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My uncle was diagnosed with Lyme Disease last summer after 2 years of symptoms and negative test results. It was after the left side of his face started to droop and he was admitted to the hospital for a " stroke " that he finally tested positive. He was referred to a specialist at the University of Maryland Medical Center who put him on antibiotics via IV for 21 days. But now he has been on the 21 day iv treatment , 3 times since he was diagnosed and he is not getting better . He is getting worse . His headaches are worse , he forgets things and confuses things all the time . His face droops more than ever and he slurs his words . Yet the doctor he has is not doing anything more for him . My question to anyone who lives in Maryland is , Can you recommend a good Lyme specialist ? I think he needs to see someone else but I have searched the internet and can not find anything that tells who the top specialists in the area are. Its amazing that they list the top doctors for breast implants but not disease specialist. Its so frustrating . He also has become so depressed . He doesnt want anyone to see him because of the way his face looks . He wants to be by him self and doesnt want anyone to help him do anything . He is pushing everyone away because he says his life is over .He is giving up on his self , and I can not let him do that . So I am hoping that someone can point me in the right direction , any information you can give will be much appreciated .I am hoping that if he finds the right doctor and sees that they are trying to help him , it may put him back in a positive frame of mind he needs to be in. Thanks again for any advice or information you can give.
Posts: 6 | Registered: Feb 2005
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NP40
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6711
If your uncle has had lyme for two years, it's going to take more than three 21 day treatments of Rocephin. He'll be a long term ABX candidate for sure, but he will see improvement eventually. Lyme can be very difficult to treat, and can take several months, to even a couple of years of ABX, depending upon the severity of the disease.
Your uncle may also be going through a herx reaction. Where lymies often feel worse once they start ABX, because so much of the bacteria is dying off, the body labors to get rid of it, thereby intensifying the symptoms. Most lymies go through this, so don't be alarmed. Also, check the "Support Group" links to the left of the page and scroll through until you find your state. There should be a support group near you that can recommend a good LLMD. Good luck and keep us posted.
Posts: 1632 | From Northern Wisconsin | Registered: Jan 2005
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NP40
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6711
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Just wanted to add that, tell your uncle not to be discouraged. Many posters on this forum have suffered with this disease for long periods and have gotten well and resumed normal lives. Your uncle will too !
Tell him to join the board, he'll learn a ton of tricks and tips to help him deal with this disease.
Rocephin is a common ABX for lyme, but people can respond differently to it. There are many ABX's to help treat lyme and co-infections, and a good LLMD will help find the one's that will work for your uncle. Tell him there is hope that he can beat back this disease !
Posts: 1632 | From Northern Wisconsin | Registered: Jan 2005
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treepatrol
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Member # 4117
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Posts: 10564 | From PA Where the Creeks are Red | Registered: Jun 2003
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