Posted by Jane D on July 14, 2001, at 0:11:13
In reply to Hey, here's a good diagnosis..., posted by Adam on July 13, 2001, at 21:12:19
Adam,
I've been very moved reading your postings over time. Enjoyed isn't quite the right word - I remember one that made me cry. But then, you've had me laughing as well.It sounds like Lyme is a real possibility. Certainly if I were trying to pigeonhole you into risk categories I'd pick the outdoor/Lyme connection over mental illness just as you have done. I also wouldn't worry yet about the arguments over whether chronic lyme exists. If you have it you probably have the run of the mill ordinary kind. At least wait until your test comes back negative before you worry about whether a negative test is invalid.
I've noticed some doctors' tone changes a little when they read my list of meds. I haven't had a problem yet but then I haven't been seriously ill apart from the depression yet either. That's just a matter of time and/or aging I'm sure. Your experience outrages and frightens me. At the same time I don't entirely blame a general practitioner for considering depression. Every time I get the flu I assume I'm relapsing until I suddenly realize that, not only can I barely breathe, but neither can anyone else I've come in contact with.
Is there any chance you can get your psychiatrist to vouch for you to whatever other doctor you see? If not, that might be a good reason to look for another psychiatrist once this immediate problem is resolved. It might even be worth going outside the HMO if it got you someone you could build a long term relationship with and who was willing to intervene when necessary to convince other doctors that not all problems are psychiatric.
Good luck and don't give up.
Jane
PS Be very careful with your hypotheses. You've got the jargon down far too well. Even now, some student is probably preparing to work your post into a paper called "The Internet as a catalyst for insight in somatizing patients".
PPS Diagnostic abuse is indeed a great term.
poster:Jane D
thread:69963
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010708/msgs/70075.html