HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Having Dr. Troubles

Support Forums
>
Lyme Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 4/3/2014 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hello
I don't know really where to start but I am in need of advice. I moved to Virginia in 2008 and experienced my first of two tick bites, the other was a few years later. There was no bullseye or rash just itchy skin. I didn't think anything of it, Lyme Disease never crossed my mind. In 2009, I had to get an ileostomy due to Crohn's Disease. In 2011, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, brusitis in both hips, and I also have a chronic cough that has lasted 3 years that is still un-explained. I decided to ask my Dr. if I could get tested for Lyme Disease since most of my free time now is spent trying to figure out why I am degenerating so quickly. He said that I could not be tested because of all the medications I am currently taking would alter the test. So I guess what I am asking is what should I do now? I am feeling very lost because I don't understand why I am this way. I am tired all the time, I have no stamina, I was now diagnosed with heart problems that they can't explain, I am depressed and subject to random panic attacks which I never had before. Any replies are valued and appreciated. Thanks for taking your time to read this :)
Posted 4/3/2014 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi I would look for a lyme literate physician as soon as possible. Your symptoms sound very similar to many of the chronic lyme people here. You are in the right place. What is your locale ? Perhaps someone could recommend a physician in your area. Good luck.
Posted 4/3/2014 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
Either try to see a LLMD or an LLND would be a good bet. With all you are feeling, the sooner the better.

Also, there's a lot of great info in the "New to Lyme" post. I suggest you read it, if you haven't already.

Hope you get answers and direction soon.

Good luck.
Posted 4/3/2014 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
AWes,

Hey, I live in VA too. Richmond. I just saw a LLMD. I have the same symptoms. No energy, heart palpitations (the heart Dr. said it's ok to live with...)I also have panic attacks/anxiety out of no where plus joint pain in large joints. The other LLMD's are in northen VA from what I understand. Good luck. Just start the tests so you can get an answer.
Posted 4/4/2014 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
I live down in Chesapeake. I am a military spouse and so unfortunately I can only see doctors they allow.
Posted 4/4/2014 9:46 AM (GMT 0)
What meds are you taking? Heart problems and fatigue may be side-effects of some of the meds prescribed for Crohn's. Not saying you don't have Lyme, just trying to consider other possibilities...

There is a Lyme culture test that would not be affected by the meds...but it is expensive and may not be covered on your insurance...see www.advanced-lab.com/spirochete.php for more info...
Posted 4/4/2014 10:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Awes,

Welcome to the forum!!

We always advice new members to go through the 'New to Lyme? ... Start here!' post on top of the Lyme page. It contains a lot of helpful and necessary information about lyme disease and it's coinfections, symptom lists, treatment options, useful links, information on detoxing, etc...

Because of what medication exactly is the dr saying that they could alter the Lyme test results? What are you taking now?

MarieLS
Posted 4/4/2014 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
The meds I take are: Humira, Lyrica, Synthroid, Metoprolol, Effexor xl, vitamin D. I want you to know that I really appreciate the feedback here :)
Posted 4/5/2014 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
I would definately do some good research on your meds. For instance, metoprolol can cause extreme fatigue. The use of fluoroquinolones (levaquin, cirpro, etc.) can have long lasting side effects very similar to Lyme's disease and its co-infections. Benzodiazeipines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.) can cause similar problems especially if withdrawing from them and for sometime afterward.

Unfortunately, many of us have to seek LLMD doctors affiliated with ILADS and have to put money out of our own pocket which can be costly. You can also call Igenex Lab in CA and request a blood sample kit to rule out Lyme's disease. Your GP has to fill out a form for the bloodwork. The cost is around $260. Once you get the kit you can ask questions here on what to do next but instructions are included with the kit (can be a bit confusing).

Patty
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply