
68 Yr Old Female Friend Has Developed Symptoms Over Past

Question: 68 yr old female friend has developed symptoms over past 1 1/2 yr that have affected her profusely. Formerly very active, outdoor loving, vibrant personality, very healthy diet. Does have history of stomach distress frequently. Otherwise very good health. Married, 4 adult children, youngest is an alcoholic & lives at home. This lady began having a definite change in personality, including withdrawal from activities, unaccounted 50lb weight gain, fatigue & sleeping most of day. Some muscle aches occasionally. Has been evaluated by primary care, specialists, & psychiatrist with no definite diagnosis other than mild depression. She was given an antidepressant & ativan, which after a few months, she weaned off. None now. She was recently dx with Lyme disease & is receiving tx for that. Im concerned as that dx doesnt seem to fit her symptoms & she herself says shes still not feeling any better mentally. My question is: does this go along with long term undiagnosed Lyme's? Should she continue to pursue answers? She's my best friend & I want her to return to her old self. One other thing, she & husband both have also been seeeing a holistic dr who has prescribed various vitamins & supplements.
Brief Answer:
Neurological involvement to consider.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.
I have read your query and here is my advice.
In my opinion, since there was a diagnosis of depression, dementia should be considered and evaluated further.
Holistic treatments also may cause neurological symptoms as possible adverse effects.
I think that in such case is necessary to stop the holistic treatment and to consult a Neurologist.
If these measures don't improve the situation , Lyme's disease may be affecting the nervous system too.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Neurological involvement to consider.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.
I have read your query and here is my advice.
In my opinion, since there was a diagnosis of depression, dementia should be considered and evaluated further.
Holistic treatments also may cause neurological symptoms as possible adverse effects.
I think that in such case is necessary to stop the holistic treatment and to consult a Neurologist.
If these measures don't improve the situation , Lyme's disease may be affecting the nervous system too.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng

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