Rheumatologist for achilles

I have been dealing with achilles tendinosis (not -tendinitis... tendinosis is much more complicated and it doesn't help we've moved since all this mess began so continuity, etc.) & synovitis for almost 5 years. This was my first major, life changing symptom. It has returned with a vengeance the last few days just when my neck pain/head pressure of 7 months has calmed down. Dx w/active RMSF by a neuro and then Lyme last summer, but, well you know the story...

I don't want to take any abx again for a few reasons, but really want to break down and see a new rheumatologist. Has anyone seen one in NC? I realize the MD won't recognize Lyme, but I am just trying to stay mobile as I have two young kids and no extended family to assist us. It's so bad right now despite icing, resting and ensuring I'm always in good shoes. I'm scared!

goshawk, Thanks for the reply! Wow, I'm glad you've found relief from this. I have been tested once thru Galaxy (Dr. Breitschwerdt's lab), 2x w/LabCorp & once w/DNA Connexions... they came back negative. HOWEVER, one of the two LLMDs I've seen thought my lower leg symptoms sounded like Bart and she would have had me do Rifampin? I never have done that, though. Did you have a MRI of your Achilles? I only ask wondering if you had degenerative changes too that you've found improvement with. May I ask what your ongoing treatment has been?

Thanks.

This might sound crazy to some: but If you run out of patience, you can self treat using Gua-Sha (You-Tube it) on the back of your calf muscle/Achilles on some radius edged counter top, then apply DMSO after.

I do this after heavy calf raises in my workout. First time it hurt, now it feels good. My Achilles are getting more pliable. This wont kill any critters , but will speed up recovery of that area.

bleepitybleep said...
astroman, Sounds pretty similar to Gaston technique or ASTYM. I guess I know where PT borrowed those ideas now...

Yes. They are both a rip off of from the Gau-Sha. They both used certain"tools" for the friction, which makes these techniques patentable LOL!!

I had Graston done and was asking the chiro about what it was actually doing and learned Gau-Sha does the same. Graston takes to many appt$ to get better. Self Gau-Sha is free. Free is good.

the DMSO after, is icing on the cake.

goshawk,
You are right. Some PT stole those concepts! I've had both done and Grafton was hideous, but ASTYM is way easier and I felt it helped. May I ask what you've used for treating Bart? Any herbs?? Thanks again.