Convo with Mike!

L4Courtney (11:57:46 AM): hey mike, this is courtney from the lyme group
MB58SC (11:58:02 AM): Oh hi Courtney, how are you?
L4Courtney (11:58:05 AM): okay
MB58SC (11:58:18 AM): Are you lying to me?
MB58SC (11:58:33 AM): :-)
L4Courtney (11:58:39 AM): yeah
MB58SC (11:59:00 AM): I figured. It's alright. I know it's hard.
L4Courtney (11:59:12 AM): hold on im' taking to my husband on the phone
MB58SC (11:59:47 AM): S'ok. I only have a minute to talk though, so we might have to continue talking later.
MB58SC (11:59:55 AM): Roomie needs the PC. Unless of course you wish to call.
MB58SC (12:00:08 PM): E-mail is sbauzys@comcast.net
MB58SC (12:00:11 PM): That way too, if you wish.
L4Courtney (12:00:16 PM): yeah i just wanted to know about those good doctors in cali
L4Courtney (12:00:27 PM): that person bob that wrote
L4Courtney (12:00:32 PM): thats my old roomie stephanie
MB58SC (12:00:44 PM): Oh, ok, what's your e-mail address, and I'll send you what I have.
MB58SC (12:00:46 PM): Oh really?
MB58SC (12:00:49 PM): She was pretty upset.
L4Courtney (12:00:48 PM): yeah
L4Courtney (12:00:53 PM): she has her own issues
L4Courtney (12:01:04 PM): L4Courtney@gmail.com
MB58SC (12:01:10 PM): I feel for her, I feel for you too - sympathy isn't going to get us well though, but I understand.
L4Courtney (12:01:15 PM): yeah i keep flipping out
L4Courtney (12:01:21 PM): last night the night before
L4Courtney (12:01:50 PM): i feel stressed because i cant support myself and i need others but they cant read my mind and its really not fair to them
MB58SC (12:01:56 PM): That's unfortunately part of this illness. It makes you raw and snap. Irritation and frustration tolerance are like "zero."
L4Courtney (12:01:52 PM): anyways
L4Courtney (12:02:07 PM): and its harder cus i'm confused in my head alot
MB58SC (12:02:17 PM): What you've said makes perfect sense.
L4Courtney (12:02:29 PM): like i cant think linear steps to stuff simple stuff
L4Courtney (12:02:32 PM): its too much for me
MB58SC (12:02:38 PM): It is hard to allow yourself to be dependent on others -- I had a horrendous time for a long time.
MB58SC (12:02:58 PM): Right, it's as if the channel keeps changing to something random or nonsensical before you can connect the parts.
L4Courtney (12:03:04 PM): yeah
L4Courtney (12:03:13 PM): its like static
MB58SC (12:03:42 PM): What I'm going to do is send you the list. I would recommend you research each doctor on the list by putting their name thru Google or Yahoo. You can read my notes too, but it always brought me comfort to read up on the doctors myself.
L4Courtney (12:03:38 PM): anyways i just love the gropu
L4Courtney (12:03:48 PM): yeah i do that
MB58SC (12:03:57 PM): I'm glad you do, we love ya too -- we are sorry that you are apart of it, and yet grateful.
L4Courtney (12:03:59 PM): haha
L4Courtney (12:04:46 PM): have you heard about that ionic foot detox thingy?
L4Courtney (12:06:10 PM): my husband saw your myspace picture and was like "why do you have that guy on your myspace???" haha
L4Courtney (12:06:24 PM): cuz you have that body builder on there
MB58SC (12:06:28 PM): I've heard of a lot of things, and the one thing 99% of them have in common is they're all useless, consumer gouging, and often unproven.
MB58SC (12:06:34 PM): Uh, that isn't me. *lol*
MB58SC (12:06:49 PM): I'm going to look like that eventually I suppose, but that's just my "goal" picture.
L4Courtney (12:06:56 PM): how do you have energy to work out though?
MB58SC (12:07:06 PM): I don't. *lol*
MB58SC (12:07:17 PM): I don't heal well at all, like you I'm exhausted most of the time.
MB58SC (12:07:25 PM): I'm a brute beast spiritually though.
L4Courtney (12:07:39 PM): :-)
MB58SC (12:07:47 PM): I just hammer my body to shit and go thru a lot of pain -- but trust me, I don't advise it that's for sure.
MB58SC (12:07:57 PM): Because eventually even I've broken down physically.
L4Courtney (12:07:58 PM): aye thats what i've stayed away from
MB58SC (12:08:07 PM): Smart move.
L4Courtney (12:08:09 PM): any kind of physical activity cuz it always results in more pain
MB58SC (12:08:16 PM): If you can fight in another way, it's better.
MB58SC (12:08:39 PM): I'm learning new ways, because I'm finding that my adrenaline and cortisol and stress hormones are thru the roof.
MB58SC (12:08:52 PM): This will not get me well, even if it's keeping my mind and will power alive.
L4Courtney (12:08:57 PM): yeah
MB58SC (12:09:08 PM): So striking a balance is important, but never becoming complacent.
MB58SC (12:09:12 PM): I sent you a long list.
L4Courtney (12:09:12 PM): thank you so much
MB58SC (12:09:19 PM): You'll find notes on the ones I could get notes on.
L4Courtney (12:09:23 PM): thats so awesome
MB58SC (12:09:29 PM): Jessicas recommendations were good.
L4Courtney (12:09:35 PM): yeah i'm still worried though
MB58SC (12:09:41 PM): So those are worth considering while reading the list.
MB58SC (12:09:45 PM): What are you worried about?
L4Courtney (12:09:43 PM): first of all we dont have money
MB58SC (12:09:56 PM): That's a big problem of course.
L4Courtney (12:10:06 PM): second of all i want to see someone that will sit down with me for a while and give me alot of tests
L4Courtney (12:10:13 PM): just so i have them
MB58SC (12:10:23 PM): Right, that makes good sense to me.
L4Courtney (12:10:30 PM): and maybe they can be covered with that health credit card you can apply for
MB58SC (12:10:40 PM): I have a few suggestions.
L4Courtney (12:10:38 PM): that way i can get it
L4Courtney (12:10:40 PM): yeah?
MB58SC (12:10:50 PM): You finish your comments, then I'll tell you mine.
L4Courtney (12:10:52 PM): i did
MB58SC (12:11:11 PM): Ok.
L4Courtney (12:11:14 PM): oh yeah
MB58SC (12:11:23 PM): First, I suggest if you haven't already done so -- apply for social security and medicare.
MB58SC (12:11:27 PM): You are disabled.
L4Courtney (12:11:26 PM): maybe work with a doctor close to me
L4Courtney (12:11:32 PM): yeah i called an attorney today
MB58SC (12:11:43 PM): This is not pleasant to hear obviously, but it's the facts.
MB58SC (12:11:55 PM): Good, a social security attorney can help push the papers thru.
L4Courtney (12:12:08 PM): and he said that i have to be not working for a year or have a doctor to say that i wont get better
MB58SC (12:12:13 PM): Pick up the papers at your local SSI office. Also in CA, they have state insurance too -- like a Medicaid program.
L4Courtney (12:12:14 PM): yeah
MB58SC (12:12:20 PM): File the paperwork with them too.
MB58SC (12:12:27 PM): There are two main things this will give you.
L4Courtney (12:12:27 PM): i know all the services i look into require me to start with ssi
MB58SC (12:12:44 PM): A steady paycheck so you can eat, and pay the rent.
MB58SC (12:12:52 PM): And second: Full medical coverage for almost "everything."
MB58SC (12:13:11 PM): With both, you have a good chance of recovering your health and decreasing a lot of stress.
MB58SC (12:13:16 PM): That's my first suggestion.
L4Courtney (12:13:24 PM): the attorney said i have to start the filing on my own and then have him help with the appeal
L4Courtney (12:13:30 PM): should i call another attorney?
L4Courtney (12:13:38 PM): i have a history of depression
L4Courtney (12:13:42 PM): so thats a plus
L4Courtney (12:13:49 PM): from my high school hate my family days
L4Courtney (12:13:59 PM): haha
MB58SC (12:14:13 PM): With your current testing and doctor -- you should be able to get disability without trouble.
L4Courtney (12:14:16 PM): okay
MB58SC (12:14:24 PM): File yourself. Keep the lawyer on the backburner.
L4Courtney (12:14:36 PM): thanks
MB58SC (12:14:44 PM): Second, when you read the list of doctors I give you -- write up a biography summary of less than one page.
L4Courtney (12:14:51 PM): of me?
L4Courtney (12:14:58 PM): or them
MB58SC (12:15:29 PM): Yes, and include the basics of your case, including symptoms, diagnosis, and the doctors you saw and their phone numbers.
L4Courtney (12:15:52 PM): all the doctors? from my past or the ones i will see
MB58SC (12:16:22 PM): E-mail the doctors on the list who have e-mail addresses. First send a short e-mail regarding you having Lyme and ask if they'd be willing to help you -- keep it short.
MB58SC (12:16:39 PM): If it's excessive -- the number of doctors -- just include those you currently work with.
L4Courtney (12:16:46 PM): ok
MB58SC (12:16:55 PM): I have found that doctors who have e-mail addresses tend to be far more willing to help patients than other doctors.
MB58SC (12:17:10 PM): Second. In my opinion -- avoid hoslistic doctors and alternative doctors initially.
L4Courtney (12:17:14 PM): ok
L4Courtney (12:17:22 PM): even chiropractic work?
MB58SC (12:17:43 PM): You need "medical" care -- standard medical care, to confirm diagnosis with "science" or at least, as close to scientific as you can get -- then....use supplemental integrative care to support treatment.
L4Courtney (12:17:48 PM): ok
MB58SC (12:17:54 PM): Chiropractics is ok if you're already doing it, but don't expect it to heal you.
MB58SC (12:17:56 PM): You get the point.
L4Courtney (12:17:55 PM): yeah
MB58SC (12:18:05 PM): People say all kinds of crazy things.
L4Courtney (12:18:06 PM): thats for sure
MB58SC (12:18:29 PM): If you take this herb, you'll cure AIDS, or if you get Chiropractic care your immune system will suddenly be able to kill Lyme etc.
MB58SC (12:18:47 PM): Ignore all the hype, focus on a diagnosis and testing first.
L4Courtney (12:18:45 PM): i was seeing a chiro and he was so on the side that md's were bad and the spine was good. but i was still not well.
L4Courtney (12:18:54 PM): but it did help with my back when it would go out
MB58SC (12:19:30 PM): Chiropractors are useful, like many integrative therapies, but they can't compensate and replace standard scientific principles without handling the pathogenic cause.
L4Courtney (12:19:46 PM): i'm nervous going to a doctor like you do and telling them i want this test and that test and to work with this doctor cuz i hired them too
MB58SC (12:20:01 PM): You should be nervous.
MB58SC (12:20:09 PM): Because most are going to basically tell you to fuck off.
L4Courtney (12:20:10 PM): plus all of this is so personal to me i hate talking about it cuz i dont want to be shut down
L4Courtney (12:20:15 PM): yeah
MB58SC (12:20:24 PM): Thankfully, the list I give you -- they won't tell you that.
L4Courtney (12:20:24 PM): okay good
MB58SC (12:20:52 PM): These people on the list, most of them are competent, but you must confirm that to be true since I just gather names of physicians who treat Lyme. I don't necessary know who is good or bad.
MB58SC (12:21:00 PM): I know some, but that's only because I got patient notes.
MB58SC (12:21:11 PM): At any rate, you get the point.
L4Courtney (12:21:12 PM): i used to be a cheerleader but i guess i needed that push from someone to do these things, :-)
L4Courtney (12:21:14 PM): thanks so much
MB58SC (12:22:02 PM): You're welcome. Do it for your future family, yourself, your husband -- do it for .....some reason. Just do it and get well -- because you've got to fight this war if you want to win.
MB58SC (12:22:36 PM): If you need to talk, talk -- e-mail me, Jess, or anyone on the group -- if you need to flip out, call us -- if you need information, ask.
MB58SC (12:22:41 PM): We're here to serve you.
MB58SC (12:22:53 PM): And hopefully you'll return the favor once you're improving.
L4Courtney (12:22:57 PM): yes defenitely
L4Courtney (12:23:04 PM): thanks so much
MB58SC (12:23:19 PM): I have a few last suggestions.
L4Courtney (12:23:22 PM): ok
MB58SC (12:23:30 PM): Your worst symptoms -- what are they present?
MB58SC (12:23:31 PM): Top 5
L4Courtney (12:23:55 PM): malaise/feel depleted
MB58SC (12:24:10 PM): Exhaustion/Fatigue
L4Courtney (12:24:09 PM): head pressure
MB58SC (12:24:16 PM): Chronic Fatigue in other words.
MB58SC (12:24:22 PM): Migraine like?
L4Courtney (12:24:23 PM): not really
L4Courtney (12:24:28 PM): it turns into it
MB58SC (12:24:47 PM): Just pressure, like the inside of your skull is going to just explode from the inside out.
L4Courtney (12:24:47 PM): depression/anxiety
L4Courtney (12:25:19 PM): pressure all over my scalp from my neck to my eyes even a massage helps a little
MB58SC (12:25:33 PM): Got ya.
L4Courtney (12:25:28 PM): with pain
MB58SC (12:25:49 PM): I suspect Insomnia must top the list?
MB58SC (12:26:01 PM): Poor quality of sleep, etc.
L4Courtney (12:26:01 PM): yeah
MB58SC (12:26:11 PM): And last but not least?
L4Courtney (12:26:31 PM): um
L4Courtney (12:26:38 PM): currently right?
L4Courtney (12:26:44 PM): cuz it'll change in a few weeks
L4Courtney (12:26:46 PM): haha
L4Courtney (12:26:49 PM): um
MB58SC (12:26:57 PM): Of course, -- I mean through it all.
L4Courtney (12:27:07 PM): oh through it all what are my top 5?
L4Courtney (12:27:11 PM): or right now
MB58SC (12:27:20 PM): Whichever you prefer.
MB58SC (12:27:22 PM): The worst....
L4Courtney (12:27:29 PM): pain lots and lots of pain everywhere
MB58SC (12:27:42 PM): Got ya.
MB58SC (12:28:11 PM): Fatigue, pain, insomnia, psychiatric problems, and?
MB58SC (12:28:21 PM): Heart, joints, intestines?
L4Courtney (12:28:28 PM): i get rashes and i cant hear right and i'm sensitive to the light and my vision goes in and out of blurriness i also have heart flutters
L4Courtney (12:28:32 PM): migraines
L4Courtney (12:28:37 PM): lately
MB58SC (12:28:43 PM): Ok, got ya.
L4Courtney (12:28:41 PM): they went away for some time
MB58SC (12:28:47 PM): That's Lyme alright.
MB58SC (12:28:57 PM): Alright, here are my suggestions.
L4Courtney (12:29:06 PM): tinglinng in my fingers
L4Courtney (12:29:11 PM): oh sensitivity to heat
MB58SC (12:29:18 PM): Focus on getting the diagnosis firmly situated and getting together with a competent Lyme treating physician.
L4Courtney (12:29:15 PM): thats like #2
MB58SC (12:29:43 PM): Focus on SSI, file that and the state insurance paperwork once you have clear support from your doctors.
MB58SC (12:29:52 PM): One of your doctors currently will support you in your disability?
L4Courtney (12:29:53 PM): I have dr gonzalez in thousand oaks hes an llmd but i'm irritated that i havent gotten all the testing
L4Courtney (12:29:58 PM): i dont know
MB58SC (12:30:11 PM): What has Dr. G said to you?
L4Courtney (12:30:12 PM): im scared to ask if he would support me
L4Courtney (12:30:23 PM): hes treating me for lyme i have bartonella
MB58SC (12:30:33 PM): Does he treat you kindly?
L4Courtney (12:30:31 PM): yes
MB58SC (12:30:39 PM): Does he show you respect?
L4Courtney (12:30:36 PM): hes so nice
MB58SC (12:31:03 PM): Does he answer his own telephone?
L4Courtney (12:31:01 PM): no
MB58SC (12:31:10 PM): He has office staff.
MB58SC (12:31:28 PM): I know Dr. G -- or at least "of him."
L4Courtney (12:31:28 PM): office staff yes that are nice but kinda i dunno
MB58SC (12:31:39 PM): He's a competent physician from what I understand.
L4Courtney (12:31:35 PM): the nurses are so nice
MB58SC (12:31:42 PM): Is he far away?
MB58SC (12:31:46 PM): Or local?
L4Courtney (12:31:43 PM): 45mins only
MB58SC (12:31:54 PM): That's local for a Lyme physician.
MB58SC (12:32:03 PM): Ok, you really already are situated then with a physician.
MB58SC (12:32:11 PM): Next on the list is getting what you need.
MB58SC (12:32:17 PM): To get what you need, I suggest writing it.
MB58SC (12:32:25 PM): You're too sick to remember everything during an appt.
L4Courtney (12:32:31 PM): what bugged me was that i asked to fill out some papers for school so i can get a withrdawl and he said to sit down with a nurse and fill it out together
MB58SC (12:32:37 PM): I also suggest bringing someone with you who is vocal and supportive.
L4Courtney (12:32:41 PM): i called the office and they kinda got bugged at that
MB58SC (12:32:54 PM): Did they? What did they say to you?
L4Courtney (12:32:52 PM): asked me if i can fax it and i told them what the doc said
MB58SC (12:33:05 PM): Or how did they say it I guess I should ask.
L4Courtney (12:33:05 PM): and i went in yesterday and an assistant filled it out
L4Courtney (12:33:26 PM): and i overheard them saying that it was kinda bugging them that they had to be so detailed
MB58SC (12:34:01 PM): Did you feel it was personal, or that they had to be be detailed in the paperwork.
MB58SC (12:35:21 PM): What I do is write monthly reports to my doctors. I'll send you a copy and you may copy it if you wish. I type it out and either e-mail it or hand it to them.
L4Courtney (12:35:18 PM): i dont think it was personal but they are the same ones saying that it will take months to get approved for an MRI
MB58SC (12:36:01 PM): It sounds like you'll need to work with Dr. G most of the time then. I'll give you another tip.
MB58SC (12:36:07 PM): Find out if Dr. G has an e-mail address.
L4Courtney (12:36:03 PM): and the doc said to SIT DOWN WITH A NURSE not have the paperwork filled out by the front desk. he made that clear to me which i made it clear to them
L4Courtney (12:36:07 PM): yeah thats good
MB58SC (12:36:38 PM): When you call to talk to the doctor -- you have to bypass the office staff, especially if they're short, annoying, or otherwise rude.
MB58SC (12:36:52 PM): To do so, when you call, simply say "I need Dr. G to call me back, may I leave a message?"
MB58SC (12:37:12 PM): They'll say "who are you, birthdate etc..." Then they'll say "What's this about?"
L4Courtney (12:37:17 PM): so annoying
MB58SC (12:37:32 PM): And simply say "Test results, or ... symptoms."
MB58SC (12:37:36 PM): Something vague basically.
MB58SC (12:37:44 PM): They'll then ask for your phone number and he'll call you back.
MB58SC (12:37:51 PM): Then you have a direct link to him, not them.
L4Courtney (12:37:47 PM): i hate it when office staff want to know details in oder to see if its important enough
L4Courtney (12:37:52 PM): cool
L4Courtney (12:37:54 PM): sounds good
MB58SC (12:38:19 PM): What you'll need to do is write down everything that's on your mind, then simplify it on one sheet of paper.
L4Courtney (12:38:16 PM): yeah i did that once because i was really pissed at my previous doctor and i wanted to talk to him directly
MB58SC (12:38:24 PM): Always keep it to one sheet.
L4Courtney (12:38:22 PM): ok
MB58SC (12:38:54 PM): Each appointment, you can list, meds, symptoms, lifestyle [what you've been able to do or not do daily], and questions, concerns etc.
MB58SC (12:39:07 PM): On this paper, you will write everything you have told me, but keep it brief.
L4Courtney (12:39:09 PM): ok
MB58SC (12:39:23 PM): When you see him, hand him a copy. You keep one in your hands, and he keeps one in his.
MB58SC (12:39:37 PM): Then you follow what you wrote and tell him how you feel, what's going on, what your questions are etc.
MB58SC (12:40:11 PM): On that paper, tell him "I have felt uncomfortable working with your staff. I am uncomfortable not investigating my situation with further testing and I'd like to have more testing done.
MB58SC (12:40:18 PM): You can not simply say "I need more testing, test me."
L4Courtney (12:40:21 PM): ok
MB58SC (12:40:27 PM): You must write down which tests you think would be useful.
MB58SC (12:40:36 PM): To find out which tests are useful, you ask the group.
L4Courtney (12:40:38 PM): yeah
MB58SC (12:40:45 PM): Then you ask him what he thinks and what tests he thinks would be useful.
MB58SC (12:40:47 PM): You collaborate.
MB58SC (12:40:59 PM): You must work together, not simply be a patient.
MB58SC (12:41:13 PM): This takes time and work to get used to, but we can help you do that.
MB58SC (12:41:22 PM): Dr. G will likely respond positively as a result of this organization.
L4Courtney (12:41:20 PM): what do you think about allergies and allergy shots
MB58SC (12:41:42 PM): I think you should be allergy tested for various antibiotics if possible.
L4Courtney (12:41:51 PM): i went to an allergist because of my symptoms and they were giving me allergy shots
MB58SC (12:42:17 PM): They thought you were sick with allergies originally?
L4Courtney (12:42:25 PM): but i stoped them because i was worried that it would interfere with other treatment and maybe my allergies were a result of whatever is wrong with me
MB58SC (12:42:44 PM): Allergy shots shouldn't hurt you -- but unless you have actual allergies to dust or dander or whatever else you come in contact with -- you don't need them.
L4Courtney (12:42:42 PM): my first doctor i made him send me to an allergist cuz i was sick all the time
L4Courtney (12:43:14 PM): pills that they give you didnt take my symptoms away so they started the shots
MB58SC (12:43:22 PM): Chances are if the allergy like symptoms come and go when other symptoms wax and wane -- it's your illness causing them.
MB58SC (12:43:54 PM): Allergies are common among tick spread illnesses, especially Lyme.
L4Courtney (12:43:53 PM): i feel like its just another thing i have to do that i cant
MB58SC (12:44:11 PM): Did they make you feel better?
L4Courtney (12:44:10 PM): thats what i thought but dr g said to keep doing the shots
MB58SC (12:44:15 PM): The shots...
L4Courtney (12:44:20 PM): for a short time i thought they did
MB58SC (12:44:31 PM): And then they didn't?
L4Courtney (12:44:39 PM): well i just think it was the lyme changing direction
L4Courtney (12:44:47 PM): and now its back to that area
L4Courtney (12:44:51 PM): the head pressure
MB58SC (12:45:03 PM): Well then, listen to your body. You don't have to take anything you don't want to.
MB58SC (12:45:11 PM): Especially if it didn't work the way you think it should have.
L4Courtney (12:45:26 PM): i asked the allergist if allergies could cause that head pressure and he said no
L4Courtney (12:45:38 PM): thats when i worried about it
MB58SC (12:49:08 PM): What you're describing is very familiar to all of the patients on the forum.
MB58SC (12:49:19 PM): Clearly having confirmation and evidence to support a diagnosis is important.
L4Courtney (12:49:26 PM): yup
MB58SC (12:49:35 PM): If Dr. G says you have Lyme, assume it's true -- but persist and requesting further testing to exhaust other areas.
MB58SC (12:49:42 PM): I sent the template.
MB58SC (12:49:49 PM): Use that structure to help you get organized.
L4Courtney (12:49:58 PM): thats what i want to do , ehaust other areas. thanks
MB58SC (12:50:02 PM): Keep copies of every one of these updates you write.
L4Courtney (12:50:03 PM): oky
MB58SC (12:50:16 PM): Think you can do this?
MB58SC (12:50:26 PM): It takes courage to say what you need and want to a doctor.
L4Courtney (12:50:34 PM): yeah i think i can
L4Courtney (12:50:51 PM): if i write it out can i email it to you to see before hand?
MB58SC (12:51:12 PM): However, Dr. G sounds like a good doctor and I would be honest and upfront about your discomfort with his staff, with the lack of testing etc.
MB58SC (12:51:34 PM): Sure. You can send a copy to me, or post it on the forum or do whatever you wish.
L4Courtney (12:51:31 PM): ok
L4Courtney (12:51:36 PM): sounds good
MB58SC (12:51:42 PM): Getting multiple opinions is useful.
L4Courtney (12:51:53 PM): is your last name parent?
MB58SC (12:52:04 PM): Yes.
L4Courtney (12:52:20 PM): i've never heard of that before
MB58SC (12:52:30 PM): I will tell you, if you do have Lyme -- expect a lot of difficulty accepting the diagnosis, because it's very hard to get testing, because all the testing is flawed.
MB58SC (12:52:38 PM): Even the "best" Lyme testing, isn't credible.
L4Courtney (12:52:36 PM): though my friends last name is sepulveda the name of a major street around here
MB58SC (12:52:48 PM): Interesting.
MB58SC (12:52:51 PM): Well now you have heard it.
MB58SC (12:52:52 PM): :-)
L4Courtney (12:52:54 PM): heehee
MB58SC (12:53:02 PM): I would rule out as much as you feel comfortable doing though.
MB58SC (12:53:11 PM): I would recommend two main places to begin.
L4Courtney (12:53:10 PM): ok
MB58SC (12:53:22 PM): Neurolgy, and Psychiatry.
MB58SC (12:53:33 PM): Perferably neuropsychiatry.
MB58SC (12:53:53 PM): Your symptoms are systemic, but seem to be rooted in the Neurological and psychatric centers.
MB58SC (12:54:05 PM): You likely have a systemic infection, but it's causing these other problems.
MB58SC (12:54:11 PM): So starting in those places is a good idea
L4Courtney (12:54:07 PM): i went to a rheumy specialized in fibro and cfs and he said i should see one because of my cognitive problems
MB58SC (12:54:19 PM): Right.
MB58SC (12:54:26 PM): However, you will need to do something.
L4Courtney (12:54:25 PM): but he never got around to refering me
MB58SC (12:54:37 PM): If you see these other doctors, you must do the same thing you do with Dr. G.
MB58SC (12:54:44 PM): You must be organized and bring medical records.
L4Courtney (12:54:42 PM): just to his freaking pain clinic that cost me too much to see the one day and the one doc
L4Courtney (12:54:46 PM): ok
MB58SC (12:54:57 PM): Always get copies of every medical record from every doctor and every office visit.
MB58SC (12:55:09 PM): This helps your credibility.
L4Courtney (12:55:04 PM): yeah i'm going to gather all my past med records just to have them
L4Courtney (12:55:24 PM): i lost my car keys so thats going to be hard
MB58SC (12:55:32 PM): With credibility and clarity -- even if you're out of your mind, the paperwork speaks for itself, especially if you prepare it in advance.
MB58SC (12:55:57 PM): As far as the psychiatrist is concerned, I have recommendations later for meds to try.
L4Courtney (12:56:08 PM): darn it i have 3 hours to do 2 self portrait drawings for my art class!
MB58SC (12:56:20 PM): Sounds like a real hoot.
MB58SC (12:56:29 PM): I must get going, my roomie is pacing.
MB58SC (12:56:34 PM): Record this conversation.
MB58SC (12:56:59 PM): Read it over if you must -- summarize the most important parts and follow them. It will help you get on track.
MB58SC (12:57:02 PM): Got it?
L4Courtney (12:57:19 PM): got it
L4Courtney (12:57:21 PM): thanks again
L4Courtney (12:57:31 PM): i'll talk with you later
MB58SC (12:57:45 PM): Ok, you're welcome. If you have any questions, problems, whatever -- tell the group, me or whatever -- we'll help where we can.
MB58SC (12:57:51 PM): Talk soon, hope you feel better.
MB58SC (12:58:00 PM): *out*