Classic Train of Thought from Dermatologist

Went to a dermatologist today to get a second opinion on a rash I have had that was diagnosed as Grover's Disease. Also have what appears to be mild vitiligo or tinea versicolor on my back and arms that is getting worse.

On the form I put down medical conditions, and, of course, Lyme Disease was one of them. I've also lost 20 pounds, all fat, over the years.

When the assistant asked me questions, I mentioned Lyme, which he ignored. When the doctor came in, he had me take off my shirt to look at the spots and rash. He immediately mentioned how much weight I had lost. I explained it seems to be part of what Lyme is causing. Without even acknowledging what I had just said, he asked if I had been tested for AIDS. Before he finished, I said "over the years, at least six times. It's Lyme Disease.

He immediately asked if I had been tested for lymphoma or leukemia. Since I had been through this line of questioning many times, I said "have had two bone marrow biopsies in the last 6 years and CBC is sometimes low then back to normal because of Lyme."

The doctor acted as if I had never mentioned Lyme the whole time except to ask if an infectious disease doctor had diagnosed me. I simply said yes, though it was originally a rheumotologist who had been at Yale University during the first Lyme Disease studies.

He then prescribed topical steroid to put on, which I do not think is good with Lyme. This was another effort in futility, and we all have been through it. I won't be going back. He also asked if I would want filler for areas in my face that have lost fat.

I've read a good number of posts, including some by astroman, that has mentioned vitiligo. I've noticed the vitiglio and Grover's Disease has gotten worse since putting more emphasis on supplements that enhance immune system, Anyone know if that might be making the skin problems worse, since autoimmune is mentioned with both conditions?

Wish I could get my $70 co-pay back.

I was concerned a topical could still get in blood stream through skin. Then again,. that was an assumption. There was no use asking the doctor because I didn't want to go back to the Lyme subject.

And does anyone know if vitiligo is permanent or if building immune system makes it worse? I had not thought of that until it suddenly grew after taking more for immune support.

Tinea versicolor is very easy to get rid of with triamcinolone or other topical steroids, so yes a bit would sink in through your skin, but not for very long. Might be worth it, as a fungal skin disease isn't good for your system, either. That said, perhaps tea tree oil or a non-steroidal anti-fungal remedy would do the trick just as well.

Sounds like an obnoxious appointment. Sometimes going to a doctor feels so absurd!

I didn't know the numbers. That makes a good point.

I have had, at least, 6 AIDS tests and am not at risk for any reason. No one will recognize Lyme as a viable reason to have so many symptoms. As I mentioned to them today, I have been tested for about every disease known to man, and only one has come out positive. Doctors may be highly educated, but, based on my experiences, so many are absolutely ignorant because what they were taught is the ONLY way possible.

Hoping skin issues might be Tinea versicolor instead of Vitiligo. Don't think they looked at it enough to know if it is scaly, so I'll subject my son to see. Finally, they can only attribute the weight loss to cancer, AIDS but not Lyme. This, even though I mentioned it is only fat and I have tested positive for Lyme.

We could go on and on about it, but everyone on this site knows the story and has experienced it. Just looking for answers, and you are all appreciated.

You can't imagine the number of patients I see that I believe have Lyme or a co-infection and there is no one to treat them.

running wild -"have had two bone marrow biopsies in the last 6 years and CBC is sometimes low then back to normal because of Lyme."

On your CBC (complete blood count) are both white blood and red blood cells low for you?

"There are so few doctors who can think out of the box."

It blows my mind how supposedly bright people can be so close minded. The bright ones probably get fed up with the system and leave or start their own practice.

I used to think of medicine as a science. The healthcare part certainly is NOT.

Real science has no barriers and always is constantly problem solving- scientists and many engineers and even technicians of various science/engineering fields today think harder than the average lazy Dr.