Diagnosis and treatment for Lyme Disease in Ottawa

Hello,


I reside in Ottawa and I have been sick for two and a half years. I have an increasing list of symptoms and have undergone numerous tests, all with negative results. Thus far, my various doctors have concluded that I possibly have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and endometriosis (not tested for but based on my pelvic pain). I have a neurologist appointment coming up, in which I fully expect to be diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis based on my neurological symptoms. Also, I assume I will receive a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome from my Gastro specialist soon, as all the testing is eliminating other possibilities. It will be interesting to see what the respiratory specialist has to say as well.


I went from a healthy female and had given birth to my second daughter in July of 2013.I am an avid gardener and we enjoyed many walks in the woods throughout the summer. In Late September I came down with a flu that none of my other family members experienced. We had spent the prior weekend in Welland, Ontario. A short time later, I began complaining of a twitchy eye, bloating, nausea, horrible acne, a constant sore throat, headaches, terrible bone and muscle aches, and many more symptoms. They have since progressed into respiratory issues, gastro issues, gynaecological issues, neurological issues, and rheumatologist issues. The list goes on and on.


In September of 2014, my appendix burst. It was removed successfully and I was sent home with antibiotics. After being home one day, I developed chills, fever, and nausea. I was re-admitted to the hospital and treated for possible abscess accumulation (not evident in the CT scan, but as a precaution). After four days of intravenous antibiotics, followed by an additional ten days of treatment at home, I felt better than I had since the initial onset of all my symptoms in September 2013. After only two/three months of bliss, the symptoms all came rushing back. They have progressively worsened and continue to do so at an alarming rate.


As a last resort, my family doctor had me do the Lyme Disease Serology test (Elisa Test), and that has come back negative too. My understanding is that this test is not particularly accurate. I find it difficult to believe that all of a sudden I have five, possibly more, different conditions. I strongly feel that Lyme Disease may be the culprit here but am unsure as how to proceed based on the negative results from the Elisa test. Is there a Lyme-efficient doctor in the Ottawa area, or in any surrounding areas? Is there any further feedback or advice you can offer me? I would greatly appreciate it!


After reading some answers to previous questions regarding the Ottawa area, it seems as though many people travel to New York for treatment. Did you have to go through Igenex for testing? Was your previous test in Ottawa negative? How much is the cost of testing through Igenex? How often do you have to travel to see the doctors in New York? I am trying to determine what my future costs will be if I go this route - not looking for specifics, but merely an approximation.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post,

Brieanna

Brieanna - I don't know if you saw it yet, but I did answer your first post in the other thread.

I am also from Canada - BC specifically. I do have a few names of Lyme friendly MD's that I have been told treat lyme in Ontario as well as the LLND's that Traveler mentioned. Another forum member emailed me that one of the LLND's works with an MD.

Also, there are several LLND's in BC - and some are licensed to prescribe antibiotics. The one I see - after the initial consult, will do several phone or Skype monthly appointments after.

Feel free to email me.

I tested negative with the Canadian lyme test. But, I tested Igenex positive on the Western Blot.
It costs $210 for both - plus the lab fee.