for the last few years i have suffered dizzy spells lightheadiness memory loss(shortterm) extreme light sensitivity and strange flashing pressure in my head, stiff neck vertigo feeling like im going to black out at times major fatigue.i also feel like im drunk when i havnt had a drink.i have had many tests (not lyme) because i didnt know about lyme or what it was.My doctor after doing c.a.t. and m.r.i scans as well as various blood tests basically thinks im crazy and says i need to calm down because he thinks that i suffer from depression and anxiety.after reading up on lyme alot of my symtoms seem to match .does anyone know what i shoud do i really need to get better not just live with this. especially when i dont even know whats wrong.im only 28 years old.
thanks mike
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Posted by Lymerayja (Member # 6839) on :
You are correct that your symptom pattern is typical of Lyme. If your doctor has truly done a thorough differential and ruled out other physical illness (including severe migraine, heavy metal poisoning etc), then I would guess that the chances that you have Lyme are fairly good.
Some of the members who have been here longer than I have can let you know where to find a very useful post which lists dozens of excellent sources of information. (Sorry, I don't know where to find that post!)
Lyme is a clinical diagnosis and negative blood tests (which commonly occur in confirmed Lyme for a whole variety of reasons, including the insensitivity of the testing protocols which are most often used)do NOT rule out Lyme.
Are you in Canada? if so, there is a website www.canlyme.org which is very helpful. The Canadian campaigners will be able to put you in touch with what we call a Lyme-literate doctor (LLMD).
Tragically the facts about Lyme - how widespread it is, how to diagnose it, how serious it is, and how to treat it - have been spun and distorted massively for political reasons.
That's why ordinary doctors end up believing that the set of symptoms you have described, plus a negative result on routine bloodwork and scans, means there is nothing wrong, and the patient must be a hypochondriac or delusional. You know what you are feeling, and you know it is real. Photograph any symptoms that can be photographed and try to get to a Lyme-literate doctor as soon as possible - even if you don't remember a tick bite or bullseye rash, which occur in less than half the cases, no matter what the spin docs say.
Lisa
quote:Originally posted by rizzman: for the last few years i have suffered dizzy spells lightheadiness memory loss(shortterm) extreme light sensitivity and strange flashing pressure in my head, ....
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
Newbies List 2005
WELCOME To LYMENET
Here's more goodys! A typical response to newcomers.
Hi and WELCOME! Get a LLMD or at least Dr that is willing to learn about lyme. "Lyme literacy" means, first and foremost, knowing how to diagnose the disease accurately. Borrelia Burgdorferi is a clinical diagnosis, based on symptoms and on your response to treatment. Good Luck, bumpy road ahead. Lyme Disease symptoms 2005 Lyme Symptoms 2005 Post for a LLMD in Seeking a Doctor. Ps remember I am not a Dr, just a fellow sufferer. Support Links LLMD's
A copy of this is stored in computer Help section.
Updated 04/22/2005
Posted by zipzip (Member # 6226) on :
if you are bc (as in british columbia) www.canlyme.org is a wonderful website, as pointed out.
they can assist and guide you to a physician who will be willing to acess your situation per qua lyme and decide if medical intervention and treatment will be necessary.
lyme tests are often negative, unfortunatley.
you should also read about tick borne co-infections, which are becoming more prevalent and need to be addressed in order to make a full recovery.
