Berberine patches side effects saw left foot what does this mean?

[kat12345]

Ive had cardiac, skin, calf, and funny itching in the past so I have always suspected Lyme, but I have been diagnosed with a genetic (supposedly) heart condition LVNC. It all started 15 years ago when I suddenly couldn't sit up in bed I had what they say is a pericardial episode but it was never treated. I lived near Rendelsham forest at the time, which is a massive pine plantation. I suspected I may have been bitten by a tick and never noticed at the time because I had young kids, 2 under 5. I used to get everything on the left side shoulder pain heart pain, weird itching and calf pain. Im looking for answers, finally but previous Western blot test was negative?
I recently started peri menopause and found out I have ADHD so I have tried to lose weight and be more healthy to help overall health. I started to take Berberine patches and my foot is really saw just the left. IIt may well be plantar fasciitis as my sister has that but I'm suspicious. It a bit like looking for a needle in a hay stack but I have tried google and can't find anything so I thought Id check on this forum...If anyone has suggestions of testing centres in the UK that may help or has experince similar please et me know, thanks in advance...also I would like to treat it naturally if that can be done??

 

[Dee]

I’m sorry you’ve been dealing with all of that for so long. It sounds incredibly frustrating, especially when symptoms seem to overlap with several different possibilities.

With the heart history and LVNC diagnosis, I’d be very cautious about assuming Lyme or trying to treat it naturally without medical guidance. Lyme can sometimes be complicated to test for, but chest pain, pericardial-type episodes, left-sided pain, calf pain, and new foot pain are all things worth discussing with a doctor, especially given your cardiac background.

A negative Western blot does make Lyme less straightforward, but it doesn’t necessarily answer every question depending on timing, the exact test used, and what symptoms were present. It may be worth asking your GP or cardiologist whether a referral to an infectious disease specialist, rheumatologist, or a Lyme-literate consultant is appropriate. In the UK, I’d personally try to stay with properly accredited labs or NHS/private clinicians who can interpret results responsibly, rather than relying on tests that may not be clinically accepted.

For the sore left foot, plantar fasciitis is definitely possible, especially if it’s heel/arch pain and worse after rest or first steps in the morning. But because it’s one-sided and you have other health factors, it’s still worth getting checked rather than guessing.

I’d also be cautious with berberine patches or supplements, especially with a heart condition or if you take any medication, because “natural” products can still have effects or interactions.

I hope you’re able to get some proper answers. It might help to write out a timeline of the major events: the pericardial episode, heart diagnosis, tick exposure possibility, skin symptoms, calf pain, itching, test dates/results, and anything that worsens or improves symptoms. That can make appointments much more productive.

 

[kat12345]

Thanks Dee that good advise. I have researched the side effects of Berberine, and it does lower Blood pressure but that a good thing for me personally, it can help clear fatty liver, balence gut bacteria, and increase GABA so there are quite a few contraindications for someone on medications so I would recommend checking the web and talking to a GP yes. Also, you cant take them if pregnant or breastfeeding.

When you say a Western blot doesnt answer every question what do you mean by that?

The pain feel to severe for Plantar fascitis thats my only concern so yes speaking to my GP about that. I just thought with all the candida clenses and such like in the past it always brings out symptom inflammation, etc., so that's why Im thinking this might be linked to something chronic its not just a heart issue I dont think..

A diary or timeline would be a good idea as with my ADHD I tend to leap around. But getting a GP to make a referral for lyme that going to be near impossible I think at this stage I dont know...

 

[Dee]

That makes sense, and I definitely wasn’t meaning that a Western blot is useless or anything like that. I just meant that with Lyme testing, the result has to be interpreted alongside the timing, symptoms, previous antibiotics, and which exact test was done. A negative result generally makes Lyme less likely, especially if symptoms have been going on a long time, but it doesn’t always explain every symptom or rule out every other tick-borne or inflammatory issue.

With your LVNC/cardiac history, I’d still be careful about trying to connect everything to Lyme without proper medical input. The foot pain being severe is worth getting checked on its own, especially if it’s one-sided, worsening, swollen, red, hot, or affecting walking. Even if plantar fasciitis is possible, severe new pain deserves a proper look.

I completely understand what you mean about symptoms flaring after cleanses or supplements, but that can be tricky because it doesn’t always mean it’s “die-off” or infection-related. Supplements and cleanses can irritate the gut, affect blood pressure, interact with medication, or just stir up inflammation in some people.

For the GP, I’d maybe avoid leading with “I need a Lyme referral” and instead go in with a clear timeline and say something like: “I’ve had these recurring symptoms for years, I had possible tick exposure, I had a previous negative Western blot, and I’d like help working through what has and hasn’t been ruled out.” That might make them more open to looking at the bigger picture, whether that means infectious disease, rheumatology, cardiology review, or checking the foot separately.

The timeline really could help, especially with ADHD. Even a simple list with dates/years, symptoms, tests, diagnoses, supplements, and what made things better or worse would probably make the appointment more productive.