LymeNet Flash: Could it have been lyme?

This is topic Could it have been lyme? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/96386

Posted by Tomiss (Member # 24493) on :

I'm looking to get some opinions on whether or not I had Lyme when I was serving in the military.

I had all the symptoms (sore joints, flu like symptoms, neuro issues, etcc..) when I was in the Army 4 years ago.

I had a rash at the base of my hair line and a itchy scalp. They did a lyme test and these were the results:

Lyme Disease Ab = .94

Western Blot 66kD Ab present, 23kD Ab IGM present

The Dr. stated that she could not rule out Lyme but I was never treated. Since then I have had persistant and worsening symptoms.

I was in an parachute accident the same year as the lyme test and just figured most of my problems were from the jump injury.

In 2008 I had a pos ELISA and was treated with doxy for 30 days.

In 2009 I had a pos ELISA and CSF and was on IV for 28 days.

2010 my western blot had 8 IGM bands present and 2 equivicol and my IgG had 3 pos and 2 IND.

I am trying to get the lyme connected to my service in the military if I was infected during my service and they never treated me.

I wanted some opinions on my first blot and lyme AB while in the Amry?

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

I would say it is very likely you've had Lyme all this time!!

I'll be back with a link.

Western Blot Explanation
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/42077

Bands 23 and 66 are specific to lyme.. nothing else could have caused those bands to show up!

Print out the above link and read it several times.

PS.. I hope you are being treated by an LLMD?? Lyme Literate MD...

Posted by Tomiss (Member # 24493) on :

I have seen ID Docs with no help in the past. I have an appointment on Thurs with a Dr. that was recomended by LDA.

I am not sure if he is an LLMD but the recomendation made me feel good. He also takes my insurance.

I did call and he said he does treat post lyme syndrome (chronic lyme).

Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :

print out the green booklet from http://lymepa.org great primer of tick diseases and great list of the symptoms they can cause.

good luck...the VA doctor stink when dealing with lyme. If they (military docs) lable you with something else (my lable was/is MS) take it...It helps with getting a higher disability rating.

It didn't matter that all I wanted was to get better. Just play their game.

Posted by Tomiss (Member # 24493) on :

Thanks for the info. Great website.

Posted by littlebit27 (Member # 24477) on :

DMC-that's the military with any situation-just play their game. Take what they give you and RUN!!!!

But that also seems true in the real world. For pain purposes if someone would DX me with fibro or RA maybe I couldn't control my pain without being made to feel like a drug addict.

Tomiss-Yeah it definitely sounds like you were infected while in the military. I would be willing to bet that MANY if not MOST of the military is carrying Lyme disease, symptomatic or not. As much time that is spend in the field or shooting ranges covered by trees I wouldn't doubt it at all.

Get to see that LLMD and get some longer treatment.

And post lyme syndrome is CRAP. I would be really leary to go to a doctor who's office told me they treated post Lyme syndrome. Or an office (that I called the other day) that keeps referring to it as LymeS. I wanted to scream there is NO S!!

Good luck, I hope you get the treatment you need.

Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :

In case you haven't been here
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MilitaryLyme/

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

I sure hope you don't mean that this LLMD believes I post Lyme syndrome! Technically, there is no such thing... only ID drs believe in it.

Posted by Tomiss (Member # 24493) on :

I was with my PCP when he called to make my appt and that was how my PCP asked if they will treat me.

I will find out on Thurs. if he is a LLMD and how he will treat me. If he is not my co-pay is only $12 so no harm no foul and my search will continue.

Thanks for all the feedback and some good info too.

Posted by susank (Member # 22150) on :

Curious what labs tested you?

Posted by Tomiss (Member # 24493) on :

The military paperwork doesn't show which lab did the testing. I do remember them telling me they needed to send it to Walter Reed hospital.

Posted by Tomiss (Member # 24493) on :

Forogt to add, my recent WB was done at Igenex