LymeNet Flash: Burning, tingling arms

This is topic Burning, tingling arms - suggestions? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/34688

Posted by LunchIsland (Member # 7423) on :

Hello,

I'm new to this. I was diagnosed with Lyme 4 weeks ago by a LLMD. I've been on Ceftin for 4 weeks. The first week I saw no improvement, the second felt pretty well, and by the 3rd week, I was amazed at how well I felt. Then the 4th week came and my main symptom, burning, tingling "falling asleep feeling" in the arms returned with a vengeance. The achiness in shoulders and stiff neck also returned. Is this normal? I read that it can be at week four. How long will it last? Is there anything that would help (meds) with the burning and tingling? Sometimes I wake up in the night and it feels like there are bands around my forearms. I'm going to call my LLMD tomorrow for advice. I just hope the antibiotics are working!

Thanks,

LunchIsland

Posted by minoucat (Member # 5175) on :

This sounds like a herxheimer reaction, and is occurring at the time) that many people experience herxes. It indicates that the antibiotics are causing die off, which in turn is flooding your body with toxins. You can expect these to reoccur.

There is a good explanation and discussion of herxes at this link:
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/014359.html

Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between herxes and reactions to the med itself. Read up, carefully, on the drug adverse effects and interactions with foods and other drugs.

Detox tea, epsom salts baths, children's benedryl, and liver flushes can help reduce the herx effect -- but sometimes it can get pretty awful. Best of luck.

Posted by minoucat (Member # 5175) on :

I was going to edit, but here I am posting again.

Whatever.

Wanted to say -- welcome to Lymenet, sorry you have to be here. There's a huge amount of information on this board, and an extraordinary range of knowledge. Here's your official welcome -- don't be put off by how much there is to follow up on. Start with

Coinfections http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/021366.html

Dr. B's guidelines http://www.ilads.org/burrascano_1102.html#

Basic Information. http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/011977.html

Then go to the Newbies link and work your way through it..... http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/029917.html

You can use the "Search" function under the "Post New Topic/Post Reply" buttons to look up earlier discussions. Feel free to post any questions you have. Someone here will have experienced something similar, medically, emotionally, legally, insurance wise....

Posted by Laurie (Member # 159) on :

You can have some neurological symptoms from Lyme. Burning, tingling and "tight band" sensations are all common symptoms of neuropathy. This is the biggest problem I have. Neurontin (now it's generic gabapentin) and/or tricyclic antipdepressants such as Elavil should help the symptoms. I wouldn't be able to exist without them.

Posted by Walnut (Member # 6585) on :

I have burning, numbness and tingling sensation in my legs. I find that the only thing that has helped for me is stretching exercises. The stretching also reduces pain my hip and neck.

I had a stretching exercise program developed for me by a physical therapist. I do it every day. If I skip a day for whatever reason, my symptoms are much worse the following day.

Posted by LunchIsland (Member # 7423) on :

Thank-you all for the helpful responses. I just got a prescription for Nortriptyline HCL today so we'll see if it works. Anyone take this and have success? I do like the idea of stretching, however. Up until I got ill a few months ago I was diligent with my daily weight training and treadmill......hoping to get back to it not too far in the future.

LunchIsland

Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :

The achiness in your shoulders and neck can actually be referring the pain into your arms and causing the numbness/tingling. You can sometimes figure this out by pressing down on the tight muscles, and seeing if causes pain in your arm.

Also, see if moving your arms over your head or other direction causes numbness. I find if I have my arms straight above my head, and then move them out, like I'm making a big circle, I go numb right about when my arms are at shoulder level.

I had this pain and tightness build up for years, and I have it under control with Flexeril, a muscle relaxer, and months of stretching and light strengthening. Flexeril works best when taken every day, rather than just when there is pain. It takes time to get aclamated though, and will cause fatigue at first.

Posted by BJG (Member # 4723) on :

Hi
I am sorry you are burning=it is the worst.
One thing that helps my burning, which I have all over my body, are warm baths. I sometimes add espon salt and Hydrogen peroxide.
Neurotin did not touch my pain.
amytriptoline, I take PM. It may help.

You are welcome to email me.
GoodLuck
Peace,
BJG

Posted by Foggy (Member # 1584) on :

Hang in there, mine improved with IV after a couple of months. Neurotin & pain meds did not help this pain. I even tried Alpha Lipoic acid with little results. I hope it improves for you soon.