Help/guidance for pain relief!?!

I have never posted anything like this b/c I figure I can just search the Internet for answers but I'm getting desperate. I see how helpful everyone is for others and I figured it can't hurt

I was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme (along with Babesia and Bartonella) in February of this year after two herniated discs would not heal. Although bit many times as a kid - no bulls-eye or other symptoms but doctors believe I have had Lyme a long time. Looking back I can pinpoint things going "south" with my body since 2005. Nothing big enough or stayed around long enough for me to think anything was wrong. Things just started to ramp up after I re-injured my back 2 years ago.

Since I was diagnosed in Feb 2015, I have been going the alternative route as far as "medication" such as a homeopathic protocol, supplements (immune support, liver, gluthathione paste, etc), herbs such as: Cumanda, Samento, Crytpo-plus, etc. Although I have/had other symptoms - My biggest symptoms are insomnia, fatigue, and pain. My sleep has improved and although I am tired all day - I don't find myself having to nap everyday. It's my pain...specifically back pain, hips, neck and headaches that have not gotten better. I own a fitness studio so my day is a little more active than most but I can only work a couple hours in the morning then again in the afternoon. I have adjusted how I teach/train clients and move my body. Certainly I have days I just can't work. When I am not working, I am resting/laying down (can't sit longer than 20 minutes), icing, in Epsom salt baths, etc. I have tired to work on my spinal issues as I know Lyme is a big part of it but I also know my spine still needs some "love." I have had years of on and off back problems that stem from me fracturing it (1998/1999) while playing collegiate tennis. The fracture came from just twisting and torquing my body so clearly "something" was off back then because there are millions of tennis players that don't break their back without some sort of trauma to it.

My major frustration is unfortunately my immune system is rejecting any form of manipulation (massage (very light), chiropractor, physical therapy, atlas onthoganal therapy (atlas adjustment), etc.) by making my pain go off the charts and often times debilitated for days after. I've tried acupuncture but no help. I eat a clean, no inflammation diet. It is VERY frustrating as I want to do "something" to help my pain but nothing seems to be working. I have been forced to take pain medicine every day to just "get by."

Any and all suggestions you can provide that you think would help elevate pain...even if its just a little bit - I would be VERY appreciative!! Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.

Hi odu10ss - welcome to our community!

I'm so sorry you are sufferiing with daily pain - at high levels.

Have you tried taking curcumin? It is a natural anti-inflammatory supplement.

I agree about the tennis - I used to play (not at the level you played) - and I can't imagine a healthy back fracturing with just the twisting/torquing alone.

When you have the time, you might be interested in reading through the thread at the top of the page titled:"New to Lyme?..Start here!" - It's packed full of good information. - symptom lists, info on probiotics, detoxing suggestions - and much more.

Are you working with a LLMD or self-treating?

No, I do not have any experience with HBOT, but I know someone you should talk to!! If you wouldn't mind sending me an email, I'll be happy to share her email with you. She healed Lyme completely with only mild HBOT treatments.

And I would second Girlie's suggestion of Turmeric as well. If you buy the capsules that have pepperine in it(black pepper extract), it makes it more effective. Funny that I failed to mention that too, since I have healed, yet still take turmeric for pain relief from arthritis! LOL!

Have you had the testing done for gene mutations that will interfere with detoxing the body(MTHFR)?

"the Epsom Salt baths are the one thing that helps me feel "normal" for the time I'm in the bath and sometimes I get mild relief for a bit after....but the pain always returns."

This indicates that you have an issue with being able to detox your body well enough - gene mutations would explain at least part of this issue.

It's interesting that both odu10ss and PeteZa both talk about injuries. One thing that has always stood out with a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is that many people can point to a trigger. Usually a car accident or some other trauma, but I know that although I was "sick" for a very long time it got way worse with my second pregnancy. Don't anyone tell my son.

I know now that the Lyme was in my body all that time and just waiting for an opportunity to completely overwhelm me. That was it's opportunity. He was three when I reached the point I could no longer work.

Since Lyme&co is so opportunistic it's going to go the easiest route.

Kim

Thank you Peteza and Gkamom for your thoughts. Also Traveler

Yes, I have learned that Lyme attacks your "weak link" and mine is most certainly my spine. I have tried ointments of all kinds and my high tolerance for medicine of any type is what's making things so challenging. Ice and pain medicine is what helps but I can't do that forever. I've decided to try Hyperbaric Chamber therapy. Fingers crossed! I wish you all well!! Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts.