I recently started with severe like flu symptoms this past July. Afetr much testing, 3 weeks ago I was told by my PCP that I had Lyme disease and he started me on 100mg of Doxy 2x per day for 20 days. Because I have not been feeling better, he refered me to an Infectious disease specialist which I saw this morning.
After 18 days of Doxy, I am suffering with night sweats, severe body pain near and around joints, burning sensations all over, stiff creaking / clicking neck, to name a few. I have 2 days left on my Doxy.
The infectious disease specialist I saw today said NONE of my symptoms are related to Lyme at this point and that his worst Lyme patients showed no symptoms after taking several days of Doxy. I have been out of work 3 weeks and am at a dead end. I was perfectly healthy up until July, and all other blood work and tests for parasites etc have come back negative. I have no other medical conditions. I had 6 out of 11 bars on the Lyme test.
Will I improve in time? Where can I get a doctor in NH? If I'm unable to work, I lose my job, then I'm done for.
Thanks in advance Posted by JesseSapp (Member # 16630) on :
How were you diagnosed? Was it a western blot? If so, and the test result was positive, then it is highly likely that you have lyme disease that has been undertreated.
Of course, lyme disease is not the only condition that can cause the symptoms you are having. Your liklihood of lyme disease would depend on your risk factors. But, it would be important to know what testing has been done and what the results are.
Regardless, you should likely see a LLMD for a second evaluation.
Posted by Briannh (Member # 17555) on :
It was a Western Blot they did to determine I tested positve. They said I have been fighting it for at least 3 months, possibly more.
Posted by JesseSapp (Member # 16630) on :
Then I would venture to say that the treatment you were placed on was inadequate and you need stronger antibiotics (i.e. a more appropriate dose of doxy) and for a longer course of treatment. Regardless, you need someone who specializes in lyme or deals with it frequently.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
You have Lyme and have been under-treated. Your ID doctor has not seen many bad cases of Lyme because he ignores them, just like he is yours.
You need to see an LLMD, Lyme literate MD. You have Lyme, you have Lyme symptoms, you have a positive Lyme test, and you are experiencing a Herxheimer Reaction.
Please watch this congressional video as it thoroughly explains why you were undertreated. Do what you can to get more doxy to hold you over until you can get in with an LLMD ... preferably 200 mg twice daily.
Yes, you need to find a real LLMD!!! I'll send you some names.
You could also have babesia, a coinfection of Lyme.... That would explain the night sweats, though the sweats could occur with Lyme too.
Also.. I agree that you've not been given enough doxy to clear the lyme. Not even.
Posted by Briannh (Member # 17555) on :
Thank you all for the quick replies and IM's...
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
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.
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 Posted by kelmo (Member # 8797) on :
Read through Betty's newbie package, it's a wealth of information.
It does sound like you have babesia, so follow Lymetoo's recommendations and get to a doctor who can adequately treat you.
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
How can anyone tell exactly when you acquired this infection?
Unless you remember a tick bite, they must be psychic.
Run as fast as you can away from the ID duck.
Find a LLMD and get on with the business of getting well.
In the meantime, request a copy of all of your blood work including the WB.
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