Update on LLMD appt/questions about chiropractor and SSRIs

Had my follow up this past Friday. I haven't been able to lift my arms over my head without excruciating pain since May. When I saw him in May, it was determined that it was part of Lyme and co. This time, he suggested that I see an orthopedic to make sure it isn't a tear. I don't have insurance so there's no way I going to an orthopedic....Besides, what are the odds that I have the same exact type of tear in BOTH shoulders at the same time? I really think it's the Lyme etc (it's the same type of burning pain that I used to have in my hips and back).

I was thinking of just going to my chiropractor to see if he can help with treatment. I'm not sure I want any adjustments, just heat and muscle treatments, stretching, etc

Other than that, he's checking me for Bart and Babs and is adding grapefruit seed extract into my protocol.

I did ask him for a recommendation for an antidepressant/antianxiety. I weaned off of Paxil and have been off for possibly 6 months now, but I am definitely having anxiety and depressed mood. He suggested lexapro. Has anyone had any experience with it?

I'm not exactly thrilled with having to test out a new SSRI, but Paxil was such a harsh drug that I dont really want to go back on that either.

Girlie said...
I agree with what you say about tearing both shoulders at the same time...doesn't sound likely...

Have you thought about a Physiotherapist instead of a chiropractor?

A good physio can really help if its muscular...evaluating, stretching, giving you exercises.

My physio has been a tremendous help for me.

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll look into it!

For the depression/anxiety you could try homeopathic Rescue Remedy. I like that one.

Herbal remedy - I turn to Kava. I don't think it is good long term and if you have any liver problems, I don't suggest it. But boy, does it work for me. It is like having half a glass of wine for me. Nice and calm.


St. John's wort is great also. I think it is probably the best known herb used to treat both anxiety and depression. It is used first-line in Germany for mild to moderate depression and is well-established as an effective antidepressant—equivalent in effectiveness to prescription antidepressants—with fewer side effects. Like the SSRIs, St. John's wort also has an anti-anxiety effect that is nice for patients with both depression and anxiety. If taken with SAM-e, it is even better. But always check for interactions with any other drugs you are taking. Also St. John's wort can weaken birth control pills. So caution there.

Ice was my best friend! I could not do heat anywhere. I got in the shower and it felt like I was the witch on OZ that yelled, "I'm melting." Heat made the spirochetes go crazy in me. I got dizzy and felt faint.

So go slow and try each (heat or ice) very carefully.

HawaiiPharm (either their site or Amazon) you can find SleepAll. It has a combo of stuff that my husband, who had a horrible time sleeping, used. He liked it.

For me, I did Benadryl on those tough nights. Children's liquid for an 11 yr. old. I love that.

I hope you find what works for you.