I suspect I have had Lyme Disease for 5 years, but am just learning that all my health issues are potentially Lyme disease symptoms. It was all initiated 5 years ago by what I thought was the flu, but then never fully went away.
Symptoms starting the last 2-5 years: - New, multiple allergies to pretty much anything - environmental- molds,trees,grasses,weeds - New food allergies and sensitivities - Low thyroid (somewhat borderline) - persistent fatigue - aching muscles - depression - low iron, zinc, magnesium, D
Symptoms starting a year ago: -Ear ringing - irritability - low on all my B vitamins and cellular energy components
Symptoms in last 8 months - unexplained rash that only went away with doxycycline (but not with other antibiotics) - stiff neck and headaches - extreme mental fog - Premature Ventricular Contractions - menses completely and suddenly stopped with 2 weeks of persistent hot flashes - higher level of fatigue, feel ill all the time - hearing loss - skin burning/sharp prickling sensation after bath
Recent Lyme screen was positive but Western Blot negative so PCP ruled out Lyme and is done with me. Not sure what lab did the tests.
Needless to say, I am desperate and on the verge of tears perpetually because I am frustrated with the situation. I have been through several docs who tell me I am fine. Appreciate direction for finding someone that can help.
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Until those from MN come along, check out Support Groups on the left side of the page. Contact all those for your state and surrounding states.
MN has an active lyme group. They should be able to give you names of doctors and tell you who are the best.
If you have not yet done so, I suggest you read the Burrascano Lyme Treatment Guidelines to get an education on this disease. They are here:
They are permanently kept at the top of the Medical Questions forum here on LymeNet. Pages 9-10 are a list of common lyme symptoms.
Regular doctors are miseducated and ignorant of lyme disease. Everything they think they know about the disease is wrong.
If you got a positive on the lyme screening test, you have lyme. The Western Blot misses about half the cases of lyme.
So, you now have your diagnosis. Get to the best lyme doctor you can afford and your health can turn around.
I had undiagnosed lyme disease (and babesiosis and bartonella) for at least 10 years before it was diagnosed. That was a LONG 10 years going from doctor to doctor looking for a diagnosis and help. I was also told that I was "fine." That's how lyme patients get treated until they find a doc who specializes in this disease.
But, with good Burrascano style treatment, I got rid of these diseases. It is now 10 years since I completed my treatment. I have the same life now as I did before lyme disease.
Welcome to LymeNet! Stick around, read, ask questions, etc. We will help you here all we can.
Sorry I don't know the docs in your area. If you want to write to me privately, I can give you the name of the medical advisor for the Minn. Lyme Assn. She will help you find someone good I am sure.
Just click on the envelope icon above my post to write to me privately.
Good for you for finding LymeNet and asking for a doctor here.
Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :
Welcome to Lymenet! PM sent for MN.
You need to be evaluated and treated by a Lyme-literate doctor (LLMD). Non LLMDs have no clue about this horrible disease or its complex treatment!
They are far and few between, unfortunately. You need to go where they are.
Also, most LLMDs do not accept insurance due to the politics surrounding this horrible disease. Read poster TF's explanation, "Why Lyme Doctors Don't Take Insurance":
Btw - please break up your posts into 2-3 sentence paragraphs, as there are people on Lymenet who cannot read large blocks of text due to neurological problems from Lyme. Thanks.
Posted by goose (Member # 45410) on :
Private message me if you have an questions. I just had my first visit with an LLMD here in the cities. She seemed very good. I will provided you with whatever you need.
Posted by Lissa4811 (Member # 45668) on :
I'm also looking for a LLMD in the twin cities area, but to confirm positive test results I already received from another doctor (I'll share her info if requested) I'm going to PM you, goose :-)
Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :
Lissa4811 - Welcome to Lymenet! PM sent for MN.
You should write a new post instead of adding on to an existing one. That way, more people will see it and respond, because most do not re-read old posts.