Oh, dear where do I start.. I was a basket case traveling to the doctor even with the help of xanax. I cried most of the way, my poor husband.
The doctor was very caring, understanding and spent 2 hrs. with me then was sent to the lab for lots of blood work. Well, after 12 sticks my body would no longer cooperate so they didn't get all the blood they needed. I am awaiting a call as what to do about getting more blood drawn. Hopefully it can be done at a closer lab.
Dr. F did get enough to send to IGeneX.. and feels I have a lot more going on instead of lyme as if that isn't enough. She is testing for co-infections, parasites and a list a mile long including food allergies..
I have an appointment March 9th for a phone consult and discuss the labs and treatment plan.
Oh, Dr.F also wanted me to see a therapist to help with my anxiety, agoraphobia etc. and dealing with a chronic illness. Even though she feels the disease is the cause I need the help and support of a good therapist/physiologist, so working on that.
The strange part is as soon as I left her office my anxiety left and hubby and I had a very pleasant trip home.. Was I glad to be home, took a hot bath got into pj's and hit the bed.
Sure wish this doctor was closer. I do have her email and can call anytime. Waiting anxiously to find out what else I have and the treatment plan..
I feel I made a great choice in this doctor, thanks to the help of lyme.net.. She did ask how I found her and I told her through lyme.net ...
Thanks again to each of you for your prayers, support and concern.
phyl
Posted by tls122269 (Member # 23200) on :
phyl -
I'm so glad to hear that your appointment went well. If you don't mind me asking what state is your Dr. F from? Thanks.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
YEA!! Yes, you have chosen wisely on the doctor!
Glad things went well. She gave you some really good advice and it sounds like she can help you.
Posted by Hambone (Member # 29535) on :
I'm so glad your appointment went well, Phyl.
Were you ever diagnosed with Lyme before? Just wondering why you are having a test through Igenex. I thought you already knew you had it.
Your doc sounds very thorough.
quote:Originally posted by phyl6648: Oh, Dr.F also wanted me to see a therapist to help with my anxiety, agoraphobia etc. and dealing with a chronic illness. Even though she feels the disease is the cause I need the help and support of a good therapist/physiologist, so working on that.
This might be a good idea, but please don't spend a ton of money on this right now. I went down this road for a LONG time, before I was diagnosed, and there just aren't many therapists out there who understand how bad this is.
Some of them will insist on exposure therapy, and in my experience, it just made everything worse because my brain was so compromised. The overstimulation was just too brutal to force myself into situations would make my brain go haywire. ( I didn't know it was Lyme and Bartonella at the time. )
It might be of help for how to cope with a chronic illness, but at this point in time, it will be fruitless with helping you overcome agoraphobia. Especially when you may feel even worse when you start treatment.
I wasted a lot of money in this area.
Please keep us updated. You took that big step forward that you didn't think you could do.
Now....wish me luck because it's my turn Friday to go back to my LLMD and I'm already totally dreading the travel and stress. I love him to death, but it's just so stressful. Posted by phyl6648 (Member # 28522) on :
Hambone, I was dx with lyme through the quest western blot by my GP .. The doc I saw yesterday wanted a Bartonella FISH, Babesia FISH and 9 other test.. from igx.. then all the other test but after 12 sticks they couldn't get any more blood, said I was to dehydrated.. I think she wanted 20 some tubes but only got half if that..
I have got to do something about my fears.. but am waiting till I hear from the doc on my labs.
If I start abx treatment there is no way I will be able to get to a therapist .. The closest one is 40 minutes from home.
My greatgran was sick again today so I have her which she is no trouble but everything gets on my nerves..
I can't spend any more money.. I am hoping for a therapist that will accept my insurance.. Oh, well one day at a time..
How are you doing??
hugs, phyl
Posted by phyl6648 (Member # 28522) on :
Lymeto, I sure hope I chose a good one, cause the traveling when you feel so bad and the expense is not good. Oh, so hoping for some help..
tks, phyl
Posted by Hambone (Member # 29535) on :
quote:Originally posted by phyl6648: I have got to do something about my fears.. but am waiting till I hear from the doc on my labs.
I have been down this road and then some with this, and I can say, for me, that THE BEST program for agoraphobia and fears is an online course by Jon Mercer called "Easy Calm". He went through it himself ( not Lyme, but psych drug withdrawal ) and knows how bad agoraphobia is.
His online program was MUCH MUCH better than any therapist I saw face to face.
I think the program is $100, but I'm sure if you emailed him and told him of your sitaution, he'd give you a break. He's a super nice guy and lives about 5 miles from me. Tell him one of his facebook friends recommended him. Posted by littlebit27 (Member # 24477) on :
I love this Dr. Not only for her knowledge but because she is extremely caring and thoughtful. She has Lyme herself (she told me I could tell people that, I asked her first) so she understands COMPLETELY what we are going through.
I think it is helpful.
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Congrats phyl! You did it...you made it through your first appt!
You have taken the first step which can be the hardest.
Praying that you will continue to be guided in the right direction towards healing.
Posted by Beagle (Member # 29698) on :
phyl,
So glad you made it. Doctor does sound wonderful! How far did you have to travel?
Beagle
Posted by daisyrlb (Member # 15686) on :
Phyl,
Thanks for sharing. Great news!
As I read the various posts...I wish there was a "like" button (like they have on Facebook).
Praying for your health and healing in body, mind, and spirit.
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