LymeNet Flash: Steroids during treatment?

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Steroids during treatment?

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Author

Topic: Steroids during treatment?

kitkat32
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9682

posted

I know that steroids are a HUGE no no..but, I just started a 6 day dose pack on Tuesday.

The reason for it is this terrible migraine/tension headache I have had for 3 weeks straight.

My neuro..who does not treat my lyme..started me on it. He tryed every other medication to relieve my pain and nothing worked.

He was afraid I would end up having a stroke from the constant dilation then constriction of my blood vessels.

I put a call into my LLMD but I had to leave a message and have not heard back.

The head pain is relieved a bit but I still have very sore temples and the arteries below my occipital bone are still sore to touch.

The stabbing head pain has been reduced to about 10-15 a day.

I know your not supposed to do this but the word stroke talked me into it.

My lyme symtpoms have not increased yet while taking this but I am scared of that.

I didn't know what to do and still am confused.

Anyone else ever had to do this?

kit

Posts: 655 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Jul 2006 | IP: Logged |

merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041

posted

I took prednisone for a month during treatment. SOmetimes they are needed. Nothing bad happened to me and I am actually off abx right now.

I would take the pred again if I needed to. it saved my life.

melissa

Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007 | IP: Logged |

lundeliz
Member
Member # 10806

posted

I took prednisone for 6 months during my lyme treatment, for lung problems. I stayed on the antibiotics also. I was scared, too, but I think sometimes there's not much choice. Best of luck to you

Posts: 72 | From SW Texas | Registered: Dec 2006 | IP: Logged |

kitkat32
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9682

posted

I am glad to hear that others have had to do this with no negative effects.

I have never experienced head pain for so long...ever!

I have been pretty much confined to my couch with a moist heating pad for weeks.

The steroids haven't relieved it completly but has made it more tolerable.

I don't know what to do next if this doesn't work.

I am starting to wonder if I have some sort of vasculitis because of the pain in the temples and the back of my head.

My latest sed rate was normal but that was before the pain.

I just don't know what to do anymore.

It is really taking it's toll emotionally on me. Just waiting for something to burst in my head.

So scared at this point.

Thanks, kit

Posts: 655 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Jul 2006 | IP: Logged |

sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270

posted

I took decadron for several weeks while taking a break from antibiotics. Long story!

I don't think it set me back any.

Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

It's best to be on abx at the same time if possible. I had to take steroids once during treatment for 2 wks. Was OK.

Hope your headaches get better and better and that you won't have any ill effects later from the steroids.

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96227 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

kitkat32
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9682

posted

Thanks everyone. My headache is improved but still not gone.

I tried the chiropractor today. He said my muscles in my neck, shoulders and head were extremely tight.

He just pressed on a couple of spots and I howled. He went easy on me and gave me a nice massage.

I hope that will help some too.

Only 2 more days on the steroid. Guess I had to take my chances like all of you had too.

Thanks for your support....kit

Posts: 655 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Jul 2006 | IP: Logged |

LymeNetPerson
Member
Member # 23588

posted

Steroids were terrible for me. I won't take them ever again. As a nurse friend explained it to me the steroids help create a condition favorable to the Lyme.

--------------------
Bitten about 20 years ago and untreated until Aug 09

Posts: 43 | From Midwest | Registered: Dec 2009 | IP: Logged |

Amanda
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14107

posted

I got one shot of steriods in my neck, and it triggered a whole new set of symptoms that I still am trying to get rid of (and it didn't hlep my neck pain either). Although, in my case, it was a shot of steriods directly into my blood stream, which is more concentrated than your oral steriods

They say if you have to do steriods, that its a good idea to up your abx dose. If your on orals, consider doing some abx shots, and myabe that will help prevent it from spreading.

--------------------
"few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example" - Mark Twain

Posts: 1008 | From US | Registered: Dec 2007 | IP: Logged |

kitkat32
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9682

posted

Thank you all for your kind replies. I am sorry we have all head to deal with the uncertainty of different medications.

I have an LLMD appt. on Tuesday and Babesiosis has been suggested to me. I will be asking him his thoughts on testing for this.

Today is my "surprise" nursing graduation party. Hubby decided to tell me because I haven't been feeling good. The party will go on though since he worked so hard.

Thanks again everyone.

P.S. Also thanks to my little watching angel [Smile]

kit

Posts: 655 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Jul 2006 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

A steroid SHOT is a whole other ballgame. THAT can REALLY set off the Lyme. I've heard many horror stories here.

I guess the dosage is pretty high with those. If you have to take steroids, keep it as low as possible. Doctors like to do overkill with the stuff.

Babesia was my worst headache maker!!!!

Happy Graduation!!! [hi]

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96227 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

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