Ok, so I can't see an LLMD until January (no new patients until then). I cannot get any pain meds.
Didn't even bother to ask my regular doctor. He says to do "physical therapy".
Tylenol, Ibuprofen don't touch the pain. Especially when the tendonitis goes crazy. I found the only thing that helps is if I drink three or four strong beers (8 or 9% alcohol).
Not advocating this by any means, just wondering if anyone else out there has suggestions.
I'm wondering if the Beer is making it even worse. BTW, never drank much at all before this past six months or so...
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- If you have to wait until January for your LLMD's appointment, can you call a LL ND Today? Right now? Or first thing tomorrow?
Whatever is going on, it's crystal clear that something is very wrong and you need to get it assessed ASAP.
I understand pain but you cannot afford even one more beer, regardless of what is causing your pain. There are better ways, even as you wait. But, if there is an infection, all the support methods will not be enough.
Please call a LL ND to tide you over until January. Get on the cancellation list for the LLMD.
There are so many ways that alcohol will make the situation much work. Please check out the threads below - but nothing is a substitute for a LL doctor.
I will say the fact that beer does not make you feel much worse is a puzzle. For most lyme patients, they just cannot tolerate even tiny amounts of alcohol and get severely hung over with even a few sips. But, there could be something besides lyme going on - or you could find soon the intolerance would clobber you big time if this is lyme.
Whatever, through, when the body is not operating at its best function, alcohol can kill brain cells, damage the liver and raise blood sugar through the roof. For anyone who is not feeling well, all that damage is intensified.
There are better ways to feel better, though.
====================================
As many sleep and pain meds are toxic and hard on the liver and kidneys, here are some suggestions for sleep support that can safely nourish & calm the body: ---------------
Dr. Burrascano's Treatment Guidelines (2008) - 37 pages
Sections regarding self-care:
From page 27:
CERTAIN ABSOLUTE RULES MUST BE FOLLOWED IF LYME SYMPTOMS ARE TO BE PERMANENTLY CLEARED:
1. Not allowed to get behind in sleep, or become overtired.
2. No caffeine or other stimulants that may affect depth or duration of sleep, or reduce or eliminate naps.
3. Absolutely no alcohol!
. . . [more details at link above] -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Your doctor suggested Physical Therapy. Some types may help; some may hurt if this is lyme (NEVER let anyone twist your neck). Details below.
Even if you don't know for sure if you have lyme, it is best to find a LL PT if you proceed. It's really best to first find a LL doctor, though. Many LL NDs are also certified in Acupuncture and understand many safe ways to help relieve pain.
Safe exercise methods are discussed, and the reasons for such.
Excerpts:
� Aerobics can damage the heart if done during active infection.
"Aerobic exercises are NOT allowed, not even low impact variety, until the patient has recovered." (Dr. B)
� Other exercise is important. This thread includes PT and Rehab recommendations and suggestions for safe exercise. Cardiac and Adrenal support links are included.
Topic: How to find a LL ND (naturopathic doctor), acupuncturist, etc.
Includes how to find an ILADS-educated LL ND, an Acupuncturist, a doctor of Oriental Medicine (O.M.D.), or a doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine (D.Ay.), certified herbalists or nutritionists, etc.
Includes many articles and books on complementary / integrative methods - & RIFE links.
BODY WORK links are also included and you would use the same steps to find a LL PT, etc. -
Posted by PTrain (Member # 28773) on :
Thanks Keebler. Appreciate the feedback. My symptoms have really intensified in the past few months - probably due to the alcohol. My doc offered an elbow brace for my tennis elbow today. yipee.
Pain is everywhere, all the time. Just worn out here and grasping for something to help.
Thank you again for all of the information.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- GLUTEN - CELIAC Connection?
A trial run going gluten-free for a couple weeks may yield some good relief. If so, you should also be assessed for CELIAC but need to be on gluten to do so - unless you get a genetic test. However, the genes could test fine but an infection can cause celiac, so acquired celiac needs gluten in the stomach before certain testing.
I really hate to toss more complication you way but, in my case, going gluten-free brought at least a measurable level of pain reduction in a week or two. I later did test positive for genetic celiac. Who knew?
Just a few links about gluten: --------------------------
Hidden Sources Of Gluten -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Trying to cover all the bases, be sure to avoid all additives. Check all your labels. Google any terms you don't know.
Aspartame/Nutrasweet/Equal is an excito-toxin. Even a trace can set the emergency system of our poison detector system into high spin - for hours or even for days.
Severe pain, anxiety, depression and brain fog can result.
It raises the NMDA (excitatory and pain) receptors. It is poison to the nerves, especially in the brain. More so for lyme patients, for many reason, mostly as lyme's toxicity has tipped the boat already.
The liver has to work overtime to elimate toxins and this will also add to it being harder to sleep.
Excitotoxins - The Taste That Kills - by M.D. Russell L. Blaylock
This is the 1997 edition
No customer reviews at this link but you can look inside the book and read (59 customer reviews) at the link for the 1996 edition of that book - http://tinyurl.com/as6je7
The customer reviews, in themselves, are an education.
The Connection Between MS and Aspartame -- By Russell L. Blaylock, MD - Neurosurgeon - 6-7-2004 -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- STEVIA - is a sweetener from plants that is fine. As long as it's not one with additives. Truvia is NOT pure stevia.
Two of the best brands: SweetLeaf (liquid or powder); Trader Joe's Stevia Extract powder.
Just a tiny amount is very sweet. -
Posted by onbam (Member # 23758) on :
Not encouraging anyone to drink (discouraging it in fact, as we CANNOT afford to put any additional stress on our livers), but I do have WB and CD-57-confirmed Lyme and don't experience any bad reactions to alcohol.
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
There are ways to reduce pain besides narcotics and other pain meds.
Take supplements that reduce inflammation and hypercoagulation.
Magnesium Fish oil Systemic enzymes, like Wobenzym
These things may not wipe out the pain, but should reduce it enough so that acetaminophen will help.
Wishing you the best, Carol
Posted by dyna3495 (Member # 24126) on :
Going gluten free reduced my pain level by one half. Also made pain meds more effective for a longer period of time. Taking milk thistle caps apart from other meds and supplements also makes my pain meds more effective, and reduces the urgency to take them. Sugar combined with gluten filled products can bring me to my knees with in 1 hour of eating them. Good luck, do what Keebler says and look for slow steady improvements.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I would worry about not getting well from Lyme due to alcohol and about the gluten and the increased chance of getting YEAST which can also cause more pain.
So going down that path is not a good option.
Besides the things already listed, try curcumin, bromelain, or Rutozym for pain.
Posted by maps (Member # 19758) on :
I had terrible unbearable pain, abdomen, pelvis, legs and arm 24 hours a day. Tried tylenol three, morphin and nothing seemed to really work.
Now I am almost finished my third week of neurontin and lamictal (gradual increase over 4 week period).
The results are incredible, no pain anywhere and my ice cold body is now warm, no heating pads or electric blankets, my heating has been turned down to 73 instead of 78 and energy level really good.
Just a note I am also being treated by a very experience LLMD so hopefully the antibiotics will kill of the lyme and someday I won't need any of this medication.
Posted by PTrain (Member # 28773) on :
Thank you everyone (Keebler, Onbam, Carol in PA, dyna3495, Lymetoo, and maps) for responding.
It is very helpful to communicate with people who are going through what I am going through or have been there and made it back!
I am kind of in Limbo as I can't see an LLMD until mid January. But will make the diet changes for sure and try some of the suggested supplements.
Excited about starting treatment as I am hearing goods things about Dr. Mc. Again, thanks for the kind words and support!