Why no steriods?

Just read a tidbit in another thread and my doc gave me a hefty shot of antibiotic, antihistamine, and a steroid anti-inflammatory before giving me 30 days of doxy following an assumed herx on amoxicillin. I have been in bed for 3 days with severe pain in my left foot and ankle that before my last bath was spreading to my knees and hips. Am I getting effed over again?

Neuro Lyme for one year this week....

The immune system is the only thing in your body which can kill any bacteria, infection etc... Steroids suppress the immune system, making it easier to the bacteria to live and spread. It is not a good idea to take steroids in case of infections.

We should use steroids only in autoimmune conditions, when there is no bacteria or infection and the immune system starts to react to your own tissue. In this case they can "safely" shut down the immune system, which will stop the inflammation and pain.

My LLMD was horrified when he found out that my allergist had given me a shot of steroids for my allergies.

I think the answer is complex, but apart from the immune system thing, I'm not sure why steroids are contraindicated in Lyme.

Margaret