Not knowing your history, but reading about the dizziness and the suffocating feelings, I must say you have been through the wringer! Those problems can occur and do commonly occur with Lyme and Babs. May I suggest you go to the root of the problem. The nerves in the neck are irritated and "infected". They swell. This causes pressure on the nerves going to your ears, sinuses, optic nerves, etc. By reducing the inflamation (ice) and infection (anti-biotics), the pressure will lessen and your normal sensations will return.

I suffered with the feeling that if I stopped thinking about breathing, I wouldn't breathe. It was awful! Yes, the diaphram can be affected, the throat swells or feels as if it had, and you don't know if you will be able to breathe on your own any more.

May I suggest a chiropractor. Mine has helped me more than anyone. I know when I need to go because my eyes get blurry, and my sinuses stopped up, etc.

It is a terrible sensation. I used to beg my husband to wake me up through the night to see if I was still alive. It did go away, and no one has ever explained what it was. I think my diaphragm might have been affected by the swelling.

I hope you get some relief soon.

After having Lyme, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme again, and Babesious...then getting sandwiched between a stopped car and tractor trailor...I have had my share of aches and pains and disabilities. There are many wonderful things that my Chiropractor has done for me, that hundreds of trips to medical doctors have not been able to do, no matter the speciality, no matter the traveling distance, no matter the big bucks paid to them. I will try to list a few things below to give you an idea. (You are asking me to actually THINK...very difficult...HA! I wish I had the skill to explain it better...but am really lacking in this field... please forgive me)

1. Most recently...diagnosed low body temperature, fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, dehydrating, and other symptoms as being caused by low thyroid. He then researched our local area and sent me to knowledgeable doc to get a prescription that uses a natural form of thyroid to treat patients. (The diagnosis was confirmed later by the medical doc through blood work! The Chiro was right.)

2. After ten or more years of severe menses problems and having surgery as my only choice left (all drugs of all kinds were tried and no lasting results) he suggested a couple of natural supplements and I couldn't believe it...they WORKED! Ten years of misery wiped away with NO surgery! I still don't believe it! I have been to over 20 specialists in the field at huge hospitals and had zillions of tests, biopsy's, etc. and no hope but surgery...well, they were obviously wrong.

3. I was scared to go for my first Chiro appointment- had been trained in the medical field and was told Chiropractors were quacks, they could kill you, don't let anyone touch your back, etc. I finally had no other options. It was a wheelchair permanently or try ONE MORE THING...I couldn't walk far enough to get me from the bed to the bathroom which was only ten steps away. I sat and cried. When I got it back together, I called a chiropractor.

I now go once a week (remember I am a very severe case) and I am able to walk around the house, have less pain, feel more energy, etc. I also had been going to physical therapy for 5 years, 3 times a week. It was good...but not long lasting and not enough help. The physical therapist recomended a Chiropractor. It was amazing!

4. Chiropractors are trained in whole body healing, not just symptom relief through chemical drugs (a coverup for the root of the problem). The third leading cause of death in adults is the medical profession and their (documented) mistakes. Drugs alone kill over 250,000 people a year in the United States.

5. Chiropractors are trained in using nutritional supplements, vitamins and minerals also. They can assist patients with basic diets for better health and wellness.

6. They also teach stretching exercises, strengthing exercises, etc. and can monitor your progress.

7. They are amazing during stages of acute pain. (auto accidents, falls, etc) They are also experts at treating TMJ, neck stiffness, blurry vision, fibromyalgia, ear problems, radiating pain, back pain, leg/foot pain, carpal tunnel pain, numbness, stabbing pains, muscle weakness, and back/hip pain...and much more. They are great at providing chronic pain relief.

8. I think one of the most weird/amazing things I have had happen is the treatment for depression. Some patients go there just for treatment of depression and I was surprised to hear this.... The neck/head nerves get "sick" (my word-not theirs... can't think of word) and pressure is placed on those nerves, cutting off their functioning (to produce chemicals/stuff they need). With a simple adjustment- WOW- the depression is gone! I mentioned the depression once not thinking they could do anything...just in passing. I still have a hard time believing it works!

9. Most Chiropractors take insurance and are covered by Medicare. My visits cost $23.00 each. (find a medical doc, neuro, etc. that costs so little!) I get up to an hour if needed, or longer. I must say, the Chiropractor Schools teach many things to these dedicated people...the most important, and the main one lacking for regular docs...is the art of listening to the patient! Add to that the fact that they believe you when you tell them stuff...and they are qualified to be angels!

10. They come through with the proper documentation and paperwork to assist with the never ending insurance company problems and write excellent reports without acting like you have asked them to stand naked in a snow storm!

11. And ya know...they are actually VERY dedicated to helping people feel their best. They actually care about you. By the way- my Chiro has treated me for the past three years just from the auto accident problems. The insurance company is fighting paying anyone and NO ONE has been paid anything yet. Everyone of the medical docs and facilities have sent my bills to collection agencies, refuse to treat me, blah, blah, blah...the Chiro has NEVER asked for the money, never made me feel bad about it, and insists on treating me anyway as he waits patiently for his bills to be paid. Unbelievable! I even had one offer to assist me with some repairs I needed at the house! These are really caring people!

Below is some info I "borrowed" from a chiro site- don't know the place or this doc...but his wording was pretty good and explanations much more refined than mine. Hope this helps.

PS- These are the "nerve" people...I have no clue how "neurologists" can claim to be experts in this field. I have never seen any good results from a neurologist. To me it seems they have no clue!

Maintained by Dr. John G. Vilkelis, New York City

About Chiropractic

DEFINITION OF CHIROPRACTIC

Chiropractic is a clinical science that is based upon a law of biology, that there is born in living things an ability to be healthy, and secondly draws on the theory of physiology that there's a system in the body, the nervous system by name, that controls and coordinates all other organs and structures and relates the organism to its environment.

Chiropractic clinical science hypothesizes an association between that system and health in the body. Chiropractic was originally conjectured by its founder as that science that was going to investigate how the framework could interfere with the integrity of the nervous system and its ability to control and coordinate all other organs and structures.

Chiropractic is ...

an approach to health that utilizes the body's inherent and natural recuperative powers.

a healing science that places emphasis on maintaining the structural integrity of the body.

a method of health care that is conservative and that does not utilize drugs or surgery.

Chiropractic, from its early beginnings, has endorsed the idea of wellness. It is a holistic (total person) method that deals with treating the cause of the problem rather than just the symptoms.

Chiropractic considers all aspects of the patient's life: family history; work; lifestyle and environment; diet; exercise regimen; the attention to prevention; and the patient's physical and emotional stress factors.

Chiropractic is based on several essential principles, including:

The nervous system, comprised of the brain, the spinal cord and billions of nerve fibers, controls and coordinates all other organs and structures, and relates the individual to the changing environment.

The bony spine, although designed to protect the delicate nervous tissue within, can have restricted range of motion and affect the nerves. This interferes with nerve communications within the body. The displaced vertebra is called a subluxation. Experience and now research studies have shown that adjusting the subluxation can relieve nerve interference and allow the body to function normally, thus maintaining health.

What is an adjustment?

The intent of a spinal adjustment is to restore normal motion and function of the framework in order to restore normal function of the nerves. Chiropractors use several adjusting techniques to accomplish that, many characterized by a precise, specific thrust. The chiropractic adjustment generally differs from spinal manipulation practiced by a physical therapist or an osteopath because the chiropractic adjustment is more specific. It is done not just to mobilize a joint but to remove a subluxation. Indeed, the technique of chiropractic adjusting is a manual art requiring considerable knowledge and dexterity. Mastery of the art of adjusting takes extensive training and practice as does any other art.

The adjustment is a gentle, precise and effective placement, primarily by hand, of the vertebra into its correct position. Adjusting the vertebrae to restore normal function removes the irritation and helps the nervous system return to its natural efficiency. As a result, chiropractic adjustments support the body's defense system, maximizing innate recuperative powers and minimizing the need for more invasive procedures.

Why Should I see A Doctor of Chiropractic?

With the growing awareness of the connection between lifestyle and the quality of one's life has come an appreciation for drugless method of healing. Chiropractic care focuses on structural alignment of the spine and extremities though also considers the role of diet, exercise, and spiritual and mental balance.

How is it Different?

Your spine houses and protects the spinal cord, the "wiring" that carries the signals back and forth between your brain and every tissue and organ in your body. Where medicine uses drugs and surgery, chiropractic focuses on optimizing the body's innate healing abilities via a method known as spinal manipulation. By applying pressure to restore normal mobility to malfunctioning areas of the spine, this often brings about pain relief and restoration of lost function. Treatment may also include appropriate physiotherapeutic modalities (heat, cold, massage), advice on nutrition and lifestyle modification and customized exercise program. Our focus is on patient empowerment and independence through education and self-help procedures.

Is the Procedure Painful?

Although each patient reacts differently, the procedure is rarely painful. It can cause a variety of reactions from temporary soreness to a sense of relief and well-being.

How Are Chiropractors Trained?

Although a two year pre-chiropractic education emphasizing the basic sciences is required, many chiropractors attain a bachelors degree before entering a chiropractic college. The core curriculum chiropractors receive includes over 4,400 hours (a five year academic course) of classes in anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis, laboratory, nutrition and many hours of training in physical medicine including a 550-hour internship curriculum program--very similar to a medical school curriculum.

How Long Will it Take?

That depends on several factors. Your age, physical condition, previous history of accidents or surgeries, occupational requirements and how well you adhere to our treatment program. Relief of pain usually happens quickly (within a month), though stabilizing your condition may take longer. This will be discussed with you before you start treatment, based on your personal needs.

What Is The Treatment Like?

Treatment in our office is directed along a 4-phase recovery program:

1.Acute Intervention - the use of limited rest, orthopedic support, non-narcotic supplementation (if necessary), ice or other modalities to control inflammation and alleviate pain.

2.Remobilization - the use of manipulation and/or mobilization to increase pain-free ranges of motion and minimize deconditioning.

3.Rehabilitation - to restore strength and endurance through doctor-directed stretching and stabilization exercise.

4.Life Style Modification - adaptation of daily activities and work habits to diminish the likelihood of recurrence.

Anything Else I Should Know About?

Yes. Our primary concern in our practice is the well-being of our patient. We go to great lengths to make our patients feel comfortable and cared for with dignity, respect and the highest ethical standards. If at any time you feel otherwise once you become a patient, please let us know. We are here to serve you in every way possible.

How Do I Know if I'm a Chiropractic Patient?

First, we'll start with a comprehensive history including everything from your past medical history, lifestyle habits, job requirements, etc. to uncover hidden sources of stress in your life. This is followed by a very thorough physical examination to determine the cause of your problems. X-rays may be ordered on occasion if you have a history of previous trauma or chronic complaints.

The following are common conditions of patients who come to us:

1. Low back, hip and/or leg pain or numbness

2. Neck, shoulder and arm pain, tingling or numbness

3. Chronic headaches

4. Knee and/or ankle pain or injury

5. All types of sports, dance and work injuries

6. Carpal Tunnel symptoms

7. Pain between shoulder blades

8. Difficulty sitting, bending and lifting

9. Problems sleeping due to neck or back pain

10. Unsuccessful neck or back surgery resulting in recurrent symptoms

11. Recommended for surgery by another physician

12. Progressive weakness in an arm or leg

13. Recurring joint pain, stiffness or swelling

14. Auto accident injury

15. Inability to walk for reasonable distances without back or leg pain

16. General malaise or weakness

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tincup:
Eloise-

After having Lyme, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme again, and Babesious...then getting sandwiched between a stopped car and tractor trailor...I have had my share of aches and pains and disabilities. There are many wonderful things that my Chiropractor has done for me, that hundreds of trips to medical doctors have not been able to do, no matter the speciality, no matter the traveling distance, no matter the big bucks paid to them. I will try to list a few things below to give you an idea. (You are asking me to actually THINK...very difficult...HA! I wish I had the skill to explain it better...but am really lacking in this field... please forgive me)

1. Most recently...diagnosed low body temperature, fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, dehydrating, and other symptoms as being caused by low thyroid. He then researched our local area and sent me to knowledgeable doc to get a prescription that uses a natural form of thyroid to treat patients. (The diagnosis was confirmed later by the medical doc through blood work! The Chiro was right.)

2. After ten or more years of severe menses problems and having surgery as my only choice left (all drugs of all kinds were tried and no lasting results) he suggested a couple of natural supplements and I couldn't believe it...they WORKED! Ten years of misery wiped away with NO surgery! I still don't believe it! I have been to over 20 specialists in the field at huge hospitals and had zillions of tests, biopsy's, etc. and no hope but surgery...well, they were obviously wrong.

3. I was scared to go for my first Chiro appointment- had been trained in the medical field and was told Chiropractors were quacks, they could kill you, don't let anyone touch your back, etc. I finally had no other options. It was a wheelchair permanently or try ONE MORE THING...I couldn't walk far enough to get me from the bed to the bathroom which was only ten steps away. I sat and cried. When I got it back together, I called a chiropractor.

I now go once a week (remember I am a very severe case) and I am able to walk around the house, have less pain, feel more energy, etc. I also had been going to physical therapy for 5 years, 3 times a week. It was good...but not long lasting and not enough help. The physical therapist recomended a Chiropractor. It was amazing!

4. Chiropractors are trained in whole body healing, not just symptom relief through chemical drugs (a coverup for the root of the problem). The third leading cause of death in adults is the medical profession and their (documented) mistakes. Drugs alone kill over 250,000 people a year in the United States.

5. Chiropractors are trained in using nutritional supplements, vitamins and minerals also. They can assist patients with basic diets for better health and wellness.

6. They also teach stretching exercises, strengthing exercises, etc. and can monitor your progress.

7. They are amazing during stages of acute pain. (auto accidents, falls, etc) They are also experts at treating TMJ, neck stiffness, blurry vision, fibromyalgia, ear problems, radiating pain, back pain, leg/foot pain, carpal tunnel pain, numbness, stabbing pains, muscle weakness, and back/hip pain...and much more. They are great at providing chronic pain relief.

8. I think one of the most weird/amazing things I have had happen is the treatment for depression. Some patients go there just for treatment of depression and I was surprised to hear this.... The neck/head nerves get "sick" (my word-not theirs... can't think of word) and pressure is placed on those nerves, cutting off their functioning (to produce chemicals/stuff they need). With a simple adjustment- WOW- the depression is gone! I mentioned the depression once not thinking they could do anything...just in passing. I still have a hard time believing it works!

9. Most Chiropractors take insurance and are covered by Medicare. My visits cost $23.00 each. (find a medical doc, neuro, etc. that costs so little!) I get up to an hour if needed, or longer. I must say, the Chiropractor Schools teach many things to these dedicated people...the most important, and the main one lacking for regular docs...is the art of listening to the patient! Add to that the fact that they believe you when you tell them stuff...and they are qualified to be angels!

10. They come through with the proper documentation and paperwork to assist with the never ending insurance company problems and write excellent reports without acting like you have asked them to stand naked in a snow storm!

11. And ya know...they are actually VERY dedicated to helping people feel their best. They actually care about you. By the way- my Chiro has treated me for the past three years just from the auto accident problems. The insurance company is fighting paying anyone and NO ONE has been paid anything yet. Everyone of the medical docs and facilities have sent my bills to collection agencies, refuse to treat me, blah, blah, blah...the Chiro has NEVER asked for the money, never made me feel bad about it, and insists on treating me anyway as he waits patiently for his bills to be paid. Unbelievable! I even had one offer to assist me with some repairs I needed at the house! These are really caring people!

Below is some info I "borrowed" from a chiro site- don't know the place or this doc...but his wording was pretty good and explanations much more refined than mine. Hope this helps.

PS- These are the "nerve" people...I have no clue how "neurologists" can claim to be experts in this field. I have never seen any good results from a neurologist. To me it seems they have no clue!

Maintained by Dr. John G. Vilkelis, New York City

About Chiropractic

DEFINITION OF CHIROPRACTIC

Chiropractic is a clinical science that is based upon a law of biology, that there is born in living things an ability to be healthy, and secondly draws on the theory of physiology that there's a system in the body, the nervous system by name, that controls and coordinates all other organs and structures and relates the organism to its environment.

Chiropractic clinical science hypothesizes an association between that system and health in the body. Chiropractic was originally conjectured by its founder as that science that was going to investigate how the framework could interfere with the integrity of the nervous system and its ability to control and coordinate all other organs and structures.

Chiropractic is ...

an approach to health that utilizes the body's inherent and natural recuperative powers.

a healing science that places emphasis on maintaining the structural integrity of the body.

a method of health care that is conservative and that does not utilize drugs or surgery.

Chiropractic, from its early beginnings, has endorsed the idea of wellness. It is a holistic (total person) method that deals with treating the cause of the problem rather than just the symptoms.

Chiropractic considers all aspects of the patient's life: family history; work; lifestyle and environment; diet; exercise regimen; the attention to prevention; and the patient's physical and emotional stress factors.

Chiropractic is based on several essential principles, including:

The nervous system, comprised of the brain, the spinal cord and billions of nerve fibers, controls and coordinates all other organs and structures, and relates the individual to the changing environment.

The bony spine, although designed to protect the delicate nervous tissue within, can have restricted range of motion and affect the nerves. This interferes with nerve communications within the body. The displaced vertebra is called a subluxation. Experience and now research studies have shown that adjusting the subluxation can relieve nerve interference and allow the body to function normally, thus maintaining health.

What is an adjustment?

The intent of a spinal adjustment is to restore normal motion and function of the framework in order to restore normal function of the nerves. Chiropractors use several adjusting techniques to accomplish that, many characterized by a precise, specific thrust. The chiropractic adjustment generally differs from spinal manipulation practiced by a physical therapist or an osteopath because the chiropractic adjustment is more specific. It is done not just to mobilize a joint but to remove a subluxation. Indeed, the technique of chiropractic adjusting is a manual art requiring considerable knowledge and dexterity. Mastery of the art of adjusting takes extensive training and practice as does any other art.

The adjustment is a gentle, precise and effective placement, primarily by hand, of the vertebra into its correct position. Adjusting the vertebrae to restore normal function removes the irritation and helps the nervous system return to its natural efficiency. As a result, chiropractic adjustments support the body's defense system, maximizing innate recuperative powers and minimizing the need for more invasive procedures.

Why Should I see A Doctor of Chiropractic?

With the growing awareness of the connection between lifestyle and the quality of one's life has come an appreciation for drugless method of healing. Chiropractic care focuses on structural alignment of the spine and extremities though also considers the role of diet, exercise, and spiritual and mental balance.

How is it Different?

Your spine houses and protects the spinal cord, the "wiring" that carries the signals back and forth between your brain and every tissue and organ in your body. Where medicine uses drugs and surgery, chiropractic focuses on optimizing the body's innate healing abilities via a method known as spinal manipulation. By applying pressure to restore normal mobility to malfunctioning areas of the spine, this often brings about pain relief and restoration of lost function. Treatment may also include appropriate physiotherapeutic modalities (heat, cold, massage), advice on nutrition and lifestyle modification and customized exercise program. Our focus is on patient empowerment and independence through education and self-help procedures.

Is the Procedure Painful?

Although each patient reacts differently, the procedure is rarely painful. It can cause a variety of reactions from temporary soreness to a sense of relief and well-being.

How Are Chiropractors Trained?

Although a two year pre-chiropractic education emphasizing the basic sciences is required, many chiropractors attain a bachelors degree before entering a chiropractic college. The core curriculum chiropractors receive includes over 4,400 hours (a five year academic course) of classes in anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis, laboratory, nutrition and many hours of training in physical medicine including a 550-hour internship curriculum program--very similar to a medical school curriculum.

How Long Will it Take?

That depends on several factors. Your age, physical condition, previous history of accidents or surgeries, occupational requirements and how well you adhere to our treatment program. Relief of pain usually happens quickly (within a month), though stabilizing your condition may take longer. This will be discussed with you before you start treatment, based on your personal needs.

What Is The Treatment Like?

Treatment in our office is directed along a 4-phase recovery program:

1.Acute Intervention - the use of limited rest, orthopedic support, non-narcotic supplementation (if necessary), ice or other modalities to control inflammation and alleviate pain.

2.Remobilization - the use of manipulation and/or mobilization to increase pain-free ranges of motion and minimize deconditioning.

3.Rehabilitation - to restore strength and endurance through doctor-directed stretching and stabilization exercise.

4.Life Style Modification - adaptation of daily activities and work habits to diminish the likelihood of recurrence.

Anything Else I Should Know About?

Yes. Our primary concern in our practice is the well-being of our patient. We go to great lengths to make our patients feel comfortable and cared for with dignity, respect and the highest ethical standards. If at any time you feel otherwise once you become a patient, please let us know. We are here to serve you in every way possible.

How Do I Know if I'm a Chiropractic Patient?

First, we'll start with a comprehensive history including everything from your past medical history, lifestyle habits, job requirements, etc. to uncover hidden sources of stress in your life. This is followed by a very thorough physical examination to determine the cause of your problems. X-rays may be ordered on occasion if you have a history of previous trauma or chronic complaints.

The following are common conditions of patients who come to us:

1. Low back, hip and/or leg pain or numbness

2. Neck, shoulder and arm pain, tingling or numbness

3. Chronic headaches

4. Knee and/or ankle pain or injury

5. All types of sports, dance and work injuries

6. Carpal Tunnel symptoms

7. Pain between shoulder blades

8. Difficulty sitting, bending and lifting

9. Problems sleeping due to neck or back pain

10. Unsuccessful neck or back surgery resulting in recurrent symptoms

11. Recommended for surgery by another physician

12. Progressive weakness in an arm or leg

13. Recurring joint pain, stiffness or swelling

14. Auto accident injury

15. Inability to walk for reasonable distances without back or leg pain

16. General malaise or weakness

17. Inability to perform daily activities

---

Sorry to hear about your shoulder! Sounds like you got a real jerk of a doctor! I am sure there are real jerky Chiropractors, just like there are jerky gas station attendants, math teachers, taxi cab drivers, telephone operators, tincups, bank tellers, etc. I wish you could have found a better one! I have seen a number of Chiropractors in four different states (moving, them or me, marriage, etc.) and all have been wonderful! I guess I have been very lucky in that respect. I wish you could have been to one of my Chiropractors instead of the jerk you saw. Too bad you didn't get to pursue a lawsuit for the damage he has done to you. Maybe you could reconsider? He needs to at least have a complaint filed against him for the trauma he put you through. There is no cost to file a complaint (cept fer a stamp) and your local medical board will send you the forms. This may help to prevent others from being harmed by him.

You stated in your response,
"I have know of people that have been premanently crippled by chiropractors because they had their neck snapped the wrong way or because they were going too many times. You are not supposed to see a chiropractor every week, it is very dangerous!"

Sorry to hear about all of the people you know who had their necks "snapped" the wrong way (I assume you are talking about a Chiropractic adjustment) and are permanently "crippled" because of it!

I knew that there was a rumor started years ago by some of the medical profession to discourage and scare people from going to Chiropractors (and taking away business from the members of the AMA). I have heard these stories/rumors but have never met any of these people, nor seen any documentation concerning numbers of people killed or seriously injured by Chiropractors. I have only ever heard good stories. I am sorry for all of your friends who were hurt. Did they all go to the same jerk you went to that made your shoulder protrude?

You mentioned that I should not go once a week because that is "dangerous!" This is the first I have heard of limiting visits! I know insurance companies want visits limited, so they have less to pay for, but I have not heard any other statistics stating it is necessary to limit visits. Heck...I thought I was doing good going only once a week! At first I went 3x a week, then 2x, and now I can maintain on only one a week or every 10 days. Most people can go once every month or couple of months for maintaining good health, but I am not that lucky with the multiple injuries I have sustained. Do you have any articles or literature that gives the correct number of visits for a person with my condition? I would like to document that so I can advise others not to expose themselves to a possible danger. I would also like the folks here to see another opinion. Eloise asked for mine, which of course is one-sided, and she and others all should have the chance to see another point of view.

And wow...that information you provided about people having strokes because of Chiropractors! Please let me know more about that! I have never heard of any of my Chiropractors patients having that happen. That is scarey stuff! I am going to ask my Chiropractor about this stuff next visit.

I also wanted to let you to know I really don't believe Chiropractors are "Gods or the answer to everything". As far as I know, they don't think they are either...NOT so with some in the medical profession. To me, only God is God. (But sometimes I think Jimmy Buffet is running a close second! So you can see how screwed up I am! HA!)

I do think Chiropractors, with help from God, (and love from my friends and family) have made my life better and have helped many people live more comfortably.

I also don't have much of a choice at this point. I have no one here to push my wheel chair, help me on the potty, help me take a bath or wash my hair, do my shopping or cleaning, run my errands, drive my vehicle, or any of the things I could not do before I went to a Chiropractor. I could have asked my mother, my God Mother, my Aunt, or several of my friends to help me but they have all passed away with Lyme disease and/or from being misdiagnosed by medical doctors. They too suffered greatly, some for years, from the lack of care and bundles of mistakes made by medical doctors.

2. After ten or more years of severe menses problems and having surgery as my only choice left (all drugs of all kinds were tried and no lasting results) he suggested a couple of natural supplements and I couldn't believe it...they WORKED! Ten years of misery wiped away with NO surgery! I still don't believe it! I have been to over 20 specialists in the field at huge hospitals and had zillions of tests, biopsy's, etc. and no hope but surgery...well, they were obviously wrong.

Hi Tincup,

I have a low temperature 96.3 to 97.6 all the time. Plus fatigue and dry skin. I drink water all the time, because I'm thirsty. I don't have weight gain. I wonder if you have to have all the symptoms? Do you need to test positive on a test before going on the medicine? I go to a holistic doctor who would prescribe the natural thyroid medication. What is it called? Does this have anything to do with hormones?

Also, I have recently had a lot of menstrual irregularities after being on zith IV for 2 months. Wondering if my hormones are acting up. Do you have to test positive for something here before being give the natural medicine? What is it called?

May I suggest you check out these sites below...and more I can post later (or look up Wilson's Syndrome or hypothyroidism on the Internet). Your symptoms sound so much like mine...down to the drinking of mass quantities of fluid! The condition would be HYPOthyroidism (low thyroid). As for the mesntrual problems...most definitly related and part of the list of symptoms that can be related to low thyroid.

From what I understand, the thyroid gland is the big daddy of all of the glands that produce hormones in your body. If the thyroid is not functioning properly (low body temperature is an excellent indicator) then the other glands that produce other hormones and depend on the thyroid also suffer. Estrogen, Progestrone, Testerone, and many others we hardly ever hear about are controlled by the functioning of the thyroid.

I just started the supplement and already...in just three days...my body temperature has risen almost one full degree! I have more energy already too! I have been rolling right along today. My mind seems a bit clearer, and my sense of well being is better.

The doc you have should have no problem prescribing the natural form of thyroid, called Armour Thyroid. DO NOT settle for the synthetic form ! I have been researching and so far it (synthetic) has alot of problems associated with it.

Armour thyroid costs 18-24 dollars per 100 pills (tiny tiny ones) and I am starting on a 1/4 grain per day, (one pill) with food in the morning. After one week I will take one in the am, and one in the pm. There are no reported side effects I can find except upset stomach if not taken with food and if taking too high a dose problems can obviously occur. It is recommended not to take the supplement with vitamins with iron and/or calcium supplements to aid in better absorbtion...wait a couple hours before taking your other vitamins, etc.

This all makes complete sense to me so far. The LD has knocked out the other systems and organs, so it goes to reason the thyroid can get knocked out to. There are many reasons the thyroid can be functioning poorly...chronic disease, infections, medications, chronic stress, etc. Pretty much a given for all of us with chronic Lyme problems.

I encourage you to pursue this with your doc. There is a blood test that can be done (be sure if they do them they test for T3, T4, and TCH? or TSH?, no notes right here... at the minimum.) My holistic MD knew right away this was the problem (just like a good Lyme doc knows Lyme without the blood tests) and started me immediately on the thyroid supplement and waited for the blood work to come back as a baseline several days later. He told me he would not deny treatment even if blood work appeared "normal" (which is common because the ranges are too broad) because the body temperature along with other symptoms was enough to go on.

To prep for the appointment I was told to take my body temperature every morning before getting out of bed. 10 minutes under arm...a full ten minutes. Record the temperature for at least three days in a row, longer if waiting for appointment and able to do so.

I am on a natural progestrone, have been for a couple of years now and it has been wonderful. I may be able to reduce my dose of progestrone once the thyroid supplement kicks in and the thyroid starts working better?

I was dead set against taking pills I did not need. It took me a year to do this, lots of research, etc. I was finally convinced it would be okay when I understood that the natural form is what your body makes on its own. You have a low thyroid and it isn't making enough. This is helping to get you the things your body isn't making enough of...not a drug to cover up the problem.

I hope this LONGGGGGG answer is helpful. I really would like to see those with low body temps check into this. I believe Dr. B also recommends having this checked out as part of his Guidelines? Something to watch for?

Let me know what you think and if I can help with any more sites. Take care of you! Good luck!

Fibromyalgia and Hypothyroidism http://thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/library/weekly/aa042799.htm

Coping with Fibromyalgia http://thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.quackwat
ch.com/03HealthPromotion/fibromyalgia/fms00.html

I KNOW you had Lyme all of these years.I had all of these symptoms and more.