richedie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14689
posted
Along with my left arm pain.....about a year ago I started to notice a ridge/lump in my upper back near my scapula. A few massage therapists said it was just a knot or bound up fascia. A year later(now) my chiropractor said it feels like more than that...and said it might be some fatty tissue and could be pressing on nerves. Interestingly enough it is my left side where I have the arm pain.
So, he said to have a talk with a general surgeon. How will this turn out? Not sure....but wanted to ask some advice on the forum.
Thanks.
-------------------- Mepron/Zith/Ceftin Doxy/Biaxin/Flagyl pulse. Artemisinin with Doxy/Biaxin. Period of Levaquin and Ceftin. Then Levaquin, Bactrim and Biaxin. Bactrim/Augmentin/Rifampin. Mepron/Biaxin/Artemisinin/Cat's Claw Rifampin/Bactrim/Alinia Plaquenil/Biaxin Posts: 1949 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Feb 2008
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richedie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
Nobody?
-------------------- Mepron/Zith/Ceftin Doxy/Biaxin/Flagyl pulse. Artemisinin with Doxy/Biaxin. Period of Levaquin and Ceftin. Then Levaquin, Bactrim and Biaxin. Bactrim/Augmentin/Rifampin. Mepron/Biaxin/Artemisinin/Cat's Claw Rifampin/Bactrim/Alinia Plaquenil/Biaxin Posts: 1949 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Feb 2008
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David95928
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posted
I've had several surgeries, two minor one major, since starting treatment for Lyme. The surgeries proceeded without complications and I did not have any Lyme-realted setbacks.
-------------------- Dave Posts: 2034 | From CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
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- Ask your LLMD. Often, after lyme treatment, all sorts of stuff that previously hampered us can resolve without surgery.
I'd consult an acupuncturist, too (L. Ac.). Tremendous success can be experienced, in some cases like this - with a series of acupuncture.
So, too, myofascial therapy may help. Not all LMTs are the same. Not all DCs are the same. You might find one who does the UPLEDGER INSTITUTE's gentle method of cranial-sacral therapy --- they work on all the bones of the body.
You have several excellent options before you sign up for surgery. See what these other kinds of professionals say.
you can look at the website for UPLEDGER INSTITUTE to find a DC, DO, PT or LMT who is trained in that method.
Google to find the L.Ac.s in your area and ask your local lyme support group. Some NDs (naturopathic doctors ) are also licensed in acupuncture.
You need one with YEARS of training, though. Some MDs take shortened courses for things like tennis elbow, etc. and that can have some value. But you need one with the full training. It's much more complex than one might think.
In addition, see if there are any FENDENKRAIS practitioners in your area. It would be in addition to all above to help you with learning new skills regarding how you move, sit, stretch, etc.
And some Yoga and Pilates techniques can be good, too.
If you can increase circulation, remove mechanical stressors, and restore mobility, this could work out on its own. Acupuncture is excellent at helping to remove constrictions and getting the flow going. Some herbs can help that, too. Both NDs and L. Ac.s have years of formal education in herbal medicine, too. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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posted
- Remember, most often, surgery involves steroids during or afterward. You'd need to be clear on all the Rx that could be involved.
The drugs used during surgery - and the painkillers afterward - are very hard on the liver. Liver protection is not all that possible before surgery as you have to stop all supplements days or weeks prior. If you have a forward thinking doctor, there may be things that may be able to be given through IV. But most doctors involved in surgery are not familiar with protective measures.
I would want a LL ND (naturopathic) doctor who is very familiar with surgery drugs to be on my team (even if just adjunct - there are a few hospitals in the country that employ NDs but mostly in cancer centers). I would also want as much help with acupuncture but, again, that is very limited (sadly).
In China, often, the main anesthesia is acupuncture - much safer for a patient's liver and kidneys. I saw a video of a woman having lung surgery with just acupuncture. She was awake and responsive - but in no pain. Amazing. That video was done through PBS during President Nixon's trip to China in the 70's if you'd want to track it down.
The whole thing also very stressful on the body. However, IF surgery is needed, ask your LLMD for suggestions - and the best professionals - so that you can have success. Sometimes, surgery is needed and successful correction can be a huge relief. -
[ 07-11-2010, 05:36 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Lyme exacerbates symptoms that might normally not be problematic, most of us know that all too well.
It does though seem that there is a problem. I would talk to a surgeon, get an MRI or whatever is called for, and then make your decisions.
Posts: 152 | From West Palm Bech, FL | Registered: May 2008
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posted
I had a major surgery that I really couldn't avoid in May 2010. I didn't have any complications from lyme.
My symptoms might have resolved with good treatment, but I wasn't taking any chances.
Good luck!!
Posts: 893 | From Florida | Registered: Dec 2008
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richedie
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posted
I might give it some more time, but might still see the surgeon. My LLMD said a general surgeon is best....not sure who else would examine your back and try to determine what is wrong.
After they get a better haqndle on it, I'll make a decicion. My doc thinks the thing could have been there but the infections are exacerbating it...or it could be alump caused by Bartonella.
I just find it odd that I do not have full range of motion on that side even after therapy, and myofascial work. If I lie on my back I still can not get that arm all the way back and external rotation is not 100% either and always used to be. It's almost like the area around my scapula is locked up!
Don't know what more to do to increase circulation, remove mechanical stressors, and restore mobility! What's left? Tried acupuncture by one of the best in the area with no luck plus it became to expensive.
-------------------- Mepron/Zith/Ceftin Doxy/Biaxin/Flagyl pulse. Artemisinin with Doxy/Biaxin. Period of Levaquin and Ceftin. Then Levaquin, Bactrim and Biaxin. Bactrim/Augmentin/Rifampin. Mepron/Biaxin/Artemisinin/Cat's Claw Rifampin/Bactrim/Alinia Plaquenil/Biaxin Posts: 1949 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
My husband had a lipoma(fatty tissue) removed from his back. He was getting shoulder/arm pain. He had it done under local anesthesia. Removing it took care of the problem. He's had 3 of these things.
Posts: 383 | From Ar | Registered: May 2007
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richedie
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posted
Zil, that is amazing. Can you detail where the tissue was located? Mine is so solid it almost feels like a muscle or something....what type of specialist did he see???? You have me excited of maybe solving this. My doctor said Bartonella can causes these large lumps of tissue.
Was his shoulder/arm pain anywhere near the deltoids, how about forearm pain? I also get elbow and wrist pain.
Local anesthesia? I guess it was not too deep!?
-------------------- Mepron/Zith/Ceftin Doxy/Biaxin/Flagyl pulse. Artemisinin with Doxy/Biaxin. Period of Levaquin and Ceftin. Then Levaquin, Bactrim and Biaxin. Bactrim/Augmentin/Rifampin. Mepron/Biaxin/Artemisinin/Cat's Claw Rifampin/Bactrim/Alinia Plaquenil/Biaxin Posts: 1949 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Feb 2008
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richedie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
I am seeing a well known radiologist for his diagnostic skills in interpreting ultra sound studies. We'll start there.
Could fibrous cysts such as these be throught the shoulder joint and also could be cause by Bartonella or Borrelia?
-------------------- Mepron/Zith/Ceftin Doxy/Biaxin/Flagyl pulse. Artemisinin with Doxy/Biaxin. Period of Levaquin and Ceftin. Then Levaquin, Bactrim and Biaxin. Bactrim/Augmentin/Rifampin. Mepron/Biaxin/Artemisinin/Cat's Claw Rifampin/Bactrim/Alinia Plaquenil/Biaxin Posts: 1949 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
I know his arm hurt he had radiating pain but it's been about 4 yrs ago. He's out of town tonight so I can't get specifics. Will PM those to you. He had one large one near his shoulder blade and spine. It was deep but the Dr got it. It was about the size of a golf ball. We went to a surgeon and he did it at his office.
Posts: 383 | From Ar | Registered: May 2007
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posted
What you have is called a Lipoma. A lipoma is a benign tumor composed of fatty tissue.
No big deal they do get larger. I had one cut out where you describe the year (2006) I came down with symptoms.
General surgeon cut it out in his office. We had complications. What he originally said would be a 20 min procedure turned into an 1 1/2 hour ordeal.
This is because the Lipoma was embedded deep into the muscle tissue. It has to be cut out and is never a perfect circle of fat. It is jagged and really gets attached to muscle tissue.
I was injected six times with epinephrine. My heart rate was 260 and bp skyrocketed. My general surgeon said half way through "we should have elected general surgery in the OR".
It wasn't pleasant. Afterward had to sit and be monitored 30 min, and a ride was called for me.
Good news he did a great job with little scarring. It hasn't returned. 20% or higher do return. I suggest getting it out while it's the size that it is.
It will be sent out to pathology and will almost always come back benign.
Good Luck
-------------------- HERX is a Four Letter Word! Posts: 716 | From If you're going through hell, keep going......Winston Churchill | Registered: Apr 2007
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richedie
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Member # 14689
posted
quote:Originally posted by zil: I know his arm hurt he had radiating pain but it's been about 4 yrs ago. He's out of town tonight so I can't get specifics. Will PM those to you. He had one large one near his shoulder blade and spine. It was deep but the Dr got it. It was about the size of a golf ball. We went to a surgeon and he did it at his office.
Weird thing is...the large one I feel is not round at all...more a longer shape of some sort....
I also have localized elbow and wrist pain. I really think this is all the underlying disease and not the lump.
-------------------- Mepron/Zith/Ceftin Doxy/Biaxin/Flagyl pulse. Artemisinin with Doxy/Biaxin. Period of Levaquin and Ceftin. Then Levaquin, Bactrim and Biaxin. Bactrim/Augmentin/Rifampin. Mepron/Biaxin/Artemisinin/Cat's Claw Rifampin/Bactrim/Alinia Plaquenil/Biaxin Posts: 1949 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Feb 2008
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cottonbrain
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posted
richieD- i had bilateral surgery on one toe on each foot before i knew i had lyme. Could be that the doctor botched the surgery, i dont know, but my feet are really messed up now.
my llmd advised me NOT to have any more surgery until lyme is in remission.
I had no choice and had an unrelated surgery ten days ago -- too early to tell how things are going.
you could try Low Dose Naltrexone to help heal from surgery?? i started it a few nights ago and the intense pain i was feeling subsided. coincidence? maybe...
my advice would be to postpone surgery as long as you safely can -- as long as postponing it won't exacerbate your condition.
Posts: 1173 | From USA | Registered: Nov 2007
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richedie
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posted
Well, I don't know what to think! My remaining symptoms are left arm pain(terrible!)with joint clicking on that side, foot pain, mostly soles of feet, and terrible floaters. I sometimes get pressure in the back of my head and my knee will act up....but fine other than that. Oh, and the candida infection now dealing with.
We were hoping the lumps coming out could resolve the arm. Maybe they are caused by Lyme or Bartonella? Maybe I chould wait till after we have some Bartonella treatment under way.
We did Bart treatment last year but only for 2-3 months and I was told it can take much longer!
On September 10th I have a test to determine what the lump is.
Pain is so bad in that arm it is so tough to type!
quote:Originally posted by cottonbrain: richieD- i had bilateral surgery on one toe on each foot before i knew i had lyme. Could be that the doctor botched the surgery, i dont know, but my feet are really messed up now.
my llmd advised me NOT to have any more surgery until lyme is in remission.
I had no choice and had an unrelated surgery ten days ago -- too early to tell how things are going.
you could try Low Dose Naltrexone to help heal from surgery?? i started it a few nights ago and the intense pain i was feeling subsided. coincidence? maybe...
my advice would be to postpone surgery as long as you safely can -- as long as postponing it won't exacerbate your condition.
-------------------- Mepron/Zith/Ceftin Doxy/Biaxin/Flagyl pulse. Artemisinin with Doxy/Biaxin. Period of Levaquin and Ceftin. Then Levaquin, Bactrim and Biaxin. Bactrim/Augmentin/Rifampin. Mepron/Biaxin/Artemisinin/Cat's Claw Rifampin/Bactrim/Alinia Plaquenil/Biaxin Posts: 1949 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Feb 2008
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Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
Sis (with lyme) has had both knees replaced.
If surgery is necessary/needed...do it.
The majority of cysts/lumps...are NON malignant (!!!), but can be painful if they do press on nerves.
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