LymeNet Flash: Dx: Fibromyalgia vs. Lyme

This is topic Dx: Fibromyalgia vs. Lyme in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by Mary C. (Member # 17284) on :

I was Dx. with fibromyalgia in 2003. I am 48 years old and retired due to an on the job injury. About 53 difference meds in different combinations later I continue believe there has got to be a better answer. Maybe I am wrong. 3 or 4 times tested for lymes, one was positive but never treated for Lyme.

Are these two misdiagnosed for one another often?

Can someone give me some direction on physicians in my area? Loudoun County Virginia.

Thank you for your time.
Mary C.

Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :

I was also diagnosed with Fibro right around the same time and I finally got my Lyme Diagnosis in 2006. I was positve on a Quest test (which is rare) and Igenex.

If you really want an accurate test you need to use a reliable lab like Igenex, Stoneybrook. You also need a doctor that is able to read the tests.

You may want to get copies of all of your Lyme tests that you've already had. The pres of our state Lyme association later found out she had EIGHT positive Lyme tests before a doctor diagnosed her with Lyme.

I hope you can sort this out!

Posted by hurtingramma (Member # 7770) on :

I was also diagnosed with FM first. It took my daughter getting sick with Lyme and encouraging me to see her LLMD that led to the Lyme diagnosis. The syptoms are very, very simalar.

Find a lyme literage MD quickly.

Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :

My lyme doc said that lyme causes fibromyalgia. He used to have fibro and treated many fibro patients. Then, he started testing them for lyme and 100% of them were positive for lyme, as was he.

He now treats fibro patients for lyme and they get rid of their fibro. I have sent a number of fibro patients to lyme docs and they all got rid of their fibro, including one on Social Security disability for fibro.

See this article also:

http://www.canlyme.com/fibrocfslyme.html

Good for you for not settling for a fibro diagnosis which is really just a description of symptoms, NOT a diagnosis.

Get a good lyme doc who will send your blood to Igenex (a tick speciality lab in California) to REALLY test you for lyme and the co-infections that come with it.

Then, you will find out what diseases you really have.

Also suggest you read the Dr. Joseph Burrascano lyme treatment guidelines and become more educated on this disease so that you will know what good lyme treatment looks like. They are here:

http://www.ilads.org/burrascano_0905.html

You can contact Virginia lyme support groups (see left side of page) to get the names of some good lyme docs near you. You may have to travel.

Wish you the best!

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

Read my FM story below! You said you had one positive Lyme test....that's all you need!

Yes, the best testing is thru Igenex Lab. You can call and ask for a test kit. Take it to your dr and ask them to draw the blood.

Do it early in the week so it doesn't sit around in the post office........

OR>......Go directly to a real LLMD, who will do all that FOR you.

I'll send you some names of drs in your area.

welcome!! [hi]

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

Read this:

http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=071536;p=

Posted by adamm (Member # 11910) on :

YOu have Lyme-no question about it.

Check out lymecryme.com and lymeinfo.net

Posted by candlequeen (Member # 17054) on :

I wasdiagnosed with fibro before Lyme.

Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :

yes, i was diagnosed 1st with cfs and later fibro, and finally 34 yrs. later with correct dx of chronic lyme !!!

Welcome; i'm so glad you found us!! You've come to the right place for education and support!

Fyi: we have over 1000 viewers daily; 200 - 400 posting/replying; so specific titles get our time/replies. non-specific ones, i sob, scroll on by!

Also, please be very specific in the subject line what you will be discussing so more people will be able to assist you.

Dr. Burrascano's most recent "Diagnostic Hints and Treatment Guidelines for Lyme and Other Tick Borne Illnesses" @
http://www.ilads.org/burrascano_0905.html
suggests that you discuss with your doctor continuing treatment until you are symptom free for 2 months.

this link, making the most of your LLMD visit, may help you also.
http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=020605#000005

please see BettyG's newbie package info on the link below; click on link at bottom of my package. Check it out as time permits for you!
@ http://tinyurl.com/58eyou

lots of detailed info on western blot igm/igg blood test and igenex details in my above newbie package link!! check out table of contents on finding it! [Smile]

glad you found us.