Hello Jusbcuz thanks again for your reply. Can you tell me is this treatment offered in Australia as well? Does it reduce the burning and numbness in the lower legs as well?
You asked about my Rickettsia. I wish it would be that simple, but it seems like I have the more full blown version of Lyme+ co-infections, so will have fun with antibiotics for a while. They are still struggeling to tie up the blood tests, as most of them look normal, apart from 1-2 results which are staring to change (like some thyroid anti-bodies). No sign of Lyme in my blood, but full blown symptoms and antibiotics is working, so it is all based on clinical symptoms at the moment. Nevertheless, my nerve pain is gone, no more numbness, eye pain, etc, etc. Still some diziness and muscle pain in my arms and legs (which is new), which looks more like a co-infection with Bartonella then a rheumatic disease, as don't have any RA or other antibodies. It's all strange and confusing and I am now struggeling not be be declared "cured" after a 4 weeks course of abx, as I am clearly not.
Symptoms started 1-2 weeks after I returned back from Thailand and I remember i had quite a few mosquito bites, can't remember ticks though. Aparently, mosquitos can carry that crap as well.
Will see another infectious disease specialist when I am back in Singapore, just in case, this time from the university hospital, to get the "local perspective" on what they have come accross from people travelling in the region. All I want is a clear diagnosis, which seems so difficult to get. It's just frustrating.
I totally understand your frustration....thus my screen name "Frustrated10"!! Keep up the good fight and don't let them declare your are cured until you know in your heart that you are. Only you can be the judge of that. Unfortunately there may be permanent damage caused by the disease process that will result in lingering symptoms which can only be managed, not cured. This outcome is very difficult to accept. On the flip side, once the antibiotic therapy is completed, all you may need is time for your body's own defense mechanisms to take over to cure itself now that the infection has been knocked down by the meds. Please keep me updated on your progress....you sound like a very strong person but sometime you need to vent and I'm listening.
Thank you Frustrated10. The name itself says it all. I don't blame you. Yes I am a very strong person and I will not give up the fight. Mums spinal operation is very good as we had reported twice in the six months. No problem there but the nerves obviously are damaged which is why mum can't walk again, Unfortunately so far I am fighting a losing battle taking mum across to the ends of this earth but I won't stop there. As you know pain, burning numbness can really screw up your life and I am a carer and watch mum go through so much suffering and makes me very cross that no matter how much you tried it still remains medically undiagnosed and untreated other than drugs that dose you off feeling like a zomby.
I will keep you updated. Thanks for chatting with me.
