My 15 year old son has chronic LD and has the worst pain in his hands, wrists and forearms. He's given up all his other activities, including walking, as a result of pain, and now is even unable to use his computer except in a very abrieviated way. He would love to hear from any others who have experienced this. He is two months into treatment with Doxi, doing school at home, and feeling intensely uncomfortable and angry about his life. He says he would like to know what to expect. Does even this type of pain go away? Is it a gradual or sudden disappearing of the pain, and how long did it take for you?
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
Greathiss: When did your son's hand pain begin, in relation to the antibiotic treatment?
It's possible that this is a Jarische-Herxheimer reaction to the bacteria die-off.
Carol
Posted by greathiss (Member # 7837) on :
The hand pain was there before the lyme diagnosis as I remember, but it must be a herx reaction also because it is so extreme now. And the pain is still moving around the body as well.
Posted by aklnwlf (Member # 5960) on :
Hi there Greathiss,
I had painful hands. Mine would swell also. These symptoms got much better with treatment.
I still have some problems with them from time to time but nothing like I had to deal with in the beginning.
For me the relief was pretty quick but I was on alot of orals.
Treatment is different for each person depending on symptoms.
I was on Augmentin XR SR and Doxycycline at first but in higher doses.
Please tell your son to hang in there and I hope his hands feel better soon. Posted by lyme_suz (Member # 7628) on :
up
Posted by rosesisland2000 (Member # 2001) on :
My pain was always worse in my hands...I did not hesitate to take pain meds (prescription). I am glad to say today that I am currently off all pain meds.
But, that was only acheived by over 3 years of antibiotics. My pain was so bad I was put on the Duregisic Patch...a very very heavy pain medicine.
Now if I can get my head straight, I'll be OK...
Posted by just don (Member # 1129) on :
Was my first symptom of something was wrong, way wrong. Stabbing pains when working and any shock to them at all. Went for years and alots of ducks before somebody took an x-ray. Zero cartilage between any joint bones and lots of bones spurs and cysts. Orthopedic doc at that time said I just had early onset arthritis, not to worry, cant spread, and the best course of action would be to fuse all the bones of hand, thumb and wrist together and make a big club. I have resisted this suggestion for 8-10 years now. I Just endure. I use Tramadol and Neurotin to combat pain. Also glucosomine/Clondridin(sp.s), Citrical, and Magnesium are crucial to pain relief also. I am not a happy camper without those. And not very happy with them either.
I was given those wrist splints that you see for carpal tunnel back at x-ray time. Have worn them ever since. Everybody thinks I am crazy, around here, for wearing them all the time. IF I dont they throb all night and I cant even get to sleep, just like a throbing toothache. ON bad days I just cinch them up a little tighter.
I can feel the bones crunching over the adjoining bones when I write a check and the pen changes direction with every part of every letter. Too much side pressure. Some days cant hold newspaper, too heavy. Or hymnal in church. Every time I think it cant get any worse, I am wrong, because I am --just don-- -d--
Posted by frenchie (Member # 7994) on :
I know exactly what your son is going through. I'm 22 now, and have had chronic LD for 12 years. I used to be an amazing athlete and academic student. The disease has gradually taken away all of my physical abilities. Now the cognitive effects are putting my college career in jeopardy. If your son ever wants to talk to someone he can relate with tell him to email me. It's sad to miss out on life during your teens.
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