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Schizophrenia underlying causes

21/f 104lbs 5'7
15 Responses
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Avatar universal
scumokin:
Here are some stories from people with Lyme:

page 1:
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=036930;p=1

page 2:
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=036930;p=2


Carol
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Avatar universal
scumokin:
You said, "lyme can't kill me, right?"

Wrong.
Although it may not kill you right away, it will keep you miserable until you die. (I've even said this to a family member who told me that at least Lyme wouldn't kill me.)

Symptoms can get a WHOLE lot worse.
Some of the Lymies have reported severe bladder pain, blindness, vertigo so bad that they cannot walk, knee joints destroyed, or paralysis.
Others have had mental problems so severe that they were hospitalized.  Even then, the doctors were unwilling to admit that psychiatric problems could be caused by Lyme bacteria.

Okay, I can see how the opinion of your family leans, in their attitude towards others who are ill with Lyme.
It sounds like you would not get any support from them.
But there is still alot you can do for yourself.

A support group like LymeNet can provide information.
Some of the members see Lyme literate physicians and are treated with antibiotics.
Others are self treating, with information provided by herbalists.  
There is nutritional info, and supplements that can alleviate some of the symptoms.
You can get information on alternative treatments, and people discuss their successes and failures.

I hope you'll check it out.
It's up to you.

Carol
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
yes i looked at that list. i have nearly every symptom. but i give up. i have family members who have lyme and other family members say they're just lazy and thin-skinned. if things get worse, i'll know its not lyme and i can get some help. lyme can't kill me, right? besides, i only have insurance for THAT hospital. so if they continue to not listen to me, i'm screwed i guess.
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Avatar universal
i was seen at "the knapper clinic" by a freakin' resident and told all my problems are from anxiety. she made an appointment with psychiatry and i was prescribed an anti-depressant. i asked to be tested for lyme and it came back negative... i'm guessing since i didn't get any calls and they usually only call back if there is a problem. but i'm not even sure if they actually do the test there or send it away. anyway i feel like an idiot now that i've made a second post, completely forgetting about my original one. i can now understand why no one else sees a problem here because i'm so darn vague. i mention some things in one post, and some in another. i suppose i should write them all down and/or start a journal
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Avatar universal
scumokin:
I think your symptoms look like Lyme Disease.

Because the usual lab tests for Lyme are inaccurate, the diagnosis should be made by evaluating the patient's symptoms.
This is known as a "clinical diagnosis."

Did you look at the site I listed for symptoms?
Everything fits, including the memory problems, difficulty concentrating, trouble getting your list organized, anxiety.  
The vision problems have been discussed numerous times at the flash discussion group at LymeNet.org.

Difficulty swallowing can happen when the bacteria infect the cranial nerve that goes to the throat.
Yes, an ear-nose-throat doctor is the one to talk to about this.

You said that you didn't actually get notified about the results of the Lyme test, but that you figured they would call you if there were a problem.  
Hah, don't count on it.

Even if the test is "negative," Lyme Disease is a clinical diagnosis, remember?
Unfortunately, physicians who are not extremely familiar with the disease usually just tell the patient that they don't have Lyme.

This has resulted in many people looking for answers for YEARS, until (maybe) someone recognizes the symptoms.
I recognize your symptoms.  I'm not trying to be a smart aleck.
I've been studying about Lyme for several years, ever since I was diagnosed myself.

The problem is, you will need to do alot of reading to educate yourself about this disease.
I know this is difficult, because you have concentration problems, memory problems, etc.  

Write up your list of symptoms.  Check this page:
http://www.canlyme.com/patsymptoms.html

You can post a query on the medical questions forum at LymeNet.org:
http://www.canlyme.com/patsymptoms.html

Even if you don't think you have Lyme, give your medical history and symptoms, and say that ~someone~ told you this could be Lyme.
See what the response is.

Wishing you the best,
Carol
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Correction:

You can post a query on the medical questions forum at LymeNet.org:
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php

Hah, see I have "Lyme brain" too!

Carol
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
scumokin:
What did the doctor say about Lyme, when you asked about it at the appointment?

I grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania.  Lots of woods nearby, lots of deer, although I don't remember seeing ticks.

The people at LymeNet can answer some of your questions, regarding specific tests, negative results, and why some doctors refuse to diagnose Lyme.

Carol
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Avatar universal
I agree. I would get Lyme Disease ruled out properly by a lyme literate doctor. Go to lymenet.org and get information on their forums.
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Avatar universal
I live in northeastern pa and literally grew up 'out the bush' and also spent many summers camping.

I have an appointment tomorrow, I'll bring it up if I remember. I'm always afraid to suggest I have Lyme because MANY doctors don't believe in the disease.. why is that anyway? And what happens when the test comes back negative? I've read that many people with Lyme get negative results. Are there specific tests I should ask for?
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Avatar universal
scumokin:
When I read your list of symptoms, I think it looks very much like  Lyme Disease.

See this list of symptoms:
http://www.canlyme.com/patsymptoms.html

The bacteria that cause Lyme invade the nerves.  
They disrupt the thyroid, which will cause low body temperature.
The bacteria deplete the body cells of magnesium, which will cause twitching and muscle spasms.

Chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and TMJ are all hallmark symptoms of Lyme.
If the bacteria infect the nerves to the eyes, all kinds of visual problems will result, including the ones you described.

Mental health symptoms like anxiety, depression, irritablility, poor short term memory, difficulty concentrating, all these are problems with Lyme.

I can tell that you are having terrible problems with all of this.
If you would like more information, read the web site I provided above, and take a look at the support group at LymeNet.org.
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php

There is hope for you.
Carol
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Try removing artificial sweetners from your diet for 60 days.  Aspartame (Nutrasweet, Equal) can produce symptoms like yours.
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Avatar universal
I doubt you are schizophrenic, but it does sound like you're having some problems that may be psychological (emotional) or psychiatric (chemical-mental). Drug addiction is both a sign of, and a cause of mental problems. Marajuana is not harmless. You need to see a psychologist for counseling, and evaluation. You need to address your mental addiction to marajuana, because you obviously still want it. You also need a thorough evaluation from a physician. You do have some real physical problems. Keep in mind however that stress can make al of them worse. Also The fact that you just quit smoking and marajuana is probably making you feel more stressed out right now. Give it a couple of weeks for your body to adjust, and some of this may improve a little. Whatever you do, don't relapse. Get help from a support group or a medical center if you need it. Good luck.
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Avatar universal
In the meantime, while you are trying to kick the habits, keep us posted on how you are feeling.

It really isn't a problem to be hanging out with family and friends of family - as far as someone noticing you behaving differently goes. I'm sure you can attest that family, and friends thereof, can be most brutally honest with you! LOL! If you appear to be cold, and are red and blue, you've probably heard the worst of it from your sis. Congrats!

By the by: You may be experiencing chest pains for a very common reason - When you smoke, you inhale very deeply. When you stop smoking, you tend to forget to take the deep breaths neccessary to fill your lungs, and subsequently forget to breathe out as fully.

This simple change in the way you breathe when you are stressed (because your no longer puffing a smoke) actually restricts the amount of oxygen getting into your lungs and blood stream. The easiest way to fix this little issue is to pretend you are smoking, and force yourself to breath exactly the way you would when you inhale, and of course when you exhale. I'll bet your Plurisy (spelling all wrong) will drop right off your list of ailments with a little practice! NO MORE SHALLOW BREATHING!

If you don't have time for exercise right now, not to worry, I've got one for that too: Run yourself a nice warm bath and soak for a while! It sounds too simple? Try it - your worth it, maybaline says so! LOL
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Avatar universal
the marijuana controlled most of it plus i stayed away from people (im mainly only around family and friends of family) while I was high. my sister is always asking why i'm shaking.. i always say i'm cold. i have a poor vascular system or something.. i'm always blue/red so it's convenient

you're right though, i just have this fear of going nuts. those 3 years of a constant high may have did it though

i forgot to mention i have pleurisy (inflammation of the chest wall) started back in November, and about a month before that i developed walking pneumonia. figures the pain in my ribs returns the day after i quit smoking.

its hard for me to get out of bed, let alone do housework. i need to exercise but i just can't right now. i'd take the drugs, but i have a low tolerance to them and i don't need anything else screwing with my appetite. plus they tend to make me clench which in turn makes my TMJ disorder worse. i'd love to be able to play basketball again, but i just don't have the energy right now.

thanks
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Avatar universal
Sweetie, try not to worry so much that you have Schizophrenia. It won't do you any good. If you have a family history of the disorder, it doesn't mean you will get it too.

You sound extremely over-stressed and that is something all of us HAVE to avoid. For your peace of mind, very often someone who knows you would notice any such disorder way before you would and advise you to see a Professional. If no one has noticed any unusual behavior (without your input) and brought it to your attention, you are probably worried to death over nothing.

It is very important, whether you have any disorder or not, to maintain good eating and sleeping habits. Find a physical outlet for your excess energy and if you cannot control your anxiety, try to find a good GP to give you a thorough physical.
I hope you feel better soon!
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