We are in Seattle to see the Lyme specialist.
And we officially have a diagnosis.
He is sure that I have Lyme, and he thinks it is likely that I have Bartonella. He also thinks I have a yeast overgrowth, but that isn't surprising given previous yeast issues.
They aren't sure whether it's from when I was bitten by a tick when I was 10 or if it was from a more recent tick bite that I'm unaware of. A large number of Lyme patients are bitten by baby ticks the size of a pin, and they never know it.
There is great controversy in the diagnosis and treatment in Lyme, but this particular doctor sides with ILADS and treats for a longer period of time. The average treatment time is two years. If I was bitten by a tick shortly before the Bell's Palsy, it may be a shorter course of treatment (like a year!).
There is also the possibility of transmission to a baby, so Kellen could possibly be infected. He can be tested at 18 months. Dan will also need to be tested. I will need to be on a course of antibiotics for any subsequent pregnancies.
This week I start a heap of drugs. I'm going back on synthetic thyroid, as it is likely the Lyme that has made my thyroid fluctuate and made weight loss nearly impossible. I will also start treatment for yeast issues, as they need to reduce the yeast load in order to keep from overloading your system when the Lyme bacteria start to die. I will be taking some vitamins that help strengthen my body to fight the infection. And I will also start one of my antibiotics. We actually won't start the Lyme antibiotics for a month. We are essentially preparing my body for the proverbial Bazooka.
I have been given a 90% chance of getting 80-100% better. Those are good odds (though after the year I've had, I never presume to know which side I'll end up on).
While I don't want to be sick, I am relieved to have a diagnosis and a treatment plan.
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5 years ago
I am SO glad you finally have answers, and that the prognosis is so positive. A long journey for you? Yes. But I hope, hope, hope that at some point you can recover from this and begin living again.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever read Amy Tan's memoirs, The Opposite of Fate? I finished it recently, and her final chapter is dedicated to discussing how she was recently (when writing the book) diagnosed with Lyme disease, but how it was a VERY long road to get that diagnosis. Actually, as a writer I recommend you read that book anyway.
Lastly, I wanted to suggest an alternative to your current visualizations of your disease. When I was little, my mom brought us through the Silva Method of Mind Control program, as as a result she never allowed us to say aloud or visualize negative things, but rather try very hard to visualize positive ones instead. Sounds hokey, I'm know, but when I was 8 I had periodontal surgery on my gums (a skin graft from roof of mouth to lower jaw) with NO anesthesia or numbing agents, because I envisioned myself being able to do so. I wouldn't attempt to do that now because I'm really out of practice, but it works. So I'm suggesting that you start visualizing those bacteria as dying and disappearing rather than building up. Even if it doesn't help, it can't hurt.
Thanks for the book suggestion! I am hoping I can finish Wally Lamb's The Hour I First Believed because I have about 10 books in my queue, but I will add that one for sure!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the visualization. As soon as I'm on the antibiotics, I know I will be able to picture them dying! They are officially on notice.
I'm so glad that you have a diagnosis. I'm sure the treatment will be difficult but through it I hope that you can regain your life back. If you need anything through this process don't hesitate to ask. Let the healing begin!
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