Sally, healthy 52-year-old women contracted Lyme disease. She was given a round of doxycycline for two weeks but her symptoms persisted. Over the next 12 months she remained on antibiotics to help with her joint pain and headaches. During this time, she began gaining weight and experiencing frequent bouts of stomach pain, bloating, gas and occasional diarrhea. She denied increasing her calories, though she did admit to not exercising much or taking her vitamins.
She also admitted to eating less salad and vegetables because they seemed to exacerbate her bloating and stomach pains.
Please describe which tests if any are abnormal.
How do you explain any abnormal results given the information above? What connections exist between those results and Sally’s age, sex antibiotic use, Lyme disease or any other information given? Be sure to explore connections between antibiotic use, cholesterol and Lyme Disease.
What other tests would you like to do to help with your diagnosis? Explain Why.