Hi, I'm new here and appreciate everyone taking the time to share their experiences and help each other out! I'm thinking that I should probably get tested for Lyme Disease. For the past few years I've had symptoms (progressively getting worse) that I attributed to mild depression, or perhaps Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
- Fatigue - Brain Fog - Headaches - Muscle Aches - Poor Balance (feels similar to mild intoxication) - Shakiness / Tremors / Twitches - Poor Circulation, Chills, Limbs falling asleep - Alternatively either insomia or getting plenty of sleep but still not feeling rested after waking.
I hadn't connected these symptoms with Lyme disease until just now while doing some reasearch on CFS. About 4 years ago I was bitten by a tick while camping. The critter was on me for at least a day (I didn't notice until showering when I got home.) I removed it, and about a week later noticed a red ring (bulls eye) around the spot. My doctor perscribed antibiotics; The ring went away, and haven't thought anything about it since.
I've never been a high energy person and have had problems with Fatigue for as long as I can remember. But aside from that, all the other symptoms above have gradually developed within the last 2 - 3 years.
If anyone has any insights, or similar experiences, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks Posted by AmyPW8 (Member # 11504) on :
Hi,
Your symptoms sound just like the ones I had initially. I didn't connect it to a disease, just stress. There are docs who think CFS is undiagnosed Lyme. Do find a LLMD and get tested. You want the test results to be interpreted by someone who knows how to do it right and Connecticutt has some good ones. You can go into the forum here on finding a Lyme Doc.
This is a great place for information and support. If you have any problems look for the ones who have been here a long time, like BettyG, she can offer tons of info. Good Luck.
Amy Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Well......a bulls-eye rash is Lyme disease.
I am not sure how long you were on antibiotics or the dosage,
But probably not enough long enough.
I would recommend Igenex in Ca. for Lyme testing.
You need a physicians order for it.
You pay for the test up front, but your insurance may reimburse you.
You want tests 188 and 189. Western Blot IgM and IgG.
Igenex only tests tick-borne diseases.
I would also recommend you post in Seeking Doctor so that
You can find a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD).
There are co-infections and such that most regular docs know nothing about.
Your symptoms do sound like Lyme to me....with possibly a co-infection in there too.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by smadavid (Member # 14830) on :
Thanks Amy and Geneal... appreciate it! I've make a post in Seeking Doctors with my symptoms, so we'll see where that leads me.
When I went to the doctor for this, he didn't seem terribly worried about it, and gave me the antibiotics as "a precaution." Pretty sure it was a 10-day supply. But I definitely had a bulls eye, I want to say 1.5 inches in diameter (if my memory serves me).
Thanks again ... its good to hear that others have had similar symptoms, and that maybe there's actually somthing to this and its not all in my head Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
The old "it's in your head" diagnosis.
I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
If it were me and I saw a tick....even without a bulls-eye rash,
I would insist on at least 300mg of doxy a day for at least 3 months.
I may be over aggressive, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.
I have had Lyme disease, babesia, and bartonella for at least 5+ years.
I am going into my 18th month of treatment....with more to go.
Hang in there.
I forgot earlier. Welcome to the board!
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by adamm (Member # 11910) on :
You have Lyme, and need to get to a doctor who's a
member of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society.
The vast majority of Lme patient's will receive negative tests,
and the average doc will almost
certainly tell you that it's all in your head.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
welcome to the board! i'm sending you a private message with my lengthy newbie package of info galore.
do a search in there using, EDIT, FIND, and type in IGENEX until you come to very detailed info about the western blot igm and igg blood test and about co-infections ok!!!
pms can be found on left side under HELLO by flashing light and in my profile!
thanks for the nice DETAILED info about yourself; it helps us help you better!! Posted by smadavid (Member # 14830) on :
Hi everyone,
I just got my IGeneX results back today. I'm not seeing an LLMD yet since I was able to have my boss (a chiropracter) order the tests for me and save some money. But it looks like I'll have to start seeing one soon. Here are the results...
IgM (positive IGeneX, negative CDC):
31 IND 34 + 39 IND 41 + 58 +
IgG: (negative)
34 IND 39 IND 41 ++
If anyone has any thoughts, I'd love to hear them. In the meantime I'm off to do some research on those bands.
Posted by jamescase20 (Member # 14124) on :
Boy, you sure are infected! I like to get live blood microscopy too just for confirm and monitor progress in treatment.
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Look at the top in Medical. There is a link to Dr. C's Western Blot interpretations.
That is a good place to start.
If need be, please post in Seeking Doctors section to find a LLMD asap.
I'm really sorry that your initial treatment was so short and probably
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