Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
I'm very discouraged as it seems like everything I try seeems to make me feel worse. I went for a massage this week and had a lot of pain afterwards. The massage was very light and I was sure to drink alot of water afterwards.
I decided to give accupuncture a try yesterday. During the treatment I felt a little better but drivign home the pain was returning and today it was just horrendous. So much pain in my tailbone area.
I drank a ton of water like the accupuncturist said to do, but it did not help. I'm wondering if all these alternative therapies are not a good idea while on abx???? I'm seeing my LLLNP next week and I really think I need a change of meds.
Posts: 1748 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
My husband has been very ill for 8 years, but is still not definite it's lyme. However, we did try an accupunturist and it was awful. The first sticks were no big deal, but then WHAM. The guy hit something and put my husband into spasms all over his body. The poor doctor was shocked. He said he'd never seen anything like it. We've been too afraid to try again although I have a lot of respect for the field and go myself. Not sure why I wrote this, but it helps to talk about it. I feel like we're a sinking ship in the perfect storm. We just don't know what to do next. However, I do wish you much success...
Posts: 6 | From Central US | Registered: Jun 2012
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posted
I am afraid to try acupuncture (or massage, for that matter) because of the possible herx reaction...I herx after an appt with my osteopath, but it's not bad enough to warrant not going.
However, with massage or acupuncture, for me personally, I feel that I would end up having a significant herxeimer reaction, which would make me feel so bad that I might not even be able to function enough to work or care for my kids.
I am not surprised that you felt worse; I would try maybe just the light massage and maybe wait a few weeks or so before trying another one, or before acupuncture.
I know that both of these things can HELP also with lyme and co's; I am not suggesting that they are harmful. However, this may not be the best time for YOUR body to be enduring the "stirring up" of toxins which results from massage and acupuncture.
I am sorry you are in such pain...keep drinking that water (with lemon!) and rest.... CB
Posts: 114 | From NY | Registered: Jul 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- That kind of pain is unusual. I would hesitate to repeat that experience. I've had similar experiences - with interns or those not LL - and have been in tears and suffered set backs.
You should feel BETTER with these kinds of treatments, even if they may be exhausting. They should not make pain worse.
I think the needles can be far too much, sometimes. And with the resultant stress hormones, that's not the desired effect.
Is the acupuncturist ILADS educated and thoroughly lyme literate? If not, they can often make things worse. If so, they are so much better able to help.
Also, some acupuncturists are just so much more skilled than others. For me, some needles were torture but, with others, barely noticed and they did help - if not left in very long.
Still, sometimes, just the energy expended can cause "payback"
It took me a long time for (non-LL) acupuncturists to learn that my body could not be treated like someone's without lyme. Lyme changes just about everything we THOUGHT we knew.
It takes a very tender approach. Usually, only a professional who is really well educated about lyme is able to treat someone with lyme. Even then, it's very tricky.
Acupuncture may not be the correct therapy. Acupressure worked better for me for a long time.
Certain styles of massage, too, were far too harsh. So much depends upon the expertise and artistry of the practitioners.
So much also depends on the state of the patient's liver. Anyone with liver stress & adrenal dysfunction will have a harder time with just about any treatment, IMO, from my experiences.
Liver support & adrenal support may need to be reassessed.
Also - it's vital to just plan to rest of that day and one or two more for "recovery" from just about any appointment or outing.
Ultimately, though, go for the modalities that are more enjoyable that provide help. Acupuncture should NOT cause pain afterward.
Feldenkrais massage may be easier, again, only with someone who is LL.
Shiatsu massage, too, was marvelous for me.
For massage, if someone can come to your home, that might make all the difference. Did for me. It was the getting there and getting back home that wore me out the most. -
[ 06-16-2012, 04:21 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I have herxes with acupunture, massage, and sometimes chiro. I guess I thought it went with the territory.
Posts: 620 | From Ks | Registered: Oct 2011
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philly78
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 31069
posted
I feel worse after massage too but always feel better after my acupuncture treatments.
I felt absolutely horrible after my first massage and was in bed for days.
-------------------- When faced with pain you have two choices....either quit and accept the circumstances, OR make the decision to fight with all the resources you have at your disposal. Posts: 1000 | From PA | Registered: Mar 2011
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