As time goes, some of my symptoms are much better, however, my knees never seem to change. They are still painful after different meds for about l4 months of treatment.
Is this a consequence of Lyme? or is there hope for those of us with arthritic knees.
I have never had arthritis before Lyme, then got arthritis ever so fast right after Lyme.
I'm beginning to think I'm stuck with this knee thing.
Anybody's knee pain subside?
Thanks,
lifeline
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
I'm so sorry that you aren't seeing any progress as of yet with your knees...
I DO understand how very painful and debilitating this can be.
My knees were very bad for many years pre-diagnosis.
It took about 7 months of intense treatment to see a regression of that symptom for me.
Of course we are all different with what symptoms affect us the most...
BUT...there is hope! Stay the course, and I do believe that you will see improvement.
Have you tried the various supplements for joint pain?
fish oils plant oils or MSM
These really seem to help many people.
Sometimes, a little light supervised physical therapy to strenghten your leg muscles will also aid with the joint problems.
Pool aerobics is a good way to start...no pressure on the joints while increasing muscle strength and stamia.
Pleas ask your doc about these options and others that may be available to you.
My very best, Melanie
------------------ C O L O R A D O * S U P P O R T * S Y S T E M [email protected]
[This message has been edited by Melanie Reber (edited 18 April 2004).]
Posted by Rita on :
Dr B's protocol for arthritis includes, among other things, 18 MAX EPA fish oil gels per day. Borage oil etc.
I tried it and it helped but I burped fish all day.
Posted by dmcbrayer (Member # 5296) on :
Longevity Science has an Omega-3 fish oil flavored with lemon and rosemary, and it does not leave a fishy taste in your mouth.
My NMD recommended 1 tsp, twice a day.
From what I have read, you do not need a whole lot of omega-3 in your diet (I think between 5-10% of calories or something) and consuming too much omega-3 can do more harm than good.
DMC
DMC
Posted by dmcbrayer (Member # 5296) on :
I meant to say 5-10% of your DAILY caloric intake.
Posted by Lymelighter (Member # 5310) on :
quote:Originally posted by Rita: Dr B's protocol for arthritis includes, among other things, 18 MAX EPA fish oil gels per day. Borage oil etc.
I tried it and it helped but I burped fish all day.
Rita, I took fish oil with Garlic soft gels and it gave me the most foul reflux imaginable. The aftertaste was vile!
Life, my knee pain was unbareable. I had trouble walking on bad days and had to give up sports. After 1.5 yrs of treatment, the knee pain has subsided and I'm back on the treadmill. No if my head & the neuro symptoms were only that responsive...
Posted by SandiB (Member # 1557) on :
Hi Lifeline, Three years ago when I was first diagnosed my knee was swollen twice it size, painful, and I couldn't go up and down stairs. Slowly, after taking the doxy & biaxin for a year along with a product called Nutri Joint from Vitamin Research Products www.vrp.com my knee fully recovered. It took about a year, so you will need to be patient. I also take all the nutrients the others recommended, but I had been taking them before my knee problem, so I believe the Nutri Joint made the difference. Good luck. SandiB
Posted by dharmacleaning (Member # 2114) on :
Glcosamine and Chendroitin ( sorry, I forgot how to spell them!) great stuff, works almost immediately, but you often have to up the dose.I took this for about 8 months, then ran out, and discovered I was pain-free and never did have to take it again. Now take ibuprofen once in a while, and have a prescription for Celebrex if the pain gets bad, which it hardly ever does - I don't know what I did right, but the pain did go away......love dharma
Posted by SandiB (Member # 1557) on :
Exactly...that is what Nutri Joint contains ... Glucosamine , MSM & Chrondrolin Sulfate plus B12, Folic Acid, Molyldemen, Collagin and Silica. Great Stuff! Expect results in a few days. My LLMD recommended it. SandiB
Posted by @keeter (Member # 799) on :
My knees are much, much better than they were when I had Lyme, & better than they were right after finishing longterm Abx treatment, Time will tell. I wish i had something more positive to say, but IMHO, Yes. Your joints will get better in time.
Posted by lifewithlyme (Member # 4557) on :
This is one of my worst symptoms, too. i've been on abx 7.5 months, undx for 4.5 years, so i guess i've got a long way. they are about 50% better since starting treatment, though. i heard aloe juice may help (along with the things everyone else mentioned)...do your knees creak and crack too? mine sure do...hope you feel better soon!
Posted by Mathias (Member # 5298) on :
Creak and Crack! That one of my biggest joint complains and one of my earliest symptoms.
My knees are real bad but my wrists and neck are also very "crunchy". My chest and back sometimes crack too.
The chest and back have seemed to improve some but I'm still waiting on some improvement in my knees.
Posted by lifewithlyme (Member # 4557) on :
I hear that, Mathias; I don't think I have a joint that doesn't snap, crackle, or pop!
Posted by lifeline (Member # 3445) on :
Thanks everyone for this great help.
I already take Salmon oil caps from the Health Food Store. I do take that with food or I'll be tasting it for hours afterwards!
I always try daily to walk outside, weather permitting, even if my knees hurt. Sometimes I can't go very far, though.
SandiB, I'm going to try the Nutri Joint. Thanks for posting the site. It sounds promising.
I was hoping to try to be off abx by summer, but with this joint pain and stiffness, plus constant tinnitus and a few other symptoms still with me, I may rethink.
At least now, I can see I have options to try, thanks to everyone here.
I appreciate all the help.
This surely is the best of all boards.
lifeline
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
Mine hurt for about 8 months but dosent now hang in there.
Posted by lymie tony z (Member # 5130) on :
In as much as I have had infantile parallysis and early onset of arthritis in both knees and have had no cartiledge in either knee due to knee "repairs " performed in 77 and 82 the rejuvenating of joint cartiledge is not an option for me. The injection of synthetic synovial fluid helped for up to a year at a time in left knee but had to have the right knee replaced. I am having the left knee replaced this year. Let the bug "eat steel". The docs said I was crazy but I did get some relief from doxicycline and flagyl when I used them throughout my treatments. The nsaids and steroids are a big no no as they lower the immune system. Something none of us needs. I refuse to take any and all nsaids for pain or any other usees. This is the only thing I've ever used except for a tens machine and or physical aquatic excercise...which the fatigue prohibits. Good luck and God bless.........the zman