Report of my 3rd appt with Dr. E w/test results - Lyme Disease Message Board

6Blues · 03-16-2005, 05:37 PM

Good eveing friends.

Today is officially 2 months of treatment for me. I had my 3rd visit with Dr. E today and I wanted to share what happened.

* In spite of the fact that I feel no improvement, I am to stay on the Biaxin and Cats Claw for another month.
* If I still have no improvement in 30 days, she will change me to intravenous treatments.
* My thyroid levels were reported as normal:

TSH: 5.475 uIU/mL
T4, Free: 1.04 ng/dL
Triiodothyronine, Free: 2.4 pg/mL

* Co-infection test was negative
* Welbutrin was prescribed for my extreme mood swings, outbursts and daily crying jags. I don't like the idea of taking mood-altering pills.
* My blood is finally being sent to Igenex!! I hope there are a few critters left swimming around so I can get proof.
* My liver enzymes are being tested.

I did not come home with any warm fuzzy feelings (As a matter of fact, I cried) but I will plod along for the next month - business as usual.

Thanks for listening. It feels good to have people to talk to, who are actually interested in this stuff.

ticker · 03-16-2005, 05:59 PM

Hi 6Blues. I don't think it is a bad idea to continue on the meds you are on. It has been my non-medical experience that two months of treatment is not long enough to tell if something is working. I am glad you are getting tested for the co-infections.

Do you have the lab ranges for your thyroid tests? I can tell you that even though your TSH is likely in the lab's normal range (probably barely normal), it is high. If you have the range for the T4 please post it. Did you have the Free T3 and/or thyroid antibody testing done? As with Lyme, many doctors rely solely on test results regarding thyroid disorders. Often the best person to see for thyroid disorders is an osteopath, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. You may find someone on the top thyroid doctor site.

Lyme and hypothyroidism have many common symptoms. I have hypothyroidism which I think resulted from Lyme disease weakening my immune system. My TSH before treatment was lower than yours and I am definitely hypothyroid. I suggest that you do some research on this. The people on the thyroid board here are very helpful.

cjFTWORTH · 03-16-2005, 06:13 PM

I do hear ya, 6blues. It's so weird to so relate to what others express.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6Blues

I did not come home with any warm fuzzy feelings (As a matter of fact, I cried) but I will plod along for the next month - business as usual.

But do keep on, keepin' on. Your doc does have a plan. Just isn't med hoppin. So when you can, try and have faith. When you can't, it's ok.

Do you enjoy blues music? I do - I'll never shake it, don't want to.
Of course you might be a canvas lover and have your favorite 6 shades of blue... cj