Madison Area Lyme Support Group

Good Morning,

I enjoyed answering your questions on Wednesday night.

We discussed:

1. Introduction and Webinar Format. Dr. Marty Ross explained the structure of his Lyme disease webinar, outlining guidelines for participation, including the use of the chat box for submitting questions, and detailed plans to provide session recordings and summaries.
2. Addressing Sleep Jerks and Neurological Symptoms. Severe sleep jerks occurring when falling asleep were attributed to neurological irritation caused by infections like Bartonella, Borrelia, or mold toxicity, and potential remedies including curcumin, glutathione, and GABA-boosting supplements were discussed.
3. Managing Nervous System Agitation. Strategies to calm the nervous system included treating infections, detoxifying mold, using anti-inflammatory supplements like curcumin and glutathione, and calming nerves directly via GABA enhancers such as L-theanine.
4. Ozone and IV Vitamin C may Cause Nerve Damage. The use of oxidizing agents like IV vitamin C and UV ozone can worsen oxidation injury in tick-borne infection patients, with Dr. Ross warning against their potential nerve-damaging effects.
5. Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. While hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may aid in neurological healing and support mitochondria, it is often ineffective for directly killing infections based on clinical experiences.
6. Exploring White Blood Cell Counts in Tick-Borne Infections. Chronic infections like Borrelia, Bartonella, or Babesia often cause reduced neutrophil counts, which may normalize over time with effective treatment.
7. Pregnancy Considerations and Tick-Borne Disease Testing. Pregnancy planning was addressed with recommendations for comprehensive infection testing, symptom-tracking, and considerations for treatment strategies that align with maternal and fetal health.
8. Re-testing for Infections to See Where Your Are Is Not Accurate. Retesting for tick-borne infections was deemed unreliable as antibodies can fluctuate; instead, tracking symptoms was suggested as a better measure of disease progression.
9. Indirect vs Direct Testing for Borrelia. Dr. Ross explained the differences in sensitivity between indirect (antibody-based) and direct (PCR or culture) testing methods, emphasizing the limitations of direct tests in chronic infections.
10. Babesia Treatment Length before Pregnancy. Recommendations for treating Babesia included maintaining a five-month treatment course, balanced with probiotics and potential yeast management, to optimize health before pregnancy.
11. Addressing Gastrointestinal Symptoms during Treatment. GI symptoms during antimicrobial treatment were linked to gut flora disturbance and potential yeast overgrowth, calling for probiotics and antifungal options like Nystatin or CapriPlus.
12. Management of Cytokines and Herx Reactions. Elevated cytokines causing inflammation and herx reactions were addressed with anti-inflammatory interventions, including quercetin or curcumin, and glutathione supplementation.
13. Best Ways to Lower Cytokines and to Control Herx. Suggestions to lessen herx reactions included increasing glutathione levels and using quercetin for both anti-inflammatory and mast cell-stabilizing effects.
14. Meaning of a Single White Brain Lesion on MRI. A single white lesion on MRI is typically attributed to aging or limited blood flow rather than Lyme disease, which usually exhibits diffuse demyelination patterns.
15. You Don’t Have to Herx to Make Progress. Not all patients experience herx reactions during treatment, yet progress is still possible, particularly as the germ load decreases over time.
16. Methylene Blue and Its Uses. Methylene blue was recognized as a therapy for both Borrelia and Bartonella due to its efficacy against persister cells, as well as for its FDA-approved use in addressing methemoglobinemia. Go here for a sound warning of methylene blue, which is a man-made monoamine oxidase inhibitor.  Animal and human studies have shown that when monoamine neurotransmitters are over-activated it eventually makes those taking it subdued, apathetic and disengaged from their own feelings, those around them, and life itself.
17. Methylene Blue for Improved Thinking and Mitochondria Function. Beyond pathogen-killing properties, methylene blue improves mitochondrial function, aids ATP production, and has shown promise for reducing brain fog and increasing energy.
18. Potential Risks and Side Effects of Methylene Blue. Risks of methylene blue include bladder irritation, intestinal discomfort, and staining issues, though real-world human risks are minimal when dosed properly.
19. Mitochondrial Function and Repair. Recommendations for repairing mitochondrial damage included supplements like glutathione and ATP 360 to enhance cellular energy production.
20. Exploring Histamine Reactions. Unusual reactions like hives or hyperactive histamine levels during treatment were linked to mast cell activation, which can be managed with stabilizers and antihistamines.
21. Taking Enzymes and EDTA. Potential interactions between enzymes and EDTA supplements were addressed, with Dr. Ross advising additional research to confirm compatibility.
22. Impact of Biocidin on Direct Testing Results. Biocidin, containing antimicrobial ingredients like oregano oil and garlic, may reduce the accuracy of direct tests like PCR by lowering pathogen levels in the blood.
23. Causes of Visual Issues. Neuropathic visual challenges like light sensitivity and convergence insufficiency were discussed as possible symptoms of Bartonella, Borrelia, or mold toxicity.
24. Causes of Air Hunger. Air hunger, frequently caused by Babesia or Bartonella, results from disrupted oxygen delivery due to inflamed red blood cells or reduced red blood cell quantity.
25. Muscle Contractions and Spasms. Severe muscle spasms were linked to magnesium deficiency or neurological irritation, with treatment approaches including supplements and anti-inflammatory support.
26. Thoughts on Steps if You Are Not Getting Better. Persistent illness despite treatment prompted considerations for comprehensive reviews of treatment history and potential alternative strategies like addressing limbic system dysregulation.
27. Role of Limbic System Retraining for Chronic Symptoms. Limbic system retraining methods such as dynamic neural retraining (DNRS) were recommended for addressing chronic illness patterns after addressing active infections.
28. Senescent Cells may Cause Ongoing Inflammation and Chronic Symptoms. Cell senescence caused by infections may perpetuate inflammation, with solutions including senolytics, fasting mimicking diets, and autophagy-promoting supplements.
29. Timing of Limbic System Retraining and Physical Medicine. Brain retraining exercises and somatic therapies are best initiated after active infections are controlled to avoid exacerbating symptoms.
30. Evaluating ZenMen for Bartonella. The herbal formula ZenMen showed promise in addressing Bartonella but lacked sufficient evidence on effectiveness or ingredient concentrations for strong recommendations.
31. Role of Ketotifen for Mast Cell Activation. Ketotifen was highlighted as an effective option for calming histamine-driven nervous system agitation by blocking histamines and stabilizing mast cells

Sign Up for the January Lyme Q&A Series Through LymeUNITED

We’ve Moved. Conversations with Marty Ross MD is located inside the LymeUNITED membership support community. LymeUNITED is now FREE. But you will need to join LymeUNITED and then RSVP to participate in the Wednesday webinar.

• Step 1. Join LymeUNITED for Free
• Step 2. Click “Dr. Ross Q&A Webinar” in the left column navigation menu
• Step 3. Click on the title of the event you want to attend to RSVP and to learn all about Conversations with Marty Ross MD using the live Zoom Room through LymeUNITED.

Join LymeUNITED Now.

Watch Webinar Recordings

You have two options to watch Conversations with Marty Ross, MD Recordings.

1. With Recording Headings and Time Stamp. In LymeUNITED you can watch the recording which includes time stamps and headings to find what you are looking for more easily. Once you are in LymeUNITED go to the “Zoom Event Recordings” located in the left hand navigation menu. Watch on LymeUNITED.(Note: if you are not a member, you will need to join first to watch from the video link above. Join LymeUNITED Now.)
2. No Headings or Time Stamps. Watch on YouTube. This version does not require you sign up for a Free LymeUNITED membership. But, it does not include time stamps or section headings. Watch on YouTube.

Get Help and Support

If you have questions, there are three ways that we can help you.

1. Join LymeUNITED: A Community Powering Health for FREE. This is our online support community hosted by Marty Ross, MD with an active group of supporting members. You don’t have to do it alone.
2. Participate in our free weekly Lyme Q&A webinar called Conversations with Marty Ross MD.
3. Read, or watch our helpful articles in the online Lyme Guide at Treat Lyme by Marty Ross MD.

In Health,

Marty Ross MD