Lyme treatment

[cjsmith]

We're going to hit me with Biaxin (clarithromycin) at first, and I'll need Diflucan (fluconazole) to keep yeast levels down as well as a massive probiotic (way beyond yogurt) to make my gut keep working. I will need to log pain levels, fatigue, sleep time, and anything I find unusual -- extra aches, flulike symptoms, anything. Unless a Herx reaction is too awful to bear, I'll see the doctor again in six weeks.

We discussed one antibiotic option known to cause bad sun sensitivity. My doctor said she was reluctant to use that one in summer. I said "Oh, I'm never outside. I can't walk far or bike, so I drive everywhere. I can't run or hike or go backpacking. I work in an office all day. Sun sensitivity really isn't a big problem here." And she said "But that might change," and put me on Biaxin. That was really weird. The thought that I might enjoy the outdoors again -- this summer, even -- is just alien. I'm having a hard time picturing it. I can only barely remember what that was like once upon a time. Maybe I am the zoo tiger who, when released in the wild, paces a space the size of his cage for a long time.

I fill my prescriptions this evening.

I'm trying so hard not to get my hopes up. The crashes are always so painful. It took me too long to reach any sort of mental and emotional equilibrium about this stuff in the first place; I don't want to have to go through that again.

Comments

[portia.livejournal.com]

You so need to go on this show (http://health.discovery.com/fansites/mystery-diagnosis/about.html) and tell your story!

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

That would be kind of fun, actually, if I could recreate enough detail.

There's a chance they wouldn't touch it. I'm learning that within the medical community, Lyme is very political.

[portia.livejournal.com]

I don't think they worry about such things. They just like to hear about how much you've suffered over the years and about all of the incorrect diagnoses you've received. If you feel like you're going crazy and are about to give up all hope, all the better. :o)

You really should pitch your story. :o)

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Oh excellent. I've given up all hope three or four times now. Usually it correlates nicely with out-of-pocket expenses within the last several months :-)