- For reference, I'm talking about a little tab that attached to the earlobe, attached by a fine wire to a little box the size of couple decks of cards.
Another poster here says that helped her.
A regular doctor tried it for me - many years ago with it was brand new - to try to help lessen tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
The experience for me was terrible in that it caused tinnitus to shoot to the moon immediately with severely irritated vertigo -- took months to come back to my normal.
My suggestion is just to start slow. If any kind of irritation is sensed, back off.
If it helps, great. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I am pretty sure that Dr. B is referring to the kind of electrical stimulation used in physical therapy but he states:
no electric stim
in the PT section of his guidelines.
At the top 1/3 of page 32.
#2 . . . Do not use ice or electrical stim . . . --------------------------
Advanced Topics in Lyme Disease (Diagnostic Hints and Treatment Guidelines for Lyme and Other Tick Borne Illnesses
Dr. Burrascano's Treatment Guidelines (2008) - 37 pages
------------ As important as any supplements, sections regarding self-care:
Go to page 27 for SUPPORTIVE THERAPY & the CERTAIN ABSOLUTE RULES
and also pages 31-32 for advice on a safe, non-aerobic exercise plan and physical rehabilitation. -
Posted by opus2828 (Member # 15407) on :
I wonder why no electric stim? I get this at my chiropractor and find it to be helpful.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Talking here -- not so much about the Alpha Stim, as that is much milder than the elec. stim. used by PTs and DCs. -------------------------
Why no electric stim?
I can't say as I've not heard or read that he says why.
I have read (from other LL authors) that spirochetes hate, hate, hate VIBRATION and will burrow deeper in the body to try to get away and, perhaps to into a protective cyst form to try to calm the effects of vibration that is an irritant to them.
I'm guessing this might be a reason.
Still, although you clearly sense benefit from it, you may want to ask your LLMD about it to be sure it may not be causing the formation of more cysts -- or for whatever OTHER reason Dr. B may have this caution.
ADRENAL stress may be a reason (or maybe the heart?). If the body is getting strong electrical pulses from those PT kind of stim machines (and they can be very strong and confusing for the body) . . .
then it may be that stress hormones are "told to pump out" compensating hormones.
I've had electric stim at a couple different P.T.s, D.C.s (before I knew about lyme) . . . and even electric acupuncture session (very mild currents attached to acupuncture needles.
For myself, having seizures already before these appointments, seizure activity got worse afterward for days.
I had horrible - just horrible and long lasting - ill effects from each session. Probably about 8 sessions in total over a couple years' time.
Finally, when the seizures started hitting during the treatment, I got the message to stop. I had pushed though feeling awful, just hoping the elec. stim would help. Just the opposite.
I was bed-ridden for weeks after each time but I never made any connection. I think all that "excitement" & "activity" was just more than my body could manage - with untreated lyme at that time.
Still, if it helps YOU, I'd not give up on it. Just talk to your LLMD to be sure. -
Posted by opus2828 (Member # 15407) on :
Thank you Keebler. I think it helps me but I am going to pay more attention to it the next time I get it.
And I will ask my LLMD as well.
Posted by MattH (Member # 30846) on :
Dr K recommends electocranial stimulation. It is a 300 dollar device from Little Tree Group. I use it for 30 minutes at a time about 5 times a week.
It helps with anxiety for me and my sons.
All the Best, MattH
Posted by surprise (Member # 34987) on :
Hi- I was wondering if anyone had more feedback on this.
I went to a counselor/therapist this morning, as I've had grief come up lately around my daughter.
They are using this alpha stim in their practice with success, and you can try it there daily for a few weeks to see if it's effective-
I did it today, may try to get some days in next week, as it is accumlitive.
Thanks--
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Great to hear that, surprise.
Last week, there was a good thread discussing TENS.
I'm thinking that Alpha-Stim and TENS are not in the same category as other electrical stimulation therapy that should be avoided, though effects even with the lighter styles can still vary from person to person.
Topic: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) -
Posted by StephenC (Member # 15171) on :
quote:Originally posted by lotus2686: I went to my LLmd yesterday and she gave me this electrotherapy. I feel like it relieved my depression and mostly my anxiety.
She tells me it has a cumulative effect. This sounds promising. Especially if I can get off some or all of my psych meds.
(I believe bartonella lyme parasites and whatever else is the case for my mood disorders / thinking disorders?)
any one ever buy one and use it therapeutically?
they are quite expensive as well so any advice would be amazing
thanks!
My Psychiatrist, in 2008, suggested I use Alpha Stim for my anxiety/derealization. I used the device every day for about two months and I did not notice any effect on my symptoms. Thankfully, I was within the return policy, at the time, and was able to get all my money back from buying the machine.
It should be noted that I was VERY sick in 2008 and had 20+ concurrent symptoms. So it's possible I wouldn't notice any benefit. Today I only have two or three lingering symptoms and might notice something if I tried it again.
If you do you have an anxiety problem and drugs & mindfulness work/feedback therapy/etc. doesn't work for you, it's probably worth a try. The machine, at least in 2008, was very expensive so make sure you are able to return it in 30 or 60 days, or something, if it doesn't work for you.
Good luck!
Posted by surprise (Member # 34987) on :
Thanks for the feedback--
I'm not sure, either- I will try it out some days next week, and see.
They are selling the machine for $450, and laying out more money is not what we should be doing- but since I'm able to trial it, I guess I'll check it out.
Posted by DaveNJ (Member # 17362) on :
Hey Lotus...i'm guessing we have the same doctor. i do in fact own one....i don't ever see it repalcing meds....but it has helped me many times...i use it at bedtime and assist in gettting you sleepy...i bought minbe a year ago and use it 3 times a week...for sure it takes the edge off....
i haven't used xanax in 14 months so i guess that's something.
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
Alpha stim is PART of a treatment called Micro Current Therapy. It's only one part - the other part is done by a trained therapist, and is used successfully for treatment of pain and brain fog. I had numerous sessions done on my head, and for me, it worked like a charm every time. Wanna see a walking vegetable? I usually left my sessions so relaxed my right eye would droop (and I would kid around and ask for brownies )
However, I did not just use the Alpha Stim. Anxiety wasn't my issue - mine was always pain related. I do think it helped me get my brain back for sure.
Posted by surprise (Member # 34987) on :
Fortunately, treating Bartonella has relieved me of constant inner anxiety, and I also am relatively pain free.
I am experiencing some depression, accepting my daughter has some autism that is lifelong, and I am the caregiver, and cannot fix it.
Part of me is put out going to a therapist with this issue, being told a new device which I can try out for $15 a session,
then purchase for $450. Being taken for more $ is depressing me further.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
)