Lyme Disease

[cmason]

Hello, I am new to this forum and am trying to find some advise. My 6 year old was bitten by a tick about 18 months ago. Several months following he started itching his legs. Not really thinking about it, I blew it off. Over the past few months he has had some strange behaviors. Moving his head alot, pulling at his socks, saying he itches, picking at his skin on his hand, facial tics, tapping his toes on the ground when he walks and now he is beginning to do a few vocal things, repeatedly. I took him to his pediatrician because a friend said her nephew was doing the same and they tested him for lyme disease My doctor acted as if I was crazy and said we could do a bloodtest, but it will hurt him, she said I should see a child psycologist. The psycologist suggested a neurologist! Where do I turn, keep switching doctors until someone listens? I am a worried mother and I know there is something going on with my child. Does anyone have some advice for me.

Thanks.

[ilovemykidsmore]

I don't have any experience with lyme disease and tics, but I have had to deal with uncooperative pediatricians. You go to the doctor and say "Do this test! I pay you and if you don't do what I ask I will fire you and find a new doc." Then do just that. I know that many insurance companies limit you on how often you can change doctors and you don't want to pay to see a bunch of docs that tell you no. So, what you do is call the prospective new doctors office. Tell them that you are looking for a new doc and would like to meet with Dr. so and so to see if he fits your family. When you get in to visit with the doc ask specifically if he would test for lyme at your request even if he feels it is necessary. I have had lots of experience with doctors who forget who's paying who. I've never talked to anyone who has had to put a doctor in their place and regretted it.

When my husband was young man, he visited the mountains and got very ill...all the symptoms of sickle cell disease. So my mother in law took all her kids to the doctor and said test them. He said no, they aren't black, they don't have sickle cell. She said I'm paying, now do it. All the tests came back positive for sickle cell trait. The doctor was in such disbelief that he paid out of his own pocket to do the tests again. Same results.

Their are so many illnesses that mock more common illnesses that doctors often disregard them. I can think of many examples in my life and those of people whom I know personally in which this was the case and it was always the parent or patient that diagnosed themselves and made the doctors listen. Do your research. The internet is wealth of information. Good luck.