LymeNet Flash: Back pain & leg numbness

This is topic Back pain & leg numbness in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by janeymae (Member # 7018) on :

Recently diagnosed, just starting first treatment. Had decompression laminectomy in June to relieve back pain, but have not recovered, actually getting worse, is it possible the Lyme is affecting the nerves that should have recovered? Done physical therapy, cortizone injections, any suggestions as to where to go now? I don't have a LL doctor as yet.

Posted by chainsaw joseph (Member # 6611) on :

Are you from southeast mass?Just curios,Im from New Bedford and have had lyme for almost three years.Lyme can do anything,I have numb legs and legs that are weak and dont want to work right at time.You need help with finding docs around here I would be happy to help.

Posted by DJP (Member # 5893) on :

Here are some links to get you started. Others who may have similar symptoms will probably be along to answer your questions.

The Basics.. http://www.lymepa.org/Basics2004v4_3.pdf

Newbie links http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/029917.html

Good luck

Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :

Hello and welcome.

In my experience, it seems that Lyme attacked parts of my body that had been injured previously. I.e. sudden flare-up of neck pain herniated discs from car accident 15 years earlier. I even had a cervical epidural to try to relieve the pain (to no avail).

I've seen others with the same issue. The cortizone shots probably only weakened your immune system.

I can only suggest

1. Find an LLMD as soon as possible

2. If you haven't already done so, get rid of the spring mattress and try one of the alternatives out there. I got an air-filled bed (SleepNumber) and it made all the difference in the world. No pressure points on the body.

Good luck to you and come back often.

------------------
Julie G.
___________
lymeinhell

Posted by Foggy (Member # 1584) on :

This is a tough call. My LLMD said Lyme can effect the Sacraliliac joint and cause back pain, as can a herniated disc or irritated nerve. What does the MD who performed the Laminectomy think?

Definately seek opinions from a LLMD. Neuro & ortho MDs love steroids for pain but are generaly not aware how they may adversely effect those with Lyme. They were not helpful for me, in fact made things much worse.

TENS and months of PT was helpful for my nerve pain. I haven't tried prolotherapy or Vax-D.

Posted by janeymae (Member # 7018) on :

Thank you all for info. Please email me with any LLMDs in the New Bedford/Plymouth/Wareham area of southeastern Mass. I'm willing to travel, but would prefer someone close if possible.

Posted by Cheryl (Member # 75) on :

Welcome to LymeNet!

Here is some additional info you may be interested in:
http://www.lymeinfo.net/pain.html
http://www.lymeinfo.net/patients.html

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Lyme Disease Information By Email:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lymeinfo/
Lyme Disease Information Online:
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Posted by Sue vG (Member # 3143) on :

Welcome to Lymenet!

I have a very strong opinion on this, and I also happen to have a lot of first-hand, painful experience with this.

I ignored the warning signs of back trouble, chalking the pain up to lyme and lyme alone. The "attacks" got more severe, but I pressed through them.

Then one day in 2003, an enormous, pain-of- 10-on-a-scale-of-10 spasm went down one leg and took it out from under me. The other side went a few minutes later. I could not get up off the floor.

After the weekend, I had a laminectomy for a ruptured disk at L4-L5.

9 months later I started to get more back pain. Then one day as I was doing physical therapy exercises, it "went" again. Long story short, the disk had reruptured, and looked as bad on the MRI as it did on the presurgical MRI.

SO, it is possible to have lyme disease AND ongoing/recurring back problems. Do NOT ignore a recurring pain just because you think it's your lyme.

Good luck,

Sue

Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :

WELCOME To LYMENET

Here's more goodys! A typical response to newcomers.

Hi and WELCOME! Get a LLMD or at least Dr that is willing to learn about lyme. Borrelia Burgdorferi is a clinical diagnosis, based on symptoms and on your response to treatment. Good Luck, bumpy road ahead.

Post for a LLMD in Seeking a Doctor. Ps remember I am not a Dr, just a fellow sufferer.

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