As a newbie I aplogise in advance for some pretty basic questions. I am undiagnosed at this stage but the good news is that I fly off to SF this wed to have an appointment with Dr. S....lucky me, from what I believe he is one of the best!
After reading my situation/story he advised I should definetly make the trip from Shanghai to see him as there is a big chance I have Lyme! So I may become the only Australian living in China to have this horrible disease (Seems highly likely)! I wonder if there are any others out there reading this in China?
Anyway, a couple of questions - In recent days i have been having really strange ear/mouth symptoms, its as though something occassionally bangs on my ear drums every 20 mins or so and I always feel like I need to clean them out. As well i get some strange pains in my mouth, as though the nerve of my teeth are affected. I have not read much about this so I was wondering if others have this problem?
My final question is that is it common to have sooo many symptoms all at the same time? My doctors told me every time it was not possible, and many times when I tried to explain my symptoms I also thought they sounded bizzare!
Thanks for all your help If anyone is from SF and know any good places to stay in the city I would appreciate any info.
Shangs
[ 26. August 2006, 07:11 AM: Message edited by: ShangSD ]
Posts: 34 | From China | Registered: Aug 2006
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posted
no no, it was my Australian and Chinese doctors. If I am diagnosed I am starting to look forward to "educating" them.
I havent been to see Dr S in SF yet, thats weds. In fact I am 100% sure he would not say that. In fact I have never been to SF!
Steve
Posts: 34 | From China | Registered: Aug 2006
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northstar
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7911
posted
"always feel like I need to clean them out."
This can be a yeast problem too. There is a lot of diet info regarding watching carb intake (i.e. no more doughtnuts!), as well as eliminating all artificial sugars , increasing veggies, etc. on this site.
Also, if you are in China, I would try to watch MSG intake, if that is possible, as it does affect neurotransmitters. ----------------------------------------------------------------------
"As well i get some strange pains in my mouth, as though the nerve of my teeth are affected. I have not read much about this so I was wondering if others have this problem?"
Ooh yeah, that is a biggie. It indicates cranial nerve involvement. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- "My final question is that is it common to have sooo many symptoms all at the same time? "
Oooh yeah....that is why some md's think it is all in our heads, i.e. hypochondriac, mental, etc. Technically it is in our heads, but via infection and inflammation! -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Have you considered stocking up on supplements, getting antibiotics, etc. while in SF? I do not know if the dr. would prescribe without seeing some test results, especially with the possibility of other infections because of your international travels.
But, if he feels it is likely, then you may want to consider a few vitamin supplements. Read about them on Burrascano guidelines, and do searches on this site. Basics would be Omega spectrum, A in betacarotene form (unless you have access to goji/wolfberry, full spectrum E with tocotrienols, some C. First, I would ask the new llmd about them as he may have a protocol.
SF is a great city! Have you contacted anyone from Bay Area support groups for advice on lodging, food, transportation, etc. Even the llmd office may have recommendations for nearby hotels. If it is close, you would not have to rent a car, but taxi fees from airport will be $$$.
Northstar
Posts: 1331 | From hither and yonder | Registered: Sep 2005
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-------------------- Suzanne Shaps STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org) (Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected]) Posts: 977 | From Austin, TX, USA | Registered: May 2004
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Heres a previous posting from Melanie that I thought would be helpful for you.
Posting for the new members...
Making the most of your LLMD visit:
1. Arrive prepared and on time. Research ahead of time and educate yourself on possible treatment options. Be aware of your limited time. Write down your questions before each visit. Make a short list of the topics that you wish to cover. Prioritize your questions and agenda...keep it simple.
There will be MUCH discussed, so most of us can benefit by having a family member or friend attend with us as an extra set of ears. If this isn't possible, consider taking a tape recorder along.
2. Provide copies of your health records, including pictures of any unusual rashes that you have had and the results of any laboratory tests. Bring any important abstracts, medical papers, etc. which support your specific requests.
3. Always discuss your most important current and past symptoms. Have this typed out to leave with your doctor for your file. This is an important base for future comparison. Keep a weekly medical log in which to graph your symptom progress: types, amounts, and dates of all medications taken and any other pertinent health related issues and take this with you.
4. Ask for some basic parameters as far as what to expect. When will your test results be available? What are the signs that things are getting better, worse, or not changing? How long should you expect to stay on this protocol? Who should you contact should an emergency arise? Is the Doctor available for phone consultations? When should your next appointment be? Will he consult with your regular physician?
5. Be sure you have your prescriptions in hand and understand completely the recommended protocol. Make certain that you have all of your questions answered now while you have the doctor's attention.
6. Before you leave, be sure to sign for release of all office records for yourself and your regular physician. Although it is important to have a home based physician, do not be surprised if they leave your treatment for Tick Borne Diseases to your LLMD. It is however, important that you build a team effort approach to your healthcare early, so be certain that each physician is aware of any health issues.
7. Set up your next appointment now.
Please feel free to add any other advice!
-------------------- Daisy Posts: 122 | From at the computer | Registered: Jul 2006
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Hope this will help some with your apt. see you soon.
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Sorry Daisy,
I just met Shang in the chat and he asked for info, so I quickly posted the doc info...didn't take the time to read that you had already done that!
Yes, BART is a great idea, it will take you everywhere. And the traffic in and out of The City is horrible, so best to avoid driving if you can.
But, if you do rent as you stated earlier tonight, there is much to see and do if you have the energy for it...so you should have plenty to occupy you.
I will try a post on the CA LDA site to see if anyone there will have some time to possibly meet with you during your stay.
Can't promise anything, but it won't hurt to try.
Yes, I think finding a place in advance would be your best move. The City is large, and it is confusing...and hotel/motels in the city will be pricey...so, look for a place along the BART line that you can commute back and forth from.
OK, you have my information, so we will keep in touch. Have a wondefful trip!
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