Hi CBH,Welcome to Lymenet. I'm thrilled to see that you are taking charge of your health.
Lyme Disease is really a do-it yourself disease. Hope you will take Treepatrol's advice about seeing a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.
You can go to SEEKING A DOCTOR section and someone will privately e-mail you an LLMD's name. A support group from your state can be helpful and Lyme Disease Association (LDA) is always available for everyone.
Just click on the LDA Logo on the left column of your screen; Click on Doctor Referral.
I wasted a year thinking I didn't have Lyme Disease (LD) because my Igenex was negative. Some of the sickest folks have negative Western Blot results.
I had to find an LLMD who prescribed the ABX, Zithromax 250 mg twice daily for like 10 days to elicit a positive Western Blot from Igenex. The ABX pulled the bacteria into the bloodstream and I finally got a positive Igenex.
However, the LLMD diagnosed me with LD on the first office visit without the Igenex test results.
I sure hope your doctor knows that LD is a diagnosis based on symptoms. The test only supports the physician's clinical diagnosis.
In case your WB test returns negative, here are 19 reasons for a negative LD test:
http:/flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001744.html
Also, wanted to warn you about steroids. Do not let anyone give you steroids as this will further depress your immune system and the Lyme will flourish.
Also, if you do develop any rash or a bulleye's rash, it's not a bad idea to get a disposal camera and take a picture. Place a coin beside the rash for size comparison. Secure the photos & keep them forever.
Here's a great booklet I was given at my last office visit. You can download your copy. It has a 7-page comprehensive symptom list and is great at explaining LD.
The title is:
"Lyme Disease and Associated Diseases: The Basics."
It's published by the LDA of Southeastern Pensylvania.
Click on: http://www.lymepa.org
To download the entire Booklet-- When you reach the site, click on the Booklet icon located below the Lyme Teens icon.
You deserve to know with certainty if you have Lyme Disease, as it is a potentially debilitating disease if left untreated or if it is undertreated.
Also, an LLMD will eventually want to check for tick-borne co-infections such as Babesia, Erlichiosis, Bartonella and mycoplasmas. LLMDs each have their own protocol to fit each patient.
So, please keep asking questions, as we understand firsthand how overwhelming this quest can be.
Well, happy reading & let us hear from you.
Best Wishes,
Jan
[This message has been edited by RECIPEGIRL (edited 28 December 2004).]