I was diagnosed last year after my 4th case of "viral meningitis" in 20 years. The first case was when I was 20-before the invasion of tick bites(over 30)in rural Oklahoma. My WB was positive with elevated IgMs in 3 bands. This year, I have experienced 7 acute inflammatory responses including myositis, laryngeal edema, pulmonary edema and Headaches that NOTHING could stop the pain except steriods. Since then, I have been diagnosed with Common Variable Hypogammaglobulinnrmia. I am now getting IVIG once a month but I have developed neuropathy, severe muscle weakness and pain and muscle atrophy in my dominant arm. I am seeing a neurologist. My CSF was positive for oligoclonal bands but T2 weighted images (MRI) of my brain showed a few spots in my white matter. My neurologist is stumped. However, I did get treatment last year Doxycycline for 6 weeks and WB was still positive. Can Lyme's cause oligoclonal bands and spots on MRI? Can Lyme's cause muscle atrophy and progressive muscle weakness? I have since developed hypertension, dependent edema and severe pain in my joints and muscles but rheumatologist says I don't have arthritis. Any help would be appreciated!
Posted by Paul Mall (Member # 27581) on :
Lyme cause everything you mentioned.
I am new here so I will let the true experts fill you in on the details. (stand by)
have you been to a LLMD? 6 weeks doxy is not nearly enough to get rid of lyme
Paul
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I would think ALL of that could be from the past 30 tick bites. ALL of it.
And they made it worse by prescribing steroids for you. Nothing we can do about that now...so let's move on and help you find a Lyme specialist.
YES, Lyme can cause brain lesions. I'm not sure about the oligoclonal bands. Lyme syptoms DO mimic MS sometimes. I'll give you some links on that.
Rheumatologists and neurologists typically know NOTHING about Lyme disease testing and treatment....so leave all that to the experts.
Go here to post for help in finding an LLMD. .. Lyme Literate MD.
Be sure to watch the video right above my words first.
PS.. 6 wks of abx will not cure anything except disease from a VERY recent tick bite.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
up for more help!
Posted by galehane (Member # 15437) on :
remember bartonella ,too Gale
Posted by elizzza811 (Member # 24713) on :
Those symptoms could be due to Lyme or one of the coinfections, but I'd definitly look into EHS, too. That might explain why you were bitten in 1994, but didn't get sick until recently.
You poor thing. Yes, Lyme can cause all of that!! I feel for you.
The VERY BEST thing you can do at this time is to go see an excellent Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD). Otherwise you are just wasting your precious time. No matter how fancy their title or their credentials, if they have not been ILADS trained and are not Lyme Literate, you will never get your answers, and the treatment you need. Plus there are MANY co-infections that need to be looked into (and need totally different treatments). Only a LLMD will know what to look for. Best to you, Tammy
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Nothing we can do about that now...so let's move on and help you find a Lyme specialist.