posted
I hope I'm posting in the right spot, here's my story:
I'm a late 20's male. I went to my doctor because I started having panic attacks. I've always been anxious but it was getting out of control. I also would have bouts of extreme tiredness. I initially thought it was hypoglycemia because that's what seemed to match my symptoms on WebMD.
I finally went to a doctor and he ordered blood work including a western blot for Lyme. He initially prescribed me lexapro for the panic attacks, but I never had the prescription filled(at the time my symptoms were less severe and I was scared to take an antidepressant). My blood pressure was also high, but he wasn't sure if it was because I was so anxious being in a doctor's office.
The western blot came back positive on several bands for recent Lyme infection, but none for long term. He prescribed me 100mg of Doxycycline twice daily for 30 days. He also prescribed Bystolic for the high blood pressure and to help with any panic attacks. While a nice doctor, he did not give me much info on Lyme's.
I'm done with the month of Doxy. The first week I felt great finally knowing the cause of my problems and felt healthy. The second week I had symptoms(have since learned about herxing). I had numbness in my face and limbs, brain fog, headaches, confusion, forgetfulness, anxiety, mood swings, tiredness, and night sweats.
At this point I started doing more research. I realized that the Lyme's explained some things I had not attributed to it.(Rash's on the tops of my cheeks, hand tremors, headaches, and inability to concentrate at times) I read Dr. Burascano's guidelines. I've quit smoking(3 weeks now) and started exercising more(running). I still do drink occasionally.
My symptoms got better throughout the month, but the brain fog, sometimes accompanied with anxiety, persisted. I've been off doxy for about a week, but still feel it at times. I went to my doctor yesterday, but he asked me more about my blood pressure than the Lyme's. I'm not sure if this is because he doesn't know much about it or not. He did order another western blot and I am seeing him in 6 weeks after the results are in.
So this is where I am now. I don't know how long I've had Lyme's for. I believe that I still have it after the Doxy. I don't know how severe my case is. I don't really know much about co-infections. I don't know if I am getting proper treatment or if I have the right doctor. I don't know if I am doing everything I can to be well. I don't know if I should tell my employer(told a coworker I am with all day in a truck), and I worry that they think I'm crazy or a drug addict from my day to day mood and cognition changes. I have good days and bad days. Any advice would be very welcome. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Posts: 8 | From NJ | Registered: Jun 2012
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�� Nutritional Supplements in Disseminated Lyme Disease ��
J.J. Burrascano, Jr., MD (2008) - Four pages
==============================
It's very important to have this book as a reference tool for self-care and support measures. It answers so many questions in detail that is impossible here on the forum.
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I would not tell your boss, however, since you told a coworker, if your boss finds out that your health may impair your job, your driving, or another person's driving with you - you could then get in trouble for keeping that from them.
Once you tell one person, the cat's out of the bag and you never know if that may be passed on (even just a slip).
If you drive, IMO, you need to go to the Human Resources person and request an accommodation due to a medical condition.
By declaring a disability of sorts, and requesting things to help you stay on the job, you can help keep your position safe - to a degree. You'd still have to perform but could have some flexibility to help you do that.
Do NOT tell them it's lyme (though, again, that info. may be leaked by the coworker).
You can honestly say that you are not exactly sure of a specific diagnosis but you have the need for:
this
this
and this
for the time being to do your job better.
Or you may ask for a different kind of job there or
some medical leave - or even change of schedule.
-------------------
If you are in a truck all day and if you have one of those toxic "air purifiers" get rid of it. Now. Too many toxic chemicals in all of those.
Try to avoid vehicle exhaust by keeping distance from driving in front of you.
Put a cotton towel over the dash when parked in the sun and air out the car BEFORE you get in. Just open all the doors for a minute.
Do not get overheated. Keep ice if you need to.
------------------
What can help with both energy and mood stabilization:
Topic: NATURAL SLEEP & ADRENAL SUPPORT -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You said you read Dr. Burrascano's guidelines.
You say: "started exercising more(running)"
Dr. B's guidelines specifically say: NO aerobics.
Also, it's great - fabulous - that you are now a breather of just fresh air.
However understandable it it that you may have a drink now and then, that can set you WAY back. Again, it's "no alcohol" - for very important reasons that I just can't delve into now.
Mostly about the liver. It can be severely damaged by lyme and by treatment. The tender care of the liver is pivotal to lyme treatment.
Constant Liver Support is vital, but not enough. We have to be on guard all the time.
If for fun with friends, there are other things to drink but also avoid artificial sweeteners and too much fizz as the stomach lining is very compromised with lyme.
If for relaxation, the adrenal support, magnesium and fish oil can help take the edge off. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- SAFE exercise is discussed here: ---------------------------------------------
posted
This is how my son's symptoms began...terrible panic attacks. He's 25 years old. You need longer treatment. He's on doxy now but has at least six more months of multiple antibiotics planned. Find someone who has treated lyme/tic-borne illnesses and is willing to put you on long-term abx. Good luck!
Posts: 463 | From Sandusky, Ohio | Registered: Jan 2012
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Panic attacks for me early on were terrible. I wish I had known about magnesium and fish oil - and about lyme, too.
Excitotoxins; MSG; Aspartame; & "Natural" Flavors -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You repeatedly use the term "lyme's" - if your doctor is putting that "s" on the end and that's where you picked it up, it's a sure sign he's not at all "lyme literate"
well, actually, I can tell he is not by other things he did but with that "s" you know he's not read about it or attended advanced educational courses about it.
It's just "lyme" - no "s"
Best of luck to you. Find your area support groups. Take care. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Thank you so much, I'll look into all of this. The exercise part of the guidelines confused me. I'm currently taking a multivitamin and b12, will definitely get some magnesium and fish oil. I also suspect that my doctor isn't lyme literate, I'm going to post in 'seeking a doctor'.
I'm also really conflicted about telling my job. It's a small operation, so there isn't other work for me to do there. I'm just so scared because I need the health insurance they provide.
You say 'don't get overheated'. This worries me because I lift stuff all day and summer is coming. I sweat A LOT when working in the heat, which I now think is due to the lyme. How bad is this?
Posts: 8 | From NJ | Registered: Jun 2012
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philly78
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 31069
posted
I sweat a lot too! And I do aerobic exercise. I'm a rebel.
My best advice would be to try not to over think things right now and find a lyme literate doctor to help you sort all of this out.
In a perfect world, we would all be able to stick to the guidelines and soar through our treatment plans perfectly. But we don't live in a perfect world and life happens.
You need your job. You need the insurance. So take measures to keep yourself hydrated and learn to pay attention to your body. Know when it is too much and you need a break.
I told everyone at my job and most of them were truly interested in learning more. Others? Not so much. They think I'm crazy and that I see a "quack doctor". Of course, none of them have any answers though!
You need not make a decision right away as to what to tell your job. For now, I'd keep quiet until you see a LL doc and know more about what your treatment plan will be.
Good luck!
-------------------- When faced with pain you have two choices....either quit and accept the circumstances, OR make the decision to fight with all the resources you have at your disposal. Posts: 1000 | From PA | Registered: Mar 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Sweating a lot is excellent, actually. But - try not to get too hot.
Salt replenishment is best with sea salt.
I assume you are not in the sun as, just with this past month on doxycycline, that could have caused severe sunburn.
Remember, too, that even AFTER stopping doxy, for several weeks, your skin can be much more sensitive to burning, even if not in direct sunlight. Even through a car window. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- About your job. If you feel unsafe driving, just don't drive. Safety is the number one concern.
Pull over if you need to do so, no matter what.
Good luck finding a LLMD. But be aware that most are not covered by insurance. Insurance companies do not want to cover lyme treatment, usually. However, sometimes, there are ways to work around or with that. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
posted
quote:Originally posted by Andrew123: I'm currently taking a multivitamin and b12, will definitely get some magnesium and fish oil.
Lyme Disease can cause us to be deficient in magnesium, as the Lyme bacteria live in our cells and use it up. This leaves our body's cells in an awful mess, as they need magnesium for all of the enzyme reactions.
And EVERYTHING depends on the enzymes.
Low magnesium causes many symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Also muscle spasms, tics, headaches, heart irregularities, insomnia, asthma, fatigue, sensitivity to light and to noise.
philly78
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 31069
posted
My LLMD doesn't take insurance but the insurance still pays for all my meds and any routine lab work. I also submit my bills from my LLMD and do get some back.
-------------------- When faced with pain you have two choices....either quit and accept the circumstances, OR make the decision to fight with all the resources you have at your disposal. Posts: 1000 | From PA | Registered: Mar 2011
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AuntyLynn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35938
posted
Andrew123 - What Exit? (LOL!)
Sorry to hear that you're life has been complicated by Lyme! But it does sound as though you have recognized the problem early, and some treatment (especially at the beginning) is lots better than NO treatment!
Here is what I would suggest:
Get a copy of your records from this Doc you're seeing - especially the Western Blot.
If/when you see any more rashes break out on your body, take photographs (they can come in real handy for diagnostic purposes down the road).
Sounds like you work outside and have a somewhat physical job - I would be sure to keep some water and hydrating liquids really handy. (Gotta love those little playmate coolers and a freezer pack for traveling/lunch!)
Magnesium is inexpensive (I use the citrate form available at Whole Foods Market). Magnesium is great to treat muscle twitches/cramps, or a racing heartbeat, and is used by some professionals to calm the "shakes" of drug/alcohol withdrawal. It may help to prevent or alleviate your panic attacks. I carry some in my purse in a zip lock baggie at all times.
I have used Magnesium for many years for any type of muscle cramp (a little goes a long way ... nibble on a tab w/a glass of water until the symptoms stop... usually about 200 mg will do the trick for me).
You should carry "electrolyte drinks" with you. IMO the BEST natural sports drink is Green Coconut Water! Available in the juice aisle of just about any grocery store these days. It has Potassium/Magnesium/Calcium in the right porportions for our bodies, and has a very light refreshing coconut flavor.
Sometimes, to my surprise, I find that I seem lower in potassium than magnesium - and you want to be mindful that sweatng and exercise can deplete all of your electrolytes, especially potassium, very quickly. I suggest you carry Orange Juice, fresh oranges or a banana in that lunch box, which can be a lifesaver, if you get overheated and dehydrated, or feel tired.
There is lots of potassium in potatoes too - so a quick order of french fries or chips are not entirely outside the realm of "healthy" on occasion. As you know, we need more salt when we are exposed to summer's heat!
Also small PROTEIN snacks (like nuts, cheese, hard boiled eggs) will help to keep your blood sugar steady, and your energy up.
At this point, your main concern is to be able to DO your job - and even if someone knows that you are being treated for Lyme, as long as you can "keep up" why should anyone care?
I don't see the harm in having told your work partner, because if there ever IS some kind of an emergency, he can point medical personnel in the right direction.
I will look for your "seeking a doctor" post.
So welcome to Lymenet! It took me way too long to find this site, and it is one of the most informative and supportive lyme boards around. I wish you the best in your journey to health.
Posts: 1432 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2012
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bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745
posted
First. I told my employer. They needed to know that something was wrong, that I was trying to get healthy and needed some time brush were great and stuck by me. To me, it was the right decision as now I could go to doctors appointments and now worry about backlash at work
Second. Suggest you find an LLMD and also strongly consider bartonella as it tends to cause more anxiety thN just Lyme b
-------------------- Bite date ? 2/10 symptoms began 5/10 dx'd, after 3 months numerous test and doctors
IgM Igenex +/CDC + + 23/25, 30, 31, 34, 41, 83/93
Currently on:
Currently at around 95% +/- most days. Posts: 3139 | From Massachusetts | Registered: May 2010
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posted
I agree with the above post...my son (the one with severe panic attacks) was diagnosed with bartonella. It showed up on the Fry test.
If you feel your boss is understanding, I'd let them know the truth also. I let my bosses know the truth and they were very supporting. Of course there are always some co-workers who just won't get it. But, you can't worry about them. I think honesty is the best way to go unless you have reason to believe you will lose insurance.
Posts: 463 | From Sandusky, Ohio | Registered: Jan 2012
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posted
let me sum it up for ya ,,,,welcome to hell
-------------------- +++++++ do i have lyme, please comment, derealisation,anxiety,floaters,hypertension,tinnitus,dizziness,minor aches,igenix results,igm,**83-93ind,igg**41++ what do u think,please comment Posts: 195 | From california | Registered: May 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Yeah, but we're all just not going sit around and get toasted. There are various ways out.
SEE "TF's" REPLY ON THE ABOVE LINK. PERFECT EXPLANATION!!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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AuntyLynn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35938
posted
Andrew -
Unfortunately a LOT of LLLMDs do NOT take insurance because of the "politics" of Lyme.
You see, SCIENCE is often very slow to recognize the TRUTH, and until "the real truth" gains acceptance as "scientific truth" ... the "powers that be" have decided that there is no such thing as "chronic Lyme." In fact, doctors who are getting folks well say that the "science" folks CREATE chronic Lyme because their policies utilize bad testing, and inadequate treatment.
Now here's the rub: since the kind of treatment that IS EFFECTIVE is considered to be "outside the standard of care" Insurance Companies are not "legally obligated" to pay for the expensive treatment that is effective - so some of these insurers have been prosecuting the healers as "quacks" and going after their medical licenses.
Hence, our heroic LLMDs take risks to help us get well, but need to "keep a low profile." Best way to do that, is to insist on private pay. That's not to say that your insurance will not cover a lot of tests or prescriptions - but the "heavy stuff" might raise Insurance Co. eyebrows and suspicions.
So WELCOME TO THE LYME UNDERGROUND! We try our BEST to protect those brave doctors who are trying to get us well, at their own risk! (By not placing the names of our heroes in public view, f'rinstance.) Taking on some of the personal burden to get that care, is another way we are forced to protect them right now.
I will post the link to a MUST SEE Documentary MOVIE, that will bring you up to speed on Lyme, and the Lyme controversy.
You can watch it for free online, at hulu.
[ 06-13-2012, 09:26 PM: Message edited by: AuntyLynn ]
Posts: 1432 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2012
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AuntyLynn
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Member # 35938
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