posted
Hi. I have never been diagnosed with Chronic Lyme though I've been sick for 10 years. I have done much reading, and I have sought treatment. All routine tests came back negative for Lyme. But the exposure was certainly there as I used to hike extensively with my dogs and pulled many a tick from them and from myself.
Do these symptoms seem like Chronic Lyme Disease?
I feel sick, generally, to a greater or lessor extent, 70% to 90% of the time.
-General flu like symptoms -GFLS- (feel sick all over)
-with these GFLS, incredible fatigue (unable to function - get up, go back to bed, etc.)
-horrible, unique stench from flatulence and bowel movements -BMs- (so distinctive that when my wife smells it she knows I'm having an episode) and many, loose BMs. This stench (along with frequent BMs) is a major, defining symptom of mine, and I wonder if anyone else has experienced this symptom.
-extreme irritability
-mental issues, depression, of course, and memory issues, and a tremendous inability to focus and motivate myself.
I get my medical care at the VA, and I was lucky enough to be able to convince my Doctor there to try an antibiotic treatment for Chronic Lyme though he was restricted from mentioning CLD in my medical records as it is not an approved diagnoses.
But more about that in a later post.
Right now I'm wondering about these symptoms, especially the stench emanating from my bowels during an episode, the frequent loose BMs, and if this has been experienced by others.
Posts: 81 | From Rhode Island | Registered: Nov 2010
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lululymemom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26405
posted
Many times in long term chronic cases a test will come back negative even if you have the disease. The body simply does not create the antibodies any longer. You should still find a good LLMD (seeking a doctor forum) If your doctor has already started you on abx, now is the time to get re-tested (through Igenex) because you may have provoked the antibodies with the use of abx.
It sounds to me like you're dealing with Lyme and Bartonella.
On the C.diff possibility, I doubt it, I had my stool tested and nothing there. Plus this smell and symptom only comes along with all the others. It is not a stand alone symptom.
I'm on the waiting list of a good DR. in Wilton, Ct.
Posts: 81 | From Rhode Island | Registered: Nov 2010
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quote:Originally posted by lululymemom: Many times in long term chronic cases a test will come back negative even if you have the disease. The body simply does not create the antibodies any longer. You should still find a good LLMD (seeking a doctor forum) If your doctor has already started you on abx, now is the time to get re-tested (through Igenex) because you may have provoked the antibodies with the use of abx.
It sounds to me like you're dealing with Lyme and Bartonella.
Thanks.
I'm waiting for my appointment to arrive. I found the DR through the forum. There's along wait for a good doctor.
"It sounds to me like you're dealing with Lyme and Bartonella."
What makes you say that? Are the symptoms I listed common among CLD suffers?
Posts: 81 | From Rhode Island | Registered: Nov 2010
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lululymemom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26405
posted
I would guess Bartonella as well due to the fatigue, mental issues, and IBS.. I have chronic fatigue as well as the other things you mention and when I treat Bartonella, those things seem to improve.
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