I'm trying to find a Dr. in San Diego that knows Lyme pretty well. Been fighting a host of symptoms over the past year, and they seem to be getting worse. Don't quite know what to think. It started with four weeks of a hack cough, followed by two weeks of brain fog, a numb foot, then twitching all over my body, pins and needles sensations in my extremities, cramps, weakness in my arms and legs ...it goes on and on. Occasionally I get bad headaches that I never had before. I also get some weird sensations over the right side of my face and down below (groin area). My arms and legs feel sore either individually or on occassion all together. The fatigue is the tough part now, just get worn out very easily. Anyways, been to three military neurologists and had every test under the sun (MRI, CT, EMG, bloodwork, etc.) only to be told "I have no clue". Very frustrating. I have been told everything from possibly MS, Lupus, ALS, to "it's all in your head" and "your just depressed". Was told straight up that if I keep seeing Dr.'s they might kick me out of the service - so unfortunately I'll have to see a LLMD on my own dime.
I'm not saying I have it, but I would like to rule Lyme disease out before moving on. I never had any definitive tick bite or bullseye rash, but I spent time camping and 4wheeling in the woods of Northern California for approx a year before these symptoms arrived - understand these places may have ticks that carry this disease.
I have msg's into a Dr. S.H. in Long Beach. His office has not returned my call as of yet. I live in San Diego, but I don't mind a little drive to try and find some answers. Also, what do you guys know about contagiousness of this disease? I have a wife and two week old son that I really don't want to get sick.
I appreciate you taking the time to read this.
James San Diego
[This message has been edited by Jaymz (edited 13 May 2005).]
Posted by David95928 (Member # 3521) on :
James,
The symptoms and circumstances you describe are very suggestive of Lyme disease. The rate of infected ticks in northern California is very high. The doctor you name is very well thought of and pursuing that angle is a good bet.
One thing though, as you may have picked up, Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment are controversial and there has been some persecution of the docs who treat it aggressively. Therefore, it is the custom here to not post full names (not that I'm sure that offers any real protection). Please edit your post to the effect of "Dr. S. H. in San Diego." You can do that by clicking the notepad icon at the top of your message.
The issue of sexual and in utero transmission is another controversial topic but, as it's cleary blood-borne, it seems like a real possibility. For the time being you should consider using barrier protection, just in case.
The"Medical Questions" discussion board is more active and you might want to explore and post there. It's packed full of information. Good luck. I wouldn't wish Lyme on anyone but it's better than some of the alternatives such as MS and ALS, which are both well known misdiagnoses.
David
[This message has been edited by David95928 (edited 13 May 2005).]
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 Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Big clue...."It's all in your head." ...Must be LYME then!
Hope you can get in to see the LLMD soon! Get that Western Blot test from Igenex and you'll be on your way to recovery. It won't be easy, but you can get well.
oops!