I am in the beginning of my fight. My Lyme DX came in May of this year. At this time, unable to really identify the onset, in terms of a known tick bite, with a rash. In July of 2003 I woke up with a "bite". No recollection of any injury, on middle finger of left hand. Within days this bite/sore became very sore and I became extremely ill. I was originally treated for a BRSB, then later told it was a "herpetic Whitlow". Which is a sore that is in the viral family, shingles, herpes. I was treated with ABX for possible secondary infections. Given anti-viral drugs, pain meds etc.
I saw approx 5 md's, and had 1 trip to the ER. My symptoms were identical to the symptoms that presented this summer and led to a lyme test-DX.
From 2003 to the present, I have had issues. I had what was DX as "chronic sinus infections" sore throats, bronchitis, so on ABX a lot.
In Feb 2009 I had to have a prior cosmetic surgery redone, not by choice. I was given IV ABX, and a 9 week course of 2 ABX a cycline and amoxicillian.
For about 6 months, I felt better than I had in years.. full of energy, just felt amazing. By November of 2009, the symptoms returned. Fatigue, always sick, lots of aches and pains.
Started having heart palps, chest pain, night sweats, feeling wobbly, like I would faint. Seen in er with a follow up to my NP. DX- "Anxiety syndrome"; tests at er showed normal for heart. I did test very low on blood sugar, and raised white blood count. Np said nothing to worry about.
I was given xanex, told to eat sugar w/protein. Seen in Feb 2010 for a severe chest cold, wanted to hospitalize me, refused no insurance.
I did recover, but slowly, things began to change. I never agreed with the dx of anxiety. My heart would bounce, and i would lose breath at 3am, how can I be nervous when I am half asleep????
By March 2010, knew something was very wrong. I battled chronic fatigue, headaches, horrible joint pain. Figured everyone at 53 goes through this, just aging is all. Got so horrible sick in May, I HAD to see my NP. I had lost about 10 pounds. Could not get out of bed. I told her it "felt" like the same symptoms of my BRSB or herpes on finger, but no sign of any bite, rash, etc.. not that I could recall.
She suggested several tests, one was Lyme, WB. She started me on Doxy and Amox.
Test came back positive from Labcor in Tx. Lyme positive, no co-infections testing. Got better.. for a while.
Then sick again. Off ABX since end of July (she gave me another 6 weeks of ABX, oral Pen). Now, symptoms are constant. Unrelenting.
I am beginning to suspect that I got this back in 2003??? Any input, or opinions are appreciated.
The bite DID have a center, with a ring. It did get so horrible that by end of day 10 it was just like a huge open wound.
What would or could have caused me to flare up?
Could it have been steroids used in breathing treatments back in Feb?
I do not feel that my symptoms from the last year especially are just coincedental.
Constant sore throat, swollen glands, always "sick". Headaches, fatigue, joint pain. Horrible night sweats. Chills during the day, going from chills to freezing (all seasons) Sorry this is way too long lol.. I guess I am just trying to piece this all together..
Posted by hadlyme (Member # 6364) on :
Sounds like you have lyme & company. The night sweats/chills, joint pains and all. I have all those symp. too. Arm yourself with all info you can on all co-infections with this disease.
Are you going to a ILADS LLMD? Have you been tested for the co-infections?
You're on the right track. Many different drugs for all infections is what you'll need.
You will get better, but it will take time.
I never had a tick bite either. Not sure where I got it from... horse fly bite years ago that had a large swollen red circle on my leg. (1972~)
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
It all sounds like Lyme to me... been there.
Yes, steroids can start us on the downhill slide. It doesn't sound like you ever got enough treatment to kill this out.
The bite in '03 sounds like a tick bite ("The bite DID have a center, with a ring.") .. but even in the unlikely event that it was a spider bite... the bite itself could have reactivated the dormant Lyme.
Better get checked for coinfections too! The chills, sweats, headaches and fatigue point to babesia. Go to Seeking a Doctor to find a dr near you.
Thanks, I appreciate the response from you both. Seeing an Infectious dr on the 23rd Have an appt with a LLMD on Nov 29 So far every LLMD is booked for months, and don't think I can last too much longer like this. I have NOT been tested for co-infections...yet but I will, thats for sure.. Thanks for the info, and input, appreciated. I am going to try looking on my old computer I think I may even have pics of that bite so I can print and give to any new docs. I need to read and read more.. lol I been reading so much.. wow.. I am glad you "hadlyme" and how are you both now?
Posted by kimmie (Member # 25547) on :
We need more LLMD's. I hope the ID (IDiots) in Arkansas are more open minded than they are in Georgia. It has been a nightmare.
I truly hope you can get some antibiotics to hold you until you see the LLMD in Nov. Lyme and coinfections is very complicated and only a LLMD can effectively treat it.
Welcome to the group. We are all in this together.
Posted by bcb1200 (Member # 25745) on :
I don't recall a tick bite. I had 3 "spider bites" last year. Got bitten at night. I think they were spider bites as they were raised welts that itched. This is the only bite I remember.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by kimmie: ID (IDiots)
Hey, Kimmie... You stole my favorite dig at ID ducks!
No, I'm sure they're not any better in AR than they are in GA!
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