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GI problems, barium swallow or endoscopy?

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Lyme Disease
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Posted 3/5/2012 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
has anyone had these tests done, and are they likely to show anything for lyme? im concerned that my symptoms aren't just caused by the long term antibiotic use- heck, i had only been on 1 antibiotic for 4 months, thats not too harsh! im going to possibly pursure seeing a GI, but I would do it through my insurance network. The doctors are very good, however, Im afraid to go back to these clinics bc they dont believe i have lyme. unsure of what to do and whether its worth it trying to get testing
Posted 3/5/2012 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
I've had them both - a few times. The only thing Lyme-related they've ever shown is gastritis/colitis - any time I see inflammation I assume it's likely to be caused by the Lyme, although I've always had "tummy troubles" so it's hard to tell what came first.

It's not by any means ideal, but I've found it's easier to sort of separate Lyme and whatever else you're going to the doctor for. All they need to know is what you're taking for the Lyme - generally if you explain to them how Lyme can affect the body they'll get pretty irritated. Luckily the tests you get done are pretty objective and your findings won't be affected by whether or not your doctor believes you have Lyme.
Posted 3/6/2012 5:15 PM (GMT 0)
I've had tons of tests.

Barium swallow - only thing mine showed was motility problems in my small intestine and sometimes narrowing in the terminal ileum (biopsy showed inflammation - Prednisone is what they like to give for this, but avoid Prednisone if you can because it makes Lyme worse). My belief (confirmed possible by the LLMD's & LLND's I've seen) is the narrowing and motility issue is from Lyme/Bartonella.

Endoscopy - I've had both ends scoped & biopsied more than once. Inflammation has been seen in esophagus, stomach, duodenum, terminal ileum, and colon. All thougth to be Lyme/Bart. by those in the know. The non-LLMD's call it "Crohn's" and want to give me immune suppressant medications but these meds only make my symptoms worse. Antibiotics, on the other hand, seem to help reduce my symptoms.

Suggest sticking to symptom descriptions and don't mention Lyme when you talk to a non-Lyme Literate doctor. I've been yelled at and referred to psychiatrists for mentioning Lyme to non-LLMD's.
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