Finally, what looks like a root diagnosis for my dad.

[dalesql]

The other day, I heard a news story on the radio about lyme disease as I was driving to the hospital. I mentioned this to the nurse, she kind of poo-pooed me, but I guess she reconsidered, and suggested this to the doctor. Today, the test for lyme disease came back positive. I asked mister google about lyme disease, and yup, the symptoms are consistent with untreated lyme disease. So, infectious disease specialist called in and start treatment for that, and also testing for other tick borne illnesses that sometimes ride along with the lyme disease.

He is absorbing more food, looks like he is gaining weight, and his color is way better, and the bruising on his arms from the needles seem to be healing faster. Mentally he is tracking better, speaking more clearly, speaking in what sounds like sentences, even though we still have a hard time figuring out what he is saying.

After I left tonight, doctor called to let us know that they are moving him back to the ICU due to some problem with getting his oxygen. They have been needing to increase the oxygen flow to keep his blood oxygen level at a satisfactory level today, and they have a number of possible causes to investigate on that.

But overall, I'm much happier. No longer chasing question marks and managing symptoms. We have what looks like a root cause, and there is a treatment for it.

Comments

[seawasp]

Lyme's Disease sucks. Kathy had it and it took MONTHS to get over it.

She, however, developed the **CLASSIC** bulls-eye lesion -- to the point that the doctors asked us to get pictures of it for them. So diagnosing it wasn't hard.

[gerisullivan.livejournal.com]

Wow. I'm glad your dad is doing so much better and hope the oxygen issues get sorted out soon, too.

Go, you, for mentioning Lyme disease. I'm sorry the nurse seemed dismissive at first, and am very relieved that they tested and found it. Scary stuff!

[xyzzysqrl]

Lyme disease, as Seawasp mentions, sticks around for a long time. But at least now you KNOW.

[jbadger.livejournal.com]

Well good to hear on the right track to a cure.

[hnybny.livejournal.com]

A diagnosis is good news and Lyme at least has a treatment.

[coyoty.livejournal.com]

Good thing you caught them starving your father, then convinced them not to dismiss him. This is twice you've saved his life from uncaring doctors.