I saw Dr. Yager (GP) last Thursday, and picked up a prescription for a Lyme disease test. Here is how that brief encounter went:
Dr: what test do you need done?
Me: the cardiologist thinks I should be tested for Lyme disease.
Dr: that's a good idea, it could be Lyme disease.
(awkward pause)
Dr: did they find something on your EKG?
Me: I think some stuff with my right ventricle.
Dr: well, carcinoid can affect the heart ... but something always shows up on an EKG.
(handing me the script)
Dr: this isn't a very good test.
Me: what do you mean?
Dr: it can come back positive when you don't have Lyme disease, and come back negative when you do.
(second awkward pause)
Me: ok
Dr: it's not a very good test; we'll call you with the results.
Me: uh, ok. Thanks
15 minutes later, I was at LabCorp, getting yet another vile of blood drawn for a test that is apparently meaningless; I have absolutely no idea what to do when I get the results.
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Update 5/28: Lyme Test Came Back Negative. (Despite Dr. Yager's distrust of the results, I'm crossing Lyme off the list.)
Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sunshine!
ReplyDeleteMarlena,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted you to know how helpful your blog has been for me. I'm just starting on my carcinoid journey, and reading your down to earth posts has really helped me to prepare myself for what I am about to face.
Kristin
Hi Kristin,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the kind words. Have you checked out the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation's website? They have a link for newly diagnosed patients that I found super helpful. Good luck, I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Marlena
I've been educating myself for the last few months as I waited for blood tests and imaging results. Your blog though really puts a face on carcinoid and the reality of all the surgeries!
ReplyDeletePlus, you're funny, so that helps!