Does anyone else have this problem? I am wondering what it specifically relates to.
I noticed it first starting over a decade ago, long before I was diagnosed or disabled. Friends had a hot tub, but whenever I got in it I would become overwhelmed with air hunger where I had get out or sit on the edge facing the breeze after less than 5 minutes.
Now, just getting in my own shower does the same thing to me. I have noticed it being worse since I started Red Root Extract. When I take a bath I can't have the water too hot or I can't breathe. It feels like I am suffocating or trying to breathe through a hot wet washcloth. Very wierd. Any ideas about causes of this?? Thanks for any help:)
I can only imagine that those in hot humid climates must really suffer.
I was diagnosed with Lyme and Babesia Duncani within the last month, but have had symptoms for years (diagnosed FM/CFS 15 yrs).
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
Interesting; I've always had this problem but never related it to Lyme. I have the exact same symptoms/feelings you describe.
I can't even stand getting a facial; the part where they blow steam in your face makes me feel like I'm suffocating.
Posted by adamm (Member # 11910) on :
Sometimes when I get really overheated--neither of the LLMD's
I've seen think I have babs, though.
Posted by lymeHerx001 (Member # 6215) on :
I have been through this with the LLMD before.
Years ago I would notice that I would get very tired and my eyes red from a shower.
Then it progressed to burning of the skin and achiness after a shower.
My LLMD said its something with the cytokines in the immune system becoming activated by the hot water.
I think it might just be the mold issue too. Showers are notorius for mold of which I get those symptoms.
Hope this helps!
Posted by m0joey (Member # 13494) on :
hi jam,
the hot water dilates our blood vessels, which rapidly leads to the orthostatic intolerance you're experiencing. It's like standing up with blood rushing downward even faster than it usually does.
-joey
Posted by jam338 (Member # 14002) on :
hi Joey, nice to hear from you again! Thanks for explaining this strange phenomenom. I plan to bring it up to our LLMD at my next visit. I'll email you on what he says:)
Joey are you still taking the Biotech Cell Guard supplements with the elements mentioned by Dr. Cheney as being important precursor elements? I completely forgot about following through on that until today. My brain went into overload after first learning I have Lyme and Babesia Duncani so I lost perspective on those discussions we were having on the other board.
Posted by scared08 (Member # 14695) on :
Hi Jam,
I've been meening to reply to this for a while; sorry for the delay! I don't know if I can be of any help, but I'll share my experience with you in hopes that it will help.
Just like you, which is kind of ironic, I too have lyme and Babesia WA 1 which I'm pretty sure is Duncai.
I was infected 18 yrs. ago; the original typical sx of flu, joint pain, fever, rash etc...lasted about 2 months. They dx me with Lupus. However after feeling somewhat better with small sx here and there.
I started to notice the same thing!! I remember going into a suana and I couldn't breath and was so weak, I could barley walk. Then I went in a hot tub, same reaction!!! Friends had to help me out as I didn't have the strength to get out. Then the hot/warm baths---same thing.
So silly now that this went on for years and I never thought anything of it; over a decade like you. I finally mentioned it to my Dr. and then the dx of M.S. was made.
After finally being dx 2 and 1/2 years ago, they did a 24hr urine hormone and endocrine test. As it turned out, this was the cause!!!
As far as me, my Adrenal gland, pitutary, hypo-thalumas, everything was not working. All of these gland produce hormones to regulate your heart rate, B.P.; well just about everything! So as a result, your body is unable to adjust to the tempature change.
I have to take warm showers with a box fan in the bathroom. NO HOT TUBS, BATHS, OR SAUNAS! And your right, living in a humid very hot enviroment is difficult. On a good day if I can make it to the river, I have to keep my legs in the water or I'm done!
Please talk to LLMD and have a 24hr urine like what I had. It can't hurt and it may help you a great deal.
Sorry this is so long! It was interesting to see someone with the exact same sx's! I wanted you to know that you're not alone and you need to discuss it with your Dr.
Take care!
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
I use too I noticed if I turned the hot water down so the water was just warm I did better.
Posted by lymeHerx001 (Member # 6215) on :
Hot water feels beter at first, but then I get sicker afterwards.
I was also thinking of the toxins in the water being absorbed in larger quantities by the skin because of the heat.
Posted by johnnyb (Member # 7645) on :
Jam,
Just like you and scared, I also have Lyme and Babesia Duncani.
Especially before Babesia treatment, I got the "can't breathe well" feeling while taking a warm shower, like I was suffocating.
It should improve with treatment. Hope this helps.
In the meantime, lecithin may help the air hunger symptoms. You can get it in any health food store.
- J
Posted by jam338 (Member # 14002) on :
Scared and Johnny, interesting that we share such similar and odd symptoms....but, maybe it is not as odd as we have thought since at least 3 of us seem to share very similar symptoms with it! I'll try adding some lecithin in and see if that helps, thanks Johnny for that suggestion!
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
I have POTs and NMH and a hot shower or bath can lead to increased air hunger
Or shortness of breath along with flushing of my neck and top of my chest.
I guess I should add more cold water to the mix,
But I am usually so cold (hands and feet) when I get there,
I just can't wait to get warmed up.
I am treating for babesia/Lyme and bartonella.
I may have to live with this though chronically,
Even when I get to remission with Lyme and Co.
Good news while debilitating, it is not fatal.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Could also be MOLD or the fragrances in your soaps or shampoos!!!!
I think it was fragrances that caused mine, because I switched to unscented stuff and no longer have the problem.
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