RA and lyme are very difficult to separate. Has anyone been able to do it?
Posted by thomasx (Member # 13431) on :
I know someone that went down the RA path. This person's RA doc said it kind of looks like RA, but not. When he told me his symptoms, I remember that had a bullseye on his forearm which he thought was a spider bite. I suggested that he get an Igenex test. He was CDC positive for Lyme. He has been treating the Lyme and has indicated that he's improving.
Posted by LightAtTheEnd (Member # 24065) on :
My GP suggested it and tried to send me to an arthritis doctor, because of my joint pain, but I refused to go because I knew that wasn't what it was.
Then I got diagnosed with Lyme by my LLMD.
Posted by WildCondor (Member # 434) on :
Many of us have been told we have RA based on the inaccurate blood testing most doctors do who do not know how to diagnose and treat Lyme.
It's basically a symptom indicator for Lyme...not a disease in itself. Something is CAUSING the RA..usually an infection like Lyme.
Posted by nspiker (Member # 22824) on :
I came to a lyme/babesia diagnosis, by way of Reactive Arthritis. Started on AP protocol for RA, and wasn't improving. None of the RA markers were positive, but now I know it's lyme arthritis.
My knee and ankle swelling has been getting better with babesia treatment. There are a lot of people with autoimmune diseases (see roadback.org) that find out they have lyme. Ultimately, lyme treatment cures the autoimmune response.
Posted by massman (Member # 18116) on :
A nurse that treats lots of Amish with lyme taught that RA is a stage of lyme.
Posted by dyna3495 (Member # 24126) on :
The RA reference I made was to indicate Rheumatoid Artheritis, and its laboratory diagnosis and later being infected with Lyme and company and what the specific difference in sympyoms might be.
Posted by nenet (Member # 13174) on :
dyna, there are many threads on this topic, so if you don't get much response in this one, do check the archives with a search and you will get plenty of info.
I was diagnosed with Rhuematoid Arthritis, but I was sero-negative at the time (not sure how I would test now).
It was a clinical diagnosis, based on bilateral swelling, redness, pain, and heat in the small joints and wrists of both hands, and my feet.
While chasing the RA diagnsis and treatment (and later an added Fibromyalgia and CFS and even possible MS diagnosis thrown in!), my Lyme arthritis (and other symptoms) worsened. The arthritis ended up in every joint I can think of, head to toe, including my spine.
My joint pain *and swelling* has greatly improved with Lyme treatment. I no longer have periods where I can't stand or walk. I can write again, type again, and even do artwork again.
The pain is still there, but it comes and goes, is not as bad, and is not nearly as debilitating as it was before I started Lyme treatment.
At its worst, my joint pain was exactly how I would imagine being tortured on "the rack" would feel. I was screaming and crying at the top of my lungs in agony.
So glad I didn't trust the diagnosis, and looked further.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
RA is overdiagnosed...since many have no clue they really have Lyme as the basis.
Im with you Nanet. Was in severe pain for over 10 years.They said I had RA I said I got bit by a tick.They would test me for lyme and they said I didnt have it. Finally found out about LLMD from the roadback.Best website ever.Started LDN with DR.H. Swelling has improved remarkably.I have a long road ahead but have improved 60% in a year.
Posted by dyna3495 (Member # 24126) on :
The question is how to treat both simutaniously, to minimize destruction of the synovial layer of the joints involved.
Posted by massman (Member # 18116) on :
Would you like a referral to a Lyme Literate Naturopathic Doctor in WV that has had very good success with some lyme patients ? She is about 30 to 40 miles from you ? PM me if interested.