Have you been misdiagnosed? I might have been.

[Vt11]

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s approximately four years ago by two different neurologists. I noticed the first symptoms two years before that. So I am into my sixth year with Parkinson’s.

I have managed to treat my symptoms through natural solutions, including:

- An intense focus on finding a diet that reduces inflammation as much as possible. This includes being tested twice for allergies to various foods (which yielded shocking results).

- B1 HDT, up to 3g per day.

- Use of Vielight technology.

- Testing for heavy metals, followed by an intensive detox process to reduce high levels of mercury and lead. This detox process has been ongoing for almost 4 years.

- Numerous supplements, all prescribed by my naturopath.

These solutions have managed to confine my symptoms to a small amount of tremoring in my jaw, overall stiffness, poor balance, lousy sleep, inability to type, drooling, fatigue, and brain fog. I just turned 70.

Based on my way of thinking, I would’ve thought I could heal from this Parkinson’s through my intensive treatment process, but that has not been the case. My overall symptoms have continued to deteriorate over the past six years, but are still manageable without having to incorporate conventional meds.

Recently, while working with my chiropractor, she asked if I had ever been tested for Lyme disease. I said no. I have never been aware of being bitten by a tick. Since my chiropractor is highly intuitive, I thought it made sense to run this Lyme issue by my naturopath. He said it made sense to go through a formal testing process. Two weeks ago, he informed me that I tested positive for Lyme, specifically Bartonella. Bartonella is known to produce numerous neurological symptoms that can mimic Parkinson’s. For all I know, the onset of my symptoms due to Lyme disease could have pre-dated the diagnosis of Parkinson’s by the two neurologists.

I have no way of knowing if my original diagnosis for Parkinson’s was accurate, but I do know for certain that I have Lyme disease, following the blood test. I have started on an intensive healing process of antibiotics and antifungal‘s. My naturopath says I should be free of all Lyme symptoms in 4 to 6 months. Will all of my Parkinson’s symptoms go away? It’s certainly possible.

[Bolt_Upright]

Good luck!

[1LittleWillow]

I've been thinking about getting tested for Lyme. Good luck with your treatments!

[AGH_1966]

Keep us posted - good luck!!

[Vt11 in reply to AGH_1966]

Thanks for all the good wishes. I will keep everyone updated.

[Alphasyn]

Interesting story. Have you ever used levodopa or similar medication? What does your neurologist say about the relevance of the positive Lyme-test?

[Vt11 in reply to Alphasyn]

I have only used mucuna, and only recently. I have not met with either neurologist since the original diagnosis four years ago. Back then, they weren't able to answer any questions about mucuna or the role of diet in Parkinson's. My naturopath is a much better source of information.

[PurpleHiker in reply to Vt11]

Do you have advice about how to find a naturopath who specializes in treating Parkinson’s?

[Vt11 in reply to PurpleHiker]

Google search for naturopaths in your area, then call them and ask questions.

[CuriousMe12]

Unfortunately I had a brain scan which showed the area of brain affected as PD.🤨Lucky you😊

[Vt11 in reply to CuriousMe12]

You know, the brain is capable of healing itself, given the right circumstances and enough time. Of course, it can be a long and challenging journey.

[CuriousMe12 in reply to Vt11]

I'm not sure about curing itself but neuroplacisty may have a role to play in rewiringen.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neu...

[bigl62]

Looking forward to your post in 6 months

[LindaP50]

Lyme disease mimics many other diseases. My hubby had Lyme disease as well as my neighbor and both seemed to have morphed into PD.

We went to several doctors over the course of a year and no one knew what was wrong. He was bitten by a tick and there was so much controversy on Lyme Disease many doctors wouldn't treat hence our visit to a Lyme Specialist which was all out-of-pocket.

Have you seen a Lyme specialist? Lyme loves sugar. One of my friends had Lyme and couldn't walk, couldn't wash her own hair, ended up crawling. The only treatment which worked for her was to completely eliminate sugar and only eat raw vegetables. Sounds weird but this is what worked for her. My hubby was on antibiotics and a bunch of different supplements. He did feel better but not completely well. He went to another specialist (the type I can't recall at the moment) who said he may have Parkinsonism, which resulted in seeing a neurologist.

The first neurologist who diagnosed him with PD, said take this RX (C/L) and if have PD you will feel better. The meds made him sick and stopped taking. After getting rid of most of his Lyme symptoms (approximately 1 1/2 years later), he was diagnosed with PD, took the RX and did feel better. To be certain neurologist #2 ordered a DaT scan done (showed PD) and lumbar puncture (no fluids so negative).

You could have both Lyme and PD.

(I've posted about Lyme previously and the chain of events described above may be a little bit out of synch, foggy to me now, as the Lyme started in about 2014/2015.)

[Vt11 in reply to LindaP50]

Thanks for your comment. I am seeing a Lyme specialist.

[LindaP50 in reply to Vt11]

Excellent. Good luck and stay positive.

[JacksMomTX]

I have a Cyrex pathogen associated immune reactivy screen that shows borrelta burgdoferi as off the charts….The test center says that it’s not indicative of an active infection, so my doctor recommended focusing on PD. I’m going to go get more tests…

[Shack2023]

do you know what specific panel of testing they did to discover the Lyme? Was the testing done through a conventional MS or a naturopath?

[Vt11 in reply to Shack2023]

I don't know. It took 3 to 4 weeks to get the test results. My doctor sent my blood sample to the lab. If you want to know the specific lab, you can contact my doctors office and ask for that information. vermontnaturalfamilymedicin...

[Marcia123]

where do you live?

[Vt11 in reply to Marcia123]

Northern Vermont

[Farooqji]

Does it mean that everyone with PD diagnosis should undergo the Lyme disease test and rule it out first?

[Vt11 in reply to Farooqji]

Everyone should certainly discuss this issue with their health practitioner. From my experience, I suggest talking with a naturopath in your area. I also think people should test for heavy metals, and undergo detox if the levels are high.

[JustJeff]

Please keep us posted after your treatment thanks Geoff

[Vt11 in reply to JustJeff]

Will do.

I can offer the following feedback so far. I am about two weeks into the Lyme treatment protocol. I feel quite lousy, with my “PD” symptoms maxing out. This is to be expected during the Lyme die-off process. It means the antibiotics are working.

[PTLUX in reply to Vt11]

How are you doing? Are you doing better or have things gotten more challenging?

[Vt11 in reply to PTLUX]

Still completing the Lyme treatment. Will provide a full report in the next few weeks. Definitely improving.

[PTLUX in reply to Vt11]

I look forward to your update!

[qwertystar in reply to Vt11]

what treatment were/are you on?

[kaypeeoh]

Is over-diagnosed a term? 6 years ago I was diagnosed with MS. Then just yesterday at the 3-month checkup he says the MS was probably coincidental to the PD diagnosis. Then he saw my right eye has poor close-focus so he referred me to another specialist. So I get to see a new guy in March, the first free appointment he has.

Jeez, first came the MS Dx, then diagnosed with APS, then a DVT then 100% obstruction of the LAD coronary artery, then multiple adenomas in my liver and at last, PD. PD can affect memory so maybe that's why I can't remember the names of all these doctors.