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"I have Chronic Lyme Disease - 1992" (tarkioglenn)

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Claire138"It's been a year since I joined the Parkinson's Disease Support Group on MDJunction and all I can say is thank you all for the support, compassion and friendship I've received and been able to give as well. It was a lonely night when I came upon this site, but the nights aren't that lonely anymore...
With gratitude to all...
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02/17/2010 06:20 AM
nsomniacsdreams
Posts: 1
New Member

I am 22 years old and have had lymes since i was about 12. I didn't finish my antibiotics completely (not on the top of your mind when your 12) and for the last few years I have had arthritis pain in my shoulder, have gone from 150 pounds to 210 pounds, and have insomnia and stomach issues. I haven't been to a doctor about lymes since I was 12. Are these symptoms of chronic/late lymes? Do I need to go to a specialist or can I see a regular doctor? And what can I do about the weight gain? I have been going to weight watchers for 7 weeks now and have only lost 5 pounds in total. I'm really starting to get depressed about my weight. Thanks for the help. Silly
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02/17/2010 06:33 AM  Top
toothfairy55
toothfairy55
 
Posts: 3856
Senior Member

If u weren't treated completely you should see an llmd. Go to that forum and request . Give your state and nearest large city.

The weight issue is one a lot of us suffer.

Check out our facts forum for some great info.

Carol

I am NOT a doctor, anything I share is based on my experience & research. I encourage you to discuss any and all information that I share with a health care provider.

02/17/2010 06:37 AM  Top
jaime1978
jaime1978
 
Posts: 2399
VIP Member
I'm an Advocate

it sounds like you are having a relapse, or weren't fully treated. You should see a lyme doc, you can pm me (look under my picture there's a tab that says "Send a PM" let me know what state you're in and what state's you can travel to, and I can get a list to you.

A mainstream doc I wouldn't bother with as they are usually cluess about this disease, especially in the later stages of chronic, you'd be lucky to get 3 weeks of doxycyline which just isn't going to cut it.

You also will want to probably do some natural things to help your immune system, and make sure you are detoxing good. I can get more into that if you want in a pm, there's also a lot of good info on it in the lyme fact section.

I know it can be frustrating, but like I've just told a few others, you can get well and have your life back, i've seen it happen on conventional treatment alone, on alternative treatment alone and with a combo of both.

warmest regards

jaime

Please do not take anything I say as medical advice. I am not a doctor.

~lyme disease support group leader~
please pm me with any special concerns

02/17/2010 06:39 AM  Top
TaraT
TaraT
 
Posts: 4164
VIP Member

nsomniac hon I wish I could give you an answer about the weight thing. I too have been sick since I was a young child probably 8 or younger. I could have been infected multiple times actually but I as a child was very strong and had strong tight muscles.

After I got sick initially I ballooned up and got RED streaks with stretchmark deep and wide trenches ALLLLLL over my body...on my arms and legs stomach waiste and back buttocks and back of knees and inner thighs...I've got them all around my back mostly from north to south but they go all directions.

I continued through to puberty and seemed to hold my weight for awhile and then suddenly would balloon by 20 or even 40 pounds in a few months. When I was in the 4th grade I weighed 144.

In the 6th grade I weighed 180 and then Hit 200 the next year. I tried dieting EVERY YEAR even when I was in elementary school...It was VERY hard to drop 5 pounds as you have said...Then I would gain it back WITHIN DAYS and MORE!

If something traumatic or emotional happened in my life as it does to everyone I found myself packing on as much as 60 pounds over a summer...Every year going back to school was such a horrid experience because I could NOT find clothes to fit my waiste and my short legs...

Finally in highschool I had 287 lbs and was the largest person in every room I went into. Soon after graduating highschool I hit 300 and it eeked up every year a bit..

I lost 70 lbs in just a few months after starting a VERY physical job (cleaning hotel rooms) and NOT EATING...that's right I would eat like 2 or 3 meals A WEEK~! Even then it was VERY SLOW to start dropping off...

Starving along with all of the exercise finally took it off but then I got into a car accident and couldn't work. So the inactivity ALONE put the weight back on...AND MORE..

I finally had a gastric bypass in 2000 and lost 120 lbs. I kept it off for 10 years but suddenly RECENTLY I have gained 22 lbs and really don't know why. I have to assume it has something to do with having been so sick and in the hospital and getting 3 pints of blood and hormonal changes etc....

I think at this point my thyroid is effected in such a way that I would probably test hypothyroid at this point but for YEARS I've tested normal and no further testing was ever done.

So if and when someone has an answer to this problem I want to be IN THE LOOP!!!

With Him we "live" no matter the circumstances. At His feet peace of mind can be found. Peace that passes all understanding is my quest now and forever.

Numbers 6:24-26
"The LORD bless you and keep you;the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

02/17/2010 11:06 AM  Top
Bettyg
 
Posts: 26669
VIP Member
I'm an Advocate

Welcome to MD JUNCTION!! I'm so glad you found us! You’ve come to the right place for education and support!

The following are some links that may be helpful to you:

Seeking a lyme literate md; start YOUR OWN POST on this new forum; do NOT just add it to the introduction post only.

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support- forums/llmd-info/1181374-lyme-literate-md-requests#1181957

(applies ONLY to those who posted elsewhere already ok.  )

NEW FORUM, SEEKING LLMDS, the last forum

start a NEW DISCUSSION by clicking on that at bottom of the page, copy your text to the body of message as you posted above

read my detailed instructions in christine's 1st post explaining how to use this new forum; big thanks! Hugs; example below

subject show: 4 yr. old needs KIDS LLMD IN MD, VA, DC area

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support- forums/llmd-info

Lyme Disease and Co-Infection Symptoms

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support- forums/studies-research/318635-lyme-and-co-infections- symptoms

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/81386

Dr. Burrascano's most recent "Diagnostic Hints and 2008 Treatment Guidelines for Lyme and Other Tick Borne Illnesses" http://www.ilads.org/lyme_disease/treatment_guidelines.html

Pages 17-19 discuss Adult and Kids Treatments

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support- forums/studies-research/Itemid=217/func=post

Dr. B's Supplement List

http://www.lymepa.org/Nutritional_Supplements.pdf

Making the most of your LLMD visit

http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi? ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=020605#000005

Herxheimer “herx” side effects to antibiotics & supplements …. Symptoms, treatments, and more! 1.25.10

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support- forums/studies-research/1186591-jarischherxheimer-reaction- symptomstreatment

Herxing Reactions: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic; f=1;t=041517

CHECK OUT THE “LYME FACTS” forum; lots of good, accurate info there for your lyme journey. 

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support- forums/studies-research

Suggestions for When You Need Treatment and Funds Are Low plus Financial Burdens post towards bottom; extremely detailed by Melanie Reber

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/3/22281

WHAT IS LYME DISEASE? as quoted by Dr. Burrascano

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support- forums/studies-research/1123178-a-must-read-for-new- members#1124851

Link to Turn the Corner Foundation: Good info and contacts for finding a good LLMD. http://turnthecorner.org/lyme-disease-quick-facts.htm

LYME YAHOO GROUP BOARD FOR EACH STATE FOUND HERE!

People seeking doctors might be able to get help from their state online information and support group. Nearly 3,400 people belong to state groups. Some of the groups are small but more than 20 of them have 50 or more people and seven have over 100.

The groups are moderated and you have to apply. Most 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.

To find your state group, go to

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/statenamelyme

Type your state name and lyme as one word, like this -

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/newyorklyme

South Carolina is the only state that needs a hyphen between the statename

and lyme, e.g. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/southcarolina-lyme

This explains the MEDICAL “POLITICS” AROUND LYME and why you need an ILADS-educated or ILADS-member LLMD (and there are also some ILADS-member LL NDs (naturopathic doctors):

www.clinicaladvisor.com/Controversy-continues-to-fuel-the- Lyme-War/article/117160/

You should also be evaluated for co-infections. Not all tests are great in that regard, either, but a good LLMD can evaluate you and then guide you in testing.

www.igenex.com; http://www.frylabs.com; http://www.clongen.com; http://focusdx.com

For the Igenex Western blot IgM and IgG blood test drawn on M, T, or Wed am. Check current $$!

Call 1-800.832.3200 for current prices.

http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/1/ 78648?#000003

They will also send you a free “test kit” with their required form, all the test vials, & box to ship it in with return postage!

Be sure to download Igenex’s required form IF you haven’t called for Igenex to send you THEIR test kids!

MD, DO, ND, AC, DC are all fine** must sign, date, and show diagnosis code on there why he’s ordering the test.

Optional tests include: co-infection panel for your area of country and PCR whole blood

Igenex is pre-pay/out of network for most insurances. If you are on medicare, Igenex will file the paperwork & it's free to you.

Get copies of all of your special bloodwork.

Overseas instructions for sending to Igenex/Fry Labs (2-23-08)

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic; f=1;t=063751

Dr C’s Western Blot explanation is discussed here:

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support- forums/tips/1092391-missouri-drcs-western-blot-explanations- of-nos#1093495

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support- forums/tips/3683-igenex-calif-western-blot-igmigg-testing-

ILADS

The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) provides a forum for health science professionals to share their wealth of knowledge regarding the management of Lyme and associated diseases. www.ilads.org

Call ILADS they are happy to refer to LLMd's around the country. Here is the contact link, scroll down beyond the email form for their phone number:

http://www.ilads.org/contact/contact_ilads.html

Under Our Skin Lyme Disease documentary www.lymediseasefilm.com

BRAIN IMAGING MRI & SPECT MS, LYME , COLUMBIA UNIV 07 http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic; f=1;t=058128

BRAIN DIAGRAM PHOTOS/DEFINITIONS 9-07

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic; f=1;t=058059

American Museum of Natural History 2 SLIDE SHOWS

http://www.amnh.org/sciencebulletins/index.php? sid=h.s.lyme_brain.20100125

when you get to the site go to upper right hand corner and type in LYME DISEASE hit enter and it brings you to this very well-done slide show on LYME disease!

it shows ”brain lesions” too. 1st one is DATED JAN. 25, 2010.

Betty, Minoucat, & Connie Mc’s SSDI, SSI, & LTD DISABILITY RECOURCES FOR Disability, Insurance, Dealing with HMOs

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support- forums/general-support/3118-bettygs-disability-info-25- pages

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/3/13935

Success Stories

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support- forums/general-support/57269-post-your-success-story-here

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/3/15820

Distinct Pattern of Cognitive Impairment Noted in Study of Lyme Patients …..MUST READ!! EXPLAINS EVERYTHING !!

written by Marian Rissenberg PhD & Susan Chambers MD,

The Lyme Times, Vol. 20, Jan-Mar 1998, pp. 29-32

http://www.anapsid.org/cnd/diffdx/rissenberg.html

NEURO-COGNITIVE LYME DISEASE links from cheryl’s site 1.10

http://www.lymeinfo.net/neuropsych.html

Porphyria (including KPU)

http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/1/ 87840?

cardiac symptoms please read!

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/77325

TINNITUS: Ringing Between The Ears; Vestibular, Balance, Hearing with compiled links

http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi? ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=065801

VESTIBULAR DISORDERS ASSOCIATION

www.vestibular.org

VESTIBULAR SYMPTOMS

http://www.vestibular.org/vestibular-disorders/symptoms.php

DIZZINESS - many details at this thread

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support- forums/medicine-treatments/Itemid=217/func=post/do=reply

http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/1/ 65801?

TREEPATROL’S New Member Learning links: this can wait! There are OVER 1,000 LINKS here but treepatrol has organized it as best as he could 

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/29917

NEED A LAUGH, READ HERE & ADD YOUR OWN

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support- forums/lounge/1041725-looking-for-my-need-a-laugh-post- bettyg-started

you tubes, post your FUNNY or INSPIRATIONAL ones here 

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support- forums/lounge/1114416-you-tubes-post-your- funnyinspirational-ones-here

Betty’s suggested posting guidelines:

Many of members have neuro lyme, and it is hard to read long solid block text and be able to comprehend; example, me, 40 yrs. neuro chronic lyme, so we are able to comprehend and read. Then we can assist and guide you ok. 

please post in short paragraphs like you see below or look at a few other posts, but we neuro folks need them short.

2-3 sentences MAX and hit ENTER TWICE to doublespace between each paragraph. hugs

For easier reading, please edit your post. You can break up your longer paragraphs into smaller paragraphs. Please hit “enter” key twice after each paragraph, also.

Go to left hand corner and mark box to receive ‘all replies’, and click edit send.

Thank you for posting in a manner that makes it easier for all to read and help others.

hi there Smile would you edit your post using my guidelines above so we neuros are able to read and comprehend; then we can help you too? big thanks Smile hugs Kissing

BettyG, IOWA ACTIVIST
RETIRED llmd coordinator of 6 yrs; group leader

NOTE: I DO "NOT" USE CHAT thanks!
**************************************

NO INFORMATION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED MEDICAL ADVICE.
please see my WELCOME LETTER/BEGINNER'S LINKS with important links/info galore :)

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support-forums/general-support/2356916-bettygs-welcome-letter-wgood-beginner-links-

Any information provided should not be used to take the place of advice from your personal physician or other professional.

Information on those sites is the opinion of those who publish the sites and is NOT necessarily that of BettyG.

43 yrs. chronic lyme; 35 yrs. misdiagnosed by 40-50 drs. unacceptable; see my profile for more.
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