Both of my knees now are painful much of the time. I started antibiotic treatment in August 08. My primary care doc took an x-ray of my right knee since that is quite swollen. I told him my left knee also hurt but since it is not swollen I guess he ignored that. My x-rays came back stating I had arthritis in the right knee and bone spurs. How can one tell the difference between lyme arthritis and just plain old regular arthritis? I have tested negative twice for lyme, but not with Igenex. I was bitten about two years ago, did not have a a bull's eye. My LLMD feels that I have Lyme. What are your thoughts?
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Sorry your knees are bothering you.
More times than not I hear of Lyme arthritis without swelling. So having an "unswollen knee" isn't unusual for Lyme.
It is only unusual to doctors who know not what they do.
If you have a true LLMD.. and he/she feels it is Lyme...
My thought is I would have to agree.
Hope the knees feel better soon!
Posted by Wonko (Member # 18318) on :
I don't think my arthritis fits the normal Lyme description, but then again, it seems there is very little "normal" about this disease.
I have widespread joint pain and stiffness. It is bilateral and worst in my ankles, knees, and hands. It is bad in the morning or any time after I've been still. Exercise helps.
My rheumie told me those traits are hallmark of inflammation. I don't have any signs of mechanical arthritis, where the bones are rubbing.
It seems no two cases are alike. I've also tested negative through 2 ELIAS and a lumbar puncture (which was not performed with primary intent to test for Lyme). I'm still waiting for my Igenex results.
No real advise here, just offering my experience to demonstrate the variety of joint problems.
Be well.
Posted by carly (Member # 14810) on :
As far as I've been able to understand it, as explained to me by competent rheumie llmd, it is the cause is what tells you how it's different.
That is, when talking about lyme arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis looks totally different on xrays.
BTW: People will get osteoarthtritis in their 70's, younger if they have had an injury, like a sports injury.
If your llmd feels you have lyme, you must be displaying more symptoms.
A diagnosis is made by clinical symptoms, not a blood test.
Again, this is my understanding of how things were explained to me. I have tried to repeat them clearly.
Carly.
Posted by groovy2 (Member # 6304) on :
Hi All--
I did not have swelling in joints ether-
Take Glucosamine Sulfate --it rebuild cartilage- (it HAS to say Sulfate on the bottle )
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)