Dear Diary,
Based on the advice of my naturopathic doctor/acupuncturist, who I go to for help with my nerve pain and numbness in my legs, I went ahead and got tested for Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is caused by the bite of a deer tick. Dr. F says that, sometimes, undiagnosed Lyme disease can be the cause of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis. She’s even seen where these patients have gotten treated for Lyme disease with long-term antibiotics, which resulted in a complete remission of their autoimmune disease.
I had the blood test done on December 8th, and a little over one month later, I got the results. Positive for Borellia Burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease! So, it would appear that I have both Lyme disease AND Lupus. But, I’m not so sure. I need to see a specialist.
Dr. F recommended two doctors who specialize in treating Lyme disease. They’re referred to all over the Internet as “Lyme-literate doctors.” One is in California and the other in Oregon. I plan to see both to get two opinions. These doctors specialize in treating complex cases of Lyme disease. The one doctor in Oregon has a waiting list until May; so I have to wait to see him. But the other one in California, I’m going to see in a few weeks. I’m SO nervous about what he’s going to say and do.
I’m still kind of in a state of shock about all this. I mean, it hasn’t been that long since I got the Lupus diagnosis. Everything seemed to fall into place and make sense with that diagnosis and the medicine I take for it, Plaquenil, has done wonders for my exhaustion and sense of well being. Getting used to Lupus hasn’t been easy, however; and truth be told, I’m still trying to get used to it. And, now to hear my naturopathic doctor/acupuncturist say that she suspects that my Lupus was possibly Lyme-induced, and maybe with the right treatment, I can be rid of both diseases once and for all—almost sounds too good to be true.
I wonder what my rheumatologist will have to say about all this….
Love,
Olivia
