In the spring of 2002 I had a tick on the back of my neck. I didn't know it was a tick, i felt it at work and it felt like a bump. Three days later i scratched it off and it was a tick.
I never had a rash so I never thought anything of it then in March 2003 it hit me. I was walking at work and all of a sudden it felt like I had the flu, I was weak, had a hard time walking, my memory was shot and I had alot of cognitive problems. Since then my neck, arms, legs and feet have been in pain. My feet and calfs burn. My neck is constantly sore and stiff. The list goes on and on.
Anyway a doctor dx me with fibromyalgia however I do not think I have fibro since I do not have any of the tender spots you are suppose to have with fibro.
So I have been looking for a doc that will give me a second opinon however living in a small town, non of the other docs will go against the one that said fibro. arrggh!
Well enough about that, I'm sure my story sounds like a thousand others out there. Just wanted to say hi to all and hope everyone is doing well.
Thanks for listening.

------------------
Sue.
 

I'm no dr, but from what you've said, you sound like you probably have Lyme and/or co-infections (like Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Bartonella).

I highly recommend that you see a Lyme Literate Med Dr (LLMD) for an evaluation - ASAP.

Usually, almost all their patients have Tick-Borne Diseases (TBDs), so they have the expertise that is necessary to diagnose & treat adequately.

Also, IF it's Lyme disease, the earlier the treatment, the better the results.

Generally speaking, the vast majority of drs were given little info about Lyme in med school & they don't read a lot about it because they've been told it isn't a problem in their area. That's why you need an LLMD.

Also read "Camp A & Camp B" to understand the opposing views about Lyme. http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/018709.html

Your story is similar to so many others here on LymeNet.
Sounds like the same "Lyme song" - 5,284th verse.

For reliable links on every aspect of Tick-Borne Diseases, check "Links for new Lymenet members" Lots of great stuff to read. http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/009342.html

Print "Diagnostic Hints & Treatment Guidelines..." - 32 pages of excellent info! www.ilads.org/burrascano_1102.htm

Be sure to read about Co-infections.
about page 4-5 & 20-24: VERY important!

Also, go to "Seeking a Dr" here on LymeNet & ask for info on LLMDs near you. Be sure to put your location in the title to catch someone's eye.
Can't emphasize this enough, even though it will mean you'll have to travel some, hopefully not far.

You deserve an accurate diagnosis from a real expert. Don't waste your time, energy, & money going to the wrong drs.

Where do you live?

Again, welcome to LymeNet.
Please consider yourself part of the group, & feel free to ask as many questions as you need to.
Often, people answer by sharing what they've learned from experience.
Most have made a point of reading & learning as much as possible.

The people here on LymeNet helped me get my health back. I'll forever be grateful.

 

I have 16 of the 18 trigger points but anywhere you touch me hurts anyway...

My rheumatologist says that MOST of my symptoms are NOT FMS related.

Make sure you post for a LLMD in 'Seeking a Doctor' and everyone who knows of someone in your area will email you with doctors.

I've only been around here for a few months now and have learned SO much!

 

When I told him I didn't have those symptoms, he said you have the fatigue don't you.

I too didn't think that was the answer.

To make a long story short, I am now being treated by a lyme specialist which is 4 1/2 hours from my home.

The only way you will know one way or the other is to see a LLMD.

Other suggestions for locating one are via the www.igenex.org or contacting the LDA (Lyme Disease Association).

I contacted several resources while looking for answers and noticed the same doctor's kept getting mentioned for my state.

If you contact Igenex or Bowen labs, they may be able to tell you which doctor to call regarding getting a prescription for a test done at their labs while you are waiting to see the LLMD.

Sometimes it does take a while to get into see one.

Looking back. I wish I had gone to a lyme specialist first thing and started treatment.

Instead of it taking at least 18 months to find out what the name of that semi truck was that ran me over.
 

BTW - When I first went to my LLMD they kept telling me I was "one of their fibro patients". For the first couple of months I didn't really care what they meant, but then I started to wonder. When I asked my dr told me that I had fibromyalgia as well as Lyme disease. Turns out Lyme Disease is one of the few known actual triggers of Fibro. In other words, you could have Fibro, but that doesn't mean that you don't have Lyme as well!
 

The others have given you great advice, I just wanted to say welcome!!!
cootiegirl
 

------------------
Sue.