LymeNet Home LymeNet Home Page LymeNet Flash Discussion LymeNet Support Group Database LymeNet Literature Library LymeNet Legal Resources LymeNet Medical & Scientific Abstract Database LymeNet Newsletter Home Page LymeNet Recommended Books LymeNet Tick Pictures Search The LymeNet Site LymeNet Links LymeNet Frequently Asked Questions About The Lyme Disease Network LymeNet Menu

LymeNet on Facebook

LymeNet on Twitter




The Lyme Disease Network receives a commission from Amazon.com for each purchase originating from this site.

When purchasing from Amazon.com, please
click here first.

Thank you.

LymeNet Flash Discussion
Dedicated to the Bachmann Family

LymeNet needs your help:
LymeNet 2020 fund drive


The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations.

LymeNet Flash Post New Topic  New Poll  Post A Reply
my profile | directory login | register | search | faq | forum home

  next oldest topic   next newest topic
» LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Lyme Arthritis

 - UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!    
Author Topic: Lyme Arthritis
DC
Member
Member # 6633

Icon 5 posted      Profile for DC     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
I'm suffering from arthritis in both knees. Had my knees scoped to remove damaged cartlidge. I've seen four Orthopedic doctors all say the same thing, that the linning of my knees is inflamed and there isn't anything they can do.

They all know I have Lyme and am undergoing treatment for it. They did mention removing the lining but that that is only temporary.

So is there anything to take to reduce the pain? Some days I can't even walk.

Also I'm read that Lyme arthritis goes away most of the time.

My desperation has got me to thinking this, Get the lining removed and by the time it grows back, 1-2yrs, I'll have the Lyme undercontrol. I'm guessing this is risky but I've been on STD for 3 1/2 months now and want to get back to work bad.


Posts: 96 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

Icon 6 posted      Profile for Lymetoo     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
STOP! Please try natural therapies first!

Your orthopedic dr won't mention prolotherapy. Why? Because he doesn't know how to do it.

I would do ALOT of other things before allowing them to remove the lining. [miniscus??] I know someone who had that done. She is only 30 and has had 6 surgeries on her knees.

She found out about prolotherapy too late. Now she has a big problem on her hands and will probably have to have a knee replacement in the next few years.
http://www.prolodoc.com/faber4.htm http://www.prolodoc.com/zale.htm http://www.prolotherapy.com/ http://www.prolodoc.com/
Hear success stories: http://www.prolotherapy.com/proloaudio.htm

Rate prolotherapy: http://www.remedyfind.com/rm-715-Prolotherapy.asp

How do other treatments rate? http://www.remedyfind.com/hc-Osteoarthritis.asp

Articles on prolotherapy:
http://www.prolotherapy.com/documents.htm
http://www.prolotherapy.com/articles/banks.htm http://www.getprolo.com/
http://www.docbridges.com/prolo.htm

Great book on the topic:
Prolo Your Pain Away, by Dr. Ross Hauser

------------------
oops!
Lymetutu

[This message has been edited by Lymetoo (edited 19 February 2005).]


Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
DC
Member
Member # 6633

Icon 1 posted      Profile for DC     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
It's the synovium. http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/628/main.html

[This message has been edited by DC (edited 19 February 2005).]


Posts: 96 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

Icon 6 posted      Profile for Lymetoo     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Head to the library or bookstore for books on prolotherapy or read the links above. Then there's also Amazon.com.

------------------
oops!
Lymetutu


Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
DC
Member
Member # 6633

Icon 1 posted      Profile for DC     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
That sounds like it's for ligament and tendon problems?
Posts: 96 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

Icon 6 posted      Profile for Lymetoo     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Well, yes and no. Most of us have some laxity of our tendons and ligaments. You could have alot of laxity and if so, you would benefit from the treatment.

It keeps the joint stable, therefore you would have less pain when walking or moving the joint. Keep reading. Maybe you'll find the key.

------------------
oops!
Lymetutu


Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
DC
Member
Member # 6633

Icon 1 posted      Profile for DC     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
I'll keep reading but read the link in my post. My synovium is inflamed. http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/628/main.html
Posts: 96 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

Icon 6 posted      Profile for Lymetoo     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
check your email
Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
minoucat
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5175

Icon 1 posted      Profile for minoucat     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
My husband had terrible joint pain -- knees, hands, elbows, shoulders. Had both knees operated on to repair cartilage tears, but the joints continued to be inflamed and very painful.

Since this last round of abx for LD, babs, and now bart, almost no joint pain. AMAZING. The bartonella seems to been as much a cause for joint pain as the LD.

Bb does migrate to the synovial fluid; no info on bart and that area, except for personal experience. In our case treatment did take care of the problem, but it took a while (this time, a year of abx tx). He also took Celebrex, which helped.

He's finding the portable steam sauna makes him feel better all over. The portable saunas are pretty cheap -- ours was $99 pre tax and shipping -- you might try that?

We've always found that surgical procedures/anesthetic really push us back a step. I'm very doubtful about the removal of the synovium as an effective treatment.

I'm sorry that the arthritis is so bad. I do know how awful it is. Good luck.


Posts: 2331 | From WA | Registered: Jan 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129

Icon 1 posted      Profile for just don     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Minoucat,
Very interesting reading of your husbands bart treatment actually helped his arthritis the most. Did it resemble rhematoid or osteo version??? AND what abx helped him the most to get over the bart???

DC,
Sounds quite serious to do this. Will it help to take this out??? Think I would at least try the prolo therapy and other alternates first. Do you take pain meds? Would your doc up them if needed? --just don--


Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911

Icon 1 posted      Profile for timaca     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
You might try a prescription creme: "ketoprofen". It is a non steroidal, anti-inflammatory creme. Rub it into the joint that hurts. It needs to be compounded by a pharmacist. But, it helps me when my knee gets irritated.

Tina


Posts: 2872 | From above 7,000 ft in a pine forest | Registered: Feb 2005  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
minoucat
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5175

Icon 1 posted      Profile for minoucat     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Don,I think his symptoms were closer to RA -- lots of swelling and inflammation, as well as pain. He'd be so sore sometimes he couldn't bear for the joint to be touched or bumped even lightly. Also lots of muscle pain

He got less and less sore after the 6 month mark on IM bicillin and on mepron/zith/art.

But it wasnt until after he completed the bart tx -- Levaquin for 2 months (very scary med, but he was OK on it, although his muscles were quite sore the whole time) then septra (but had to stop after 2 weeks because of allergy) and now samento and ketek (for the past 2 weeks).

He discontinued the mepron/zith a month ago, after 10 months. He's still on bicillin IM (worked very well for us), ketek, and samento. And a high dose of glucosamine sulfate/msm and CoQ10.

This past week he's pruned several fruit trees and hauled several full wheelbarrows to the burn pile. Unthinkable, in terms of joint pain, even 4 months ago.


Posts: 2331 | From WA | Registered: Jan 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
GEDEN13
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4151

Icon 1 posted      Profile for GEDEN13     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
i had an open synovectomy(removed most of synovial lining) .they do not grow back.the surgery does not remove all of the lining.only what they can get to..

my postop dx is lyme arthritis with extensive synovitis.my range of motion i n my knee(right) is limited.stair's are difficult to walk.one at a time.

i don't know if abx will help me.i take 400mg of doxy daily.i know this is not enough abx.but it's something.

pain and swelling continue.i am on the durgesic patch(50), plus percocet5/325,between 6 and 10 daily.surgery was ,2 year's ,this march.

my next move is knee replacement.but orthopedist sez i am to young.(i'm 50).lol..

i have looked all over the net,for somebody with the same as me.can't find anyone.

my advice to you is,get 2nd opinion's.search the net for info.watch out for myth's.

i don't know if iv abx will help me.i can't get on it.and can't find anyone who has.

for quick pain relief,use ice.no longer then 20 min's.

just remember,everyone's situation is differant.take in all the info you can gather.stay away from bextra,vioxx,celibrex.that's useless crap.(as you see now in the new's)

also ,my synivial lining was in shred's.that was one reason for all the pain and swelling.

try to find an orthopedist who has dealt with this same situation.(lyme)cause the rest know little or nothing..

hope this help's,sorry for your situation.but the more you know,the better off you are.lyme fog? write everything down..

my address is on here ,if you want to know more.i will try to help......gary

------------------


Posts: 1108 | From PA. | Registered: Jun 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
monkeyshines
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 6406

Icon 1 posted      Profile for monkeyshines     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
My worst (and initially only) symptom for a long time was arthritis, the rheumatoid type though I have a negative rheumatoid factor.

I'm on two "DMARDs" (disease modifying arthritis drugs): Plaquenil and Enbrel. The main reason for doing this is to control the arthritis while the abx is doing its work and prevent damage.

So far, I seem to have escaped permanent damage. I can't tell you for sure that these meds did the trick ... I guess I'll never know for sure.

I know a number of people here take Plaquenil, some for other reasons. Enbrel in particular is a serious decision. It's a biotech drug that hasn't been on the market that long, and because it surpresses the immune system, this could be problematic for many here. It's also quite expensive if you don't have good insurance coverage. I personally have had no problems with it other than sensitivity at the injection site.

monkeyshines


Posts: 343 | From Northern VA | Registered: Oct 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
DC
Member
Member # 6633

Icon 1 posted      Profile for DC     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
I've seen 4 different Orthopedic doctors. One of them is in the top 3% of ortho doctors in the country. All say the same thing.
I have an apponitment next week with one of them. I'm gonna call my LLMD and see if I can get some communication between them.

I do the ice packs when the pain get unberable. I'm just trying to explore all avenues to get better.

Now I'm on Zithromax M-F and Flagyl Fri-Sun. I'm also on Armour, Zoloft, Plaquenil and give myself 3cc injections of B-12 twice a week.

I'm on no pain killers. I don't want a drug addiction on top of Lyme.

[This message has been edited by DC (edited 20 February 2005).]


Posts: 96 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
GEDEN13
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4151

Icon 1 posted      Profile for GEDEN13     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
d.c.

there is a differance between drug addiction and drug dependence.

also discuss this with your orthopedist...you should not need to suffer.they will/should help you with this.(pain)

good luck ,gary

------------------


Posts: 1108 | From PA. | Registered: Jun 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
bobdavis
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 510

Icon 1 posted      Profile for bobdavis   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Another alternate treatment is PEMF. That stands for Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Field.

I have been testing it on my hips. The pain keeps me from standing, but walking is not as painful. So I treated my left hip several times, at first it hurt worse for a couple of days. Now it does not hurt at all, but my right hip is still in pain.

When I first tried PEMF my chiropractor said my neck and left foot were "beyond hope". Now they are pain free! That was two years ago.

My setup is based on the "Doug Machine". You use a frequency generator, it can be a program running on a PC. Then you get a high power audio amplifier like what the rock bands use. Generally you need 400 to 1000 watts of power. Next you need a degaussing coil for a TV or Computer Monitor.

The coil will get hot in one or two minutes but that is all the time it takes to end your pain. You will need to treat each joint daily at first, eventually weekly will work.

"Doug" observed tath a frequency of 306 or 612 Hz will kill spirochete bacteria. All I know for sure is that it ends the pain. You may herx, it may hurt worse after an hour or so.

The hips and the shoulder are the hardest joints to treat. It might be a matter of needing a bigger coil or more power.


Posts: 499 | From Western NY | Registered: Dec 2000  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Mrs. Tick
Member
Member # 5950

Icon 10 posted      Profile for Mrs. Tick     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
My husband had severe synovitis from Lyme and, unfortunately, has some joint damage in his hands because some "duck" rheumatologist gave him steroids for a year and NO abx. He was told by an ortho. that he should not have synovectomy or knee replacement since he had "infection" (LD) in the synovium.
If you can, get yourself to a LL Rheumatologist ASAP before the damage is done. There are 2 women in NJ (Dr. F and Dr.G) that I know of who are excellent.Although he starts getting worse again after off ABX for awhile, he is 99% better thanks to Dr.F !!!

Posts: 16 | From Canaan, CT, USA | Registered: Jul 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
DC
Member
Member # 6633

Icon 1 posted      Profile for DC     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Just an update.

Ortho and LLMD said don't do the surgery. Basically told me, treat the problem, not the symptom.


Posts: 96 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

Icon 6 posted      Profile for Lymetoo     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
DC....sounds good to me!

------------------
oops!
Lymetutu


Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
   

Quick Reply
Message:

HTML is not enabled.
UBB Code� is enabled.

Instant Graemlins
   


Post New Topic  New Poll  Post A Reply Close Topic   Feature Topic   Move Topic   Delete Topic next oldest topic   next newest topic
 - Printer-friendly view of this topic
Hop To:


Contact Us | LymeNet home page | Privacy Statement

Powered by UBB.classic™ 6.7.3


The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:

The Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey
907 Pebble Creek Court, Pennington, NJ 08534 USA


| Flash Discussion | Support Groups | On-Line Library
Legal Resources | Medical Abstracts | Newsletter | Books
Pictures | Site Search | Links | Help/Questions
About LymeNet | Contact Us

© 1993-2020 The Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Use of the LymeNet Site is subject to Terms and Conditions.