I'm doing pretty well off ABX. I take some herbs and supplements. I feel like I am anywhere from 75-90%.
Over 5 months ago I was removing a shrub with large pruners. It probably took me an hour and a lot of muscle. Unfortunately, my elbow has not been the same since.
I have had elbow pain which is probably some kind of inflammation or maybe nerve involvement. If I see a physician I am pretty certain they would recommend a course of steroids.
What would you do at this point? I hate to kick the hornet's nest but would a short course stir up things? Any other suggestions?
I live in the south and enjoy yard work almost year round. When I tried pruning recently, it only aggravated the elbow more.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Please don't go for steroids. They don't help in healing other than for reducing inflammation and there are safer ways to do that which ALSO help in healing tissue.
Steroids also can make our bones just crumble not too long into the future.
Massage, ultra-sound, acupuncture, key anti-inflammatory herbs, magnesium . . . maybe resting or moderately immobilize the joint long enough so it can heal better . . . . There are other ways.
And, yes, IMO, steroids can still be very dangerous for someone who is not yet to a full remission. It could cause a huge set-back. But also, it can turn bones to dust.
Even a "short course" or even a shot, can stick around in the body for about six months to cause trouble. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I think there are suggestions in some of the posts here about what else can be used to relieve pain:
Topic: what do STEROIDS actually do to those with lyme? Risks, long term damage discussed. Links. -
Posted by gz (Member # 43818) on :
All of the above, and a run of physical therapy with a knowledgeable therapist can often work wonders.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Take curcumin 3 times a day first .. and see a physical therapist or acupuncturist.
Just some ideas!
Posted by bluelyme (Member # 47170) on :
Bee stings produce cortisol may aid in inflammation?
Posted by desertwind (Member # 25256) on :
I would stay away from steroids. Not sure of the location of your injury but I had a PRP injection for a full thickness tear of my extendor tendon which helped the healing process quite a bit. Ultra sound guided Protien Rich Plasma injection into elbow. Check it out....
Posted by koo (Member # 30462) on :
Thank you all, message received (and pretty much what I figured)! I will continue to look into alternatives.
Posted by tdtid (Member # 10276) on :
Koo, are you able to share some of the alternatives?
I'm basically knocked in to full term remission but have been having pain totally unrelated to lyme and steroid shots were mentioned.
Since epidural steroid injections were the last straw that sent me over the edge before I had a diagnosis, I know what they can do and I can't go back there as I'm sure you understand.
So yes, I'm very curious as to various options you have stumbled on that may work as a good replacement.
Posted by koo (Member # 30462) on :
tdtid, we sound like we are in very similar situations. And thank you for reiterating that steroids are a no no. I'm going to try curcumin as recommended above.
I also sometimes rub essential oils on the elbow (and knee when I had a problem there) and it seems to offer some relief. I know I am not using the correct combination but I will be trying peppermint oil maybe with helichrysam. I'll let you know how this goes.
Posted by WPinVA (Member # 33581) on :
I wouldn't do it. First because you don't even know if it would help and it would't be worth the risk.
I have had to take steroids a couple of times during Lyme for urgent issues - breathing and allergic reactions. I did ok Lyme wise but then I was also on abx. It did bring back the adrenal issues though, and it took a while to get that to settle back down again.
My conclusion - I would do it again if I had to (breathing, allergic reaction etc) but would - and have - refused them if I did not. In your case, it sounds like there will be other safer options.
Posted by Tammy N. (Member # 26835) on :
Steroids will ruin your health. My Lyme docs have been very clear....never take steroids unless it is for a life or death situation.
Posted by Badtick (Member # 9794) on :
I have been in full remission for many years. I injured my spine last summer and was at a point where I could not function for several months. I agreed to a steroid injection after much deliberation, and in a matter of weeks, it put me into a place with pain I never knew existed. I can honestly say that injection was the worst thing that ever happened to me. I wanted to die.
Needless to say, that's why I'm back here at LymeNet.
Posted by nonna05 (Member # 33557) on :
Koo, Steroids are like gas poured on this disease. I was starting to get better and after shots I went straight down hill BAD<BAD><BAD
I paid dearly for those shots in my back. Posted by MannaMe (Member # 33330) on :
Have you had a chiropractor check your elbow?
My husband has been having pain in his elbow for several months. Last time he saw his chiropractor he asked about his elbow. It was out of place!
After getting it put back in place, it felt better. It still hurts some but not as bad. He thinks he aggravates it by using it.
At his next chiropractor appointment he wants to have his elbow checked again to be sure its still in place.
Posted by tdtid (Member # 10276) on :
Koo, thanks for getting back to me on possible alternatives.
At this point, I KNOW I won't got the steroid route after what happened last time, but I was hoping to know what other options might be.
I've been trying a eucalyptus oil. Nothing that is amazing, but it's a start I suppose and better than the alternative.
Badtick, I honestly can relate to your bad spine. I broke my back in May, was in a brace for six months and still struggling, so I do relate.
I know better than to go with the steroid, but was really glad you spoke up and enforced that.
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