I am a lightning strike survivor and I have had various problems for the last 8 years since the hit. In the last two years things have gotten a lot more complicated:
1. Considerable chest pain
2. Allergic reactions to meds i have never had a problem with- most recent I took one dose of the antibiotic Levaquin and had a violent reaction with breathing problems, etc. Ended up with severe tendinitis in my achellies also. Spent three days in the hosp. It was not a fun Christmas.
3. The biggest problem is a constant burning pain in my mouth throat and chest. It is to the point I can't eat. I am 5'7" and only weigh 100 lbs and my weight is dropping. My Doc. thought it was thrush from my asthma inhalers but I do not have any visible sores. I had a similiar problem withing three weeks after my lightning injury- I lost 20 lbs that time and weighed in at 90 lbs before the pain subsided.
As usual with all of my problems I have been labeled a mental case and have been offered anti-depressents and anti-anxiety meds (both at their lowest doses cause heart problems with me) But, I know it isn't in my head. I need help! I have given up on doctors and fear that if this continues it is going to kill me. Does anybody have any suggestions? Or has anyone experienced similiar problems?

Anonymous,

Has anyone done any tests to try to determine what is going on?? or are these doctors just making guesses. Sounds like you need to find a doctor who will work with you rather than blaming you--that is really what they are doing when they say that it is a psychological problem??

Are you a member of LSESSI? If not, please feel free to send your mailing address to me at info@mensanaclinic.com and I will be happy to send you an application packet.

Thanks for visiting our message board.

Kathy-
The Doctors have done the basic tests, EKG, treadmill, etc. They have never even tried to figure out why my mouth and throat hurts so much (its all in my head) The last visit to the ER and hospital stay resulted in every test they could find to look for a blood clot in my lung (lung scan, xrays etc.) - they never even considered the medicine until the third day when I developed tendonitis in my ankle. In the mean time they were trying to load me up on Anti-anxiety medicine which I refused. When I brought up the lightning strike and the increased sensativities to a variety of medicines they said I should be tested for PTSD and they wanted me to talk to a Psychologist. This was of course after they had given me another round of antibiotics in the hospital that resulted in the exact same reaction with breathing problems, etc.
I have had no tests related to the lightning strike in 8 years. I have brought up the problems to my doctors and they will throw anti-depressents at me teling me that this will solve the problems (I tried one of them for neuropathy resulted in a heart rate of over 200 bpm obviously I had to be taken off of them). I have basically given up and have just accepted that I will have to live with the pain. I am nerveous to even bring up any of the problems I am having since no one listens and I am tired of being labeled a "nut case". Yes I do believe they are blaming me because they don't have a clue as to what to do with me. I am only 30 years old and it looks like it is going to be a long and painful life.
I do belong LSESSI butI haven't really had any help from the group. I feel as if this is my last hope for any help. Can anybody help me or is this the end of the line?

Anonymous,

No, I don't think it is the end of the line--but I know if must be discouraging to have so many difficulties at your young age. Do you think it would be helpful to have Dr. Hendler review your medical records and see what testing he recommends? If your doctor's at home or unwilling to do the testing you could also certainly consider having it done here at Mensana.

Have you ever been able to go to the LSESSI conferences? Many of our patients say that they are wonderful--they learn a lot and get a lot of support.

Thanks,
Kathy

Kathy-
Having Dr. Hendler review my records might be a good idea though, they are far from complete since I have given up explaining my problems with my doctor. She might be willing to listen to some suggestions. How would I go about having this work out?
It would be difficult for me to travel since I have a full-time job and a 15 month old baby.
I can't attend the conferences due to family obligations and job commitments.

Anonymous,

You would not necessarily have to travel--you could just sent your records to us. Feel free to send your contact information to me at info@mensanaclinic.com

Thanks,
Kathy