I was recently diagnosed w/ Lyme (Jan '08), primarily due to symptoms the past 2+ years, mostly muscle spasms/weakness/burning pain. Had a tick bite in 2003, and also in '98 or '99, no rash or other symptoms at the time. IFA test was negative, WB mostly negative. My doc (osteopath) put me on doxycycline, 200mg/day. Symptoms got worse after 1-2 weeks, which I guess could be herx reaction.
I just want to see if there's an LLMD (neuro, if possible) in the Dallas/N Texas area who can give me a 2nd opinion.
History: 9/05 - Started having chest pains, was tested for heart problems, none found.
12/05 - Noticed muscle swelling, esp. after/during exercise, in left arm and leg.
3/06 - Started having spells of muscle swelling (left leg/arm), brain fog, fatigue, once every 2 weeks or so
6/06 - Due to fatigue, had thyroid checked, determined to be hypothyroid (TSH ~ 12), started on Synthroid; symptoms improved somewhat
7/06 - More chest pain, had a stress echo test done, negative. Muscles on left noticeably larger than right side
8/06 - Started having muscle spasms in left leg during exercise (jogging or even walking), primarily in hamstring and calf. Stretching provides only temporary relief.
4/07 - Started having burning/tingling pain and some numbness in left arm, leg, and foot, plus muscle twitching. PCP sent me to a neuro, did head/neck MRI, evoked potential, peripheral neuropathy tests, all negative. Said it was probably hemi-dystonia, not MS or Parkinson's, put me on muscle relaxer (Baclofen), which did not help.
5/07 - pain in kidney area, PCP did CT scan for kidney stones, blood work, all negative.
6/07 - Started having left shoulder and elbow joint pain, like tendinitis, not due to injury.
7/07 - PCP ran out of ideas, suggested anti-depressants, which I rejected - not depressed (yet). Asked him to refer me to an endocrinologist, just to see if it's thyroid-related. PCP had increased Synthroid level only 12.5mcg after each test, so I felt I was still hypo. Endo tested did a comprehensive metabolic panel and thyroid, all negative. Thyroid antibody was high, hence the hypo thyroid. She concluded my muscle problems were not thyroid-related.
8/07 - Had to stop lifting weights completely, even walking becoming much more difficult. Losing dexterity in left hand.
10/07 - Went to a rheumatologist, tested for ANA (negative). She also pushed anti-depressants; I rejected them. Suggested I try to stretch and exercise more; doesn't help.
11/07 - Added lower back and hip pain, began seeing osteopath, i.e., new PCP.
Present - Muscle weakness - very hard to type, walking w/ difficulty much of the time Pain in kidney area, pain and twitching/spasms in left forearm, left calf, left thigh; paresthesia in left thigh Brain fog much of the time
Thanks.
Posts: 1 | From Dallas, TX, USA | Registered: Feb 2008
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
welcome Mike,
NONE in Dallas!
what are names of LARGE CITIES N. OF DALLAS? I'll check for you. or try this!
Please go to SUPPORT GROUPS, left-hand side column by state. CALL the nearest group leader for advise. Do NOT email; many are too sick to reply; thanks!
People seeking doctors in certain states might be able to get help from their state online information and support group. Over 1500 people belong to these state groups. Many of the groups are small but quite a few have 20 or more people on them.
Type your state name and lyme as one word, e.g. newyorklyme
For SC, SD, ND and WY, put a hyphen between the statename and lyme, e.g. northdakota-lyme
The groups are moderated so you have to apply, and we don't allow doctor names, but once on the group, you can ask for doctors in a certain area and ask people to email you privately.
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posted
I see Dr. W in Denton. He hasn't been treating Lyme as long as others but really wants to help. I have been happy so far and am stage 3 nuro Lyme from '05. The best thing he did for me was run lots of tests like a brain MRI, in network blood work etc, to rule out other diseases and begin uncovering the problem. You may not feel comfortable with him being your primary Lyme doctor but he may be a good second opinion. He takes insurance so you would only be out your co-payment. PM and let me know if you need his contact information.
Posts: 183 | From Texas | Registered: Nov 2007
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echostef
Unregistered
posted
Hello, I have LD, Bart, and Babs. I see Dr. W in Denton. My 8 yer old daughter also has LD and sees Dr. F in LA. I am pretty sure that Dr. W does not see male patients, since he is an OB/GYN. I think Dr. F in Louisiana would be your best bet. I live in Carrollton and it is a 5 hour drive for me. Dr. W referred my daughter there since he doesn't see pediatric patients either. Best of luck:) Stefanie
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
whatever you do, sweetie, stay away from bedford.
no way, no how......
there's one in pineville, louisiana. there's one in denton too.
i don't know if he takes men but i hear he's pretty good.
oh, i forgot. there's a dr. s in fort worth but he does not take insurance and i understand he ain't cheap by any means. the first visit is around 450 or so. he does both antibiotic and herbal. somebody once told me that they spent about 1700 in a couple of visits. too pricey for me...
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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posted
I just started treatment w/ Dr. W in Denton for my Lyme. Any feedback on him?
I need to get my 9 year old tested. I need a good Dr. in the metroplex who sees children for Lyme. Any help you can provide would be appreciated. If not in the metroplex, anyone know a good one for children further away?
Thank you!!!
Posts: 7 | From Denton Texas | Registered: Nov 2009
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Siciliano
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15920
posted
PM sent
-------------------- I'm sorry but I am no longer accepting any private messages due to my own battle with lyme. Posts: 3897 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Jun 2008
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