question-icon

68 Yr Old Female Friend Has Developed Symptoms Over Past

default
Posted on Thu, 19 Sep 2019
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.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
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.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4500 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
68 Yr Old Female Friend Has Developed Symptoms Over Past

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.