Hey I'm really really new here...doctors/fam are pretty darn sure it's lyme but no diagnosis has been made yet. My question is, does Lyme weaken immune function? I came down with either a bad cold or the flu over the weekend and I'm concerned as to whether b/c of Lyme I'm more at risk for complications or stuff like that. Like I said I'm really new to this so I don't know much about it, but we're all learning right?
thanks
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
Absolutley Yes
Posted by char (Member # 8315) on :
Welcome,
Catching every bug that came along was among the kids and I first symptoms.
Lyme attacks immune system first to get a foothold, being the evil bacteria it is. Treatment will help get you on track.
You have come to a good place.
We all were very overwhelmed trying to learn at first. A little research (reading here) every day was and is my way.
Best Wishes,
Char
Posted by jggrl (Member # 9470) on :
thanks, it's good to know i have this to come to, and great to know i'm not alone Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
YES! lyme can weaken your immune system.
Mine was below normal before I started treatment. Now after several years of treatment it is normal again for the first time in 20 years.
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
There are some people who believe Lyme suppresses the immune system so you are less likely to trigger an immune response. This means you are actually less likely to have the symptoms of common colds, etc.
But people all seem to react differently. I had undiagnosed lyme for 17 years, since I was 12. I really wasn't incredibly unhealthy. In fact, I never had strep throat, had an extremely light case of chicken pox after Lyme (doctor said just enough pox to be immune), kicked my allergies, and I never ever get a fever.
Lyme treatment can trigger the immune response though. My LLMD put me on a viral suppresant when I started treatment, so latant viruses wouldn't be triggered.
Posted by duke77 (Member # 5051) on :
quote: There are some people who believe Lyme suppresses the immune system so you are less likely to trigger an immune response. This means you are actually less likely to have the symptoms of common colds, etc.
I believe this pertains to me. I rarely have ever gotten sick in my entire life. I do believe I had Lyme for a very long time too. It makes sense being that Lyme effects the b-cells which make the antibodies to the pathogens.
I have read that people who don't get sick actually have a weaker immune system they are just not making antibodies.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
Welcome; I believe I sent you by PM, private message, my newbie links when I noticed you had joined the group, so I won't repost here.
Spend a lot of time reading TREEPATROL'S NEWBIE LINKS especially Dr. B's 2005 LYME TREATMENT GUIDELINES. You'll learn a lot from there, and he's our no. 1 LLMD, lyme literate MD!
Posted by Lisianthus (Member # 6631) on :
duke ----
What you said makes alot of sense to me!
Posted by jggrl (Member # 9470) on :
Thanks a bunch guys. I went to the doctor and good thing I did 'cuz i have a mild form of 'walking pneumonia'. Good thing it was caught before it developed into worse! have a great day
loves!
Posted by jbgoth (Member # 5567) on :
I have probably had dormant lyme for many years.
I had tons of colds and sinus infections.
However, ever since i started to develop lyme symptoms, i havent had ONE cold. Its really weird. I would welcome a cold at this stage.
Hope you feel better soon.
Jordan
Posted by jggrl (Member # 9470) on :
thanks jordan
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by duke77: [
I have read that people who don't get sick actually have a weaker immune system they are just not making antibodies. [/QB]
I agree!! Now that i am getting better, I do occasionally come down with a 'bug'....I never got sick with bugs before my Lyme treatment.
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