knowledge of the illness. Thanks!
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
yes, i'd suggest getting a western blot igm and igg blood test drawn and sent only to
IGENEX, CALIF. see my newbie package links for DETAILED instructions for igenex! it's $200 perpay!
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
Do get to a Lyme Literate Doctor (LLMD)...stay away from the Cleveland Clinic.
You need the proper test done by a lab that specializes in Tick diseases.
There are other diseases a tick carries.
To help you: download/print out the green booklet from http://www.lymepa.org The last pages have the symptoms the diseases can cause.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Hi and welcome - I did not have any symptoms until three months after the bite. So yes, you can have symptoms occurring later.
It's real important that you go to someone who's experienced in treating Lyme, like the doctors connected with ILADS.
You will not get the right tests and answers from those who do not specialize in Lyme diagnosis/treatment.
You can post in the SeekingADoctor section here ad receive referrals to LLMDs in your area.
In the meantime, you can start studying the info about Lyme and how it's diagnosed/treated.
Btw, many of us have visual disturbances. I have personally found alleviation of almost all my eye symptoms from drinking mangosteen juice, an anti-inflammatory juice.
There are lots of brands; I drink the Ultra mangosteen one, with 70 minerals added. If you try any mangosteen juice, go slowly and drink a lot of water also.
Posted by JJJ77 (Member # 19274) on :
I have done some research but the one question I
can't seem to get answered is...Does the
severity of the tick bite have any
relevance? I was able to pull the tick off and
there was just a little red dot where it was?
Truthfully, I didn't think anything of it at the
time.
Posted by JJJ77 (Member # 19274) on :
I am sorry for being rude. I didn't even
say...THANK YOU ALL for
the information!!!
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Most of us never saw the tick that got us.
It helps to have seen the tick, but
Based on a known tick attachment with
Possible signs/symptoms of Lyme disease
It would be best to find a LLMD in your area.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
The bite has nothing to do with how ill you become. Symptoms showing up months later is very common.
The spirochetes take over your immune system and then you begin to crash.
Please do not stop until you get a Western Blot thru Igenex. Ask for test #188 and 189. Like bettyg said, it will cost around $200. Worth every penny to save your life!!!
Lyme Disease Symptoms List 1. Unexplained fevers, sweats, chills, or flushing 2. Unexplained weight change--loss or gain 3. Fatigue, tiredness, poor stamina 4. Unexplained hair loss 5. Swollen glands: list areas____ 6. Sore throat 7. Testicular pain/pelvic pain 8. Unexplained menstrual irregularity 9. Unexplained milk production: breast pain 10.Irritable bladder or bladder dysfunction 11.Sexual dysfunction or loss of libido 12.Upset stomach 13.Change in bowel function-constipation, diarrhea 14.Chest pain or rib soreness 15.Shortness of breath, cough 16.Heart palpitations, pulse skips, heart block 17.Any history of a heart murmur or valve prolapse? 18.Joint pain or swelling: list joints_____________ 19.Stiffness of the joints, neck, or back 20.Muscle pain or cramps 21.Twitching of the face or other muscles 22.Headache 23.Neck creeks and cracks, neck stiffness, neck pain 24.Tingling, numbness, burning or stabbing sensations, shooting pains 25.Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy) 26.Eyes/Vision: double, blurry, increased floaters, light sensitivity 27.Ears/Hearing: buzzing, ringing, ear pain, sound sensitivity 28.lncreased motion sickness, vertigo, poor balance 29.Lightheadedness, wooziness 30.Tremor 31.Confusion, difficulty in thinking 32.Diffculty with concentration, reading 33.Forgetfuiness, poor short term memory 34.Disorientation: getting lost, going to wrong places 35.Difficulty with speech or writing 36.Mood swings, irritability, depression 37.Disturbed sleep-too much, too little, early awakening 38.Exaggerated symptoms or worse hangover from alcohol
Posted by JJJ77 (Member # 19274) on :
I just read that steroids are no good if you
have Lyme. I am not convinced I have Lyme yet
but was given IV steroids and an oral taper!! I
am officially starting to freak out:(
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
-
Are you off the steroids now? Don't ever stop steroids cold turkey whatever you do.
When you call for the LLMD appointment, be sure to tell them.
No need to freak out, just do the best you can to take care of yourself and the LLMD will guide you from there.
-
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
The presentation of the tick bite varies from bull's eye rash, to some reaction, to nothing at all.
The first one means Lyme for sure, the second is in the gray area, and many people, including myself, had no reaction to a tick bite, yet we contract Lyme too.
It's best if you don't do steroids, as it weakens the immune system.
As Keebler said, don't freak out - just keep educating yourself here and see a Lyme-treating doctor soon.
Posted by JJJ77 (Member # 19274) on :
Thank you all so much!! I am going to a LLMD April 14th!!
This Dr uses Igenex and the test will be done that day! I will keep you posted.