieve a lot of stress while I am going through the final rounds of treatment. We shall see.

Like I said about, the past three weeks have been pretty intense. In addition to the antibiotics, I am also trying Lyrica again which I am tolerating a lot better. The doctor is very concerned about the high amount of pain that I am still in because that can really hinder the body's ability to heal. I hope we can figure out a good balance of the medications so I can manage the pain better.

During these treatments the doctor is looking for what is called a Herxheimer reaction (Herx for short). Herx reaction occurs when large quantities of toxins are released into the body as bacteria die during antibiotic treatment. Most common symptoms are: headaches, muscle pain, chills, and fevers. During the last three weeks I have experienced all of these symptoms plus nausea, flushing, and major muscle spasms almost on a daily basis. My spasms have really increased in intensity, frequency, and duration during this round. I just have to keep reminding myself that these are just signs that the bacteria is dying and that it won't last forever. Thankfully things will improve drastically once I am strictly on oral antibiotics in about four months. I am so looking forward to that day.