Topic: Taking teenager to ER. Do I tell them about Lyme or keep mum?
IckyTicky
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 21466
posted
My teenager has had chills for the past three days, and last night started complaining of severe chest pain, right in the middle of her chest. She went to school today but then called me to come get her. She went to her room and was laying face down crying because her chest hurts so bad. She says it feels like something is sitting on her chest, and it comes and goes. She does have a cough, but it didn't start until today. No fever that i can tell. At least if she does it is VERY low grade.
She has to see a cardiologist next week because she has episodes of falling...where suddenly she feels "too heavy for her legs to hold her up". Our LLMD is concerned that it is a heart problem. She has this happen a couple times a week and she says that it also happened today. So far she always catches herself when she falls...so she doesn't actually make it to the floor.
So I think it's proabably best to take her to the ER..but I'm debating mentioning Lyme. When they ask if she has underlying condition...do I tell them about the Lyme disease? Do I tell them she is on low dose Zith? On one hand, I want them to know if she is immuno-compromised by a chronic illness...but on the other hand I don't want eye rolling and dismissal at the mention of LD.
What do you guys suggest?
-------------------- IGM: 18+, 23+, 30+, 31+++, 34+, 39IND, 41++, 58+++, 66+, 83-93IND IGG: 31+, 39IND, 41+ Also positive for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and RMSF. Whole family of 5 dx with Lyme. Posts: 1014 | From Texas | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I would go right now to the E.R.
I understand your concern, especially in a state that does not know much about lyme.
I suggest focusing on the symptoms. Then, just low key, be straightforward and matter of fact about the Rx she is on - they will need to know.
I also would say that she is being treated for lyme, but say that you are not there for that - but it needs to be considered as her background.
If there is anyway your LLMD could be ready to answer any questions they may have, it may help. You could call your LLMD and ask - if not, they may take her of abx if admitted.
Good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
I would mention it, withholding valuable medical history is not a smart idea. Give them all the info and let them find out what is wrong with her. Just don't be surprised if they think Lyme is "easy" to treat. Give them a chance though, and get a full workup done so you can find out what is going on with her. Good luck.
IP: Logged |
posted
I have given thought to this myself as I have an upcoming neurology appt and I thought about not telling him for the same reasons you mention.
In this situation I think I would tell because if she has a fever and chest pain it could be pneumonia. In which case they would treat her with antibotics and they would need to know about the one she is on.
I would keep it short and simple. She has been diagnosed with Lyme disease and is being treated for it. I would avoid any further discussion about the diagnosis because I sense the more they hear us talk the more they think were nuts.
I have had chest wall pain for 6 months (very severe)and I need narcotics for it. I wonder if this is a more common symptom of lyme then we know?
Posts: 207 | From NH | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
Always mention all the meds you are taking too, never withhold info like that!
IP: Logged |
posted
I agree -- give them all the info on meds and prior diagnosis. It is up to them what they do with it.
Most nurses will know far more about Lyme and tickborne diseases than the docs usually.
Has your daughter also been diagnosed with babesia? Symptoms sound more like babesia than Lyme to me, but could be from either illness.
Costochondritis is another possibility - this is an inflammation of the ribs near the sternum. Will usually hurt if you press on the breastbone. A common symptom of tickborne diseases as well.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Chills and chest pain could be pneumonia or bronchitis. I'd take her to see a doctor. You need to tell them what meds she is on, but I would not get into a debate over Lyme if you can help it. I'd just say, "I understand what you're saying" and move on to the symptoms you are there for.
Please let us know what comes of this.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
| IP: Logged |
tick battler
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 21113
posted
Sorry to hear your daughter is going through this. Chills, chest pain and cough sound like babesia to me, but of course you want to rule out other potential heart issues.
Why not tell them out the Lyme? That would be the reason for the zithromax. If it were me, I would definitely tell them. They are there to rule out other issues.
Something to consider...why not try Mepron with the zith once you are through this period? You will probably know within 2 to 3 weeks if it helps. The zith alone would do nothing for babesia if this is what your daughter has.
When my 5 year old son tried to go off Mepron recently, he complained that his chest hurt. It got better once he resumed the Mepron.
tickbattler
Posts: 1763 | From Malvern, PA | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic