Darn that Babesia!

Hey there everyone!

Landon and I wanted to share a few recent updates, including my latest CD57 markers (Lyme Markers). Previously we were at 76. We were hoping that it would come up, even if it was just a tiny bit! Any progression towards 150 would be a welcome sight. As I sat down and his nurse gave me my new lab levels, I jumped to the last page to see my CD57 number. It read 66. I quickly let some tears out and felt discouraged. Running through my mind I wondered “will I ever hit 150?!” The answer is yes, I will get there! Dr. Johnson explained it really well, my body is currently working to fight off a co-infection called Babesia. Babesia is causing me to have symptoms not really tied to my Lyme symptoms. I have been having low-grade fevers around the clock, hot flashes, chills, and nausea.

According to the CDC, “Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells. Many people who are infected with Babesia microti feel fine and do not have any symptoms. Some people develop nonspecific flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, or fatigue. Because Babesia parasites infect and destroy red blood cells, babesiosis can cause a special type of anemia called hemolytic anemia. This type of anemia can lead to jaundice (yellowing of the skin) and dark urine.”

This Babesia has been in full swing! My previous 6 weeks medication regimen was on a protocol specific for Babesia- I was taking Plaquenil daily for 2 weeks then I had 2 weeks off. Plaquenil is an anti-parasitic medication. So, with this co-infection my body couldn’t focus on fighting off the Lyme disease and the Babesia at the same time. Looking forward, I will be on 3 antibiotics again to focus on the Lyme, and it will also help finish off the Babesia. I will take my medications for 3 weeks on and then have 1 week off. I will be on Plaquenil, Metronidazole, and Azithromycin. I am also on a lot of supplements and probiotics as well.

Even though this battle has been a long time coming, we have high hopes for good levels in the months to come! Mentally staying in the fight is truly what keeps me going. I am blessed with amazing support systems in my life that help me fight and are with me the whole way.

“… Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses”

-Matthew 8:17-

Whatever you are going through keep fighting!

Love,

Maddie and Landon

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/babesiosis/disease.html