posted
Hello! I was just diagnosed with RMSF, Lyme, Bart, and Mycoplasma. None of these diagnosis are that surprising except for the RMSF.
After reading up on it, I am questioning the diagnosis. I have an appointment with the LLMD next week, but until then...
Is it possible to have RMSF and show NO symptoms? Sounds like a very serious disease - most people with it become ill within 2 weeks of infection... Another website states "RMPF almost always results in hospitalization..."
I've never had any rash, high fever, chills, severe headache, etc [except when I had the flu in 2005.] I do not recall ever being bitten by a tick... but I started having Neurological symptoms (twitching, muscle spasms, etc) in Feb 2006.
The LLMD wants me to start Doxy this week... but I am moving in one month and not sure I can handle the move AND started abx treatment.
I may wait another month since I am healthy now - since I have already been potentially infected 6 years, what is another month without treatment?
If anyone has any insight/advise for RMSF or on delaying treatment for 1 more month, I would love to hear your response. Thanks!
Hilary
Posts: 80 | From New England | Registered: Jun 2012
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tickled1
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14257
posted
Sounds like that "flu" may have been when you were infected?
I would wait until starting treatment until after the move if I were you if you are indeed feeling ok.
Posts: 2541 | From Northeast | Registered: Jan 2008
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posted
Thanks for your input regarding starting the treatment, Tickled1!! Yes, I am feeling okay.
Unfortunately, that flu was definitely the flu...I got it in February 2005 and it started with a coworker and it spread to several of us within 2-3 days. My neuro symptoms started in Feb 2006.
Posts: 80 | From New England | Registered: Jun 2012
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posted
Hi Danni, All were confirmed by blood tests...although I think the LLMD believes I have Lyme and Bart based on a clinical diagnosis.
Posts: 80 | From New England | Registered: Jun 2012
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- First of all, there is a lot we know about tick-borne infections and a lot that we don't. We have learned that they can lie dormant and reve at times of stress, etc.
We have learned that some strains cause more severe symptoms in some than in others.
We have also learned that, no matter what we read, there are still chapters to be written. Never assume that because a certain infection is supposed to act a certain way that that's always how it goes.
Going back, though, to the main point that puzzles me, you say you are healthy now. Great news.
You said: "My neuro symptoms started in Feb 2006." (end quote)
WHEN DID THEY END? Gradually, I assume over how long of a time period?
You say you are healthy now. Just want to be clear about that.
Healthy = no symptoms ???
If you truly feel good, with energy, can work full time, take care of your home (possibly others) exercise regularly, enjoy good foods and digest them well, and take in enjoyable activities --- as would someone who is healthy -- then I'm not sure I would start on any Rx treatment right now.
So, you feel fine. Good energy, good thought process, mood, sleep well and have a normal life?
If so, I would talk with a LLMD in light of the tests but would also talk with a LL ND (naturopathic doctor) and explore nutritional protocols for support so you can stay feeling healthy.
I would not do any pharmaceuticals right now if you feel just fine and healthy. There may be a time when that might be necessary - or not. Learn about what that entails and what to do if you need to reassess this but, really, I would seek out a LL ND for ways to support your health. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Looking over your posting history, about 3 months ago you wrote:
" . . . 2006 when I developed some weird neuro symptoms, such as twitching, tingling, buzzing (diagnosed as BFS). [BFS stands for Benign fasciculation syndrome]
This is still going on now, but symptoms have not gotten worse.
Since then, I�ve been diagnosed some other potential conditions (heart arrhythmia, neck stiffness, chronic plantar fasciitis, etc) that may or may not related to Lyme.
In any case, a friend finally convinced me to see a LLMD for testing. (end quote)
(happydaychick in MA) -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Well, I'm glad that you say you are healthy as I now interpret that as feeling pretty good and able to work and go about normal activities. ??
However, in light of the symptoms that you report were still going on 3 months ago (not sure if current, though) . . .
Yes, then, it was an excellent idea to consult a LLMD for full assessment.
And, yes, RMSF CAN contribute to those symptoms.
And, yes, if you have those symptoms, now, then after you are settled with your move I would consider Rx treatment along with nutritional support methods.
About putting this off until after your move next month you ask:
". . . what is another month without treatment?" (end quote)
Well, that's one way to look at it. However, ANY stress can make any tick borne infection blossom.
So, if you can go about your preparation, your move and your relocation with style, grace and ease, you may be fine.
However, if there is stress to that (whether physical, emotional or psychological - including budget), you may want to ask the LLMD for his suggestions.
You can do okay on doxycycline IF you also take good liver support and other nutritional supports along with an exceptional diet and good health habits.
Or you may want to do all the support stuff right now to help keep effects of stress to a safer level and then work into the Rx treatment.
Either way, I don't think I would wait any longer to add some positive support right now.
Good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
I was surprised I tested positive for RMSF too. I don't remember ever having the flu, but I guess I could have had it for years for all I know. I think it only takes two months on doxy to get rid of it (I'm rid of mine). But if you feel fine, you can always wait until your move.
-------------------- --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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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- As ANY change, even for the better, can stress our bodies, be sure to stick to a firm sleep schedule now and forever (as much as possible).
The "support" I talk about being important for you right now:
I saw a LLMD a few weeks ago and have my follow-up next week. They called me with the results of my blood work today.
To clarify: when I say I feel healthy, I mean that overall, my symptoms do not interfere with my day to day life. Luckily, I am able to work full time, work out, eat just about anything I want, have energy, etc. My biggest issue is chronic plantar fasciitis (foot issues) from running, but most likely exacerbated by Bart. I have not been sleeping well... but that improved about 2 weeks ago after I signed the P&S agreement for my new house.
As mentioned, I have those other symptoms, but again, I feel pretty good and can go about normal activities. My neuro symptoms (twitching, tingling, buzzing) have not changed much in 6 years� I�ve gotten so used to them, I usually don�t even realize they are there.
I think I will be able to manage the stress levels and will work very hard to keep it down in the next month... but trying to manage moving, going to work every day, starting antibiotics and herxing � now that combo = HUGE STRESS!!!
Lots to think about... thanks again everyone!
Posts: 80 | From New England | Registered: Jun 2012
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