posted
My nephew was recently diagnosed with lyme disease (positive serology).
For a year, his knees have been swelling on and off. He doesn't seem to exhibit any other lyme symptoms.
His pediatrician seems to be a good guy and put him on amoxicillin for a month. Considering the length of which he has had this disease, combined with his age, I have concerns regarding his length of treatment. I ran my nephew's case by my LLMD who also agreed that 1 month probably wasn't going to be sufficient and added "what's the harm in raising his odds of a full recovery by adding another month or two".
My sister loves her little boy and wants to do the right thing but trusts her pediatrician. I don't have a great deal of experience with regard to lyme in the pediatric population or with this manifestation of lyme.
Regarding her taking him to Dr. Jones, I don't think that is going to happen. Of course my nephew, minus the knees, is a happy, healthy, active boy.
I'm not sure what information/stories to share with her and just want to be sure she is well-informed in order to be making the right decision for her child. I don't know, maybe 1 month IS sufficient! I mean, it has to be for the majority of kids because I don't believe all of these pediatricians would keep prescribing this way.
Many of us here are 'worst case scenarios' and I don't want to be dramatic or extreme when talking with her...anyway, I would appreciate any stories, insight, etc.
Thanks all!
Kristin
Posts: 561 | From mass | Registered: Jul 2007
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NanaDubo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14794
posted
Hi Kristin - sorry to hear about your nephew.
I think your LLMD is right - why take the chance? The longer he has it the smaller the window.
It's a touchy subject to try to advice people about their children, even if you are related.
Maybe you can find a gentle way to explain that your doctor is more of a lyme specialist (literate may turn her off) and although she trusts her pediatrician, doesn't mean he knows a lot about it even though he means well.
My neighbors little boy was 4 and woke up one morning with swollen knees and couldn't walk. Their experience at the ER was a nightmare with well intentioned doctors.
He ended up on antibiotics for longer than a month and seems to being fine 2 years later.
Do you think you doctor would be willing to talk with her by phone?
It's horrible for anyone to have to deal with this but especially children.
I cringe every time I see my grandkids running around their pond, barefoot, half naked or pants dragging across the grass.
I have said way too much to their parents about LD so I have to just keep my mouth shut now. A hard lesson to learn about when and what to say.
Now all I can do is pray they don't get it.
Good luck and I hope he gets the help he deserves.
Posts: 1129 | From Maine | Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
I contracted Lyme as a child and lived with few symptoms. As an adult I became completely disabled by it. I would error on the side of too many abx because the risk of too few is so much greater.
I'd buy Under Our Skin and let her watch for herself what can happen.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
I was infected when I was nine and received six weeks of abx. Years later I have many problems for which are very possibly associated with my previous infection with Lyme.
I wouldn't take any chances. We just don't understand this disease well enough.
I would convince your sister to come on this site and watch under our skin to get an idea of the seriousness of this illness.
I would convince your sister to get a good LLMD and see what he says.
Don't assume that just because everyone's doing it it must be right. That assumption got us into this entire mess.
If the treatment and diagnostic protocols work then why are so many still sick?
-------------------- I was diagnosed with and treated for late stage Lyme in 1991 with 6 weeks of doxycycline. Initially felt better, but then developed health problems that last until today. Posts: 83 | From New Jersey | Registered: May 2008
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posted
Ask her if she'd be willing to read Cure Unknown. Before I read it, I was skeptical of a lot. I am a lot less skeptical now and I have a much stronger understanding of why people have misperceptions about how easy Lyme is to cure.
It may scare her, but it may be worth it in the end.
Posts: 129 | From Virginia | Registered: Feb 2008
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