I am wondering if Lyme symptoms can remain mild for over a year. I may not be able to find a doctor covered by my insurance. If I have to pay out of pocket, I want to be sure that Lyme is a possibility. I am just looking for opinions.
Last year, I started feeling weak, nauseous and occasionally light headed or dizzy. My symptoms are not excruciating at all. Occasionally, my legs ache.
I have had LOTS of blood work done. My antibodies were high, so the doctor ordered a Western blot. It was negative. I even saw a rheumatologist. Who, just in case, prescribed one month of Doxycycline. My condition did not improve, while on the antibiotic. My last appointment with my doctor, I was told to try acupuncture.
Thank you!
Posted by beths (Member # 18864) on :
Redo the western blot after your doxy-it may turn positive.
But Lyme can be very mild-till something happens, then it blows up
Posted by t9im (Member # 25489) on :
What were the band readings of the Western Blot?
If the MD didn't ask in advance then you should have it re run (and of course IGeneX may not be covered by your insurance).
Symptoms can develop over time or something can be a trigger.
Posted by disturbedme (Member # 12346) on :
Yes, lyme can remain mild. For some people, it's always mild. For some, it's extreme. It all depends on the person and their immune system and sometimes even the bacteria load and what other diseases the person might be carrying in their body (other co-infections, viruses, paraistes, etc., etc., etc.).
By the way, it's lyme not lymes.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Did you feel worse while on the doxy??
Do you have reason to believe it's Lyme?? Tick bites?? exposure to pets with fleas, ticks? Been hiking?
By "antibodies" do you mean you had a positive ELISA test??
Posted by bcb1200 (Member # 25745) on :
Mine was mild for over a year. I had muscle aches and dizziness as my primary symptoms. Then all hell broke loose.
I would find an LLMD ASAP.
Posted by Lovin'Life (Member # 31335) on :
Thank you again for all the info. To answer a few questions:
Tim, I am not sure what the band readings are for Western Blot, but this is what was on my chart: B. BURGDORFERI IGG AB=Negative, B. BURGDORFERI IGM AB=Negative 18-KD, 23-KD, 28-KD, 39-KD, 41-KD, 45-KD, 58-KD, 66-KD, 93-KD, 30-KD were all Non-Reactive. Then shows 23-KD again as reactive
Lymetoo, I did not have any changes in the way I felt while taking doxy. We do lots of camping and have 2 dogs. We did have fleas a few years back. I only know of on tick bite for sure, that tick was tested negative for Lyme. My husband is also an avid hunter, who has brought ticks home on his clothing.
The antibodies test was a �LYME disease antibody screen� the result simply says �positive�. I just recall the doctor saying my antibodies were high.
I am planning on calling some Infectious Disease doctors in Madison, that my insurance cover. I will ask them their views on Lyme/Chronic Lyme. Hopefully, one of them will work out for me!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I think you are referring to the ELISA test being positive. You can take that to the bank. Don't let anyone tell you that it's a false positive. Not possible.
Infectious disease drs are useless .. but you will see.
If you want a real dr, post in Seeking a Doctor and someone will help you.