I am new here, and like many of you thought or were told you had MS, ALS, etc. and that Lyme disease was not possible. I have been suffering from bad muscle twitches for over a month. Since I live in Florida, all Doctors immediately dismiss Lyme disease saying its not possible.

Through the help of another member here, Carol, who suffered many of the same symptoms I have and was told she had ALS, actually had Lyme disease!

Has anyone found a good Dr. in the SW florida area that can Dx this correctly.

Eveeryone else dismisses it as nerves or anxiety. (a nice way of saying... :I don't know what's wrong...)

Thanks!!!
-Frank
Naples, Florida

Welcome to Lymenet.

We're so glad you found us, but sorry to hear your having undiagnosed symptoms.

Others from Florida will be responding as soon as they possibly can.

You probably already know everything from Carol, but just to be sure------ make it a point not to take any steroids as they will further depress the immune system.

Also, if you develop a Bulls eye rash after a tick bite, take a picture of it & save that picture forever.

(Most folks don't have a rash or don't recall one, but can still have Lyme.)

You can also post in Seeking a Doctor on front page; or, send an e-mail by cicking on Lyme Disease Association in left hand corner.
Go to Physician Referral.

Don't worry about testing. The diagnosis is made by an LLMD based on symptoms, history & physical exam. It is a clinical diagnosis.

Eventually, he'll want to do testing, but that's just to support diagnosis or for insurance purposes.

No test can prove 100% positive for Lyme Disease-----always remember it's a symptom-based diagnosis.

Later, the LLMD will check you for symptoms of tick born co-infections such as Babesia, Erlichiosis, Bartonella; and other infections such as mycoplasmas, etc.

Ignoring any co-infections will halt your progress in fighting Lyme. The symptoms overlap with those of Lyme Disease (LD) so it makes for a very complex case.

Keep asking questions as we're ready to help.

I'll send some links to website in next post for you to review.

It even has suggestions for making the most of your first Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD) visit.

The key to preserving your health is to find an LLMD. And be sure and arm yourself with plenty of knowledge about Lyme Disease.

Lymenet has tried to make it a little easier for you with all the links to websites.

Best Wishes,
Jan

Here are Tincup's Links For New Members:
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/009342.html

Thanks,
Jan

[This message has been edited by RECIPEGIRL (edited 05 September 2004).]

[This message has been edited by RECIPEGIRL (edited 05 September 2004).]