posted
LLMD thinks Lyme isn't my main issue because of the fact that I do occasionally get a regular cold/flu.
I suspect that's baloney given my symptoms, exposure, and WB results, but would like to hear others' opinions too.
Any of you get colds or the flu and have active Lyme?
Thank you!
-------------------- Symptoms since age 4 IGM positive Western Blot (Bb) PCR positive Spiro Stat (Anaplasma) Suspect babs and bart Posts: 226 | From Currently in Los Angeles, originally from Malvern, PA. | Registered: Feb 2010
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posted
yep, just got one last week...and still dealing with it... Do you sweat normally?
Posts: 723 | From Montreal | Registered: Oct 2010
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I don't know if I sweat normally! I don't generally sweat much unless it's really hot. I do suffer from cyclical night sweats which happen every month before (and sometimes after) my period. Curious why you'd ask in this context?
So sounds like my LLMD doesn't know what he's talking about if he's willing to write off lyme just because I get colds?
-------------------- Symptoms since age 4 IGM positive Western Blot (Bb) PCR positive Spiro Stat (Anaplasma) Suspect babs and bart Posts: 226 | From Currently in Los Angeles, originally from Malvern, PA. | Registered: Feb 2010
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posted
well, i'm asking because most of us here have a hard time sweating normally but do get night sweats...But what did your lyme test indicate?
Posts: 723 | From Montreal | Registered: Oct 2010
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posted
The night sweats have bothered me on and off since I was 18. I was always told they are hormonal since they happen around my period.
I tested through igenex last spring.
Results as follows:
IFA 1:40
IGM
31 ++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 ++ 58 + 83-93 IND
IGG
23-25 IND 39 IND 41 ++ 58 +
-------------------- Symptoms since age 4 IGM positive Western Blot (Bb) PCR positive Spiro Stat (Anaplasma) Suspect babs and bart Posts: 226 | From Currently in Los Angeles, originally from Malvern, PA. | Registered: Feb 2010
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posted
You first said your LLMD doesn't think Lyme is your main issue. That could be correct, but I think some with chronic Lyme DO get colds. Let's hope they chime in here!!
I'm well and I still don't get colds. I'm thankful for that!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
Yes, I am hoping to hear from others with this experience.
I am losing faith in my LLMD -- having spoken with others who live in my area I'm learning that he has a reputation for under-treating. Last spring when we got my WB results he seemed to think I had it. Then after 2 months of biaxin and no major improvement it was like he totally changed his tune and decided I just need iodine and vitamin D.
Went back to him after my eyes got worse and he put me on doxy 200 mg/day. Came down with a cold/flu one week into the doxy which prompted him to say again that he now thinks I don't have Lyme.
It's all totally contradictory.
-------------------- Symptoms since age 4 IGM positive Western Blot (Bb) PCR positive Spiro Stat (Anaplasma) Suspect babs and bart Posts: 226 | From Currently in Los Angeles, originally from Malvern, PA. | Registered: Feb 2010
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posted
i do, and when i do i feel it for over a week does anyone else get really wacked when you get a cold
-------------------- LSG Scott Posts: 513 | From Boston, Cape Cod, Mass | Registered: Aug 2009
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steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
Never gets colds, flu etc., since having lyme---4 years ago-at least!!!! Just feel like I'm dying every day.
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745
posted
I haven't really gotten a cold or flu since I crashed with lyme & co. I have two young kids in daycare and a wife that is a teacher. They are sick all the time with colds. I get nothing except maybe a little stuffy.
I used to get sick all the time.
I did get a stomach flu in early March that set me back a bit.
-------------------- Bite date ? 2/10 symptoms began 5/10 dx'd, after 3 months numerous test and doctors
IgM Igenex +/CDC + + 23/25, 30, 31, 34, 41, 83/93
Currently on:
Currently at around 95% +/- most days. Posts: 3134 | From Massachusetts | Registered: May 2010
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posted
Hmm, so it seems some get colds and some don't.
Scott, yes, when I get a cold it hits me really hard. Usually does not hang around long, but hits HARD. I can't function with a cold.
-------------------- Symptoms since age 4 IGM positive Western Blot (Bb) PCR positive Spiro Stat (Anaplasma) Suspect babs and bart Posts: 226 | From Currently in Los Angeles, originally from Malvern, PA. | Registered: Feb 2010
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Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
I just got over a cold/flu. It hit me hard! I NEVER get the flu (temperature). But in all fairness, my husband got it too. I hope he doesn't have lyme too.
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
I just got over a cold/flu. It hit me hard! I NEVER get the flu (temperature). But in all fairness, my husband got it too. I hope he doesn't have lyme too. P.S. I got night sweats with this one too.
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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Dawn in VA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9693
posted
I'm the total opposite. I seem to get colds a LOT; definitely much, much, much more since Lyme and company. I used to rarely get sick, could always fight stuff off w/no problem.
-------------------- (The ole disclaimer: I'm not a doctor.) Posts: 1349 | From VA | Registered: Jul 2006
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Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
I get plenty of colds...some progress to bronchitis and flare up my Asthma... I never get fevers despite how sick I can get sometimes... I take homeopathy and anti-viral herbs during flu season to avoid catching the flu. Colds knock me out bad enough, don't need to add the flu to it...
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4166 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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quote: Came down with a cold/flu one week into the doxy which prompted him to say again that he now thinks I don't have Lyme.
Couldn't that have been from a herx? I had flu sx one week into doxy when I took it as well, but I assumed it was from the doxy. Didn't feel like a normal flu to me, as I felt REALLY toxic.
Posts: 60 | From MO | Registered: Jul 2010
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posted
Colds and flu's are viral...Yes!! you still are susceptible to these Viral/Bacterial infections while treating lyme.
Depends on how healthy your immune system is warding off these other infections!
You can have symptoms of cold/Flu or other bacterial infections that has NOTHING to do with Lyme even while on abx!
Posts: 501 | From Hudson Ticky Valley, NY | Registered: Aug 2009
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lyme in Putnam
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11561
posted
That happened to me for years, no cold, fever...This year I had a real cold and was thrilled. I asked at the last support meeting and they said that if you get a cold, its that your immune system is working the right way. I didn't know that there was a wrong way for your immune system to work. Confused.
-------------------- He took u to it, He'll you through Posts: 2837 | From NE. | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
I have been sick for two weeks with severe cough and chest congestion to a point where i developed insomnia. I had no runny nose or fever. Alot of phlegm, mucus and even feel it now. Its been two weeks today and i still have phlegm cough not as bad because i have been taking antibiotics for it. My mucous color became yellow. So the regular doctor gave me pencilin.
I believe this could be a symptoms of Lyme. Toxins can cause flu like symptoms. This is really hard for me to intake.
-------------------- May God Bless you, answer your prayers, relieve you of your pain and make you stronger than what you are today. Ameen. Posts: 341 | From Columbia, MD | Registered: Jan 2009
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posted
I have been sick for two weeks with severe cough and chest congestion to a point where i developed insomnia. I had no runny nose or fever. Alot of phlegm, mucus and even feel it now. Its been two weeks today and i still have phlegm cough not as bad because i have been taking antibiotics for it. My mucous color became yellow. So the regular doctor gave me pencilin.
I believe this could be a symptoms of Lyme. Toxins can cause flu like symptoms. This is really hard for me to intake.
-------------------- May God Bless you, answer your prayers, relieve you of your pain and make you stronger than what you are today. Ameen. Posts: 341 | From Columbia, MD | Registered: Jan 2009
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Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
Sonee123,
Have you tried taking a detox bath - warm water, with epsom salts or baking soda sprinkled in; soak 10-20 minutes? Should help with the toxins, whether they are from a cold or from Lyme or whatever...
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4166 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
I am from USA but currently living in europe. Unfortunately there is not bath tub in my house
-------------------- May God Bless you, answer your prayers, relieve you of your pain and make you stronger than what you are today. Ameen. Posts: 341 | From Columbia, MD | Registered: Jan 2009
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posted
I sweat like a stuck pig on a Texas highway. It has gotten worse as I have gotten older.
I do not ever get sick, as in 'normal people sick' when I am actively dealing with Lyme. Go figure. My entire house could be down with something nasty, and I do not get it.
Now, however, I am catching things as a)I am in remission and b) I am on LDN which is making my immune system work...and work it does.
Posts: 206 | From In the shadow of a mountain | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
Lyme in Putnam, my understanding is that when sick with Lyme, your immune system basically malfunctions...it tries so hard to deal with the Lyme that it simply craps out, so to speak. Catching a cold is a really good sign that your immune system is strong enough to start doing its thing again Posts: 206 | From In the shadow of a mountain | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
What about those of us who still get colds but have chronic lyme? What does that indicate about our immune systems? That we are slightly better off than those who don't get sick in terms of immune function?
Or is it just something that varies from person to person with no real rhyme or reason?
-------------------- Symptoms since age 4 IGM positive Western Blot (Bb) PCR positive Spiro Stat (Anaplasma) Suspect babs and bart Posts: 226 | From Currently in Los Angeles, originally from Malvern, PA. | Registered: Feb 2010
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Prior to Lyme, my family never got sick other than the occasional cold--but never down for the count as families around us, and I felt that was a good thing--i.e., meaning we had strong immune systems, etc.
Now with Lyme, dd still gets sick occasionally when the rest of us do, and the illness seems to run the same course and duration with her as it does with the rest of the family.
So, I'm still confused about this issue--i.e., be happy when we're sick with a cold/flu or be happy that we're not sick--LOL & UGH!!
Posts: 648 | From northeast | Registered: Feb 2009
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Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
Sonee123,
Yeah, I know about that one - our bathtub doesn't work correctly (was installed wrong), so we can't use it for baths either. How 'bout a plastic bin in which to soak your feet?
Or dry skin brushing (can use a dry washcloth or towel for this) before you take a shower or sponge-bath?
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4166 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
Wow, so basically my LLMD telling me that the fact that I get colds means I don't have active Lyme is a bunch of nonsense.... or at least NOT something upon which he should be basing a diagnosis. ARGH so frustrating. Glad I'm seeking a second opinion next week. Sorry it took me this long though.
-------------------- Symptoms since age 4 IGM positive Western Blot (Bb) PCR positive Spiro Stat (Anaplasma) Suspect babs and bart Posts: 226 | From Currently in Los Angeles, originally from Malvern, PA. | Registered: Feb 2010
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posted
I do on rare occassion. But it does hapen.
Posts: 256 | From Texas | Registered: Jun 2010
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desertwind
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25256
posted
Had lyme for abut 7 years and during that time ALWAYS got colds!
Only now that I am feeling about 75% better am I NOT getting colds anymore.
The way I see it for me; When I had lyme my immune system was down and I would catch everything that was going around. Now that I am much healthier my immune system is able to fight such viruses. Pretty simple.
Posts: 1671 | From Tick Infested New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2010
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posted
lajamur, does s/he mean active vs. chronic maybe?
I do think this is one more of those one size does NOT fit all issues in Lyme. But, basing your SOLE diagnosis on whether or not you get a cold? Sounds like BS to me.
It all boils down to what your immune system is doing. If you have been sick for years with Lyme, it is entirely possible your immune system is so *tired* it isn't going to fight anything, hence the reason everyone around you can be sick but you. I know in the earlier stages of my Lyme I was sick CONSTANTLY (like, right after I was infected) Then for years and years...never sick. It wasn't until my Lyme was out in full force as of 5 yrs ago that it made any sense to me: I thought I had a super immune system...I just couldn't figure out why I felt like sh*t all the time!
This si why I feel like it is SO crucial for us to strengthen our immune systems asap, as all the abx in the world are not going to fix this if your body can't function to do some of the fighting!
Posts: 206 | From In the shadow of a mountain | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
Lack of getting sick does NOT necesarily = a good immune system. A good immune system is when exposed to a virus/bacteria your body kicks into gear, fights it off, maybe you feel bad for a day or 3 and then you bounce right back.
Lack of a reaction is bad. It can mean that your body does not have the ability to fight...this is what I am learning. All those years of me thinking I am fine and dandy...WRONG! My immune system was just so beat down by trying to fight off the Lyme, it couldn't react to anything!
Think about it....why so many coinfections? EBV, HHP-6, Mycoplasma...all things 'normal' people are exposed to and don't necessarily react to, or get sick from, yet us....we have high antibodies to all these things and symptoms...its because our immune systems simply do not have the wherewithal to fight.
At least that's what I am leaning towards...
Posts: 206 | From In the shadow of a mountain | Registered: Feb 2011
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I think he basically means that if I'm getting colds, Lyme isn't a problem for me anymore. This is despite my worsening vision problems and the fact that I have had mysterious neurological and endocrine issues for many years, plus debilitating periods of anxiety/OCD type stuff. So yes, I am pretty much convinced that he doesn't know what he's talking about.
I grew up in an endemica area in PA and both my parents have had lyme and I am 100% convinced that my sister has it too. I mean for goodness sake, I grew up on five acres of BRUSH and woods in Chester County and spent most of my time outside playing with dogs, horses, and semi feral barn cats!
It's just been one thing after another, since I was very young --
Early childhood: Mysterious rashes all over body, chronic nausea, anxiety
Elementary school: More nausea, no appetite, underweight, terrible anxiety
Middle school: Nausea, anxiety, achy legs, pain in soles of feet upon waking
High school: Nausea, anxiety, achy legs
College: Night sweats, beginning of strange visual symptoms, major muscle twitching, NAUSEA, anxiety, pain in arms, hands, fingers.
Post-college, working: Total hormonal collapse, migraines with aura, nausea, MAJOR panic attacks, ocular migraine variants, spots in vision, rashes, intense itching all over body, night sweats, weird neuro sleep apnea type problems (TERRIFYING, mostly resolved since I started taking progesterone).
Grad school (present): Nausea, panic, anxiety, worsening eye problems, muscle twitching, night sweats, weird transient sensation of pressure in my right cheekbone area...
Those are just the MAIN issues. There's been other stuff over the years...
And he thinks Lyme isn't a problem for me?!
-------------------- Symptoms since age 4 IGM positive Western Blot (Bb) PCR positive Spiro Stat (Anaplasma) Suspect babs and bart Posts: 226 | From Currently in Los Angeles, originally from Malvern, PA. | Registered: Feb 2010
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