posted
I couldn't find an answer by searching the forum, so I wanted to see if anyone has an opinion about this:
My hip has been bothering me for a couple of months. Now it is so painful, I can't find a comfortable position to sleep, and it is hard to sit for hours at work.
My doctor (primary doc -- not LLMD) said I should come in tomorrow to get a cortisol shot in the hip.
I remember reading from others on the forums that steroids can cause a Lyme flare-up.
Am I remembering this correctly? Should I get the corisol shot, or not?
(My doctor does not know about my chronic Lyme infection, so he is not taking it into account.)
Thanks in advance for any wisdom and advice!
Posts: 69 | From Chicago, IL | Registered: May 2006
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posted
That's not cortisol then. It's Cortisone!! Big difference and I would not do it unless I was dying.
You could have the biggest setback of your life.
Maybe you need more Lyme treatment instead? Are you on treatment now?
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
are you on antibiotics?
I dont think its a great idea wo withold info from your primary or other doctor. that doesnt mean you need to tell him/her who your llmd is and all that.
They may approach it differently.
I have had good luck with cortisone injections, but It seems I am the oddity.
I only did it when there were no other options and I was on serious antibiotics.
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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posted
Wouldn't do it. Treating the lyme adequately may get rid of your hip issues. Has your Dr. given you any other options??
Posts: 366 | From Louisville KY. | Registered: Nov 2003
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I am glad I asked here! I won't try the cortisone shot.
I've never had this pain before, so assumed it was not Lyme related, but yes, it could be a new symptom.
I was hoping for an MRI to see what's going on.
So far, primary doctor ordered an x-ray and that was normal. The pain has persisted and exacerbated since then.
I have had too many negative experiences with doctors in the past, so I am wary about sharing info., but you are right, it is in my best interest to do so.
No, not on abx right now. I tried many of them over the years and never had any great relief from my symptoms, so my LLMD advised me to focus on treating fatigue and brain fog primarily.
I am currently taking supplements to support neurotransmitters and overall health.
Posts: 69 | From Chicago, IL | Registered: May 2006
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Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
Steroid shots for joint pain actually aren't good for anyone, Lyme or no Lyme. A known side-effect of steroids is bone necrosis (death of the bone), and steroids shot directly into a joint can increase the risk of this side-effect. Steroids are also known to destroy the connective tissue in the joints.
Alternative ways of managing joint inflammation include the following:
MSM - may need up to 10,000-12,000mg/day. Start at 1000mg/day and work your way up slowly until you feel relief, then stay at that dose.
Glucosamine/Condroiten - some feel supplementing this helps, some don't...so a trial dose may be helpful.
Nettles - very helpful for my own joint pain issues from Lyme (S.H. Buhner recommends Nettles for Lyme joint pain in his book, "Healing Lyme"); also known to help with Gout and arthritis, allergies, and many other things.
Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids - important for reducing inflammation in the body, and also provides essential nutrients needed in a wide range of body tissues.
Vitamin C - good for joint and connective tissue health - and also anti-inflammatory and antioxidant (prevents Cancer).
Epsom Salt bath soaks - for detoxing, the magnesium is absorbed through the skin (which can help with a number of symptoms), and Epsom Salts have anti-inflammatory properties.
There are other herbs and homeopathic remedies that may help - working with a Naturopathic Physician may be a good idea, since you haven't had much luck with antibiotics.
Take care,
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4167 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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These are things I will try right away. Happen to have some of them already on hand, from previous protocols!
Can't wait to take an epsom salt bath.
This reminds me to look at Buhner's book for joint pain -- incredibly, I hadn't thought of it! Thank you!
Have you tried spraying Magnesium Oil directly on the skin? I have a topical spray, and have been using it on my legs in hopes of stopping the buzzing/crawling sensation. It has not helped, unfortunately. But that is pretty far down my list of priorities right now.
Posts: 69 | From Chicago, IL | Registered: May 2006
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Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
I'm allergic to ingredients in the magnesium oil...the one I was told to try comes from sea water, and I get really, really sick at the ocean... So epsom salts are a better alternative for me...
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4167 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
Not sure exactly what is causing your hip pain so I don't know if this would help you or not.
BUT my lower back started really hurting me bad almost 2 weeks ago out of nowhere. I could hardly move and sleeping was difficult as well since it hurt to sleep in most positions.
I had my LLMD appointment today and told the NP (who I saw today) about it. She examined by back and said that the muscle was in spasm.
She gave me 4 shots in that area but with homeopathics and B12 rather than any steroids or anything. The injection had Heel Zeel, Heel Traumeel and B12 in it. And I have to tell you that it helped SOOOO much.
She said to give it 24 hours but by the time I got home from my appointment I was already feeling it.
It really helped a whole lot. I can still feel a bit of pain but it is definitely tolerable now. I can finally move and walk around the house and bend down etc etc. I hope it lasts! She said I can get the shots once a week if I still need them after this one.
Anyhow...not sure if you would be able to find someone to give you that same shot or not. But if so it definitely seems worth it based on what I experience so far today.
OH and I agree with the others that the steroid shot would be a bad idea.
-------------------- Sick since 10/2001. Tested CDC positive for Lyme 10/2008 through Quest and Igenex. Started treatment 1/2009 with LLMD. Lyme, Erichilosis, Chlamydophila Pneumoniae, Q Fever, Strep Syndrome and probably a few others I am forgetting. Posts: 451 | From Virginia | Registered: Feb 2009
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