I have this ongoing question about how bad steroids and high elevation really are for Lyme.
My theory is that the combination of these caused my severe relapse. But, does anyone know if that's a valid theory?
I spent an entire ski season driving back and forth to Lake Tahoe (elevation 4600ft, 10,000ft at summit). A few months later, I hiked Mt. Shasta (Elevation 14,000ft).
2 weeks after Mt. Shasta, I took a round of prednisone for a chronic sinus infection.
I got knocked down HARD. I ended up with bedspins. My vertigo remained so bad that I fell down, and the doctor told me I was unsafe to drive. So, I went on disability and there I've remained. Within a month, I could barely even get out of bed.
So, was it likely the elevation or the steroids? Or was it just time for my Lyme bugs to reactivate? I did test positive for an acute infection from Igenex within 2 months of this episode. And, it's unlikely I got bitten, since Shasta was covered in snow when we hiked it.
Any ideas?
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Steroids depress your immune system.
It is possible you were in remission, then the prednisone gave the bb an opportunity to get going.
Could be a combination of physical stress (climbing, skiing, etc) and the steroids too.
There are some members here who have stated that steroids have caused permanent damage
When used when you have Lyme disease.
Of course, this is just my very humble guesstimations.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by Patrick (Member # 8108) on :
My bet is the steroids. I made the mistake of getting an injection for shoulder pain last October and within three days I went into a full relapse. Its now nearly June and my symptoms still persist but at less intensity than they were and my stamina has yet to fully return. Since I live in Florida I can definitely rule out elevation as being the cause.
My suggestion to evereyone with Lyme is to follow Dr B's advise and never ever take a steroid if you can avoid it. I know I never will again.
Posted by ByronSBell 2007 (Member # 11496) on :
Your theory is correct.
Posted by Keshvara (Member # 13599) on :
My personal experience... I totally agree.
In Jan 06 I was hospitalized for 8 days with pericarditis and pericardial effusions and pneumonia. Even though I told them repetitively that I'd had Lyme, they treated me with predinisone. It took another 4 months to recover from that. 2 months later my Lyme reappeared after 7 years and knocked me on my *** .
I started to do research. Even the the LAWYERS know that steroids are the WORST thing to treat with for someone who has Lyme because of this.
AND.... as far as cardio issues and Lyme... they've known about the correlation since (I'm not kidding) '80's. Printed in the peer-reviewed cardio journals.
Posted by InADaze (Member # 7711) on :
Isn't it ironic that I was in the best shape of my life (since High school) just a couple weeks before I got knocked on my butt. And now it's a huge effort to brush my teeth, forget go climb a mountain.
Thanks for the replies. I knew steroids were bad, but I guess I forgot because I was so focused on knocking out the sinus infection that I'd had for 6 months. I'll never do that again (I hope!).
How bad is elevation for Lyme I wonder? I may have to sell my current house and move to something smaller/cheaper, and I'm wondering if I need to stay at sea level.
![[bonk]](graemlins/bonk.gif)
I ended up with bedspins. My vertigo remained so bad that I fell down, and the doctor told me I was unsafe to drive. So, I went on disability and there I've remained. Within a month, I could barely even get out of bed.![[Smile]](smile.gif)