Topic: Back to the ER last night; at end of rope w/nightmare
lymeladyinNY
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10235
posted
Dear Friends, I am at the end of my rope. In all the years I've suffered with Lyme, I have never suffered as much as I have this past week.
I told my husband I wish I could die but I don't want to leave him and the kids. I told him I wish they'd put me in an induced coma.
I was so agonized by the chest pain last night that I called 911. The doctor at the ER actually knew something about Lyme. He told me sometimes Lyme disease will cause inflammation in the cartilage of the chest.
I asked him how long will I suffer? He said it could be months. I feel like Dracula with a hot stake stuck through me.
I can't stop crying because I can't do this. People have always told me how strong I am but I can't handle this.
I'm on coumadin which interacts with everything. The ER doctor gave me prescription Motrin with Percocet and I was still in agony. And then he told me I couldn't take these drugs for more than 3 days because of the interaction.
I asked him what will I do? He told me I'll just have to live with it.
I can't do it. I just can't. Please pray for me as I am truly beyond words in pain.
My husband believes that the doxycycline I was taking through the PICC line burned all the veins in my chest. Dr. B does say doxy is caustic in his guidelines.
That seems to make sense, and I hope it means I won't suffer too long. However, my oldest son got a chemical burn on his scalp when he was in the NICU and it took 2 YEARS to heal.
I am begging God to not let this pain go on for too long. I can't take care of my children like this and I MUST. My husband can only do so much to help me.
I will go back to bed now. Take care everyone. Those of you on doxy with a PICC, please be careful. I wouldn't wish this nightmare on anyone.
Love, Julie
-------------------- I want to be free Posts: 1170 | From Endicott, NY | Registered: Sep 2006
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Sorry to hear about this. However, so glad the ER doctor knows about lyme. Inflammation is really rough. I hope you feel better soon.
I don't know if you ever see a naturopathic physician, but I have had tremendous help from inflammation with mine's advice and treatment.
I hope your doctor can help explain what happened and help make you more comfortable. This can get better, really.
-
[ 11. November 2007, 02:23 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
julie, so sorry to hear of all your pain and ER visit again.
please use the suicide hotline to talk to progessionals who can HELP YOU OVER THIS HUMP and start feeling better again.
we want to keep you around on the board!
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feelfit
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12770
posted
Julie,
I can relate to your saying that you wished tht you could be put into an induced coma.
I have had horrible head sensations for the past three weeks that have made me feel the same way.
Sleep is my only relief and when I get there, I pray for a long, long, sleep.
Stepping into your moccasins, I pray for some relief for you.
tdtid
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10276
posted
My heart definitely goes out to you since chest pain was my worst symptom in all this time and yes, the kind that you swear you can't take it anymore.
I honestly didn't want to be alive, but yet I wasan't suicidal. Not everyone understood that statement, but when you are in pain, I think anyone that has been there, definitely understands.
Even more, I have always felt my pain tolerance is high. Gavve birth to four children, one even natural childbirth, and this chest pain was lasting for months and when you can't sleep, it makes it worse and worse.
I wish I had answers for you since they ended up just drugging me up and sadly, when I couldn't do that, I opted for the trigger point steroid injections and epidural steroid injections BEFORE I knew it was lyme.
It was a mixed bag, since it helped with the pain but that's also what triggered my neurological problems. I guess the reason I share this is to say I REALLY REALLY understand. It's horrid and I wish there was something I could do to ease your pain.
Try to hang in there. It raelly does get better, although it doesn't always feel like it at times.
Cathy
-------------------- "To Dream The Impossible Dream" Man of La Mancha Posts: 2638 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Oct 2006
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Ann-OH
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2020
posted
I had that sort of pain in my sternum and in my lower ribs on the sides. The only things that helped me was ice packs and ibuprofen. If you can't take that, maybe you can get some other anti-inflammatory medicine.
The problem is that lyme settles into joints. The places where your ribs connect to your sternum move like joints so that your lungs have room to expand when you breathe in and out.
It even involves the spaces between your ribs. It is very painful to touch, too. The pain caused by inflammation there is called costochondriasis.
I hope you figure out a way to get some relief, or that that problem moves on out.
3greatkids
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3838
posted
I hope you are better today!! My thoughts have been w/ you.
You are alone in this,we are here for you.
Posts: 1076 | Registered: Apr 2003
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canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785
posted
Best Wishes
We are thinking of you
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
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Ann-OH
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2020
quote:Originally posted by Ann-OH: It even involves the spaces between your ribs. It is very painful to touch, too. The pain caused by inflammation there is called costochondriasis.
I do so hope they can give you some relief with other pain killers. Anything that would naturally relieve pain would help also.
There ARE natural anti-inflammatories out there.
I'll be praying that you get over this VERY VERY soon. I'm so sorry you are suffering so much.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 95729 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
Wow Julie, I hope you find some relief soon. Nobody should have to suffer with pain. Who cares if you become addicted. That can be handled later, if it happens. I've read it and my MD has told me, there's no addiction if there's pain.
Nobody sure suffer needlessly.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6444 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
Julie,
I do hope you are feeling better today.
pab said:
quote:Have you tried Tramadol?
I use tramdol and for me it has been great. I do hope you are able to find something that works for the pain.
There's nothing worse than intense, unrelieved pain.
I've been there and you're right. All I wanted was for night to come so I could sleep, at least a little and get away from it.
map1131 said:
quote:I've read it and my MD has told me, there's no addiction if there's pain.
Agree!
Take care and keep us posted about how you are doing.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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hshbmom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9478
posted
Hello Julie,
I'm sorry you're experiencing so much pain. I'm also sorry you're receiving the treatment you're getting from those "medical professionals" around you.
Do you have a pain specialist? You need one. You may have to go to several until you find someone willing to treat you so you can get relief.
A pain specialist who is familiar with Lyme would be great, but it's not needed.
Posts: 1672 | From AL/WV/OH | Registered: Jun 2006
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
Julie,
Been watching this post hoping to hear from you.
hang in there.
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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Yes, it is truly a feeling only people with Lyme Disease could ever understand.
I have had Lyme Disease now for over 20 years so I do know exactly what you re felling. And it is really tough.
The problem for me with the chest pain is it scares me and that makes it worse. So I take Clonazepam for it. It does not totally take away the pain but it does make it easier to live with.
I have had the chest pain for so many years now I've lost count. Hang in there Julie, I know it's hard but you have to fight the fight and never lose hope. I'll say a prayer for you. Post back when you feel well enough.
Steve
Posts: 406 | From Rhode Island | Registered: May 2007
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