Question for the ladies

Does your symptoms get worse right before your menstrual cycle? I've noticed that with me, all of my symptoms come back full force a week before I am supposed to start. I started taking the Depo Provera shot a year ago to stop my menstrual cycle because I just could not function. The fatigue is already a bad symptom of mine but it gets worse around my cycle. For whatever reason, I started bleeding again(a little), and I have all the symptoms of a period. The fatigue is killing me. I can sleep 12 hours a day. I have a little brain fog and my entire body hurts, especially my muscles and my hands.

Anyway, just wondering if anyone else gets this too?

---

2003 symptoms started with very intense panic attacks and anxiety. Also had sound and smell sensitivities. Was in and out of the hospital from 2003-2005. Diagnosed with panic disorder.
2007 found an LLMD and was diagnosed with Lyme. Didn't start treatment.
2008 symptoms came back with a vengence. Muscle pain, joint pain, floaters, stiff neck, rib pain, slow thinking, brain fog, etc...
2009 went back to see LLMD. Diagnosed again with Lyme plus co-infections....Babesia and Bartonella.
Illnesses:-Chronic Lyme Disease,Hashimotos Thyroiditis, Ulcers, Hypoglycemia
Medications:-Biaxin 250mg to start (starting slow and working my way up, Mepron(babesia), Ultram(muscle/joint pain), Thyro Complex 60mg(Thyroid), Probiotics ,Caproyl(intestinal candidas),Psyllium Powder(intestinal cleansing support),Bentonite Magma(absorbent aid for intestinal detoxification)
-Plus a ton of other supplements

Post Edited (CajunGrl) : 5/2/2009 5:53:01 PM (GMT-6)

Yes, which is like reason # 7,984 why I don't own a gun! These symptoms started for me about 6 months before I got really sick and disabled. I always felt like a truck hit me and would stay in bed the first day of every period. I was missing 1-2 days of work a month.... but it's worse now with LD.

---

^{Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.  - Margaret Meade}

LOL Jelaine. You make me laugh everytime. I do own a gun, LOL. Never wanted to use it yet though, haha!

On a more serious note though...did you do anything to get through this? I swear, all I want to do is sleep. It does this to me for about a week and I get my days and nights mixed up. I was actually thinking about not taking the Depo shot anymore but this monthly spell I had reminded why I DO take it, LOL.

Thanks for responding and making me laugh. I needed that.

---

2003 symptoms started with very intense panic attacks and anxiety. Also had sound and smell sensitivities. Was in and out of the hospital from 2003-2005. Diagnosed with panic disorder.
2007 found an LLMD and was diagnosed with Lyme. Didn't start treatment.
2008 symptoms came back with a vengence. Muscle pain, joint pain, floaters, stiff neck, rib pain, slow thinking, brain fog, etc...
2009 went back to see LLMD. Diagnosed again with Lyme plus co-infections....Babesia and Bartonella.
Illnesses:-Chronic Lyme Disease,Hashimotos Thyroiditis, Ulcers, Hypoglycemia
Medications:-Biaxin 250mg to start (starting slow and working my way up, Mepron(babesia), Ultram(muscle/joint pain), Thyro Complex 60mg(Thyroid), Probiotics ,Caproyl(intestinal candidas),Psyllium Powder(intestinal cleansing support),Bentonite Magma(absorbent aid for intestinal detoxification)
-Plus a ton of other supplements

LOLOL Jelaine!!!

CG-- OMG it is *brutal* My periods have always been messed up- but the Lyme makes them 100000000000 x's worse. The moods, the pain, the Lyme symptoms, allof it. Just awful.

Someone (so so sorry I can't remember who, but I know y'all will forgive me LOL) was discussing bio-identical hormones that helped them.
I am going to try to do some more research on that soon.

---

Chris: Diagnosed Lyme, Chronic Mono
Married to Lyme in NJ aka Gary: Lyme, Bartonella
Mom to Scott: Lyme, Babesia, Bartonella
Mom to Caitlyn: Lyme, Bartonella
My Blog: http://faerywings.wordpress.com/

I've read about bio identical hormones and was considering trying them but my mom told me when she was younger, she was on it and felt like she was dying when she tried to come off of it. I think maybe the doctor she was seeing at the time didn't know enough about how to mix it and gave her too much. But either way, it scared me, LOL. I've talked to other people that were on it and they were doing great. I would much rather be on bio identical hormones though than ever take synthetic. There are way too many symptoms and scary things that can happen on synthetic. I don't think the bio identical hormones stop your period though and that's what I need right now, LOL.

---

2003 symptoms started with very intense panic attacks and anxiety. Also had sound and smell sensitivities. Was in and out of the hospital from 2003-2005. Diagnosed with panic disorder.
2007 found an LLMD and was diagnosed with Lyme. Didn't start treatment.
2008 symptoms came back with a vengence. Muscle pain, joint pain, floaters, stiff neck, rib pain, slow thinking, brain fog, etc...
2009 went back to see LLMD. Diagnosed again with Lyme plus co-infections....Babesia and Bartonella.
Illnesses:-Chronic Lyme Disease,Hashimotos Thyroiditis, Ulcers, Hypoglycemia
Medications:-Biaxin 250mg to start (starting slow and working my way up, Mepron(babesia), Ultram(muscle/joint pain), Thyro Complex 60mg(Thyroid), Probiotics ,Caproyl(intestinal candidas),Psyllium Powder(intestinal cleansing support),Bentonite Magma(absorbent aid for intestinal detoxification)
-Plus a ton of other supplements

Hi CajunGirl,

In my case, I do believe there is a correlation between being premenstrual and worsening of Lyme symptoms. It took me awhile to figure this out. I was on the Depo Provera shot for over six years due to PMS symptoms of increased irritability and very sore, painful breasts. I stopped taking the shot in the Spring of last year, and although the breast problem has re-emerged, I haven't noticed any increase in emotional symptoms.

Lyme disease itself can cause worsening PMS symptoms. Remember to take calcium supplements when you're on Depo Provera, to prevent bone loss.

(If you read through the forum, there are tons of posts about the correlations between Lyme and hormones. My LLMD has said that it is because of hormones that there are more cases of women (vs. men) who get Lyme disease. The think he said the ratio is 4-5 to 1.

I hope you're having a PMS-free day!

---

_{*Abx combo tx since Jan/08*
Lyme disease - clinical dx ’08; Babesiosis (Positive IgM/IgG) '08;
GERD '04; Essential Tremor ’03; Fibromyalgia ’01; Osteoarthritis; Depression; IBS; Interstitial Cystitis}

SpazTick,

Thanks for the information. I truly feel like I cannot function at all when I'm on my period. I already can't function from Lyme. My cycle just made it worse. It's getting better. I'm not hurting as bad anymore. I'm not sure why I even bled a little and had symptoms because I haven't had a cycle in over a year. I waited a little longer than usual to go in and take the shot. That could be why. My body may have to get adjusted again. It definately sucked though. The fatigue is what makes everything so much worse. I'm missing pretty much all of the day and can't sleep at night. Blah!!

---

2003 symptoms started with very intense panic attacks and anxiety. Also had sound and smell sensitivities. Was in and out of the hospital from 2003-2005. Diagnosed with panic disorder.
2007 found an LLMD and was diagnosed with Lyme. Didn't start treatment.
2008 symptoms came back with a vengence. Muscle pain, joint pain, floaters, stiff neck, rib pain, slow thinking, brain fog, etc...
2009 went back to see LLMD. Diagnosed again with Lyme plus co-infections....Babesia and Bartonella.
Illnesses:-Chronic Lyme Disease,Hashimotos Thyroiditis, Ulcers, Hypoglycemia
Medications:-Biaxin 250mg to start (starting slow and working my way up, Mepron(babesia), Ultram(muscle/joint pain), Thyro Complex 60mg(Thyroid), Probiotics ,Caproyl(intestinal candidas),Psyllium Powder(intestinal cleansing support),Bentonite Magma(absorbent aid for intestinal detoxification)
-Plus a ton of other supplements

Bumping this up since there are more people coming to the forum.

---

2003 symptoms started with very intense panic attacks and anxiety. Also had sound and smell sensitivities. Was in and out of the hospital from 2003-2005. Diagnosed with panic disorder.
2007 found an LLMD and was diagnosed with Lyme. Didn't start treatment.
2008 symptoms came back with a vengence. Muscle pain, joint pain, floaters, stiff neck, rib pain, slow thinking, brain fog, etc...
2009 went back to see LLMD. Diagnosed again with Lyme plus co-infections....Babesia and Bartonella.
Illnesses:-Chronic Lyme Disease,Hashimotos Thyroiditis, Ulcers, Hypoglycemia
Medications:-Biaxin 250mg to start (starting slow and working my way up, Mepron(babesia), Ultram(muscle/joint pain), Thyro Complex 60mg(Thyroid), Probiotics ,Caproyl(intestinal candidas),Psyllium Powder(intestinal cleansing support),Bentonite Magma(absorbent aid for intestinal detoxification)
-Plus a ton of other supplements

yes yes yes Cajun.
The lyme just loves the hormones and stress of pms...and loves menopause too.
Sleeping 12 hours a day and waking up dead tired...yes...the rule with lyme.
Most cannot get up.
And most cannot sleep either.
It would be helpful to you to go back and read all of the post on this...this was posted before.
But never mind...it is too hard for you when you feel like crap.
I also had such heavy bleeding at my time, that is was like after birth. Very embarressing to have it running down my leg and hitting the floor...even within minutes of adding all of the stuff to stop the flow.
For the crazy pain...and for the fatique...go on cymbalta and you will at least feel so much better.
It will not cure you, but you will be abe to function.

---

2004 in Martha's Vineyard me and my two daughters then 11 mos and 6 all got Lyme Disease. This was only known to us because we found the tiny ticks on us and we got very ill. My dog also got lyme and he went lame.
We have fought it for 4 years to no avail.
We all got it again this summer is Texas.
I am now in treatment in Scottsdale Arizona at Envita.

"The eyes cannot see for for what the mind does not know."

Hey Martha's Vineyard,

I got your email but haven't had time to reply. I just wanted you to know. I really didn't want to get on anti-depressants because I gained so much weight on them before. My doctor prescribed me pristiq because it's not supposed to make you gain but I still haven't tried it yet. I was on Lexapro for two years and it was very hard for me to get off of it and I had withdrawal symptoms and mood swings. I just don't want to go through that again. I'm not knocking it though. It really helped me when I needed it....big time! I'm not a pain pill person either but it helps me get through the day and do some things I need to do. I'm only taking 50mg of Ultram and ONLY one a day so I figure if I ever want to come off, I'll be able too alot easier than the Lexapro.

Anyway, just in case I ever change my mind or this pain gets worse, are there any side effects to cymbalta?

---

2003 symptoms started with very intense panic attacks and anxiety. Also had sound and smell sensitivities. Was in and out of the hospital from 2003-2005. Diagnosed with panic disorder.
2007 found an LLMD and was diagnosed with Lyme. Didn't start treatment.
2008 symptoms came back with a vengence. Muscle pain, joint pain, floaters, stiff neck, rib pain, slow thinking, brain fog, etc...
2009 went back to see LLMD. Diagnosed again with Lyme plus co-infections....Babesia and Bartonella.
Illnesses:-Chronic Lyme Disease,Hashimotos Thyroiditis, Ulcers, Hypoglycemia
Medications:-Biaxin 250mg to start (starting slow and working my way up, Mepron(babesia), Ultram(muscle/joint pain), Thyro Complex 60mg(Thyroid), Probiotics ,Caproyl(intestinal candidas),Psyllium Powder(intestinal cleansing support),Bentonite Magma(absorbent aid for intestinal detoxification)
-Plus a ton of other supplements

cajunGrl

I was on cymbalta 30mg 1 daily and for me it wasnt good, after taking it i was either in bed or my recliner for the rest of the day.felt like if the house was on firer i would just have to burn couse i couldnt get up to leave it. needless to say i'm not taking that ever again.

Rottendog,

It's funny how medicines react differently to people. Prozac did that to me. I was a complete zombie. I didn't have a care in the world. Couldn't laugh or cry. I don't like that feeling. I already feel weird enough from Lyme. Blah!

Oh and thanks for the info!

---

2003 symptoms started with very intense panic attacks and anxiety. Also had sound and smell sensitivities. Was in and out of the hospital from 2003-2005. Diagnosed with panic disorder.
2007 found an LLMD and was diagnosed with Lyme. Didn't start treatment.
2008 symptoms came back with a vengence. Muscle pain, joint pain, floaters, stiff neck, rib pain, slow thinking, brain fog, etc...
2009 went back to see LLMD. Diagnosed again with Lyme plus co-infections....Babesia and Bartonella.
Illnesses:-Chronic Lyme Disease,Hashimotos Thyroiditis, Ulcers, Hypoglycemia
Medications:-Biaxin 250mg to start (starting slow and working my way up, Mepron(babesia), Ultram(muscle/joint pain), Thyro Complex 60mg(Thyroid), Probiotics ,Caproyl(intestinal candidas),Psyllium Powder(intestinal cleansing support),Bentonite Magma(absorbent aid for intestinal detoxification)
-Plus a ton of other supplements

Okay, this published study is a tad long; but if you read it a little chunk at a time, and then re-read, it begins to make sense. It explains and answers why women feel so badly during their cycles when complicated by Lyme. It relates, as always, back to the immune response and in our case, depending on the season of life we are in and how settled our hormones are - the fine line between estrogen and progesterone.

http://www.lymenet.de/symptoms/cycles/evalsum.htm

Hope this helps.
Homeopathic European protocol is helping our daughter through a living nightmare experience of years of this. Now, we are beginning to see some indications of the rusty wheel moving b/c we are oiling the right parts!

By the way, Cajungirl - Hashimotos Thyroiditis of 30 years. Your anti-TPO antibodies need to be monitored; hope ur doc is doing that 4 u. Heth is the next generation and we are trying to prevent this from becoming the autoimmune thyroid issue for her. She is hypothyroid but we are slowly but surely moving her back to the center. She is 18.

Blessings,
Sojourner

---

The best way to teach people is by telling a story. ~K.Blanchard
Keep telling your story and watch the tide turn!
God loves with a great love the man whose heart is bursting with a passion for the impossible. ~WmBooth

Post Edited (sojourner) : 5/5/2009 11:09:41 PM (GMT-6)

Sojourner,

Thank you for taking time out of your life to post that. I love reading and learning new things.

As for monitoring my antibodies....I don't think he's doing that. I probably need to find a new doctor soon. He is like my third endo already. The doctors here just don't have enough experience in my opinion. I actually have to drive 30 minutes out of my way to see this one. He is the one that finally figured out I did have Hashimotos when I had been telling doctors that for 2 years. I knew my thyroid was not supposed to be swollen like that and I knew I wasn't supposed to be feeling wired up with hypothyroidism. On my last appointment, I asked him to check my adrenal glands and was told that they didn't think the saliva or urine test was accurate. Say what?? All they did was check the function of my kidney and liver. What that has to do with adrenal glands....I haven't a clue. So, yeah.....I'm in a predicament.

---

2003 symptoms started with very intense panic attacks and anxiety. Also had sound and smell sensitivities. Was in and out of the hospital from 2003-2005. Diagnosed with panic disorder.
2007 found an LLMD and was diagnosed with Lyme. Didn't start treatment.
2008 symptoms came back with a vengence. Muscle pain, joint pain, floaters, stiff neck, rib pain, slow thinking, brain fog, etc...
2009 went back to see LLMD. Diagnosed again with Lyme plus co-infections....Babesia and Bartonella.
Illnesses:-Chronic Lyme Disease,Hashimotos Thyroiditis, Ulcers, Hypoglycemia
Medications:-Biaxin 250mg to start (starting slow and working my way up, Mepron(babesia), Ultram(muscle/joint pain), Thyro Complex 60mg(Thyroid), Probiotics ,Caproyl(intestinal candidas),Psyllium Powder(intestinal cleansing support),Bentonite Magma(absorbent aid for intestinal detoxification)
-Plus a ton of other supplements