posted
Cortisone suppresses immune system - free replication for bacteria and viruses. Taking cortisone is not recommended at all - except if you are in immediate dire danger of death
Posts: 856 | From MA | Registered: Jul 2009
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. . . More severe illness also results from other causes of weakened defenses, such as from severe stress, immunosuppressant medications, and severe intercurrent illnesses.
This is why steroids and other immunosuppressive medications are absolutely contraindicated in Lyme. This also includes intraarticular steroids.
. . . .
From page 12:
. . . More evidence has accumulated indicating the severe detrimental effects of the concurrent use of immunosuppressants including steroids in the patient with active B. burgdorferi infection.
Never give steroids or any other immunosuppressant to any patient who may even remotely be suffering from Lyme, or serious, permanent damage may result, especially if given for anything greater than a short course.
If immunosuppressive therapy is absolutely necessary, then potent antibiotic treatment should begin at least 48 hours prior to the immunosuppressants. . . .
Page 20:
. . . and absolutely no immunosuppressants, even local doses of steroids (intra-articular injections, for example). . . .
. . . "Steroid Disaster" is a term coined by the pioneer of Lyme Treatment . . .
Corticosteroids are immune suppressants, the last thing a Lyme patient needs is to lower immunity.
Can you imagine, your body trying hard to fight off the spirochete bacteria and suddenly and immunosuppressants is introduced, "freezing" your immune system, rendering it unable to battle, giving great advantage now to the Lyme bacteria to spread and go wherever it wants .
Corticosteroids can last in the body for months, usually around 6 months. In many bacterial infections such as LD, damage can be done.
Many Lyme patients (such as myself) triggered LD with cortisone shots, pills, inhalers, etc. I can tell you, it is a nightmare I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
It is imperative to NEVER take corticosteroid for pain if you know you have a bacterial infection.
Some bacterial infections are so severe that a shot of cortisone could kill you, although that would be unlikely with Lyme, but rule of thumb, bacterial infections and immunosuppressants do not mix!
. . .
Dr. Burrascano makes it clear in his treatment guidelines that steroid treatment is detrimental, these are excerpts from his guidelines:
"More evidence has accumulated indicating the severe detrimental effects of the concurrent use of immunosuppressants including steroids in the patient with active B. burgdorferi infection.
Never give steroids or any other immunosuppressant to any patient who may even remotely be suffering from Lyme, or serious, permanent damage may result, especially if given for anything greater than a short course.
If immunosuppressive therapy is absolutely necessary, then potent antibiotic treatment should begin at least 48 hours prior to the immunosuppressants.
The severity of the clinical illness is directly proportional to the spirochete load, the duration of infection, and the presence of co-infections. These factors also are proportional to the intensity and duration of treatment needed for recovery.
More severe illness also results from other causes of weakened defenses, such as from severe stress, immunosuppressants medications, and severe intercurrent illnesses.
This is why steroids and other immunosuppressants medications are absolutely contraindicated in Lyme. This also includes intra-articular steroids."
An easy explanation. Your immune system are the "soldiers" of your body constantly standing by to attack any foreign invader.
When an immunosuppressant is used, it is like killing off or knocking out most of your "soldiers", now your body is open to all foreign invasion and while your immune system is knocked out, those invaders can go anywhere, your heart, liver, brain - everywhere.
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
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- However, temporary use of very LOW (sub-clinical) dose hydrocortisone (Cortef) has been used as the last resort for lyme patients close to adrenal failure.
The adrenals (and the entire endocrine system) really takes a hit with lyme. Adrenal failure can become fatal so, if nothing else is working, Cortef can be a life-saver - or prevent a patient from reaching a critical stage.
Under the care of a LLMD, this can give the adrenals enough of a rest in order to start healing. However, usually adrenal support measures known as ADAPTOGENS are first tried. For most, adaptogen support is enough (along with good self-care).
Those include Eleutherococcus senticosus, Ashwagandha, Cordyceps or Rhodiola (starting slowing with a low dose as that can be too stimulating and too much stimulation is damaging to adrenals).
Vitamin B-5 is also a helpful support for adrenal function as is Fish Oil. Curcumin can help lower stress in the body, thereby being a support to overworked adrenals. -
[ 11-20-2009, 01:14 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
* Dr. Burrascano's Treatment Guidelines (2008) - 37 pages
Sections regarding how to best take care of your rest/energy requirements:
Go to page 27 for SUPPORTIVE THERAPY & the CERTAIN ABSOLUTE RULES
and also pages 31-32 for advice on a safe, non-aerobic exercise plan and physical rehabilitation.
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Regarding pain and fatigue - and what can help - this is included in Burrascano's Guidelines, but you may want to be able to refer to it separately, too:
* Nutritional Supplements in Disseminated Lyme Disease
J.J. Burrascano, Jr., MD (2008)
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This book, by an ILADS member LLMD, holds great information about treatments options and support measures that offer solutions for pain relief and adrenal support:
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