posted
I officially feel like an obsessed freak after spending the last few weeks cruising the Internet.
A question (thanks for indulging me): I was told that I had a positive ANA which is indicative of lupus OR another rheumatological condition
Could LD be that rheumatological condition? I really don't have any of the sxs of lupus? I was trying to determine if the ANA is similar enough to an ELISA to count?
I had a bite 3 years ago...since then, symptoms consistent with LD. Have been given dx of MS by PCP, neurologist said no MS, LLMD said probably LD.
Western Blot should be back in a few weeks. Many thanks! You all are so wonderful during such a hard time. Insanely yours, Julie
Posts: 23 | From Lee's Summit, MO, USA | Registered: Sep 2004
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Please understand I'm not just trying to throw links at you because I know you want direct answers to your own situation.
If you have had a tick bite "with" or "without" the Bulls eye rash, you definitely could have Lyme & it can affect the ANA according to my brief research.
My lab values from Rheumatologist were pretty weird. I think he was glad to see me go & never come back.
He just labeled me with mild reactive arthritis, but didn't say what I was reacting to.......(LYME)
There are so many experienced folks on this board who can help you better than I can.
You'll find the answers.
Take Care, Jan
Posts: 602 | From Burleson, Texas, USA | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
Thanks, Jan. I sure appreciate any guidance I can get! Those links were helpful.
To further complicate matters, I already take methotrexate for psoriasis. To any other psoriasis sufferers out there, did you notice any change in it? I am usually clear with the mx and haven't been since I was treated with 8,000 mg/prednisone in 2 weeks last Oct.
Yes, you read that right. 8,000 mg of steroids for optic neuritis. I am afraid I may have really done myself in.
As always, many thanks and kind regards. Julie
Posts: 23 | From Lee's Summit, MO, USA | Registered: Sep 2004
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You mentioned the Methotrexate didn't help your psoriasis-------very sorry.
I went to high school with a girl who had psoriasis, but hers was not life threatening. It was still pretty bad & no fun.
I thought I'd leave this site with you about Lomalux Psoriasis.
You've probably already heard about it or perhaps your psoriasis is too severe for this; so disregard if it's not for you.
Years ago I saw a medical program with the dermatologist who invented this stuff. It was very interesting. This Doctor worked a long time to perfect this.
He found potassium bromide was the missing link for some patients.
rosesisland2000
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2001
posted
quote:Originally posted by Jules17: A question (thanks for indulging me): I was told that I had a positive ANA which is indicative of lupus OR another rheumatological condition
Could LD be that rheumatological condition? I really don't have any of the sxs of lupus? I was trying to determine if the ANA is similar enough to an ELISA to count?
If you begin your journey to learn about this very complicated bacteria (spirochete), then one of the first things talked about when discussing the history of LD is the fact of a cluster of children in Lyme, Conn that had way too many children being dx'ed with arthritis (rheumatologic, definitely).
So, yes, there is a definite association of Lyme and arthritis...and maybe all arthritis is caused by this bacteria or one similar.
ANA and the ELISA test we are talking about here, are two different birds altogether. the ELISA here being spoken of is the LYME ELISA test.
quote:Originally posted by Jules17: I had a bite 3 years ago...since then, symptoms consistent with LD. Have been given dx of MS by PCP, neurologist said no MS, LLMD said probably LD.
Go to this link and see all the misdiagnosis given to the posters who posted there.
You'll see that you are not alone in given so many dx.
quote:Originally posted by Jules17: Western Blot should be back in a few weeks. Many thanks! You all are so wonderful during such a hard time. Insanely yours, Julie
Are you really seeing a REAL LLMD or just a doctor who states that he treats Lyme? There is a BIG difference, BIG!!!
posted
Mo, I know...the steroids are, in particular, what I am worried about.
I was dxed with optic neuritis last October on a Friday afternoon. I had NO vision in my right eye. The neuro-opth said the treatment was 7 days @ 1000 mg/ml a day, then an oral taper.
Enough steroids to kill a horse, as my PCP put it.
I just haven't felt right since. Hmmmm...wonder why??
Posts: 23 | From Lee's Summit, MO, USA | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
Oh, I forgot the importance of why I put that I was dxed on a Friday afternoon.
The treatment was to begin Sat. a.m. at 8 a.m. so I no chance to do any research or get a second opinion!
AARRRGH!
Posts: 23 | From Lee's Summit, MO, USA | Registered: Sep 2004
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rosesisland2000
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2001
posted
Yes, Jules, you are seeing a real LLMD.
He is my LLMD, as well as my daughter's and her two daughter's.
He's the best and be sure and take a good look-see at his handouts...they, too, are so informative.
I, too, had an elevated ANA during the time I was searching for what was wrong with me and seeing multiple doctors for several years before seeing the symptoms list and got clinically dx'ed by my PCP, 9 months later was my first visit to Dr. C.
My only wish is that I could've found him before I was put on Rocephin by my PCP...for he would not have put me on that awful drug.
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