LymeNet Flash: Could my friend have Lyme?

This is topic Could my friend have Lyme? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by agszafran979 (Member # 7069) on :

With my concerns about Lyme, I've been reading quite a bit about it. I have a friend who suddenly developped OCD at age 13 or so and has been on various drugs ever since (Prozac, Luvox, etc) to control it. About that time, she had a serious eye infection that was difficult to treat and affected the vision in one of her eyes permanently. She also has had a wierd sort of flaky, bleeding, red rash on her hands since then. She's very emotional, and loud noises and strong smells make her "feel like she's gonna pass out" she claims. She's also prone to bouts of nausea and feeling generally ill, which she blames on the Luvox. She sleeps 11-12 hrs a day but is still tired during the day. Her face is generally red-cheeked ("malar rash"?) despite the fact that she almost never drinks alcohol.

Junion year of college, she developed a foot-wide, red, burning rash on her backside and back which she blamed on an insect bite. It went away after a few weeks when she was given some sort of cream (cortisone?). She's also had some wierd illnesses, like the time when she started coughing for no reason and spit up some blood.

After that, she was tested for TB, HIV, chest xray, and normal blood work. Everything came back normal. No Lyme test, though, since she lived in DC at the time and Lyme probably isn't *considered* a big problem down there. She grew up outside of Boston and in Philadelphia, where Lyme by all accounts is endemic. Should she at least get tested for Lyme by a lab that gives a complete report of the Western Blot results? I'd hate to see her ill if she doesn't need to be.

-DS

Posted by tabbytamer (Member # 3159) on :

Dear DS,

You friend really needs to see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD) for proper diagnosis.

Based on the symptoms you told us, it certainly could be Lyme. Especially that rash she developed on her back. Did anyone happen to take a photo of it?

Here is a newbie link, check out the Seeking a Doctor link for info on finding an LLMD:
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/029917.html

Please continue to ask for help here, okay? And let us know how your friend in progressing.

[This message has been edited by tabbytamer (edited 27 May 2005).]

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

I agree you need to encourage her to get tested. Can you send her these links?

I definitely recommend Igenex for testing.

Tincup's Links for new members
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/009342.html

Dr. Joseph J. Burrascano's Guidelines http://www.ilads.org/burrascano_1102.htm

Rose's 15 Facts for Newcomers http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/011977.html

Camp A and Camp B http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/021395.html

Abbreviations for Lyme-speak
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/020494.html

Making the most of your LLMD visit
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/020605.html

Success Stories http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/022173.html

Western Blot explanation: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/022767.html

The cause and spread of Lyme http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/032259.html

More info: http://www.ilads.org/

Lyme Wars http://www.wildernetwork.org/Lyme_Wars.html

Lyme Disease State Info http://www.lymeinfo.net/support.html

http://www.anapsid.org/lyme/matthewgoss/index.html

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oops!
Lymetutu

Posted by oxygenbabe (Member # 5831) on :

She's more likely a victim of PANDAS--i.e. chronic strep. Google it. A lot has been written about it. Penicillin would be the answer.

Posted by sapphire (Member # 4599) on :

it could also be explained by heavy metal toxicity in her body or by severe allergies to chemicals and food.

candida could also be responsible for some of these symptoms as well .
she ought to be tested by a homeopath for chemical sensitivities etc