posted
almost 2 yrs ago my ordeal started with 2 numb fingertips......now it's both hands, all fingers, but worse in the tips. it reached a peak about 6-8 months ago and has just stayed the same ever since.
also a smattering of weird symptoms since this all started, including occ. nausea, achy shin bones and teeth, floaters, jelly like clear blobs on my eyes that blur my vision (I can see them and wipe them away), slight ringing in ears, some other things, and right now a "floaty" disconnected feeling in my head.
Other than the hand/finger numbness, things just come and go.
For the most part, i feel OK. I am able to stay active, training for a half marathon right now. I'm trying to recognize my limits and not push myself physically as hard as i used to.
I tested positive IgG and IgM on Igenex WB, had a pretty low CD57 (is that the right number?- the immune marker that is consistently low in chronic lyme), have a low vitamin D.
I've been diagnosed w/ lyme by a LLMD. I've been diagnosed possible MS, MS, and thoracic outlet syndrome.
Back in July 2005, I vacationed where i grew up (in Rhode island), visited Prudence island, which i since discovered is covered in deer and deer ticks carrying lyme. i found a black "bug" on my crotch in the shower and was so grossed out i immediately wiped it away, down the drain, never thinking about it being a tick, so ?????
i visited my MD October 2005 w/ a weired red rash in my crotch area that wouldn't go away, thought it was from cycling short chaffing.....she said "hmmm, weird, it's bilateral, spreading out in both directions.....?????......you probably use too strong of a soap" i stopped using the soap i had been using, switched to a mild unscentedone, the rash went away.
22 months later my finger numbness symptoms began.
i feel like a detective, but everything seems to be pointing to lyme, but i can't help worrying that i'm not sufficiently treating a possible case of MS.
So, anywho, here's my question: is it possible for my immune system to be strong enough to keep my symptoms at bay, keep me feeling pretty good? i read about some folks w/ very bad symptoms and think i'm doing pretty good.
Posts: 55 | From North Carolina | Registered: Dec 2007
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I would say the answer is YES- especially since I am another person who is not feeling so bad.
I have been told that Lyme can come in any degree of severity.
But I have also been told that the longer you go without treatment, the worse it gets.
Go see an LLMD- they will be able to help you determine if this is Lyme or not. If it is Lyme, you want to get on treatment NOW- while you are still healthy.
And in order to rule out Lyme, you have to go to a doctor who would be willing to consider it in the first place (an LLMD).
If you post in the "seeking a doctor" section, you should be able to get a list of LLMD's in your area.
Best of luck!
Posts: 503 | From Alberta, Canada | Registered: Jun 2009
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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
Lyme eats immune systems and eventially it will win. With lyme it learns your immune system and continues doing damage in its own time. It continues to spread and learn .
Time is on lymes side not yours.
Sorry Get treated.
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
posted
did almost 8 months of antibiotic treatment per guidance of llmd.........didn't notice a change postitive or negatve.
i know it can take a looooooong time of treatment, but i needed a break from the constant pills.
since stopping, i haven't noticed anything significant postive or negative.
i'm considering alternative herbal therapy based on steven buhner's protocol.
Posts: 55 | From North Carolina | Registered: Dec 2007
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feelfit
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12770
posted
Tracisuzanne,
Were you tested via Western Blot? Sorry if I missed that part of your story.
Waht I did not miss is that your tale parallells mine in evey aspect except that I was undiagnosed and untreated for 18 years.
Throughout those 18 years my 'unknown' symptoms waxed and waned. I continued to be a fitness athlete, personal trainer, competitive power lifter and competitive 10k runner.
Although I had symptoms to varying degrees all of those years: anxiety, rage, head pressure, numbness, fatigue, they were mostly all manageable. I continued to be athletic.
It was while on a run 18 years later that while 3 miles into it, I thought that I was having a stroke......it wasn't a stroke, but it was undaignosed lyme.
I have not been able to exercise since that day. My symptoms are no longer managable. I cannot drive....my point is, nip it now. Numb fingers are not normal, nor are several other symptoms that you have listed.
Get to a good LLMD. Pick a good one from the start, with a good reputation so you do not lose more time. And then treat until 2 months beyond the resolution of all symptoms.
Now is your chance. Good luck!
Feelfit
Posts: 3975 | From usa | Registered: Aug 2007
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