Seeing doctor tomorrow...

I've had 3 negative Lyme tests and finally going to see a doctor tomorrow who I found by reading some posts and contacting someone on healing well. I'm really hopeful that this doctor will be helpful and give me some hope to feeling better. Does anyone have any advice when going to see the doctor? How to approach the topic without sounding like a WebMD fool!? I have spoken to many people and shared my symptoms and feelings, everyone has said it's probably Lyme and I truly know that's what it is! I just need a doctor to believe me! Any ideas?!

Symptoms:
Headaches- sometimes extreme, very frequent
Migranes- often
Facial paralysis- lip droop during ‘episode’ tingling in face
Stiff neck- fairly constant, is relieved short term by therapy (massage, acupuncture, chiropractic)
Jaw pain- I feel like I am clenching my teeth and need to remind myself to release, very fatigued
Mood swings- crying easily, over emotional, aggressive, impulsive
Feel like I am losing my mind
Obsessive- things like putting certain things together, bagging groceries, making the bed, cleaning, tying shoes, washing hands until raw
Forgetfulness- reminded by notes, appointment reminders, alarms
Trouble paying attention- with work, at meetings, family events, general conversations
Confusion- trouble organizing my thoughts, thinking of words
Comprehension
Loss in libido
Pain in ears
Shifting joint pain and cramping
Numbness
Paralysis in left foot
Hair loss
Anxiety and depression
Syncope
Multiple tick bites (growing up on Eastern Long Island)

Hi LIKristina -

Starting out is so tough, we all know how nervous you can feel.

I recommend a few things to help you prepare for the appt - MDs love prepared and organized patients. If the specialist doesn't provide questionnaires /history to fill out beforehand - create your own and bring 2 copies of everything with you (one for specialist/your file and one for you to reference & take notes on during your appt).

1. Jernigan's symptom list:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=3033860

2. I would also write out very succinctly, in chronological order:

WHERE you were (in a known endemic area) that exposed you to an infected tick

HOW you were infected (hiking, lying in grass, raking leaves, playing w/ dog) and saw attached tick when you showered the next day etc.

WHEN you noticed your first associated symptoms and describe how they manifested in detail (2days after removing tick became unusually tired after lunch- slept all afternoon and legs started hurting, which for me is unusual, could not get rid of headache and missed 2 days of work; x,y,z symptoms the following week; can no longer drive, extreme anxiety in the middle of the night...)

Clearly identify each symptom you listed above noting what time of day it occurs and/or severity/frequency...a spreadsheet works best and you can create a code for severity (1= mild, 2= moderate, 3= severe), frequency (1= monthly, 2= weekly, 3= daily) etc.

3. And also indicate any other history or possible association of illness or stress (physical - packed and moved house; physiological - car accident or surgery, or psychological - death in family or lost job). on the immune system that might have reactivated a dormant Lyme & co infections if you don't think you fell ill immediately after infection.

4. Bring copies of all labs/tests you've had done in this time.

5. A list of your questions (Girlie's post reminded me!)

Last, Lyme & co is a clinical diagnosis. With the right info (this is where you come in - to share your history) a good specialist will have the confidence and experience to clinically diagnose you. It might take awhile and you might need to explore several paths to get on the right one. The best thing you can do right now is learn everything you can about Lyme & co and prepare for your tx. Also, you can start detoxing!

Hope this is helpful - please let us know how it goes!

-p

Post Edited (Pirouette) : 7/27/2016 7:13:11 PM (GMT-6)

Sorry - link works now!

-p