I am a 52 year old female, and have a cottage on the north shore of Lake Erie, near Port Dover.
I have found several ticks on my 2 dogs, and last fall was bitten by something that caused a rash that lasted for several weeks, went away and then came back. I had a bad flu shortly after but thought it was just a virus.
This March I woke one morning with very stiff fingers in both my hands. My leg joints are also very stiff, especially in the morning, or after sitting any length of time.
I have ringing in my ears, and have had a stiff neck for a few weeks, but not any more.
I also have throbbing in my ears at night, like I can hear my heart beating.
Recently I've had pains in the bottom of my feet (sharp pains) and my hands are swollen and bruise very easily.
I have also been experiencing memory problems and have trouble concentrating. I walk into a room and forget what I was going there for.
My doctor has done a lyme test (sorry, not sure which one)a rheumetoid arthritis test, and lupis, and all came back negative.
I would really appreciate knowing how I can get tests that are more reliable. Also, is there harm in asking my local GP for treatment, even if my tests are negative?
Thank you for your time.
Kathleen Mansfield
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Private message sent with PA info only.
Member still needs NY info.
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Welcome to lymenet!
Lyme testing should be done through Igenex lab in California.
test #188 and #189, western blot for lyme IgM and IgG.
You can do a search of prior posts on the Medical Questions board to read more about Igenex..or post your Medical Questions on the Medical Questions board so many people will see them.
Also check out the Quick Link to Popular Topics at the top of the Board.
You can ask your GP to treat you, but chances are very good that even if he did, he would not treat you long enough, with high enough doses or eval you for coinfections.
Posted by cheffer (Member # 28737) on :