Hi. I was wondering if anyone had any tips for severe aching all over(arms, legs, stomach muscles, head, back). I have been feeling like I have the worst flu on the planet for about 8 weeks now and it seems to be getting worse.
I do not want to rely on painkillers all the time, and I haven't had huge success with epsom salt baths. I am on treatment now, bicillin shots and I am starting tindamax this weekend, but I was wondering if anyone had any home remedy kind of tips in the meantime that might help ease this excruciating pain.
Thanks, Jess.
Posted by YinYang (Member # 36358) on :
I'm sorry to hear you are in so much pain. Beyond the detox baths, perhaps a bit more detoxing would help. If you recently started the bicillin then the aching may be a herx reaction. I wish I could help more. Hope you start feeling better soon!
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
How long ave you been on bicillin jess?
Posted by chastain (Member # 34236) on :
Thanks everyone. Yin, I have only been on the bicillin 2 weeks. The aching I think is more related to the lyme and coinfections that I am suffering from more than a herx at this point. I do agree that detoxing is something I need to seriously look into, though. I am literally in so much pain I cry at times. Jess.
Posted by SickLYme (Member # 34104) on :
I am sorry to hear this. I am also going through the same thing these last few days. Going to work is so painful. Just driving on the road kills my muscles and bones. I have cried these last few days. We just have to stay strong!
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
Have you tried Zyflamend (made by New Chapter)? It's an herbal anti-inflammatory, which sounds like the type of pain you are experiencing. I swore by it when I was really sick,and took it 3 times a day. It's pretty easy to find nowadays. Most vitamin places are carrying it.
If you can't find it, Vitaminshoppe.com has it online and also in their stores.
Posted by chastain (Member # 34236) on :
Thanks for the suggestion. I will look into this! I appreciate it. Jess.
Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
chastain, you might consider your body is screaming TOXIC. Help me release some garbage.
Detox, detox and more detox. When the major organs are overloaded they will make the entire body feel like a toxic dump.
Just another way of looking at the big picture. Lots of reading on this site about ways to detox.
Pam
Posted by desertwind (Member # 25256) on :
I agree with the detox theory. When my liver e.'s were high the body /flu like pain in my bones and muscles got so much worse.
I have taken a abx. break and working on detox and that horrible body pain has gone almost completely away.
IMO, you could be killing the ketes faster then your body can keep up with. IR Sauna available to you?
Candidas makes me feel that way as well. Treating for parasites?
Posted by chastain (Member # 34236) on :
desert, my liver enzymes are normal, as is kidney function. Additionally, this severe pain began when i was OFF all antibiotics. I think detoxing is critical, however. But I think this pain is originating from the lyme and coinfections, in my case.
My candida levels are getting lower and lower each month, so I don't think yeast is a factor, but who knows. This is such a puzzling illness, it is hard to know what is causing anything sometimes.
I just really hope this pain eases soon. I am still dealing with severe vertigo and GI issues, but I have never been in this kind of steady and unrelenting chronic pain until now. It is absolutely horrible. Thanks again for the suggestions, they are appreciated. Jess.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Sounds like babesia.
Map.. I remember when you were in so much pain. So glad it went away!!
Posted by Bugg (Member # 8095) on :
If you don't have issues with high calcium levels, then I would start taking at least 4000 ius of vitamin d a day for pain...
Especially if you have toothache like pain in your legs...
Posted by Kudzuslipper (Member # 31915) on :
Jess, I am so sorry to read this. 8 weeks is a long time to have unrelenting pain. Do you feel soothed at least while in the warm bath? I found that if the Epsom bath was too hot it made me feel worse. But a slightly warmer than body temp helped. You need to use at least 4 cups Epsom, I also add 1/2 a bottle of peroxide and/or baking soda.
You are much stronger than me... I felt that way in may, and and started taking Cymbalta. It actually helped with the pain quite a bit.
Feel better Jess. You deserve a good week or two.
Posted by PhillyLyme (Member # 26468) on :
Something that seems to be working for me is to go on a grain free, dairy free diet...
I did not believe the hype at first but a paleo / whole9 type diet has improve my issues more than anything else
Posted by chastain (Member # 34236) on :
Philly, I can't be on a totally grain free diet. I am already dangerously underweight. I am gluten free though, and have been for a long time now. Kudzu, thanks a lot. I appreciate the kind words. Yes, the pain is awful .I am hoping for a turnaround soon. Jess.
Posted by sparkle7 (Member # 10397) on :
Yeah, I started going through this lately, too. It's really difficult. I started taking Rain-tree A-P. I think it's hitting something but I'm not sure what. I haven't done the tests. It might be babs or some other bug like FL1953.
You might want to try a generic Excedrin type OTC medicine. It helps me sometimes. They took Excedrin off the market for some reason. The combination of things in Excedrin seems to help me.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion but I wouldn't be afraid of pain meds. They can really help. It's not good to have to endure chronic pain - it can be counter-productive. The same goes for non-stop herxing. Maybe take a break & come back to it...?
I've usually taken herbs - so it's not a big issue to stop & start if it gets too bad. I'm not sure how it is with drugs.
Some people take Nutrimedix Burbur or Alka-seltzer gold for herxing. How about saunas? Infrared light can help with pain. There are a few Korean sauna places in NY/NJ. They have some great saunas, steam rooms & hot & cold tubs.
Sparkle, I have a hard time with OTC pain relievers, as I have suffered from ulcers recently and my stomach is still a mess.
I think you may have a point about the pain meds. I am trying to avoid regular use of prescription painkillers but you are correct when you say that dealing with this high level of pain all the time is counter-productive. I am literally hurting 24/7 at this point. I appreciate the info about the saunas as well. Jess.
Posted by sparkle7 (Member # 10397) on :
I never thought I'd be "the kind of person" who had to take pain meds... You don't know until you actually go through it. I think they can be a big help when used appropriately. The long term consequences of dealing with pain is not necessary to go through. It doesn't make you stronger - it just wears you down.
It risks are minimal if you take the meds for pain management. You may just need to watch out if you have a stomach problem, though. I don't know anything about that or what you have to avoid. I usually would eat a little before taking any medication.
Posted by chastain (Member # 34236) on :
Thanks Sparkle, I really appreciate it. Yes the pain is simply exhausting. I agree I don't feel stronger or more stoic for suffering like this, I just feel wrecked and wretched. Thank you again for the kind words. Jess.
Posted by pme (Member # 31621) on :
Just want to say I am sorry and I know how you feel. It is just awful to be in constant pain. It migrates and doesn't seem to let up. It is so frustrating.
Hang in there and let us know how you are doing.
Posted by chastain (Member # 34236) on :
pme-thank you so very much! Jess.
Posted by sparkle7 (Member # 10397) on :
No problem. I hate to hear about people going through this. I hope it passes quickly.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Glutathione may help. I take it when I'm herxing, having horrible fluey feeling and body aches. It really helps me.
This is one thing that I forget how much it helps until I run out and miss it terribly. I won't run out again any time soon!
Posted by chastain (Member # 34236) on :
Sammy, I just started glut IV shots once a week. This week was my third week. My dr has me on a lower dose though and I am going to ask him to increase this week. Thanks, Jess.
Posted by SewGraced (Member # 36986) on :
My husband is also taking Bicillin injections and Tindamax. He also struggles with achy body and flu like symptoms. He drinks lots of lemon water, takes extra magnesium, and follows tips from a link I will try to attach. Hope this helps.
Thank you so much sewgraced! I hope yr husband gets better soon. Jess.
Posted by trubeee (Member # 34030) on :
From someone who has excruciating pain 24/7 let me tell you that if I had a good pain mgt specialist I would dive in - and this is from someone who never took a pill in her life. I'm on gabapentin but it's not enough. Time to give your weary body a break, take something for pain PRN. Gentle hugs.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Homeopathic Arnica Montana (the pellets that melt under the tongue, not the ointment) may help with body-wide muscle pain. Can take it every 5 minutes when the pain is bad, otherwise 3-4x/day 20 minutes apart from food/liquids.
Also, I find Nettle Leaf Powder very helpful for body pain and joint pain. I take a heaping half-teaspoon once a day, and am considering increasing it to twice a day. Nettle Leaf is also good for helping with detox.
And given the stomach issues, you might be ok with Ginger tea. An inch of fresh ginger root, placed in 2 cups water. Boil, then simmer 10 minutes. Let it cool to a comfortable temperature and then sip on a cup of this tea at a time. Can do as much as 4 cups/day of this tea.
Ginger is anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory, and may even help with stomach emptying. Gallbladder problems are the only contra-indication for Ginger that I know of...
I wouldn't take Bromelain if you have any active ulcers in your stomach...
Bath soaks are also good, as is use of a heating pad.
Magnesium and calcium supplements are also very good for muscle pain. I find I do better with a 1:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium for this purpose...but your experience may differ from mine.
Magnesium infusions may also be an option - I love, love, love magnesium infusions! They make me feel soooooo good.
It is also important to keep your electrolytes in balance - imbalanced electrolytes can certainly cause muscle pain.
Posted by chastain (Member # 34236) on :
Trubee, thanks for the kind words. Razzle, thanks so much for all of the suggestions. It is funny you mention electrolytes because I do have slightly low serum sodium levels, so I think that could be a factor as well. Also, I adore ginger tea and drink it regularly to help my severe nausea. Jess.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Can you drink celery juice, or drink broth from cooking celery? If so, this can help with the low sodium because celery is naturally high in a good form of sodium (not the junk we call table salt).
Posted by chastain (Member # 34236) on :
I have a great juicer, so I can definitely make celery juice. I think my low sodium also came from drinking too much water. I have zero hunger due to gastroparesis but I get very thirsty at times, particularly after vomiting and I think all the water was diluting the sodium in my blood. Thanks, Razzle! Jess.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
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