Posted 2/24/2014 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
Approx. Me,
He got shut down really quickly because physicians willing to treat people with Lyme are persecuted by the Physicians Board because the standard treatment is 4 weeks of antibiotics. Of course the real treatment is long term high dose antibiotics which is not allowed, etc. I suggest you watch the doc. "Under Our Skin" and CBC's doc. "Ticked Off". Both give a way better insight into the political issues etc. that surround Lyme, because I could go on for weeks.
It is believed by many physicians and scientist that it can be transmitted sexually. There was a post here not to long ago citing an article on this topic. I am sure you can find it.
Yes the doctor I am seeing uses a modified Cowden Protocol. She is very experienced and has a good track record with it. Another member here is seeing her and is having good results. I have been on treatment for a month and have seem small improvements, but improvements non the less. I do phone consults, but I initially went and saw her.
Western Blot:
Well part of the issue is the basic Lyme testing that Canada and US use is useless and highly inaccurate. It produces almost all false negatives. You can't detect the bacteria in your blood so the testing is the antibodies your body produces against Borrelia Burgdorferi (Lyme). Igenex is a lab that specializes in the testing. They use more strains of Lyme, have higher accuracy and broader more reasonable reporting standards. You can phone them, order a test kit. They send you everything you will need to get your blood samples filled, and shipped back to them. You will need a doctors requisition to go to a lab and get the blood drawn. You need to get the blood drawn on a Mon, Tues, or Wed and ship it urgent for the lab to get it in time. Even with the Igenex, the testing for Borrelia Burgdorferi is not easy and many will get false negatives. That's why Lyme is a clinical diagnoses in the end.
Certainly these symptoms could be Lyme, although they are not the most common tell tale ones. Arthritic like joint issues and fatigue are the most tell tale Lyme symptoms. It affects with your stomach a lot as well. But again, Lyme is different for everyone and it literally can give you every type of symptom. My first symptom was CNS, tingling sensations, followed by joint issues, stomach issues, weight loss and the list goes on and on.
It is recommended with Lyme that people are on a Gluten Free, Sugar Free and depending on sensitivity Lactose Free. My stomach can no longer tolerate gluten or lactose, so this is a must (although the diet is really a must if you want to get better).
Hope this all helps and gives you more of an idea. I am happy to help with more questions.
LC