posted
I'm waiting for my very first Lyme titer test to come back next week. I'm very anxious while waiting and was hoping to see what everyone thought about my situation:
Last fall/winter after my physical, my blood test showed a very low white blood cell count. Several subsequent tests showed it still low, but slowly rising. Since my mother has Lupus and I have episcleritis (an eye condition that can be linked with Lupus) my PCP sent me to a specialist for a lupus eval. The eval showed a positive ANA, but she felt that I did not have Lupus and that was the end of it. Last week, I broke out in a blotchy, hot, slightly itchy rash that I took Benadryl for, with no result. The next morning, I woke up with a numb, swollen face. It continued for three days, with the blotches fading first followed by the swelling. The skin on my face still feels thick and is sarting to flake. My PCP did a titer test and put me on Tequin and Allegra. The Allegra gave me no relief so I stopped taking it. Since the visit, I've looked into your website and have found that Lyme is often misdiagnosed as Lupus and was wondering if that is mainly because of the joint pain, or if it has to do with blood test results (i.e. ANA and white blood cells). Also, I've found that episcleritis is linked with Lyme and was wondering if there is a strong correlation. Does this sound like Lyme? Any advice?
posted
I don't know if there are any other symptoms. I love to sleep, I'm a little spacey and lethargic, but that may just be me. Anything specific I should be looking for?
Posts: 2 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
well there are a bunch of symptoms; they could overlap with so many other diseases...but I wouldn't rely on blood tests. Lyme is more of a clinical diagnosis..based on symptoms. Take a look at this: SYMPTOM CHECKLIST
This is not meant to be used as a diagnostic scheme, but is provided to streamline the office interview. Note the format -- complaints referable to specific organ systems are clustered to better display multisystem involvement.
Tick infested area ___ Frequent outdoor activities ___ Hiking ___ Fishing ___ Camping ___ Gardening ___ Hunting ___ Ticks noted on pets ___ Other household members with Lyme ___ Do you remember being bitten by a tick? No ___ Yes ___ when ________ Do you remember having the ``bull's eye rash?'' No ___ Yes ___ Any other rash? No ___ Yes ___
Have you had any of the following? CIRCLE ALL YES ANSWERS
Unexplained fevers, sweats, chills, or flushing Unexplained weight change (loss or gain -- circle one) Fatigue, tiredness, poor stamina Unexplained hair loss Swollen glands: list areas _______________________________________________ Sore throat Testicular pain/pelvic pain Unexplained menstrual irregularity Unexplained milk production; breast pain Irritable bladder or bladder dysfunction Sexual dysfunction or loss of libido Upset stomach or abdominal pain Change in bowel function (constipation, diarrhea) Chest pain or rib soreness Shortness of breath, cough Heart palpitations, pulse skips, heart block Any history of a heart murmur or valve prolapse? Joint pain or swelling: list joints _________________________________________________ Stiffness of the joints or back Muscle pain or cramps Twitching of the face or other muscles Headache Neck creaks and cracks, neck stiffness, neck pain Tingling, numbness, burning or stabbing sensations, shooting pains, skin hypersensitivity Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy) Eyes/Vision: double, blurry, increased floaters, light sensitivity Ears/Hearing: buzzing, ringing, ear pain, sound sensitivity Increased motion sickness, vertigo, poor balance Lightheadedness, wooziness, unavoidable need to sit or lie down Tremor Confusion, difficulty in thinking Difficulty with concentration, reading Forgetfulness, poor short term memory, poor attention, problem absorbing new information Disorientation: getting lost, going to wrong places Difficulty with speech or writing; word or name block Mood swings, irritability, depression Disturbed sleep -- too much, too little, fractionated, early awakening Exaggerated symptoms or worse hangover from alcohol
Posts: 588 | From Wallingford, CT USA | Registered: Sep 2003
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