I receive my Igenix test results next week. Believe it or not, I am actually hoping it will be positive. I'm sure anyone who reads this will be in disbelief but the reason being is that I have alot of the neuro lyme symptoms (along with having had the classic rash and other related symptoms) But the neuro symptoms, specifically muscle twitches and muscle pain and cramps have lead me down a terrifying path of als fears for five months since symptoms started. The neuro apt I had three months ago checked out but now I feel like I have 'clinical' signs of weakness in my hands (like with gripping and things feeling very heavy) and my neck even feels weird/weak. My question is: if Igenix is negative (and I know lots of people here have had negative Igenix tests but are still convinced they have Lyme)I know I will totally freak out so I'd like to know if anyone knows: 1)how accurate is Igenix considered (100%?) 2)can Lyme disease cause clinical weakness as in the symptoms I described above? Sincerely, Val
Posted by Troup Brazelton (Member # 6297) on :
can Lyme disease cause clinical weakness as in the symptoms I described above?
Absolutely! Drop the "clinical" as it isn't included in a dx. I've seen those symptoms before and a neuro will wait and wait til they get worse and then call it ALS and tell you there is nothing that can be done.
Keep taking the test if they show up neg. Find an LLMD and look for a "Clinical" dx. Get treatment for Lyme as that is the most likely disease you could have and do it as soon as possible.
Posted by Jellybelly (Member # 7142) on :
Weakness? Oh yah. I get so weak at times that lifting my baby grandaughter is nearly impossible. She will feels like she weighs 80 lbs. I have also had problems where my hand will just let go of an object I am holding with no warning at all. Dropped a full bottle of wine on a white tile floor once.
Lyme and other tick borne illnesses can cause just about any symptom you can begin to imagine. The reason being is, it eventually ends up in absolutely every region of your body.
The weakenss can also be due to just the fact that you have a chronic infection. Just like when you have the flu. I always explain to people how I feel, by having them think of the worst case of flu they can remember. Then imagine trying to function as a normal person when that flu NEVER ever goes away. It's even nearly impossible to make good decisions under those circumstances.
Every one of us, unless you thought Lyme right off has been through the gammet of all the tests for all the scary stuff. Try not to drive yourself crazy, and don't stress if you get a negative result. If you are seeing a good LLMD, he will just forge ahead with tests to rule other possible obvious things out and then begin treating for Lyme. As they say the proof is in the pudding. Emperical treatment is a way to find out if Lyme is an issue for you.
Really try not to worry and know you aren't alone in you fears, we have been there too.
Posted by jsnyde2 (Member # 7888) on :
My first symptom along with muscle twitching was muscle weakness. Both of my hands were weak and my left was so weak I couldn't hold a paperback book with it. It lasted about a month and went away. It was lyme.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I agree with the others on weakness. My muscles were wasting away. Still don't have much there. I've been on growth hormone for 2 yrs and it has helped alot. My pituitary gland is not functioning.
About that test. Don't feel weird that you want a positive. Many here felt the same way. They just wanted to know WHAT they have and Lyme seems to fit.