Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- A neuropsychologist is not the same as a psychologist.
Usually a neuropsychologist screening or full assessment is required if someone is filling for disability benefits.
NEVER make the mistake in assuming that a neuropsychologist is lyme literate (but at that time, I didn't even know I had lyme or anything about it at all). I made that mistake that the Ph.D. would help me to figure out why I had such trouble with balance and attention span. The screening I did was also a complete waste of time and insurance money. They were not looking to help me but, rather, peg me with a diagnosis. When I said it was a "Micky Mouse test" I was severed criticized in the report.
If one is required to have neuropsych testing, if they can find a LL neuropsychologist, that would be best.
Others will be along to add to this. In some cases, the assessment can offer some helpful clues but mine was just a waste. I've never seen anyone so incompetent at their job - but I went thinking they could help me figure out how to best work with my failing brain. I had requested the screening. So disappointed.
If you are seeking to find the best doctor to treat lyme, find an ILADS-educated LLMD. If you want to pursue counseling for added growth you can ask that LLMD for a list of LL therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists or neurologists.
Even if going just to talk (and that can be very important) be sure the counselor is LL. Lyme changes everything and a non-LL professional of any type will fall way short - and your money, effort and hopes will just fly out the window.
The Human Side of Lyme - An Inhumane Disease of the Brain
Deliberations of a psychiatrist who evaluates and possibly diagnoses Lyme and other tick-borne diseases of the mind, sharing case histories of those who . . .
==================
Liver dysfunction, adrenal dysfunction - and vestibular dysfunction are all very common with lyme. An alarming number of non-LL doctors - of all kinds - have no clue about how these can affect lyme patients. So, I'm adding a few links just in case any of this stuff is connected.
~ James L. Wilson, ND, DC, PhD, Johnathan V. Wright, MD
===============
For anyone with mood or cognitive issues, a Gluten-Free diet is also of tremendous help. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I suffered for about 6 years with various symptoms with no answers. Nothing different than anyone else with Lyme. But when my symptoms became more neurological and cognitive I knew I had to do something and fast. I wasn't able to think clearly, I was falling down and hurting myself, I was getting lost (in my garage), I was stammering and unable to speak clearly, words I didn't mean just came out of my mouth. There were 3 doctors recommended by the Lyme Disease Foundation. One was not seeing patients, one was an infectious disease specialist and one was a psychiatrist. I had been to IDS and they were a nasty and condesending group and since most of my problems were cognitive I thought it was a good choice. And it was. As a Psychiatrist he was very good at managing my cognitive problems to keep me functioning while treating my lyme and co-infections. Knowledge of anti-depressants (there are a zillion different kinds and can be mixed with other drugs and some work for some people and some work for others) and supplements to treat neurolgical symptoms, stimulants or drugs that help you focus....all those things can keep you functioning while you are undergoing the treatment. I did not have the luxury of not working. I needed to keep my job so I needed to function. My regular doctor had given me the one size fits all Lexipro and when I couldn't handle the dose she just quit. This doc switched doses, changed and/or added other meds and kept adjusting until I could think and work. Sorry for the long post but I think this is a huge aspect of treatment that doesnt' get much attention. Most of us can't just stay home and work on getting well. We have to work or take care of the kids or just function. And you can do that while geting agressive treatment if you find the right doctor.
-------------------- Treelady Posts: 39 | From California | Registered: Dec 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Treelady,
as many here have nystagmus (eye spasms) and other visual problems, here's your post broken up so more can read it: ----------
Treelady writes:
I suffered for about 6 years with various symptoms with no answers. Nothing different than anyone else with Lyme.
But when my symptoms became more neurological and cognitive I knew I had to do something and fast. I wasn't able to think clearly, I was falling down and hurting myself, I was getting lost (in my garage), I was stammering and unable to speak clearly, words I didn't mean just came out of my mouth.
There were 3 doctors recommended by the Lyme Disease Foundation. One was not seeing patients, one was an infectious disease specialist and one was a psychiatrist.
I had been to IDS and they were a nasty and condesending group and since most of my problems were cognitive I thought it was a good choice. And it was.
As a Psychiatrist he was very good at managing my cognitive problems to keep me functioning while treating my lyme and co-infections.
Knowledge of anti-depressants (there are a zillion different kinds and can be mixed with other drugs and some work for some people and some work for others) and supplements to treat neurolgical symptoms, stimulants or drugs that help you focus....
all those things can keep you functioning while you are undergoing the treatment. I did not have the luxury of not working. I needed to keep my job so I needed to function. My regular doctor had given me the one size fits all Lexipro and when I couldn't handle the dose she just quit.
This doc switched doses, changed and/or added other meds and kept adjusting until I could think and work. Sorry for the long post but I think this is a huge aspect of treatment that doesnt' get much attention.
Most of us can't just stay home and work on getting well. We have to work or take care of the kids or just function. And you can do that while geting agressive treatment if you find the right doctor
(Treelady) -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Treelady,
You were extremely fortunate to find a LL Psychiatrist. VERY fortunate, indeed. Glad you found that one for a treatment that included the brain infections. Not many psychiatrists are that well-rounded.
It makes me cry to think of all the psychologists and psychiatrists (and all other kinds of doctors) I saw who just dumped more mood drugs on with no regard of the underlying cause of the problems. I begged them to give my case more thought - as the mood meds did not work for me and even made me fall more or have more seizures - but that just seemed to irritate them and they'd add a new sedative.
It really shows the importance of finding a LL doctor, whatever the specialty. The site, linked above, THE HUMAN SIDE OF LYME is absolutely superb on this topic. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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