I�m new to this board so thanks for taking the time to read my post (I�ll keep it short).
In summary, I started to develop a 'generalized' fatigue/mind fog sometime last year, and things seemed to have progressed from there. I have been experiencing random bodywide twitching (comes and goes and is all over, not just one area), shakiness, anxiety, sore throats, joint pain, and a very disruptive TMJ disorder that seems to extend all the way down to my neck. The doctors (I�ve been to my general physician four times, and an ENT twice) are chalking this up to seasonal allergies, but I�m thinking it�s something a tad more sinister (we know when something�s going wrong with our bodies).
I�m a 26 male with no family history of any neurological disorders, I�m not experiencing any muscle weakness (so to speak), so I�m wondering if this could possibly be lyme�s. I grew up in the upper Midwest and definitely spent my fair share of time outside and in the woods. What do you guys think?
Also, due to the fact that blood tests are sometimes inconclusive, would it be wise to maybe start a dosage of cat�s claw (heard it helps with a lot of things � including Lyme�s) before getting a clinical diagnosis/recommendation from the doc?
Thanks everyone, J
Posts: 4 | From Chicago | Registered: Sep 2012
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Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323
posted
I'd try to get a proper diagnosis before self- treating. I'd consult with an LLMD (you can post to find one in your area) and an environmental medicine doc. If you're having sinus problems it could be a number of things.
If you're going to test for Lyme (and co-infections which are very important because some of the symptoms are like Lyme), at this point you want to do what's called an antibiotic challenge.
For various reasons the body just stops making the antibodies even though you have lyme. You take antibiotics and it helps your body make the antibodies (I took them for a month), then do the testing. Mine came out glowingly positive after this.
Long before I got infected with Lyme, I had a massive toxic exposure from new construction. This produced ALL the symptoms that you just described. I need to avoid all toxic chemicals, fragranced items and VOCs or the symptoms get worse.
Here's a search engine to find an environmental medicine doc:
For me, a Naturopathic Doctor was able to sort out a lot of my health issues. I had been seeing the conventional docs for 2 years without help and I started to improve after the toxic exposure by working with an ND.
ND doc search (there's a good description of each doc's specialties in your area when you do a search): http://www.naturopathic.org/
Good luck!
Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012
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posted
Thanks Guys, just posted in the doctor area.
And real quick, is there any danger with taking Cat's Claw anyways in the meantime (given that I can buy it over-the-counter at the vitamin shoppe)?
I heard it boosts your immune system, and can help with joint stiffness, ect..
Posts: 4 | From Chicago | Registered: Sep 2012
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Lymedin2010
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34322
posted
This sounds like the symptoms I have too & I was bit on the head. I have other symptoms as well.
To me that is clear cut Lyme, for which the tests are unreliable in detecting anyways.
Posts: 2087 | From NY | Registered: Oct 2011
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Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
Some people do Buhner herbs until they see their doc. Book: Healing Lyme (Stephen Buhner).
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
If you look at pages 9-10 of the Burrascano Lyme Treatment Guidelines (below), you can see a good list of lyme symptoms. I believe all of your symptoms are listed there. They are common lyme symptoms. So, it could very well be lyme.
If it is lyme, the only thing that really helps is to get to an excellent lyme doctor and be treated. It can take time. The longer you wait, however, the longer the treatment generally will be.
It is not easy to stop the progression of lyme disease. For example, the second lyme doctor I went to just had me on high dose amoxicillin. That did not keep the lyme from progressing. While on that treatment, I got trigeminal neuralgia.
So, this is one tough bacteria. That is why I don't have much hope that cat's claw will help you.
I once got to ask Dr. Burrascano about my case (getting the trigeminal neuralgia while being treated.) He said, "If the therapy is inadequate, the disease will continue to progress."
You will read in Burrascano's Guidelines that lyme is a disease of the nervous system. That is why it can cause every single symptom you have named. Whatever nerve it decides to attack, that nerve will not function properly. It can cause pain or other strange sensations.
"It is clear that in the great majority of patients, chronic Lyme is a disease affecting predominantly the nervous system." (page 4)
If it attacks the optic nerve, vision is affected. If the auditory nerve, hearing is affected, etc.
You would do well to study the Burrascano Guidelines and learn about lyme disease. I doubt it will turn out to be a waste of your time.
Until you are properly treated, you will just continue to notice more and more symptoms and worse and worse of the symptoms you have. It can come on gradually and take years to debilitate a person.
You can learn a lot by reading on this forum also. Glad you found us.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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(What ILADS is) . . . WHY you need an ILADS-educated, Lyme Literate Doctor - starting with assessment / evaluation. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Two different books to consider while you wait for an appointment with a LLMD:
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- When considering herbal / nutritional / adjunct methods:
if at all possible - because each person & each case is different - it's best to consult with an ILADS-educated LL (lyme literate) doctor who has completed four years of post-graduate medical education in the field of herbal and nutritional medicine -
- and someone who is current with ILADS' research & presentations, past and present.
Many LL NDs incorporate antibiotics (depending upon the licensing laws in their state). Some LLMDs and LL NDs have good working relationships.
When possible, it's great to have both a LLMD and LL ND and even better when they have a long-standing professional relationship.
Integrative / Holistic M.D., etc. (Be aware that those in this category can have various levels of formal herbal &/or nutritional education, perhaps even just a short course. Do ask first.)
Links to many articles and books by holistic-minded LL doctors of various degrees who all have this basic approach in common:
Understanding of the importance of addressing the infection(s) fully head-on with specific measures from all corners of medicine;
knowing which supplements have direct impact, which are only support and which are both.
You can compare and contrast many approaches.
BASIC HERBAL EDUCATIONAL & SAFETY links,
BODY WORK links with safety tailored to lyme patients,
LOW HEAT INFRARED SAUNA detail,
BIONIC 880 (& PE-1) links, and
RIFE links. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
Hey everyone - Much appreciated the very, very informative responses.
TF - Looking for a Lyme doctor, and are definitely not looking to cure this on my own, if in fact this is lyme.
Keebler � I actually already take a daily dose of fish oil (along with daily B, C, D, E vitamins), but will look into magnesium as well. Also, I plan to get that book you mention. Thanks for the tips.
I�ve started with the claw.. 1000mg twice daily, and will move up to 3 times daily. I�ve taken about 2000mg total since yesterday and feel super �woozy� and a bit queasy (kind of like a general dizzy feeling) � is this normal? Does the herxing usually start so quickly?
Thanks again, all!
Posts: 4 | From Chicago | Registered: Sep 2012
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