posted
I just need to talk about what I've done to a community that would probably understand.
First, some backgound. My youngest son became ill while in middle school, finally diagnosed with Lyme and co-infections. Then, another son and myself tested positive.
So, I have delved into tick-borne disease info for years. Of course, other family members roll their eyes when I mention Lyme.
A year a half ago, my mother started with sudded onset seizure disorder.
She also was found to have a heart-block that does not give her symptoms. She has had an ADHD type behavior for a while, and a few years back she had a knee problem which she said was gout.
I have been trying to help her, dealing with her neurologist (She was in a video monitoring unit twice). They found no exact cause for the seizures.
She is on three seizures meds, after trial and error with many. Then a severe depression and anxiety developed last December. She is on meds for that, now.
They did a Lyme test, but came back negative last year. The hospital did one at my request n 2006. Then I had one done with Igenex last year, but only the Borrelia, and that came back with only Band 41.
Due to low income, no other testing was done, but I have had that lingering desire to have her tested at Igenex(again with more tests) and Fry.
Finally, to due insurance change, I took her yesterday for these tests.
I told her not to tell other family members, because they think I am a fanatic and if they come back negative, they will be in an 'I told you so' state. She also keeps saying 'I don't have Lyme'.
My thought, of course, is that if any come back positive, she could be treated and possibly get off some of the five meds she is on. But then, we could be dealing with herxes and costs of treatment.
This has been very difficult for me. I am an only child and making decisions for myself and my family is hard enough. But, of course, I want to help her.
So, I guess I feel like I could be opening up a whole new 'can of worms'. Should I have left it as it is or finally calmed that constant thought of this being caused tbd's.
To top it off, my husband was layed off last week. I have only been working a fews hours during the week. The fatigue and brain fog linger with me, plus I have to do for my mother. She is 79 and does not drive.
Now I am thinking I should possible find a job with benefits, if my husband has trouble getting a job.
As you can see, I am thinking of everything at once. I have better moments and know things will work out. But I get anxious in between and I just need to let it out, to someone who won't 'roll their eyes'.
Thank you for listening.
Posts: 194 | From Pa | Registered: Mar 2004
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
quote:Originally posted by patty7:
They did a Lyme test, but came back negative last year. The hospital did one at my request n 2006. Then I had one done with Igenex last year, but only the Borrelia, and that came back with only Band 41.
Due to low income, no other testing was done, but I have had that lingering desire to have her tested at Igenex(again with more tests) and Fry.
Finally, to due insurance change, I took her yesterday for these tests.
I told her not to tell other family members, because they think I am a fanatic and if they come back negative, they will be in an 'I told you so' state. She also keeps saying 'I don't have Lyme'.
My thought, of course, is that if any come back positive, she could be treated and possibly get off some of the five meds she is on. But then, we could be dealing with herxes and costs of treatment.
This has been very difficult for me. I am an only child and making decisions for myself and my family is hard enough. But, of course, I want to help her.
So, I guess I feel like I could be opening up a whole new 'can of worms'. Should I have left it as it is or finally calmed that constant thought of this being caused tbd's.
To top it off, my husband was layed off last week. I have only been working a fews hours during the week.
The fatigue and brain fog linger with me, plus I have to do for my mother.
She is 79 and does not drive.
Now I am thinking I should possible find a job with benefits, if my husband has trouble getting a job.
As you can see, I am thinking of everything at once. I have better moments and know things will work out. But I get anxious in between and I just need to let it out, to someone who won't 'roll their eyes'.
patty, you did the RIGHT thing!
also noticed your mom is 79 so she has MEDICARE and medicare will pay the IGENEX bill completely or within $35 dollars!!
wow, when it rains, it pours; so sorry to read of your husband being laid off and your working only a few hours due to caring for your mom too.
you're forced to look at the big picture vs. a small piece of the puzzle with no income coming in.
do you have my newbie package? read especially the FINANCIAL BURDENS compiled by melanie reber ... 20-25 pages of excellent help for needy!!
others will come along and give you advise; time to get off and take my much needed nap! betty fry lab, i don't have any knowledge of if they accept medicare or not!
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
I had my Mom tested via Igenex due to her symptoms.
She came back with several Lyme specific bands,
However, does not want to treat because she insists she doesn't have Lyme.
I do the best I can. I paid for her test just so she would do it.
I had my neighbor draw the blood.
I was mad about it, but am trying to be a supportive daughter no matter what.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
Thanks Bettyg. I will look through the newby package. It was do to change in her medicare coverage that we were able to do it.
Geneal, thanks for sharing your story with me. I understand about doing what you can and letting it go if other party does not agree. You have a good attitude and it was good that you did what you could.
I appreciate your thoughts. Now we just wait for the results.
Take care, Patty
Posts: 194 | From Pa | Registered: Mar 2004
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