I wanted to share some ups and downs I've had with both my LLMD and longtime internist, who recently has recommended I see an Infectious Disease Specialist.
Is anyone seeing someone in ID (especially in the VA/DC/MD area) who has been helpful?
Background: Last month I suddenly had terrible, non-stop heart palpitations, which I've never had before. (My father died very young of a heart attack, so I can't be too careful.)
My LLMD was totally blase about this -- told me (via email) it was "probably a Herx" and to come in for an IV vitamin cocktail.
Instead, I saw my internist, who took an EKG, ECG, and had me wear a Holter monitor for 24 hours. She says my heart is perfectly normal.
Her next suggestion was to take Ativan for anxiety and to consult with an Infectious Disease specialist.
My internist is suspicious of my LLMD's aggressive treatment which she thinks is "out there" ... and I share her concerns, to a certain extent.
On the other hand, this sounds exactly like the kind of dismissive comments from non-LLMDs I read about on these boards all the time.
Since starting treatment with my LLMD four months ago, I have had some major improvements (cognitive problems and "brain fog" much better; entrenched oral fungal infection and sinus problems resolved). But I've also added some new problems to the mix (heart palps; increased anxiety; eye dryness; nausea).
Is this typical in the first few months of treatment?
posted
Your internist is not Lyme-literate, nor are almost all ID docs.
Sounds to me like you need to be in better communication with your LLMD about your treatment. If they won't communicate with you, then to consider seeing someone who will.
Posts: 13117 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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poppy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5355
posted
Yes, I think it is typical and your doc was probably right about the herx affecting your heart. Understandable that this would worry you, with a family history, but the testing you had done should relieve that anxiety maybe?
Almost no ID docs are going to be any help at all. If your internist interferes or undermines your lyme doc, that is probably the one to change.
Posts: 2888 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2004
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
See listener comments, too. This will tell you how very wrong the ID Doctor is who was interviewed.
Also know that that kind of reaction is exactly what you are likely to get if you go see an ID doctor. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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