I am having a despondent day. I've been sick for 14 years, been diagnosed with chronic fatigue, epstein barr, Hypogammaglobuliemia, allergies and Fibromyalgia. My symptoms progressed to basically over 24 Lyme symptoms.
My primary care diagnosed depression, I scoffed at her and went on a merry go round of specialists (gastroenterologist, neurologist, allergist, immunologist, physical therapy for knee pain, podiatrist , rheumatologist, ear/throat/eye, orthopedic...
essentially the BEST doctors in Boston. They just keep passing me around and telling me I was fine.
Finally saw a LLD 4 hours away, received a positive for babesia duncani through stony book. Babesia Fish for Babesia microti via igenx was negative as was bartonella.
Unfortunately my Lyme antibody test has always been negative and my stony brook test was indeterminate, only showing reactivity for bands kDA 41 and 58. Im told this is a clinical diagnosis and am getting the igenex test as well as possibly trying to culture it.
I went to my primary care to coordinate treatment and help me fill out medical leave forms, and it did not go well.
She told me my doctor believed in magic, that I was suffering from depression or possibly on drugs. Essentially I am delusional and going doctor fishing for anyone who will placate me. I have never been more offended.
Unfortunately, I don't have a positive test yet to through in her face, and she told me my babesia test was controversial.
I'm so lost.
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Breaking up the text for easier reading for many here - Robin
lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230
posted
We have all been thru this. You are not alone and have come to the right place
Its common for testing to be negative-it doesnt mean you dont havelyme and coinfections
You need to stick with the llmd. It will take a long time to get well. I am not far from you in so nh. We have a few in boston and mass they will come along later and be helpful about best llmd etc
You have to be careful in boston some awful.things involving lyme have happenrd their recently
There might be more responses in medical...but they will find you here and you are askimg for support
Hang in...help is coming
Do you know how to use the pm?
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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poppy
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posted
She said this because she doesn't want to get involved in caring for a lyme patient. This was done to get you to go away. It happens a lot.
Have you contacted any support groups in your state? That would be a good place to get some help from people who know the situation closer to home. I don't know how up-to-date this list is, so keep trying groups until you find one that is active:
One year ago today my PCP dismissed me as having a Psychiatric disorder. That set off a year of going to specialists of which I am sure many of you are familiar with. It wasn't my intention, it was just as new symptoms popped up, I got referred.
Wierd stuff too like one day I couldn't walk due to extreme pain in my large toe joint.. Felt like gout. X-Ray showed nothing and I was told don't wear flip flops.
Knee pain brought 6 weeks PT which offered no relief, now I gave joint pain in every large joint. Then it was neurologist for slope apnea.
My PCP said my fatigue is due to unresolved depression ( I tried drugs and weekly therapy) and perhaps need to comply with my c-pap and/or take ADD meds for my cognitive issues...
And more exercise for body pain ( she didn't want to hear I am nearly disabled on my couch and I'm 32!)
My life is get up, work, couch. I can barely grocery shop or cook for myself I just can't plan things anymore. I went to my PCP to coordinate treatment with my LLD. Instead I got told my integrative LLD believes in magic and chronic lyme doesn't exist.
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Breaking up the text for easier reading for many here - Robin
posted
I guess I'm just confused. I'm seronegstive with the lyme antibody test at least 4 times over the past 10 years. My western blot from stonybrook is indeterminate.
I am going to start treatment for babesia while I wait for my igenex results. I just don't know if my insurance will accept that result if it is positive.
I'm scared for a positive result and scared for a negative result. The other option is the culture test (advanced laboratory I think?).
I was on many months of plaqinel plus doxy so it's possible I never had lyme or it resolved. Or there are some nasty buggers still hiding out. I just don't know who to believe, the 'best doctors in the world' here in boston, or the people they call quacks.
posted
There's a monthly lyme support group that meets at the Spaulding hospital maybe once a month. They're working on getting a website set up.
They have a Facebook page. Massachusetts Lyme Association. If you look in the about section they have a category called files. In there they have a list of upcoming meetings.
The next one is august 3 from 1-2:30. Dr Eva Sapi will be speaking.
The support group is not affiliated with any of our fabulous local hospitals as far as I'm aware.
Posts: 154 | From Boston | Registered: May 2014
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posted
Stop worrying about testing and get treatment. If your LLMD will treat you, then go for it.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Judie
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Member # 38323
posted
This is sad. So many of us have been there where the doctor told us it was all in our heads.
I have some horror stories myself. Even with obvious symptoms like joint swelling and swollen lymph nodes, I was told my mind was causing it. HOGWASH!!!!
You are you're own export. You know yourself better than any of these so-called experts.
Years later I got a CDC positive test through Labcorp for Lyme and several other infections.
I told my doctor that I'd seen for years that I had a positive test.
She immediately said, "You didn't get it from that lab where everyone tests positive, did you???"
Well, I didn't, the proof was right there.
By the way, when I got reinfected with Lyme, I had 2 Igenex tests. I was waaaaay sicker than the first time. Both tests were CDC negative (but Igenex positive). Even though Igenex is great, don't rely on the tests!
Sometimes the immune system is too messed up to even make antibodies.
Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012
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posted
I'm in the Boston area as well feel free to message me. I had a bad pcp to. Need any help let me know
-------------------- Diagnosed with Lyme 4/7/14
KB Posts: 87 | From Townsend, MA | Registered: May 2014
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Catgirl
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posted
quote:Originally posted by shehasmoxy:
I just don't know who to believe, the 'best doctors in the world' here in boston, or the people they call quacks.
The best docs in the world (boston) are clueless when it comes to lyme, so I disagree that they are the best docs. They are the quacks, not the LLMDs. Even the ID docs simply don't have a clue about lyme. They think they do, but they don't.
The posturing and training these so called best docs acquired from medical school/mentors has blocked them from recognizing that idsa guidelines are flat out wrong, antiquated, etc. Unfortunately, this affects everyone.
So these docs think patients have something psychologically wrong with them, or they peg the symptoms on the patients desire to have lyme, or even menopause (quacks). These docs are idiots because they are ignoring patient's symptoms altogether. So they convince themselves of their opinions which shows what idiots they truly are. Until they pull their heads out, or get lyme themselves (even then, I wonder), they will live in the land of the clueless.
You might want to stop hunting for a positive western blot, since the correct diagnosis for lyme is a clinical one.
Only an LLMD will do when it comes to lyme. An ILADS doc is trained to recognize lyme. If a doc isn't familiar with ILADS, run.
You said you were on many months of doxy/plaquinil. Lyme just doesn't go away that easily. A good lyme doc just keeps plugging along until the patient improves, and then some. We are all different and there is no one answer for any patient. We all have co infections to deal with so none of this is easy.
Have you read Doc H's book yet (Why Can't I Get Better)? If you aren't making any progress, your lyme doc may be missing something. This is why Doc H's book is a great tool. It guides people to find missing issues.
Also, you should read: Cure Unknown by Weintraub.
Here is an award winning documentary for you to watch. Keep in mind that we are all different, and so our symptoms are different. These people deteriorated due to not being treated properly. This is why it is important for you to educate yourself, and work with an LLMD, preferably ILADS trained.
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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posted
Welcome to the run-around experience pre-discovery of LLMDs! The doctors are taught not to recognize, adequately test for or adequately treat Lyme and co-infections.
A, some of us have survived this, and B, the experience can turn us into becoming very good advocates!
As said above, stick with your LLMD. And know that not everyone has a positive test result. Even through IGeneX, one of the best labs, 60-70% will test positive who have Lyme.
There are 27 reasons why people with the illness don't test positive, for example, if there isn't enough of an antibody response or the antibodies are all in complexes. etc. Many times a person will test positive after some treatment, when their body is strong enough to mount a defense.
Also, I would strongly advise you to see if you can find a friendly PC to work with - it's very important to work with a regular doctor who can hear us and support us! That doctor will best be found through allies, like referrals from your LLMD, area support groups (see Support Groups at the left here) and your state Lyme group. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/massachusettslyme - ask to be added.
In the meantime, you can also study here about these illnesses. The more you know, the better you can understand what's going on. You can use the Search function at the top of the page and type in any word or phrase to read archived threads. Just know we're all different in how we respond.
Btw, now that I know what's going on, I deal with the doctors now, discussing accurate information. Making it personal seems to work, as in saying you, your family, your pets, your friends and anyone you know can get these illnesses. Wouldn't you want to know how to protect from getting them?
But before you do that, you need to understand the illnesses, what they do, how they're tested for, how they're treated before you take on the doctors.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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posted
Shehasmoxy, so that was YOU in the other chair at all of those appointments I had!
So sorry you are going through this. Trust, you are NOT alone in your experience.
Wait to fire and put a letter together asking them to write a letter and recommendation to your LLD stating their disagreement with your diagnosis.
I'd love to hear what they have to say.........TIME FOR US TO SMARTEN UP AND FIGHT FOR OURSELVES!
They won't do it. Do you know why? THEY WON'T WANT TO BE HELD LIABLE FOR MALPRACTIVE.
GRRR, THIS ALL JUST MAKES ME SO MAD I COULD SPIT. Posts: 19 | From PA | Registered: May 2014
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Keebler
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posted
- shehasmoxy,
What I have done and never looked back after nearly mirror images of "experts" led to further and further disaster.
Time to walk away. There is no way to have your PCP or other in the medical establishment coordinate care -- or do anything more for you.
I know this is scary. We've all been sold a lie about who "established" doctors are and what they can do.
If you want to get better, I suggest learning more about lyme / TBD so that you can more fully come to understand that the ILADS educated LLMDs and LL NDs really DO know what they are talking about.
This is political, too, make no mistake. But you cannot function torn like this, or trying to work with both "typical" and "LL" doctors. You have to decide who has the knowledge, experience, skill, willingness to work with you in an individualized approach.
And much we just have to do for ourselves, regarding symptom relief. But you have much support here and with the personal studies we have all done before you. We've been there. And we know that you will need many flashlights along the way to find your way.
It took me years, and much damage, before I finally realized that 99% of the doctors I'd seen over the years were just not capable, and some even worse.
There are two who were kind, somewhat open and willing to the degree the could be. For that, I am grateful. Still, they just did not have the freedom nor the full "ILADS awareness" of the science of lyme / TBD (tick borne disease). -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
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WHY you need an ILADS "educated" or "minded" Lyme Literate doctor (whether MD or ND, or both) - starting with assessment / evaluation for lyme, OTHER tick-borne diseases, and other chronic stealth infections - and all that goes along for the ride.
Medical "models" explained here, as to differences in the ISDA & ILADS models of assessment & treatment - and exactly why it is so very important to know the differences. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
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- I spoke of how we also have to tend many of our symptoms ourselves. I sure wish I had known this before all the drugs & all the wrong diagnoses that all the doctors pushed at me made so much worse:
Excitotoxins; MSG; Aspartame; & "Natural" Flavors (that are not likely natural at all).
Gluten discussed here, too. Just going gluten free lifted depression and a good deal of pain. It does for many. Now, it may not be enough, of course as infections must be addressed, still, it can lift you enough to help get you on your way.
Topic: NATURAL SLEEP & ADRENAL SUPPORT -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
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- My advice on how to "walk away"
For now, do it quietly. Do not throw anything in anyone's face. Do not let anyone know the name of your LLMD or the labs.
You can do that later. For now, you must keep your medical file at least somewhat "safe" -- but you are already likely branded and that will be passed along and follow you . . . but, remember, most of those won't know enough to help you, anyway.
Do arrange with the office staff for copies of relevant tests over the years and record of any vaccinations (another topic, but just get your records for now).
Say "just trying to organize my own personal file to make future appointments easier for everyone."
Do not tell them why. Also don't make any more appointments.
If you are on certain Rx that you cannot or should not stop without medical advice, that will have to be figured out, of course.
Others may say to make a big voice. But, at this time, in your condition, your voice is not being heard and they won't hear you even if you talk louder.
You may have to get much better first, then come back in as much of professional manner as possible. You can talk to all the fibromyalgia and CFS support groups around, though.
If you want to prevent this from happening to others before your success story is written, you can do this much. And you can take care of yourself.
Call the FM & CFS leaders. They may not want to hear it (some really do not want to hear this so you could attend a meeting but it can be too much stress) but the members do need to know that those diagnoses are "umbrella" or "waste basket" diagnoses.
Share what you know or wonder. But keep your LLMD's name quiet until you discuss if it's okay to share that and with whom. Give them the detail about lyme support groups, though.
Not that the symptoms are not devastating but because the cause is very often lyme or other chronic stealth infection (as in the "diagnosing" thread above. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
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posted
- Last note, promise. If you were ever given steroids, that can make lyme much worse . . . especially depression & anxiety. And regular doctors, even the best "experts" have no clue about that.
Steroids nearly killed me, in so many ways.
MAGNESIUM would have been a far better way to address that inflammation. Far better. And, for many with lyme, severe magnesium deficiency causes a lot of the symptoms, or causes them to be more severe.
posted
I am just having trouble with the negative test part. I work in medical research, so I like tidy Proof of things. So its hard for me to accept that diagnosis is so difficult. If Im sick, I should be producing antibodies and have more obvious inflammation. I tested negative for serum antibodies 5x.
I did not believe I had Lyme for a few years now, Because in 2002 i had MONTHS of Doxy for an immune dysfunction. Ive been on it multiple times since then for acne..i just was sure any infection would have been taken out as it was the standard treatment.
I began to really suspect when the joint issues started, but I tested negative for any arthritis. Then the cognitive issues..that was unreal. The total brain dysfunction, thinking, processing, memory. The central sleep apnea really tipped me, then I read cure unknown as I was going off my doxy (my acne has been raging this past 3 years) and I believe I experienced my first Herx...had to call out sick from work.
I have a clinical diagnosis now of lyme..but its difficult for me. Im afraid some of those lyme doctors are a bit wacky..and I don't want to do antibiotics if I don't actually have lyme!
Posts: 35 | From Boston | Registered: Jul 2014
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posted
Also, I do have all my medical records. Its like a giant ream of paper with clip. 15 years of not feeling right!
Its really hard to have a doctor, who you trusted..just sit there and accuse you of being on drugs, depression, wasting all those very important specialists time for my crusade of pretend illness.
She wanted a copy of all my tests, but I don't think I am going to give it to her as it has my current docs information on it. I'd prefer her not to know who I am seeing so she doesn't cause trouble. But boy, would I sure love to send her copies of my test results someday, with a big middle finger drawn on it. I don't think I have EVER been this mad. I told her, her depression diagnosis was ridiculous and that I was being mistreated. She then pointed out all my normal tests and how if I had lyme, it would be obvious from my bloodwork. She dismissed my positive babesia as "controversial."
I just wish someone would figure out these tests!
Posts: 35 | From Boston | Registered: Jul 2014
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poppy
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posted
Did you read that link that Keebler gave you above? It gives a lot of reasons for a false negative test.
Definitely do not give this doctor copies of tests with your lyme docs name on them. In fact, I see no reason at all to give them to her since she is clearly not going to help you.
And there have been published medical journal articles pointing out the failure rate of the current antibody tests for lyme, so this is not something that was invented. If you really wanted to give her something to read, these articles would be good. Not that I think that will change the mind of a doctor who does not want a lyme patient.
Posts: 2888 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2004
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Keebler
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posted
- Lyme is very complex. Even the best LLMDs were once baffled when they first realized they were confronted by such a force, until they decided to really try to understand the science of lyme and all that goes with it.
There is still so much more to learn, of course . . . but for anyone even in the medical field who thinks this SHOULD act like any other infection:
We're not in Kansas anymore.
Doxycycline is not really all that heavy a hitter, especially alone. Combinations, rotations, are required - as is very specific support for the liver/kidneys and endocrine & nervous systems so that treatment will work better.
One drug will not do it, even if just talking about lyme - too many forms of lyme, cyst form, L-form, etc. that are not even phased by antibiotics
(and there are usually so many other infections that go with lyme, some will not be affected at all by antibiotics, by the way).
How taking just doxycycline (or any antibiotic ALONE)can cause Chronic Lyme:
Topic: replication within cystic forms of lyme -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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posted
- You say that you are " . . . afraid some of those lyme doctors are a bit wacky. . . ." (end quote)
I'm not sure what you mean, but when we think that about someone's work, we have some choices to hold onto that and go with our regular doctors (and that usually does not work out very well regarding lyme)
or really come to understand the thought process of the "wacky" ones. How did they first become introduced to lyme? Many LLMDs had family members who were greatly affected. They HAD to learn more. And they did.
Lyme acts like no other infection. None. It writes its own "rules" and these ILADS doctors have made it their lifes' work to find out as much as they can so that others don't have to go through all this.
Address specifically what sounds "wacky" - ask those questions, read the articles, books, see the DVD ILADS conference presentations - and you will find many answers. Still, there is no one treatment path that will work for every patient.
Be sure to see the documentary, "Under Our Skin" as that's a good introduction to the complexity of testing and treatment.
It may be hard to watch that, at first, yet it is very affirming in that to understand something it must first be recognized. Researcher, Alan MacDonald's work is fabulous. I'd start with him, his work is included in this film and then go to more of his excellent research. Above all his many, many QUESTIONS open a lot of eyes. And he's out to explain what he's found, and work to find out even more.
While all this can be a whirlwind, I know it's a lot to consider. I just hope you can find the best team to help you find your life again.
Take care. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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GretaM
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posted
"She said this because she doesn't want to get involved in caring for a lyme patient. This was done to get you to go away. It happens a lot."
I totally agree.
Stick with the LL.
Ditch the doc who is telling you you have a mood disorder.
Babesia tests through Stony Brook are not controversial.
After an antibiotic challenge, your lyme results may turn sero positive. Mine did.
An LL can help you through this. In the meantime, Please go to a support group meeting. They help so much.
Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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linky123
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posted
If you continue with the pcp, you will probably end up with a note in your file flagging you as a 'difficult patient'.
Go with the llmd; they understand the complexities of lyme and how to treat it.
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
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posted
If you are scientifically minded then you should start reading all the work being done on persister cells in bacterial infections, including Lyme.
Don't put off treatment just because the testing is terrible. Go to a good LLMD and get treatment and you will get well.
Please, I beg you, do NOT give your PCP any information about your Lyme tests or doctors.
I am seriously afraid that your PCP will make trouble for your Lyme doctor, and if your doctor is my daughter's doctor, then my daughter will possibly no longer have a good doctor.
Please, do NOT let your doubts endanger our doctor.
Also, when my son and daughter went to other doctor's, we NEVER mentioned Lyme. We only talked about symptoms that were important for that doctor. We never even told them what medications we were taking. If they prescribed something, we accepted the prescription but did not fill it until we discussed it with our Lyme doctor. She would check for interactions.
My children are doing very well. My son is off all medications. My daughter is nearing the end of treatment. You can read about my son in the Success Stories.
Good luck.
-------------------- Son, 26, Dx Lyme 4/10, Babs 8/10 Had serious arthritis, all gone. Currently on Valtrex Daughter, 26,bullseye 7/11 arthritis in knees, cured and off all meds. . Self:Lyme, bart, sxs gone, no longer treating. Posts: 496 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Jul 2010
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Just to clarify I have not given my PCP any information on any doctors that I have seen. I saw some people posted concerns and warnings. I've lurked here about a year so I picked up that tip awhile ago Also, never mentioned the word "Lyme" to her.
She has coordinated treatment with me no problem in the past. She always seemed happy to let someone else deal with me. But, my last doctor was board certified in internal medicine and immunology at a big hospital, so she didn't DARE question it. But without documentation from that doctor, she began to question me a year ago. It was always depression. And now that I treated that facet (And was before) the excuse now is it was not the right drugs, or enough, or I wasn't seeing a good psychiatrist (I was) or not holding up my end of the treatment. My fault.
She demanded to know what I "thought" I had. I told her I have an immune dysfunction that is being treated by someone. She then pulled up pages of my "normal" lab results and claimed "I can repeat them again if it will make you feel better." Placate the hypochondriac.
We went over my symptoms and she kept circling ones that are from depression, others that could be sleep apnea, and others maybe I could take ADD meds for. So drug me to hide my symptoms till I'm completely disabled I guess.
She also accused me of taking drugs that create those symptoms. I can't even drink a full glass of alcohol without getting sick, but thanks for asking, doc! Also, she is the one trying to drug me!
Anyway, I did everything right, just wanted her to sign a form explaining my symptoms and that i was in treatment. Instead she yelled at me for wasting her time. She demanded to know what tests would prove to me that i am healthy. I said I had a positive babesia for one, that started the cascade of "controversial" and please get a second opinion at our infectious disease group. Shen then asked if I "thought" I had lyme, I said that "could" be a possibility given that I had an untreated bulls eye rash and worked in the woods and the test isn't accurate. Response? WHO TOLD YOU THAT.
I think those Docs all get memo's on how to spot the "crazy patients." You don't even have to mention the word lyme to get thrown out of an office now! Perhaps we are getting under THEIR skin?
Posts: 35 | From Boston | Registered: Jul 2014
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posted
Poppy, I have read Melissa kaplan's anapsid site, I used to use her as a resource when writing husbandry guides for amphibians. I never knew she wrote all of those because she was at home sick!
Unfortunately I could point out all 20 some of reasons why I always test negative for antibodies and it would not be good enough for most Docs. I think they are waiting for the big guns to change their minds before they risk anything. I just wish they would say "I'm not the doc to help you" instead of "you are crazy"
Telling a patient that he/she is crazy is the lowest of the low for doctors in my mind. I would also like to remove the terms "CFS" and "Fibromyalgia" someday..as meaningless terms. I don't know if my problem is viral, bacterial, or immune defect, or just an overwhelming combination. But those terms just describe symptoms and doctors haven't spent any time figuring them out in the past 20 years.
Posts: 35 | From Boston | Registered: Jul 2014
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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posted
- You say you needed her to "sign a form explaining my symptoms and that i was in treatment . . . " (end quote)
Not sure who / what you needed that for but I hope you find some way around needed such a form. Or is there another doctor who could do that for you. Hope so.
Sounds like any use her services might have ever held for you are long past.
But, this is standard for so many of us. Time and again, very similar experiences, and beyond. I hope you can stop now with those kinds so you don't have to go to the "beyond" kinds of experiences. It took me way too long to figure this out. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
When I say " some of those lyme doctors are a bit wacky," there are some nutty docs out there. I saw a natural path once that would just try to sell me really unnecessary products. I'm fine with including alternatives to complement..but I just don't believe a "Raw diet will cure YOUR Lyme" or some really expensive herbal tincture might be the missing link.
I believe that there are herbal treatments that can help, as drugs are often made from natural substances. I am unsure of how I feel about homeopathy. I have doctor friends who rail on homeopathy so I just don't know. I'm willing to believe anything that works.
I was told I should not risk antibiotics due to C. dificile. But what those people don't get is, that is preferable to never leaving my bed again. Adult diapers have come a long way, its a bit early for them but, could be worse!
I've never been suicidal but I really would rather die than continue life this way. That's just a fact only people who know what its like might understand. I don't understand the thought process that got me here, but I also get lost in my own kitchen.
Posts: 35 | From Boston | Registered: Jul 2014
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I need the HR forms signed by a PCP to keep me from getting fired (and thus lose my health insurance).
I'm one step away. I'm terrified every day I go to work because my head is like a space cadet. I am on final written warning for the FIRST time in my life. I can't call out sick because one more time and I'm on probation. So I need a medical note to wipe it all away (which they said they would do if i could provide one).
Hence my crazed state of mine the past few days. I've lost everything...friends who never call cause hanging on my couch gets old, a boyfriend who couldn't take my sickness, a social life..my job is my only reason to get out of bed right now. I'd like to keep it safe, and medical leave is the only option for that. Otherwise I will lose it.
Posts: 35 | From Boston | Registered: Jul 2014
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lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
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posted
Who said abx gives you c diff? If you take sbc you wont get c diff unless you already have it
An llmd will write anote or do forms...but if it must come from pcp there could be a problem
Thats why you have to hook up with locals and find out what pcp is lyme friendly
If work tells you what doc you must go to that is another big problem
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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MichaelTampa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24868
posted
It sounds like your illness is causing serious problems at work and your HR department is suggesting you get a doctor to certify this, so you might qualify under FMLA to miss work at certain times, etc., etc. It is also likely you would qualify under the ADA as having a "disability" (impairment of major life activity and/or impairment of major organ/body system) which would give you the right to "reasonable accomodations" to help you better do your job.
A PCP is not needed for this, just a treating physician familiar with your case. It makes much more sense that your LLMD would fill out such paperwork, as he/she may actually believe your problems/systems and be able to speak to how these things happen for people with your medical condition/diagnosis.
Really, to second what Keebler said, it's just time to dump your PCP anyway, as he/she is obviously of no help in all your variety of situations/needs. Does your insurance require use of a PCP for referals/etc? Just consider why the heck you would want a PCP and then, if there is a real need, maybe work better at selecting one to specifically meet some need, rather than the jerk you have now that does not appear to be of any help.
Posts: 1927 | From se usa | Registered: Mar 2010
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Essentially I am delusional and going doctor fishing for anyone who will placate me. I have never been more offended. ![[toilet]](graemlins/toilet.gif)
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