phyl6648
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28522
posted
I have become very depressed and tried many antidepressants and can't seem to tolerate the side effects.. Was dx with lyme in 2010 after 11 years of trying to find out what was wrong with me. Tried the abx, herbs etc. Have had some improvement but it never last. The lyme literate doc I am seeing now, due to location and cost, my lyme test are now negative (western blot) shows post lyme.. She said I am suffering with grieving, lyme and clinical depression and a lot of her pts aren't able to take antidepressants. I have tried the natural approaches but still depression/ anxiety.. I am on a high does of Omega Three . Any suggestions? Thank you
Posts: 1058 | From VA | Registered: Oct 2010
| IP: Logged |
me
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 45475
posted
Have you tried a different psychiatrist-especially one that is knowledgeable about Lyme.
Sometimes it takes many different trials of medication to find the right one. If fatigue is a side effect, ask the doc if you can take it at night.
Best wishes.
Posts: 1431 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2015
| IP: Logged |
phyl6648
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28522
posted
The psych I am seeing is suppose to be lyme literate and the only one in the area.. Before being dx I was told I had anxiety/depression and did see a good psych and same problem, not able to tolerate side effects. Don't mind the sleepy part, they make me more depressed and such crazy head feelings. Each has it own side effect which hasn't been good. Tks
Posts: 1058 | From VA | Registered: Oct 2010
| IP: Logged |
me
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 45475
posted
Have you inquired about mood stabilizers or anxiety meds? Maybe a cocktail?
Posts: 1431 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2015
| IP: Logged |
phyl6648
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28522
posted
Yes, the anxiety meds help but just takes the edge off.
Posts: 1058 | From VA | Registered: Oct 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
if your trying an SSRI i would suggest to start with a 1/4 of a dose and work up if need be. My lyme brain can't handle a high dose of anything. I take 5mg of viibryd and i started with half of half of that. I also took that gene test from genomind to figure out which meds worked best for my genes and went from there. Goodluck!!
Posts: 908 | From Albany | Registered: Nov 2008
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- The doctor you see now does NOT sound lyme literate if she believes that test and thinks there is really such a thing as "post lyme syndrome" - not in my opinion.
She is also shorting you by not considering a full range of tick borne / chronic stealth infections.
You never had treatment, not really, a few stabs at it here and there, - and the symptoms stayed with you
but just because you test negative and the doctor calls it "post lyme" does not mean lyme is not part of all this.
The grieving and mood issues can be part of lyme, being ill, or you might have those without it.
But - this is not "post" lyme. It still needs to be addressed, somehow.
I get that you can't afford a LLMD, never have (if I recall your posts correctly) and the little bit of treatment you got you had trouble tolerating. I get that.
And I get that money is an issue. Still, IMO, it's just not going to work until somehow you can cover more bases.
If you had such trouble tolerating mood drugs in the past, that's not likely to change.
Fatty acids are still important yet there are also other things that could. Help.
Some specific supplements might have some antimicrobial properties that could at least help a bit.
There are some that also have anti-inflammatory properties and that can also help with mood.
Really, I don't want to throw a bucket of water on your hope that mood Rx will now, somehow, be magic where it was not before but also keep in mind your past posts about
tinnitus. Many mood Rx are ototoxic. So if you do take one, be sure to have excellent liver support that might help the ears. Take care. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Turmeric / Curcumin
Are you taking this? It helps with inflammation & circulation (and inflammation & stagnant circulation can really clobber even Santa Claus' mood). It's not going to cover all the bases but just a start.
Gluten Free food plan, too, helped my mood so very, very much. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
phyl6648
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28522
posted
Yes I am taking Curcumin and have had ringing in my ears before any lyme treatment. Still have 24/7. I know I have never been properly treated.. TY
Posts: 1058 | From VA | Registered: Oct 2010
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Please know I do not say that to bring sadness but hope. I know it's complicated just please do not believe that doctor who wants to sweep it under the rug.
Take care. Hugs and cheer to you ! -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
phyl6648
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28522
posted
Thank you, now that I am widowed and alone I just don't know where to go or what to do. I am still searching for a doctor that I can afford, travel to and one that knows how to treat or at least give me some answers. I live in misery the longer it goes untreated and the older I get the worse it is..For the past year due to my husbands illness and death I have so neglected me..
I so appreciate your reply.
Posts: 1058 | From VA | Registered: Oct 2010
| IP: Logged |
dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33574
posted
So sorry Phyl for what you have been going through. Did your husband pass away in the last year or so? That must be so hard for you.
I know it might be considered a band-aid... but have you ever tried the supplement, lithium orotate? Besides helping with anxiety and depression, it is also shown to reduce chances of dementia and has many other benefits.
It is an inexpensive supplement and LLMD's that are aware of it suggest 5 mg 3 x day with meals. You can buy it on Amazon.com or Iherb.com.
Sending hugs and prayers that things will get a little better for you. Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Phyl,
Sorry for all that has taken you for such a rough & tumble ride. I hope you have friends / family around for Thanksgiving and can enjoy the most important elements of that. And may your husband's memory be a warmth with you, as well. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Phyl,
I just wrote to your state naturopathic association and got the reply below. You might also inquire as to sliding fee scale, etc. But, at least to locate such professionals in your area is very vital.
And, not necessarily for lyme treatment if that is too entailed, but for symptom relief right now that is safer for you and can cover various aspects.
The Virginia Association of Naturopathic Physicians (VAANP),
an affiliate of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), is the professional trade association for naturopathic doctors in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our members are graduates of accredited four-year, graduate-level, in-residence naturopathic medical programs.
While Virginia does not license naturopathic doctors at this time, all of our professional members maintain a license as a naturopathic doctor or naturopathic physician in at least one of the eighteen states, or Washington D.C., that offer licensure.
The VAANP is actively pursuing licensure of naturopathic doctors in Virginia.
"We have one member who is ILADS trained, however, she is practicing on a limited basis, I could email her to see if she would consider seeing a new patient if you are interested. She is located outside Fredricksburg, VA.
Many of our other members do understand Lyme and other tick borne infections and might be able to help. . . ." -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
phyl6648
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28522
posted
Thank you Keebler, means a lot. I am closer to NC than to Northern VA. My husband passed Oct 7 2014 after a brief battle with cancer. Dx and was gone in 5 wks. Seems so much worse this year than last. Time doesn't heal..
Posts: 1058 | From VA | Registered: Oct 2010
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic