LymeNet Flash: Muscle Mass Loss

This is topic Muscle Mass Loss in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by Jamierogers1976 (Member # 6319) on :

My Dad was first diagnosised with ALS going on over 3 years from his first symptom. Then they decided he did not have it but they don't know what it was and then they said he had a 50% chance of ALS again and something else. Needless to say I talked him into going to a Lyme Specialist (With a help from a person on this board Carol-Thanks again) and found out he has two strains of Lyme. He has been on an oral and the IV antiobiotics for 30 days today. He has been feeling better but still does not have strength back. He will be on IV for atleast another month and maybe a third.

So my question is: Has anyone experienced muscle loss and gained it back through the IV treatment? And when I mean muscle loss I mean he has a hard time lifting his arm up over his head because of the loss. He looks bony up in the shoulder girdle area. Any feed back would be appreciated!
Thanks in Advance!

Posted by beachcomber (Member # 5320) on :

Jamie:

I had lost 50+ pounds (and I am a small person) while off of abx - relapse. My MD said that I had lost muscle mass and the muscles in my arms and legs had started to atrophy (sp?). I went back on IV and started Treatment for Babs.

I don't believe the IV or any of the medications helped me to regain muscle. I do believe it was because the treatment was enabling me to feel well enough to move and to exercise a bit.

I also changed my diet to include much more protein than I was used to eating (per my Lyme MD). I still eat this way. I eat poultry, some fish, very occassional red meat, tofu and whey protein shakes. I also eat lots of vegetables and unrefined carbs. I eat no sugar or wheat. I eat only organic foods, unless I am a guest at someone's home or in a restaurant.

I am still rebuilding my muscle. It has been 11 months of this. I do yoga, stretching and light weight training.

It will take your father a long time to rebuild the muscle mass. It is a slow but rewarding journey. The abx will help him to feel well enough to move more. However, it will also make him feel sick as a dog at times. Don't let that discourage him. He will have good days and bad days. Patience and perceverence are needed. Start out slow.

[This message has been edited by beachcomber (edited 13 January 2005).]

Posted by HeavenlyHoller1 (Member # 4416) on :

I have muscle loss and atrophy in my left hand.

Started with trigger thumb. Had that operated on and all was fine.

Then my hand became weak. I could not open a bottle cap and it was getting worse.

I went to a specialist and they did testing and not only did I have muscle atrophy but also was losing nerves.

Back to the operating table...no I don't feel anything (just like before) but have a nice six inch scare to show for it.

I had my ulna nerve operated on too..the one in your elbow.

What can I say...

I just hope your father improves.

I have about written off the use of my left hand the way it was before Lyme.

Love, HeavenlyHoller1

Posted by Meemer (Member # 6620) on :

Hey,

I have gone through 1 month IV Rocephin and several months oral Doxy. My leg muscles at one time looked limp, and lacked all tone. I don't know how I could walked on them. I slowly started to regain use and strength.

Have your dad get a personal trainer or physical therapist who will slowly bring him back with very light resistance/weights.

Check out Dr. B, he outlines this kind of approach in his article about Lyme for newbies.

Strength training is key. Diet is too. Nothing too fast. Slow but sure. Good luck. You father will regain his muscle tone I'll bet.

Meemer