posted
I'm so confused about all of these threads I read. I always assumed Lyme disease was just Lyme disease, but come to find out there seem to be tons of co-infections that do different things, require different treatments, etc.
I can't keep reading these different threads because they are so confusing. I feel overwhelmed and anxious and don't even know where to start.
Posts: 3 | From Boston | Registered: May 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Start with an evaluation by an ILADS-educated LLMD. Really. You now know the complexity of all this, so find an expert.
Now, if you do have lyme/TBD (tick-borne infection), not every LLMD follows the ILADS guidelines precisely (as they are just guidelines, after all). However, a LLMD will have read works from ILADS' researchers, attended some conferences, and be familiar with anything new of importance or what "old" may no longer be working for other LLMDS' patients.
With a LLMD, treatment is tailored to your individual case, so you need someone which a broad scope of knowledge in the science of lyme and other tick-borne infections, the various treatment options - and the support measures. They figure out all that while you learn and stream line self care.
CONTROVERSY CONTINUES TO FUEL THE "LYME WAR" - 2007
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In the meantime, since you posted about inner ear symptoms, you may find some relief with GINGER capsules.
Be sure to save the links posted for you in your other thread about self-care. You WILL need that, of course. But, first, get a LLMD consultation.
Good luck. -
[ 05-30-2010, 01:05 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Ann-OH
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2020
posted
When you see a doctor, take along a list of the symptoms you have had, the medications you are currently taking and copies of any recent tests or procedures. You can make a copy for yourself and one for the doctor - nurses love this.
I have a sheet I make up and adjust with changes that they just love. It has all stuff they need to know.
I will post an example of that here soon.
Take a notebook with a list of questions to ask - just 5 or 6 - most important ones to you. You will have time to ask more later.
Take along someone else to sit in on your doc visit, and you both should take notes. Write out as you ask each of your questions, write down the responses.
Tell the doctor you have difficulty remembering and writing things down helps you. They are much more careful to be thorough when they know you are documenting the visit.
Write down the meds and dosages and repeat them back to the doctor to be sure they are right.
we can all relate to being overwhelmed as lyme requires so much of a patient. We are responsible for so much education on our own since the majority of doctors ignore this field.
However, about being anxious, that does go along with most chronic infections - due to the toxicity and the stressors on the body. Magnesium and Fish oil can help.
As you are not sure what is going on. So - as much as possible - don't think in terms of "what if it's this or that" - just organize yourself for the main task at hand.
Find a LLMD. Describe the situation. See what the LLMD says. Take care of yourself and just take it one step at a time.
Now, I really apologize for adding this part now, but it may save you shock as you proceed. It's not easy to find a LLMD who is covered by insurance. There are a few out there, so that is also why your local support groups are so important to offer suggestions.
I do hope you can find the best LLMD to offer you insight and suggestions to regaining your health. Take care and, even with all this going on, take healthy enjoyment into your world as often as you can. Nurture yourself along this journey.
The earth will always be beneath your feet, with warmth and energy enough to grow food that nourishes every cell of your body with the rays from the sun, always overhead by day (even if obscured by clouds). And, at night, the magnificent moon can massage your dreams - giving you beauty and wonder as your body rests and rejuvenates.
For as much as our world seems to turn upside down with such life-altering health matters, when we connect to the rhythm of the earth, the sun and the moon, it just helps as we hold on for the ride. Nature gives us beauty and we always need a good dose of that.
Here's an observation from Charles Dickens that is helpful to all situations, not just to the seasons (although nature's beauty sure does help us get through tough situations):
"Nature gives to every time and season some beauty of its own." -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Dawn in VA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9693
posted
Keebs, that was a beautiful post.
-------------------- (The ole disclaimer: I'm not a doctor.) Posts: 1349 | From VA | Registered: Jul 2006
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