Hi, we live in the Pacific Northwest. My husband has been diagnosed with Lyme by his ND. Something was positive on a blood test. Sorry I don't know more.
He has actually been sick for a long time - years. He has had bad experiences with doctors - for example going in to complain about his fatigue and misery and his doctors hands him a urine sample cup. The doctor tested him ONLY for narcotics. Not even blood work for thyroid or anemia or Vit D. The test came back negative and we fired the doctor. bastard....
My husband is on antibiotics. He did a few weeks on Doxycylin (sp?) but it gave him heart burn. Now he is on Cexphlexin ???? but he seems worse. Actually, in the last few years he has had a lot of dental work, took antibiotics, and his fatigue always, always got better. Eventually his ND put the pieces of the puzzle together for him.
I find the information on-line overwhelming. Frightening and discouraging. So my question to you is.....What one piece of information do you want to share with me, since we are new to the rabbit hole world of Lyme Disease.
What one thing do I need to know?
Posted by momindeep (Member # 7618) on :
Hello BP ladybug...The one piece of advice I would give you is to get a LLMD (Lyme literate medical doctor) ASAP. You can post over in Seeking a Doctor thread.
P.S. I would still keep the ND, though, he might be invaluable too...but a LLMD is most important.
Posted by MADDOG (Member # 18) on :
Hi BP ladybug Just a tip on doxycycline,there is capsules and there are tablets.The capsules fall apart in the stomach OUCH!!!!
Allways ask for the tablets and no stomach pain will he have.
MADDOG
Posted by BP-Ladybug (Member # 32880) on :
ok, maddog, was taking doxy caps and his heartburn was miserable
so maybe he could go back on w tabs thanks
Posted by BP-Ladybug (Member # 32880) on :
ok, I will post about a LLMD in the Puget Sound thanks, momindeep I appreciate it
Posted by Arkie-hinny (Member # 26546) on :
BP-ladybug: Welcome to our world. Bless you....I have a close family member in your neck of the woods. Closer than you'll ever know! Anyhow, you've come to the right place for support. Is your husband's ND going to try and treat him naturally? Anything's worth a try. We'll be here for you. Take care and never give up!
Posted by BP-Ladybug (Member # 32880) on :
well, I am not sure but I think we would use both medications such as antibiotics plus naturopathic yes, that is how we have approached other health problems and it works with the right providers
Posted by melindacf (Member # 5412) on :
since find LLMD was already said, I'd say the other thing is to try to continue to do things together, things you used to do, even if it's just once a month. Many relationships are hurt or broken up by this awful disease. Work on keeping yours healthy from the beginning and you'll be in good shape. I'm lucky in that I have a supportive husband, but we've still had some rough times through this stuff.
Posted by BP-Ladybug (Member # 32880) on :
well, his fatigue has been BAD for a few years sometimes he is in bed 20 hours out of 24 I do have hope now that he has a DX, and we try to occasionally have a date night, or go to a movie
Posted by payne (Member # 26248) on :
Lord Move onto these folks with your Love, and Will Them the path to recovery.. LLMD soon, apple cider vinegar alittle in a glass of water help me much.. you probably already know to ask the LLMD for a cancelation apptointment, they at sometimes months get'n to see.. be strong, stronger then you need to be and go slow and be sure footed ..........wayne Posted by philly78 (Member # 31069) on :
Lyme and all that comes with it can be a bit overwhelming at times. Try your best not to get too frustrated. One thing I am learning is patience!
I am fortunate to have a very supporting husband, even if he doesn't quite understand what I am going through. I would say do your best in helping your hubby through this...which is appears you will do just fine with! good support is very important imo.
Read, research and learn. Things will start to come together soon. There are a lot of very knowledgeable people on this board to help you along the way. Good luck!
Posted by BP-Ladybug (Member # 32880) on :
well, I have spent hours reading about Lyme, on this site and others. Now I am new and overwhelmed. My husband was able to be up for two hours and then went back to bed. This is so sad.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Hi - the one thing I'd impart to you is that this is a marathon, not a sprint, that you need to give yourself time to get educated about the nature of the beast and whatall we do about it.
Treatment can fall in three categories: kill/deter the organism, detox, and fortify the body. And that last category is very broad, as in all the ways we strengthen ourselves.
One place to start learning is to google for and read the Burrascano 2008 guidelines, but still know there's a lot more that we all try.
We're all different so we all respond differently to treatment. The goal is to find the treatment that we best respond to. Many do improve. Some say that they then live a more healthy lifestyle than previously.
Posted by Susie R (Member # 30780) on :
1. Get a good LLMD. 2. Kill the bugs, support the immune system. 3. Be very, very patient. Take it one day at a time. This is not like treating bronchitis with 10 days of zithro. This is more like treating a chronic or serious illness. 4. Stay hopeful: the body can heal itself, the mind is powerful. 5. As a caregiver to a seriously ill Lymie (son), take care of YOURSELF, too.
On a positive note, I can tell you my son is coming back from the brink of psychiatric hospitalization for severe agitation. From hiding out in his room, punching walls, he is out with his friends, taking guitar lessons, laughing and going for walks. I had despaired of ever hearing my son laugh, yet 5 short months of treatment and he is so much better. Have faith.
Susie
Posted by BP-Ladybug (Member # 32880) on :
Thank you Suzie and Robin for your thoughtful posts. A SPRINT, not a marathon. I get it. I have health issues myself, and I am our sole support. I am going to really, really need to find ways to destress, and relax.
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
Hi there, Join us also on www.lymefriends.org , another resource for you. We have a group on there, Lyme Caregivers that can be helpful. If no one has posted in it in a while, as soon as you post people will start posting again.
I'm so sorry you have to join the "club", hoping it will be a short stay!
Posted by BP-Ladybug (Member # 32880) on :
I think a Care Givers support would be beneficial. Got some c'plaining to do.
Posted by BP-Ladybug (Member # 32880) on :
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