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From: The Pard
Remote Name: 64.228.101.126
Date: 08/30/02
Time: 10:39:57 PM
Hi Shawn,
It is possible that you picked up an infection almost anywhere, including in the operating room or from an endoscopy after the surgery.
Just because the tests you have had do not detect something to treat does not mean that you are not infected.
Mycoplasma and chlamydia can escape all but the most sophisticated PCR test. Staph Aureus and Enterococcus can be called low level contaminants and be ignored on culture. Helicobacter of a strain other than Pylori can be present and not show up with blood or breath Urease tests.
You might have more luck with general blood tests to detect an excited immune system. Sed Rate, C Reactive Protein, Antinuclear Antibody, White Blood Cell Count and Rheumatoid Factor will likely show some elevated numbers if an infection is present. Until these titres return to normal, you still have a problem
Since you had so much improvement with Amoxicillin why not start there but with a longer course and maybe even add doxycycline to cover the bugs that are not affected by penicillin based meds. You might have to be on them for longer than your doc believes is necessary. You blood tests can be repeated to see when it is all cleared up.
Of course, your doctor is trying to turn off your immune system with cortisone instead of finding and treating the cause of your discomfort. You can't stay on the inhaler forever. You could carry this problem for a long time if it isn't properly treated. It might be time for a new doc if this one isn't willing to do some testing.
If your doc has better ideas, ask to hear them.
Good luck