Thanks to everyone
 

Hi there. I am not really sure what the symptoms of late stage lyme are.

I feel that I have late stage lyme because I think that I have had this for years and didn't know it.

I have bad to severe numbness and pain from my hips down to my feet constantly. I have fatigue and I have the brain fog. There are other symptoms but those are the worst.

I would go to search and type in last stage lyme and see what you come up with.

All I know is that I feel so bad most of the time and I would love to be able to help someone.

Have you been diagnosed with lyme?

I am 41 and have felt bad for several years myself and finally the numbness came and I have been searching since then.

I had a Western Blot done and 9 out of the 10 that the CDC requires you to have before they acknowledge that you are a lyme case came back either positive or equivocal. I didn't have enough positive for the CDC to recognize it though.

I am trying so hard to get through this and I hope you find answers.

Let me know if there is anything that I can do for you.

Take care.

Maria

 

The people here on LymeNet are willing to share what they've had to learn about Lyme & Co-Infections.

You are so right.....at 40, you shouldn't be feeling so bad!!

Unfortunately, Lyme & other Tick-Borne Diseases (TBDs) like Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, & Bartonella are very complex illnesses.
Symptoms are similar in all TBDs & they also imitate many other illnesses.

Far too often, drs mis-diagnose cases of Lyme as Fibro, Chronic Fatigue, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ADD, etc, etc, etc.

Tick-Borne Diseases, like Lyme, can affect any part of the body, can come & go, and move around.

For a detailed list of symptoms - http://www.ocean-beach.com/_tick/tick_lymesymp.htm ("underline" before & after tick)

For a Checklist of 38 symptoms - www.ilads.org/burrascano_1102.htm
"Diagnostic Hints & Treatment Guidelines..."
It's 32 pages of excellent info.
Print a copy & highlight facts, write in the margins, underline, etc to make it easy to find specific facts again.

Symptom List - page 9
pages 4-5 & 20-24: Co-Infections (Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Bartonella)

Also, at www.ilads.org
print "Basic Info" - 3 pages of facts everyone should read.

Do you remember a tick bite?
Did you have a rash after the bite?
Did you have flu-like symptoms 3 yrs ago?

Have you taken antibiotics for anything like ear or sinus infection & noticed your symptoms changed...either better or worse?

I know I sound nosey, but more info would help people form opinions & make suggestions. Answers are strictly optional.

Read "Bartonella Alert". http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/008362.html

For reliable info on any aspect of TBDs
"Links for new LymeNet members" http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/009342.html

I'm not a dr, but I highly recommend that you be evaluated by a Lyme Literate Med Dr (LLMD) - ASAP.
Almost all their patients have Lyme &/or Co-Infections, so they have a special insight into the problems of diagnosis & treatment.

Go to Seeking a Dr here on LymeNet & put your location in the title.
Drs' names are not given here unless they've given permission, but info will be e-mailed to you.

There is an outstanding LLMD in Springfield, MO. Read "What do you like about Dr C?" http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum3/HTML/004140.html

There are a couple good LLMDs in Texas, too.
(Not sure where you are in LA. Don't remember your home town & can't check it while typing my response.)

At the left, click Support Groups & check for your state & surrounding states.

Please ask as many questions as you need to. We'll do our best to help you get the medical care you need.

As I said, at the age of 40, you should not be saying "If this is all that life has to offer then I want out."
Keep in touch.
We care & we'll do everything we can to help you.
 

When I was first diagnosed, I was diagnosed with chronic lyme.

I was unable to stand for long periods of time (usually more than 3 minutes would force me to sit down).

I also had an irregular heartbeat, excrutiating pain in bones and joints. Brain fog was so bad that I couldn't concentrate on the TV or read for more than 10 minutes at a time. I suffered insomnia, fatigue, fibromyalgia, numbness, hives, several bulls eye rashes, depression, weight gain, headaches and mood swings.

I WAS A MESS!
There were many times when I couldn't think clearly and felt like a breathing sack of potatoes.

With my doctors help and a great support system, I made it through and am now an active member of society once more.

By the way, lyme causes fibromyalgia and not the other way around. Fibro is a symptom of several diseases, including Lyme.

Make sure you get an agressive treatment.... you'll be doing a lot better real soon. I promise! Take it from someone who has been given a second chance at life!

Best wishes.
 

My opinion is that "late stage" Lyme is considered neurological Lyme. In times past, Lyme was separated into 3 stages with neuro sx being third stage. Now we know that Lyme can become neuro immediately. Neuro sx are the most difficult to treat because antibiotics do not pass the Blood Brain Barrier easily.