The Lupus vs. Lyme disease saga continues, but at least today I feel like I’m taking a few steps closer to getting some answers to whether or not I have Lyme. It’s been several months of opposing opinions from doctors and total confusion for me. **
Body
One word to describe my Lupus body today: Pain
Which habits and rituals did I practice to soothe my Lupus body?
- Ate a clean diet
- Stayed hydrated
- Breathed fresh air
- Smiled and laughed
More details about my physical symptoms:
I was feeling extra pain today as I had to maneuver my way to a new doctor’s office. I finally got to see the infectious disease doctor about the positive Lyme tests I had back in January and February. (More about that below, in the More section.) The office building has a great outdoor handicapped parking lot that is close to the building, but it was full when I arrived. So, I had to park indoors and make the long trek from the car to the building, and down a few corridors in the building to the elevator that took me up to the office on the seventh floor. By the time I arrived I was in throbbing pain everywhere, my chest, back, hips, legs, neck. Not the best frame of mind to meet with a new doctor for the first time.
Mind
One word to describe my Lupus mind today: Patience
Which habits and rituals did I practice to strengthen my Lupus mind?
- Focus on the Positive
- Managed Stress Response
More details and thoughts about how I’m feeling emotionally today:
I’m feeling like I’m in good hands with the new infectious disease doctor, but having to wait for answers about the Lyme disease has tested my patience. Sure, it’s not as long as it has been, but it’s still more time without knowing. On the other hand, I’m grateful for getting in to finally see a really good doctor.
Spirit
One word to describe my spirit today: Still
Which habits and rituals did I practice to nurture my Lupus spirit?
- Enjoyed Sacred Space
Thoughts about my spiritual connection and spiritual lessons learned today:
I decided to return home today after my doctor appointment, and just be still. I needed to get a higher perspective on the whole situation, but I was just so drained. So, into my sacred space I went. Just to sit and not do anything. No meditating, no visualization—just quiet, subconscious prayer without words. It actually helped.
Meals
Today my meals were:
- Breakfast: Gluten-free oatmeal with cinnamon and raisins
- Lunch: Tuna salad sandwich on gluten-free bread
- Dinner: Grilled red snapper, French fries, salad
- Snacks: None
Thanks
At least one thing that I’m grateful for today:
- Meeting the new infectious disease doctor.
- The ability to understand and converse using technical, medical terminology.
More
After putting it out of my mind for several months while I waited for a second opinion, today I finally saw an infectious disease doctor about my positive Lyme disease tests. (Here’s the backstory of my history with Lyme disease: Lupus and Lyme Disease, A Different Perspective on Lupus and Lyme Disease, Two More Opinions About Lyme Disease, and A Change in Approach.) I arrived a bit nervous, but with an open mind, despite all the negative press given to infectious disease specialist when it comes to Lyme disease. So the doctor was kind and competent, and based on my research, well respected. She looked over my records, asked a lot of questions, and listed to me as I answered. Very important to me. She said she was suspicious of positive Lyme tests in Lupus patients. She said there can be come cross-reactivity where the Lupus antibodies cause a positive result in the lab. She said the most reliable test for Lyme in her opinion is the Western blot test, and she preferred to send me to a “regular” lab instead of the independent Igenex Lab. So, she sent me on my way with a lab slip, and a follow up appointment in about a month.
**(This post is based on the format of the Lupus Diary that I developed for keeping track of how Lupus affects my body, mind, and spirit, I check-in here once a week to let you know about the more interesting days of my Lupus journey. To learn more about the Lupus Diary, how I developed it, and why I use it, click here.)
