So, I am overwhelmed with the last 3 months of my life. I was doing yoga and tried to pull my legs to my head....3 years after a csection (mind you) I felt something tear. Took hot Epsom salt bath- woke up with worst burning sensation in that area 2 weeks later Red long rash appeared right over the muscle. 4 weeks later spread to circle, and a few others spread up that side of my abdonine Seen bunch of dr- obgyn- GI- GP-dermatologist--sports medicine GP tested for Lyme by GP Can back IgM 23 and igm 41 present High rheumatic Arthritus factor
now sports medicine dr found on back X-ray: multilevel endplate degenerative osteophytes And thinks there is nerve damage from that. Is this from my Lyme disease? I took Doxycyline for 16 days and felt absolutly horrible, had a reaction of a red rash stomach/back arms/legs, it didn't help with the muscle pain, the only symptom aside from the rash I have had. I took amoxicillin for 5days and didn't notice a difference. Now sports medicine dr want to to take prednisone and with all I've read about taking steroid with Lyme I am not sure what to do.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- degenerative bone spurs - it sounds bad and surely is painful. And it can get better but not likely with this doctor.
Steroids cause bones to crumble. Steroids for this dx is very wrong for so many reasons. "Degenerative" is even in the diagnosis, you would not want to take something that is known to cause bones to crumble.
But, it's likely to lessen inflammation.
Bone spurs such as what you have can be very painful. But there are other ways to address them and the pain / inflammation.
As you know already, steroids can be a disaster for someone with lyme / infection. So, I don't see how there is even any room to consider steroids for this situation. Not even on the table, but not just because of lyme, remember, steroids cause bones to crumble.
I'd like to know just why, why in the wide world, would any doctor suggest this? Stupidity, laziness (as it's a temporary way to shut up the patient . . . and later get them in for a bone replacement surgery, perhaps?).
Other ways to reduce inflammation. Find a doctor who knows much more about that. But, as lyme is the bigger issue now, I wish you could find a LLMD for a full assessment. Lyme can cause a great deal of inflammation. It can infect the nerves and make any kinds of pain so much worse.
And, it can all get better, really. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- You've had 16 days of one antibiotic and 5 days of another. This can fail you. This is the top priority now. Go easy on any further stretches, very easy.
In fact, probably best not to stretch but to just gently move in ways that work for you. Stretching can be too much of a "stretch" during such times.
Please refer back to TF's reply to you in this thread you posted last week:
Topic: How do you know if your early treatment worked or is working? -
[ 06-01-2015, 04:42 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by bis (Member # 45774) on :
Uh sorry-I left this out: 30 days of gabapentin 5days of prednisone That is what the dr prescribed
(I've seriously never taken this much med in my whole life) I just finished breastfeed my son for 3 years and barely took an advil!
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
wow. I have cervical buldges and compression throughout my back. just diagnosed with extensive osteopenia. I know about the pain.
before I knew I had lyme i got spinal injections. pretty sure they were steroids.
started my downfall. don't use them.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Gabapentin / Neurontin is an anti-seizure drug / sedative that can help the brain turn off pain. But it can make you sleepy so be sure to read all about it beforehand and don't drive for the first few days, etc. until you see how it works for you.
It can also cause vertigo and nausea. Still, it has helped calm nerve pain for many.
Be careful about carrying your toddler until you see how you do with it, too.
You may have seen this but, just in case not, be sure to see the detail here about how steroids can last in the body for SIX MONTHS after the last dose. Even one week can do a lot of harm to someone with untreated lyme.
Also see the "How to find a LL ND" in this set. There are many herbal books / articles in that set where you can learn about anti-inflammatory diet / herbs, etc.
Lyme Disease Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania -
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Very sorry to hear about the pain. I would suggest upping your minerals .. esp magnesium.
It has been shown to be useful for bone spurs.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Vitamin B12 is also needed for bone spurs. Deficiency can be caused by Lyme or malabsorption or some medications. Best forms are hydroxycobolamin or methylcobolamin.
Avoid Prednisone. Look into LDN, it is often helpful for"autoimmune disorders."
Also, fish oil, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin K2, vitamin D, zinc, boron, and other trace minerals, and good protein & hydration are essential for good bone health.