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How to comfort a scared partner who has Lyme

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Posted 6/23/2013 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
My partner has recently tested as reactive to a Bb-specific band. His MD (not an LLMD) had recommended the blood test for Lyme, but the nurse told him that his results were normal, presumably because only one band tested positive for Lyme.

He has a lot of symptoms of Lyme, and I really think that it's the source of his pains. He scheduled an appointment with an LLMD, but as a new patient, his appointment is 9 weeks away. We may have moved cross-country by then.

My question is this: He is scared. He is in pain. And yet, I think he wants to believe his nurse. He wants to be well, but he isn't well. I'm afraid that he thinks I'm trying to label him with something that is both chronic and severe.

How do I encourage to be more active in his treatment without victimizing him?
Posted 6/23/2013 5:06 AM (GMT 0)
You are doing the right thing. Make certain he follows through and sees the LLMD. This is very important. Your LLMD will likely order more tests and interpret the results differently than an ordinary MD.

An LLMD combines your tests results AND his symptoms together in making a clinical diagnosis. Its entirely possible he could also have a co-infection or absolutely nothing at all. Just remember, most cases are neither chronic or severe. I would just wait and let the LLMD figure that out!
Posted 6/23/2013 5:02 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, friend!
Posted 6/25/2013 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
Bunny, I'm glad he is scheduled to see an LLMD. This doctor can put his mind at rest. Let him know that a lot of people with his symptoms have Lyme, and if it is, the LLMD should be able to help. Also, tell him you aren't trying to "label" him, but letting him know that you want to "encourage" him to get help so he can get better. Encourage him by being supportive, no matter how he decides to be treated. Let him know that most people are happy to find out it is something treatable like Chronic Lyme,. Then he may feel better having a diagnosis with a solid treatment plan. Good luck and God bless you both.

Post Edited (Cat53) : 6/25/2013 2:42:00 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/25/2013 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
I would also say that if you participate in buying or preparing his food, that you can help by being sure that he is eating as healthy as you can afford to, and encourage him to detox (as described in our 'New to Lyme? Start here!' thread), and exercise gently as tolerated.

Will he join this forum? We can help keep him encouraged and he can learn tons about these infections! We are a large and diverse group who treat these infections in a variety of ways.

Then learn all that you can - Lyme and co-infections can lead to a number of symptoms that if you know what to watch for and how to handle them, you can be more supportive in that way as well.
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