I have been diagnosed with so many different diseases all my life, from fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid arthritis, severe depression and anxiety to hormonal Imbalance. List goes on and on.
Recently my knee swelled up with fluid and in last two months I have gotten it aspirated 5-6 times. My Rheumatologist prescribed me 20 mg prednisone 1st wk, 15 mg 2nd wk and I am on 10 mg right now. My Orthopedic gave me steroid shots in my knee every time he aspirated.
with some luck my orthopedic sent the fluid for analysis and it came out Lyme disease positive. Two days ago I started 100 MG of Doxy-cycline twice a day preferably empty stomach since my doctor said that when it binds with calcium, its not very effective.
The whole thing has raised my antennas for my 24 year old son as well, who is pretty much not able to do anything. He is diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety which is treatment resistant. He is fatigued most of the time.
I am so thankful that I found this website. Romi
[ 11-18-2015, 05:25 PM: Message edited by: romi ]
Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :
Welcome to Lymenet! PM sent for PA & MD.
Lyme Disease can cause physical as well as psychological problems, because the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria which cause it can cross the blood/brain barrier.
Here are some informative links for you to read about "Neuro-Cognitive Lyme Disease" and "Lyme: A Neuropsychiatric Illness":
He specifically addresses the use of steroids on pg. 4 in these guidelines:
"More severe illness also results from other causes of weakened defenses, such as from severe stress, immunosuppressant medications, and severe intercurrent illnesses. This is why steroids and other immunosuppressive medications are absolutely contraindicated in Lyme. This also includes intra-articular steroids."
So, simply put, the use of steroids weakens the immune system, enables the bacteria to thrive and go deeper into the body, thereby causing the illness to get worse.
You and your dear son need to be evaluated and treated by a Lyme-literate doctor (LLMD). Non LLMDs have no clue about this horrible disease or its complex treatment!
A LLMD is one who has treated Lyme disease and the co-infections which come with it for many years and has gotten patients well. A good one will follow Dr. B's Guidelines.
Unfortunately, LLMDs are far and few between. You need to go where they are.
Also most LLMDs do not accept insurance due to the politics surrounding this horrible disease. Read poster TF's explanation, "Why Lyme Doctors Don't Take Insurance":
Btw - you should write the state in your title so people will know specifically where you are looking. Click on the pencil/paper icon, make your change, then click "Edit Post".
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
romi .. For specific help with medical questions, please post in Medical Questions.
hopingandpraying is correct about the steroids... really bad news. BE SURE TO TAKE DOXY with FOOD!!! (leave out the dairy)
Otherwise, your stomach will suffer GREATLY!!! You can easily burn your esophagus. Do not lie down for 45-60 min after taking the doxy.
Posted by romi (Member # 47037) on :
thank you very much about the tip on Doxy. I just took it empty stomach. I looked at your message, I am going to eat something now.
Posted by romi (Member # 47037) on :
No wonder I wasn't hungry today at all. I cant afford to loose more weight after loosing 26 lbs in last 8 months.