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Just wondering if anyone can tell me if this is common treatment for lyme's. Western blot showed positive for lymes.....had the classic bullseye (2 1/2 years ago). Then I only got a 10day supply of doxy and wasn't told to come back or anything. I have recently had a round of doxy and now am on ceftin...still having major joint pains....will be entering the hospital on the 8th of October for a spinal tap...and also have a consult with a neurologist due to lesions in my brain that showed up on my MRI. I will be off all antibiotics til then....once the spinal tap is done I will stay a week to get IV antibiotics and will leave with a picc line to have antibiotics at home for a while....Thanks!! Posts: 2 | From Indiana | Registered: Sep 2007
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I would think twice about getting a spinal tap. 50% of patients end up with a spinal headache. It's impossible to function with a spinal headache. 3-20% of them aren't cured despite repairs.
Besides this, Dr.'s don't even get the info they're looking for most of the time whether it's for Lyme disease or MS or other diseases.
Kayda
[ 30. September 2007, 03:07 PM: Message edited by: Kayda ]
Posts: 582 | From midwest | Registered: Nov 2006
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I went 2.5 years before diagnosed with Lyme disease.
I was first diagnosed clinically (by symtoms) then with western blot positive.
Sounds like you have too.
Im really wondering why any doctor would take the serious risks associated with a lumbar puncture if you have already tested positive. It doesnt make sense.
Before I was diagnosed by an LLMD (Lyme Literate Doctor), my neurologist gave me every test under the sun, including the spinal tap (not looking for Lyme).
**This was the worst experience in my entire life.**
They hit a nerve while doing the procedure. My entire body convulsed and the pain was undescribable.
A male nurse had to physically jump on me to hold me down while my body convulsed.
Because they also hit a blood vessle, more than half of the tests intended could not even be done.
The test did not yeild any helpful results for the neurologist or 2 other highly esteemed movement disorder specialists that I was sent to after.
All it showed was elevated levels of unspecific iGg anibodies. No doctors knew what this meant.
Im not trying to scare you, this is what actually happened. It was awful.
Im concerned that a doctor would put you at risk after already having a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Are they still trying to rule out other diseases? If so, I would look into what alternative testing is available for these diseases.
Before you agree to this procedure you should read the serious risks you take on the form they will have you sign for consent. You should also find out what they hope to learn that make it worth the risk to you.
Its my understanding that the CFS (cerebral spinal fluid)testing is often very indecisive, inaccurate.
It would be a shame if there were conflicting test results, insurance co. could play this.
Its nice to have you here, I hope all goes well, keep us posted.
BJK
Nothing I have said should be considered or used as medical advice, this is just my experience, Im not a doctor.
-------------------- BJK
Nothing I write here is medical advice...I'm just another lymie sharing how this disease has affected me personally Posts: 175 | From Central Maine | Registered: Sep 2007
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Western blot showed positive for lymes.....had the classic bullseye (2 1/2 years ago)
That is all that is needed in order to treat you for Lyme disease. I think BJK said it all. I've heard way too many spinal tap horror stories here to ever consider having one for myself.
My very life would have to be in danger before I would submit to one. But that's just me.
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Just wondering if anyone can tell me if this is common treatment for lyme's. Western blot showed positive for lymes.....had the classic bullseye (2 1/2 years ago). Then I only got a 10day supply of doxy and wasn't told to come back or anything. I have recently had a round of doxy and now am on ceftin...still having major joint pains....will be entering the hospital on the 8th of October for a spinal tap...and also have a consult with a neurologist due to lesions in my brain that showed up on my MRI. I will be off all antibiotics til then....once the spinal tap is done I will stay a week to get IV antibiotics and will leave with a picc line to have antibiotics at home for a while....Thanks!! 
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