Hi all: I am in the process of working with my GP to rule out RA vs. Lyme. I had a red bullseye rash on my left calf last summer, and have since had irregular bloodwork and a host of symptoms:
Elevated sed rates Elevated C Reactive Protein rates Low grade fever stiff muscles joint paint fatigue anemia
I have a history of Graves disease (2001) that was treated with meds and has been in remission for 2 years. I have had an endoscope and colonoscopy to rule out Crohns, Celiac disease, etc. since I have the anemia issue. My initial RA test was borderline. Lupus tests were inconclusive and subsequent complements tests were normal. My ELISA test was EQUVOCAL so I am returning this week after almost a year of testing for the Western Blot test.
Questions: Can the lyme cause anemia? I don't have the typical swollen and deformed joints of RA.
Are there any other tests I should request for the Lyme testing other than Western Blot?
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
welcome newbie!
thanks for the detailed info you furnished us!
you might want to check into lyme co-infections. in the 60 page newbie package i just sent you, look for Betty's LDA BROCHURE, on page 6; i showed all the co-infections in LDA's brochure with the symptoms & treatment.
Betty G's LYME/TICK BROCHURE with LDA info plus other stuff from Betty including: lyme books, support groups, lyme/co-infection illnesses, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, hunting/gardening ... how to dress; how to remove ticks, etc.
i don't know about anemia; i'll pass to others; we have many dozen RNs here as well.
read pages 7-8 for IGENEX western blot testing and I showed additional testing I had....OPTIONAL for others! good luck.
you'll get more replies during daylight hours! Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
Yes especially if you have coinfection of babesiosis. Get a LLMD
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
If you had the rash and weren't treated, I'd guess it's Lyme. I'd get to an LLMD asap.
You need the Western Blot by IGeneX.
I would also suspect babs because of the anemia.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by arc35476: I am in the process of working with my GP to rule out RA vs. Lyme. I had a red bullseye rash on my left calf last summer
A bullseye rash in itself is DIAGNOSTIC for Lyme disease....end of discussion.
Find a good Lyme specialist [go to Seeking a Doctor here on Lymenet] and be sure to get tested for Lyme and BABESIA through Igenex Lab in CA. www.igenex.com
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
