Bit the Bullet

[LymeEnigma]

So, I finally just bit the bullet and had Haku make me a couple of appointments. I saw an optometrist today, hoping that the headaches and "strobe light" might be rectified by a new pair of glasses. While I was there I got my eyes dilated and my retina examined. All looks well ... except for the zillion and one floaters in there.

She said it is unusual that I've been getting them since I was nine or ten, and that only reiterates in my mind that I've had a Lyme-like illness since childhood. I didn't want to get into a discussion with the woman about Lyme, however, and so I just nodded my intrigue, saving my speculations for those who I knew would be more apt to appreciate them.

I am also going in to my GP for a physical. This has been a long time coming. I don't mind this doctor too much (actually, I usually see his PA), and I having been wanting to get some basic blood work and female stuff done for far too long, now.

Still, it took a lot just to say, "okay, make the call." It is a relief not having the procrastination looming overhead any longer....

[itsybitsyone]

Yeah...now you just have to actually go to your appointments!!

Just remember, if cobby can get the guts to go to her oncologist, you can do it

Like the little engine that could.

[LymeEnigma]

I think I can ... I think I can.... In a week, this will all be past.

My biggest issue, beyond simple PTSD from past experiences, is the question: "how much do I tell the doctor(s) about the Lyme and treatment?" I failed to tell my GP, despite the fact that he signed off of the Igenex tests, that I was seeing a "Lyme-literate" doctor behind his back. My GP and his PA have no idea I was on Mepron for the babs (which he missed when looking over my blood tests ... either that, or he didn't trust the lab), nor do they know that I took azithroymcin and Plaquenil for six months. I hate dishonesty ... and yet my fears of reliving the past keep me from telling these people the full extent of my medical issues. So, even though I don't have any real problem with this practice, I still feel anxious about going in.

At least I don't need to see an ophthalmologist; if my optic nerve had been the problem with my right eye, I know that I would have felt the need to sing "Lyme" as loudly as possible ... and I know that it would have been nothing short of a nightmare trying to get it addressed appropriately.

Thank goodness for small favors. One more visit to go. I think I can....

[itsybitsyone]

I don't think I would tell them that I was on the meds.

If nothing else, it is a sin of omission. Besides, are you REALLY in the mood to have them roll their eyes at you? Not worth it, hon.

Glad your eyes are mostly OK...for what it is worth, treatment didn't clear up my floaters either.

But I have been on a break.

[LymeEnigma]

Considering the fact that I received treatment a year ago, now, and have yet to tell them, I figure that it will probably be best not to say anything, as much as I hate it.

I have, however, been seriously thinking about going back on the Plaquenil ... but how do I convince them to prescribe it (and not send me to the frigging rheumy), when I've "never taken it before?"

I was also hoping to get a script for erythromycin, for the gastroparesis (I'm thinking the coffee might have something to do with my headaches), but a quick online search shows that it is not FDA approved for that use....

I guess I might just have to stick with the physical ... and then continue treating myself with makeshift remedies....

[itsybitsyone]

Say LUPUS or SJOGREN'S (show-grins).

That would be more likely to get you Plaquenil. I can have allllll the plaquenil I want. I don't take it much but some people find it helpful. And I never had a positive bloodtest for Sjo, but a clinical dx.

[LymeEnigma]

Maybe my butterfly rash will still be visible next week....