The real reason for this post is to ask about the degree of symptoms. Sometimes when I read the stories that you guys post, I think, "no, this can't be it. I'm not that bad"

I mean, my legs hurt, my joints hurt, my head hurts, my neck and back ache my body tingles sometimes, my ears are ringing, and some other stuff if I look backwards. But it all seems so small in comparison. I can walk, I just get tired easily. I can remember how to get to my church and so on.

I don't know.

Also, you're very young. Your body is perhaps handling it well now. If you left it untreated for the next 25 yrs like I did, you'd be in the same boat I found myself in a few years ago.

Mine went 45 yrs undxd. That wasn't my fault and in some cases not the fault of my drs. But you have a choice. CHOOSE to get treated!

Anyone else have not-so-bad symptoms? Maybe even jsut to begin with??

I know exactly what you are talking about. I have second-guessed myself all along, and continue to do so. I caught on that this might be lyme, or something like it, early though (within about 2 mos) thanks to this forum as well as the Brain Talk forum from which members suggested LymeNet. I have managed to have the Drs. that I've seen prescribe doxy (albeit not enough) and it seems to have slowed the progression a lot. I am currently being evaluated by the LLMD in NC (tests not back yet either). I never had the exhaustion or lethargy that some have, but have had over 35 of the Burrescano symptoms. I find it interesting that I've had so many over such a short timeframe (since Oct.) but I don't think they're that severe. I've never been debilitated from them.

I also think it's interesting that we seem to be the same in regards to symptom severity and are both from Georgia...maybe a less severe strain of STARI...or Lyme...than our friends in the northeast? Just thinking out loud )

The longer the Bb is in your system the greater the chance it will start affecting various bodily functions, organs, etc.

My son contracted lyme most likely Aug.04, symptoms began in Oct. 04, and finally started to receive treatment in Dec.04.

Our LLMD stated that he is one of the 10% that are hit with Bb infection in the central nervous system, almost immediately. Many don't have CNS involvement until much later in the disease.

It's more difficult and time consuming to treat. He's 15, young, and strong, so more than likely he'll go on to lead a normal life, the odds are very good. The combination of youth, and treating the disease in a reasonable amount of time, makes for a very good prognosis.

His symptoms wax and wane. One day he feels good enough to take his ATV for a ride, and the next three days he's bedridden with severe pain, fatigue, etc. It's cyclical, and also depends on herx reactions.

Everyone is different, and your symptoms can intensify and fade as well.
You exhibit classic lyme symptoms, I'd be surprised if it was anything else. I understand from your posts your family situation, and finances.

When tested, we were both very positive.

We were on several antibiotics pre-diagnosis, but now she has us just on 100mg of minocycline twice a day... and it is amazing how much better we feel, and how much better our minds work.

It is an insidious disease. It sneaks up on you with gradually worsening symptoms, so gradual you do not realize how bad you have gotten until you start getting better.

There are different ticks carrynig different coinfections.

Your tick was different from my tick, and so on. And the strain of borrelia I have is probably way different from yours. I have coinfections, you may too- but they may not be the same one

etc.

Don't judge yourself by all of us. I have been here for 3 years and I have only found TWO people that have a *majority* of my symptoms. One of them has ALL the symptoms, and plus some more, etc.

It CAN be, is what is the truth. Its unfortunate, and it sucks arse big time...

but knowing what it is and treating it is the most important thing right now.

trust us..we know!

Wanted to let you know I've had a similar situation here in South Carolina.

Late 1970s or early 1980s - removed tiny tick attached a maximum of 4 to 6 hrs.

Some days later - had classic bull's eye rash about 2"x3".
Didn't know what it was. Didn't see a dr.

NO other symptoms until about 1988 when I turned 50.

Very mild symptoms, many would come & go - fatigue, "tired legs", arthritis in hands, ringing in ears, cough, sore throat, eye problems, weight gain, thyroid slightly underactive, dental problems (not on LD lists, but I think there is a connection).

Clinical Diagnosis of Lyme - 1992 (NJ LLMD).
Western Blot has never been positive.

2001 - positive test for Bartonella.
2002 - Bowen test positive for Babesiosis & Lyme (other very reputable labs had been negative for Babs, equivocal for Lyme)

Symptoms for Bartonella & Babesiosis were also mild, but I noticed a big difference when treated several months for both.

Tick-Borne Diseases seem to be similar in all people, but they are also different in all people. They can range from very mild to extremely debillatating.

In my opinion, many people have Lyme but are not aware of it.....maybe "walking Lyme disease", like having a case of "walking pneumonia" & not knowing it.
The lucky ones get a diagnosis & adequate treatment.

Just remember -
NO test should be used to "rule-out" Lyme disease. It's a Clinical Diagnosis with lab results being part of the info.

No symptom is assured to come along with Lyme. I've been infected 18 years, and going through treatment for 1 year. I have never had any cognitive symptoms. I do have neurological symptoms, but they are are related to pain, numbness and burning.

Don't diminish your symptoms because they seem less than some on this board. Just remember what you are going through is real.