posted
One of the first things I noticed a few months ago, late August before I really started not feeling well in September, was then when I was in a hot shower, i would get very nervous and anxious and my breath would get short.
i used to LOVE taking hot showers as I always found them very therapeutic. and still do. but ive noticed that now i am short of breathe and anxious in a hot shower. is that a possible lyme symptom. trying to figure it out.
Posts: 995 | From somewhere out there | Registered: Oct 2010
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momlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 27775
posted
Yes, my son has fallen down in the shower from this feeling. We now have a shower chair. Be careful. Don't take showers when you are alone. Don't lock the door. Sit down if you are able. Turn down the heat if this helps.
-------------------- May health be with you!
Toxic mold was suppressing our immune systems, causing extreme pain, brain fog and magnifying symptoms. Four days after moving out, the healing began. Posts: 2007 | From NY/VT Border | Registered: Aug 2010
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posted
hm. so it is common with lyme. thats weird. i wonder what causes it???
Posts: 995 | From somewhere out there | Registered: Oct 2010
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bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745
posted
I had this too, early on. I would check my pulse in the shower in the morning and it would be over 170 BPM!!
It's normal now, thankfully.
-------------------- Bite date ? 2/10 symptoms began 5/10 dx'd, after 3 months numerous test and doctors
IgM Igenex +/CDC + + 23/25, 30, 31, 34, 41, 83/93
Currently on:
Currently at around 95% +/- most days. Posts: 3134 | From Massachusetts | Registered: May 2010
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posted
hahhah WOW. i never knew it was a lyme symptom i always tried to figure out what it was because I didnt think it was related to lyme.
interesting...
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Hot showers can be dangerous with lyme. Warm is good, but not hot.
Other than getting overheated and problems with low blood pressure from standing that bothers some, the sound of the shower, itself, can cause a drop in blood pressure if the sound hurts the ears.
Ear plugs can help some but not as much as one might think, especially when the water hits the head, as bone conducts sound. By keeping the water flow lower, it may be quieter for those with hyperacusis (sound sensitivity) or tinnitus.
Auditory stress can also cause a flood of caustic adrenal stress hormones and that can make me feel sick all day long. I think that is one reason that taking a shower just knocks me out. It's just so very loud. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- For those who are bothered by heat.
[If not, this is not for you but it's good to know for others or for other times if heat does ever become a problem.]
Extremes in heat can cause us trouble. A couple key "mantra" words to keep in your back pocket: GRADUAL; MODERATION.
Yes, the spirochetes hate heat and you may have overdone it so the toxic levels are causing too much of a herx. Your liver may not be able to keep up.
Warmth works, too. Warmth can be splendid and beneficial. It can be cozy enough to feel good and also increase circulation and sweating.
� Twenty minutes in a cozy warm bath is usually a nice middle of the road. Gradually increase but just don't get too hot.
There are many reasons for avoiding over heating. One is that lyme often causes
� compromised myelin sheath around nerves. Too much heat can cause serious symptoms with nerve conduction.
[For many "MS" patients (many of whom may have undiagnosed lyme), even one degree increase can cause a "relapse" - While "MS" is usually not just "MS" we can take a page from their patient books regarding safety with heat.]
� Adrenals also can't take the shock of too much heat for too long - and "payback" can last for hours, days or weeks.
� Liver and kidneys can be overwhelmed by the release of toxins as lyme dies off (herx)
� Swollen / inflamed brains can't stand the heat - and the brain is very often inflamed with lyme and TBD.
� Cardiac issues are a concern for lyme patients. Heat can cause problems for those with either high or low blood pressure - and it can increase rhythm, for some that can be too much.
� Electrolyte and mineral depletion is to be considered. Hydration involves more than just water.
� other issues - there are always other things to consider - others may come and post more
Now, a few seem to do okay with heat (and the temperature can be relative) but, for many, our early warning systems go haywire and we may not know until to late that our lobster bake got too steamy.
Saunas can be excellent - if you can control the heat. Low heat infrared saunas are best but not everyone has access. A regular sauna can be adapted if others are not around, just don't get it as hot, cover with a damp towel, hydrate, crack the door, etc.
It is absolutely impossible to safely get the body hot enough to kill off all spirochetes - what kills them is the oxygen from increased circulation. Still, we could not possibly handle all spirochetes being killed off at the same time, as our liver and kidneys would be overcome with the toxic stress. We have to proceed gradually.
Also to keep in mind, heat irritates spirochete and that makes them spring deeper and ball up into a cyst form. Gradual warmth may keep them from getting so irritated so that the increase in oxygen from the heat can sneak up on them - or at least we have more of a chance.. When they get irritated, they spew more toxins.
� Other infections ? Lyme is not the only infection that most lyme patients have - with some infections, getting too hot can stress the heart, etc.
� For some, with time, working up to longer and warmer baths, etc. can work out fine. But the key is for gradual changes so that you know how to back pedal without getting knocked off the bike and out for a week. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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