March 29, 2005
2nd Round of Doctor Visits 3/05
Just finished up a second round of doctor visits. Each doc has something special to add to the picture. Dr S put me on synthroid since I'm low in thyroid. I'm also making antibodies against thyroid; this is called Hashimoto's disease. As I understand it, Lyme can cause both these problems. Evidently I'll always have Hashimoto's disease but it sounds like it may not always be a problem and I may not always need to be on thyroid. Dr S is very impressed with how well I'm tolerating and responding to doxycyline. He asked me how my vision was in my left eye. I covered my right and looked at a paper I was holding. I could read it! Not perfectly but by looking through the "lace curtain" and scanning to keep the clear part of my vision on the part of the page I was reading I could actually read it. Good news!
Dr G thought to test me for HHV6 antibodies. I have elevated levels of them. Dr H put me on an antiviral. I got nervous about this and wasn't clear enought to ask the right questions during the appointment. I associated antivirals with AIDS. I worried for a day until I could get to my computer to check it out. It seems that 95% of people have the HHV6 virus; it just stays dormant most of the time. When the immune system weakens, as when it fights chronic Lyme, the virus multiplies. Then the immune system is further taxed trying to fight HHV6 as well as Lyme.
It also took me awhile to find out that I only have to the antiviral for 15 days. Since I expect to be on antibiotics for many months, I assume that same for the antiviral. I'm on day 6 and have been experiencing the side effect of agitation and itchiness. My palms and soles of my feet itch and my right eye itches. The skin around my eye is rough and puffy from my rubbing it. I read the information sheet on the drug but it didn't sink in until the side effects hit and I woke up in the middle of the night to read the sheet again. Now, I hope that once I finish the medication my eye will stop itching and return to normal.
Dr H did neurological tests on me and was absolutely astounded by how well I have responded to the antibiotics. At my first exam when I tried to walk heel to toe with my eyes closed, he had to catch me as a lurched over. This time, I could actually do it.
Gotta go, K needs my help putting N to sleep.
Posted by LymeMom on March 29, 2005 7:24 PM
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Comments
I am sure we are seeing the same DR. Very interesting. Dr. G also tested me for the HHV-6 and I was positive. I also have Hashimotos and am taking Levoxyl and Cytomel. One is a T-3 and the other a T-4. I am getting weekly bicillan injections and for once I think I am getting better. I was also tested for allergies and "bingo!", I am allergic to almonds and highly allergic to molds. I am so glad to have DR G. I have hope again that I will get better.
Take care
Lizzie
Posted by: Lizzie at May 28, 2005 4:00 PM