What supplements are good for reducing inflammation? Energy? Any work better for you than others?
Friend has been on prednisone (yes, she knows that's a no-no with Lyme, but Lyme has only recently come to her attention as a possibility).
Doc is taking her off of the pred, but she is feeling worse off of it than she did on.
What options does she have supplement-wise that might help her adjust?
Thanks for any input.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- #1: So, as you mention lyme is suspect, can she get to an ILADS-educated LLMD for a good diagnostic work-up?
#2: Sadly, she will likely feel far less that chipper for some time. She may also experience sudden shifts in mood. Prednisone (on and afterward) had me flat-out suicidal at times, breaking into deep sobs at the drop of a hat. And that is not normal for me, at all - but I learned later that it is what many report with its use.
It took me a very long time to get the steroids out of my system. One author says it can take six months. But, at that time, I knew nothing about all that is posted here. When I finally embraced some of these methods, I felt better.
The energy drop is hard and fast after steroid use, too. More rest is required. Being gentle with one's self helps as might a professional massage if she can afford that.
It is a big adjustment and excellent self-care really matters. However, some of the things below should really help.
I'm not a doctor but what here is what I would do (and sure wish I had known at the time I was on the "prednisone mistake train" (as long as her gallbladder is in good shape) she might start with Curcumin and Cordyceps. MAGNESIUM, too.
If her gallbladder is stressed, a little turmeric is better than the stronger extract strength of Curcumin. Organic is best.
* A Gluten-Free diet really helps and is vital to decrease inflammation.
For Lyme pateints, adequately addressing all the infections and getting enough rest is vital. Along the way, in addition to infection Rx, here are some wonderful articles: ---------
Nutritional Supplements in Disseminated Lyme Disease
J.J. Burrascano, Jr., MD (2008)
========================
This book, by an ILADS member LLMD, holds great information about treatments options and support measures, including those to help adrenal/endocrine function:
The Potbelly Syndrome: How Common Germs Cause Obesity, Diabetes, And Heart Disease (Paperback) - 2005
by Russell Farris (Author), Per Marin (Author)
Much about stress reactions here. - you can read customer reviews at the link. Attention is given to lyme and other chronic stealth infections however, it does not go into details about solutions.
===========================
This is not a lyme book.
This book has only one reference to lyme (in the historical use of sarsarparilla for another spirochetal infection). However, it is a vital first book to read - or a reference - for anyone interested in understanding nutritional methods.
Search for Ashwagandha; Cordyceps; Siberian Ginseng in this book:
Graciously, much of this book is on line. It can also be purchased from this site or through Amazon where you can look inside the book and see many customer reviews.
Afternoon naps are often absolutely required, as per Dr. B's self-care guidelines.
Being GLUTEN-FREE can make a huge different with endurance and mood related to adrenal exhaustion. Many LLMD require their patients to be gluten-free, for good reason. -
Posted by Vermont_Lymie (Member # 9780) on :
Eleuthero (siberian ginseng) has worked well for me and is one of the key recommended Buhner herbs.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Cactus, With kidney issues, she should be sure to avoid ibuprofen. -------------
Ibuprofen, kidney+damage - 6 abstracts -
Posted by arauch2008 (Member # 17911) on :
All thanks for the help. Cactus was actually posting for me. In part because she knows my story very well and knows i am so down and out sick right now getting all the post in I need is nearly impossible.
keebler, I pose this you:
I have stage 3 renal failure. Only one kidney. I have worked closely with a nephrologist and now have been "released" until I hit stage 2. But one huge NO NO are trying herbs, vitimans and supplements.
Anotehr issue is that I react allergic to many herbs, vitimans and supplements.
I have been ill chronically for 4 years. With it being suspected to be lupus. Please read my post lymes or lupus on this bb I put up today. thanks!
Posted by arauch2008 (Member # 17911) on :
Also, since I am under debate of lyme or lupus.....do lyme patients respond well to steriods? I mean a nearly total clearing of all symptoms? With steriods I am "almost normal".
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Your friend reported that you were " . . . feeling worse off of it [prednisone] than she did on. . . "
Was this an accurate account? If worse when you come off steroids, that's a very important clue. -
Posted by arauch2008 (Member # 17911) on :
Well i do feel worse, but when i say worse I mean worse than I feel on it, back to the same old things as my normally sick self...haha. So not worse as in worse than before taking them. Does that make sense and help any?
Without them I have the foloowing: joint pain and swelling extreme lymphnode pain and swelling muscle pain and cramping fevers daily fatigue
those are just a few and the main things that END on steriods.
When i get off steriods within days my symptoms return and then progressively get worse again.
Posted by Lemon-Lyme (Member # 19229) on :
Maybe ask your doctor about taking fish oil to reduce inflammation. I am not sure if it's recommended for those with renal failure, but it's not exactly a dangerous herb.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- A gluten free diet, an anti-inflammatory diet with lots of color and maybe just enough garden spices will work well to lessen inflammation. Of course, if infection is involved, while a good Mediterranean style diet (but gluten-free) is essential, the infection would have to also be addressed. -
Posted by massman (Member # 18116) on :
Would a strong enzyme like Wobenzyme be indicated ?