As you might know, when taking creatine the idea is to transport it into your muscles via a spike in insulin.
Insulin can only be released in high amounts(naturally)through a high glycemic carb taken by itself.No being on a low carb diet you are somewhat restricted.(even the juice you where taking with the creatine isn't really the ideal carb to transport the creatine)
So you could try creatine in straight water which would give you 'some' results. If you are adament about the low carb diet then you could try a product called Vanadyl sulphate.This product I have tried personally (with creatine and Dextrose though)and I found it to be excellent.

Regarding your Loss of strength.
when you increase protein you get an incraesed amount of urea in your blood also you start to leach calcium out of your muscles faster than normal. Not to get to technical but this causes a drop in strength.Usually you will find you can't quite do as many reps as normal as oppossed to a huge reduction in strength in the first 3-4 reps.
Carbs being one of main energy sources for weigh training(as well as creatine) you are restricting your self with carbs therefor not as strong.
The old saying goes'you cant have your cake and eat it too'