posted
I have arthritis like symptoms in my shoulder that is most likely going to receive arthroscopic surgery very soon. I still do not have a yes or a no on whether I have Lyme.
Is there a test I can ask for that can be done on the fluid that is removed from my shoulder to help with the Lyme diagnosis - or any clear diagnosis for that matter?
Thanks!
Posts: 6 | From Streamwood, IL | Registered: Aug 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I would never want to invade such a tender joint with a needle as that could cause some long term pain and other problems.
A good lyme literate MD (LLMD) can help you sort all this out. I would wait on any surgical procedure and see a LLMD. You may be able to avoid surgery.
By all means, avoid steroids as they can make lyme worse. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I think I am ok with having the surgery. It is a more imitate way to remove the fluid that gunk that is causing the pain and limited range of motion. That is separate from finding out what is causing the fluid and gunk in the first place which is what I think will take a little longer to figure out.
If I end up getting the surgery anyway I was wondering if anyone knows if there is anything I can get them to test for while I am at it. I will certainly ask the orthro but I wanted to be armed with something Lyme specific if it exists to add to the list.
Thanks for your help.
Posts: 6 | From Streamwood, IL | Registered: Aug 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- The thing is that, if this is lyme, surgery can have complications. If this is lyme, if you get to a LLMD and get treated, you may avoid surgery or - if needed - you can have your LLMD's guidance on how for lyme not to blossom from the surgical complications that a non-lyme literate doctor may cause.
Steroids are used in many surgical procedures. Steroids make lyme blossom and it can be nearly impossible to then treat.
I can pretty much guarantee your regular doctors will not do the tests correctly, handle the specimens correctly or even get them to the right labs. If you have a LLMD to guide all this, you have a FAR better chance.
Good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Search: SOTA LIGHTWORKS - LED therapy.
There are other ways to address this beside surgery. LED therapy may be an excellent choice. It's non-invasive and can't hurt.
You don't necessarily need to remove the gunk and fluid if you can find other ways to reduce it. Removing it may not solve the problem.
Have you used Turmeric/Curcumin yet? Other antioxidants? Fish Oil? Acupuncture? -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
I agree with Keebler: find an LLMD and be evaluated and treated. And get his/her guidance on whether or when or how to do surgery. As Keebler said, surgery can be problematic for Lyme patients for many reasons.
And if you can get rid of the cause, you may not need the surgery. Any surgery, and shoulder surgery in particular, is not a walk in the park. Surgeons make is sound like no big deal, but they aren't the ones that have to rehab you after the surgery!!
Don't jump for it now.
Posts: 3792 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
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