posted
Just curious for opinions. I have Neuro Lyme and have facial vibrations fairly regularly. I may be a little paranoid, but it seems like the shape of my face is changing albeit slowly. Sort of a tired look(?) Possible loss of elasticity/collagen(?) I suspect the vibrations are having an effect...negatively.
I've not met others that have Lyme "in person" (that I am aware of)...so, just wondering what you all think about whether there is a "Lyme Look".
Posts: 80 | From ATLantic Seaboard | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
Look at photographs of yourself pre-lyme and post lyme. You might be amazed at the difference in your appearance. Sagging skin in the neck/throat area? Around the mouth? Eyelids sagging? The 'lyme look' is probably bell's palsy. I'd like to ask everyone to do a photograph comparison. It's pretty revealing.
Posts: 703 | From Almost Heaven | Registered: Aug 2004
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Linda LD
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posted
the extra 100 pounds might have something to do with it. :-D
Dr. J in Conn. talks about dark circles under the eyes and stuff--I definatly see that in all of us. And just tired--really tired. My children are real thin with big bones--but that might be a family thing.
I see the sagging around my neck and chin--I thought that was being over 40. Will it go away? I''ve been saving for my throat and chin lift!!!
L
Posts: 1171 | From Knoxville, TN US | Registered: Dec 2004
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posted
I have dark circles under me eyes, even though I'm not tired and sleep very well most of the time. Also my face looks puffier and saggier even though I'm only 21. My mom says it's age because I was 15 when I got Lyme and she says everyone gets saggy in their 20's. My mom's almost 50 and looks less saggy than me. If she got saggier in her twenties then I wonder how she was ever able to blink her eyes or yawn at age 15.
Posts: 185 | From the Netherlands | Registered: Mar 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Bill ATL: Sort of a tired look(?) Possible loss of elasticity/collagen(?)
I do think Lyme can affect connective tissue such as collagen and elastion.
Lyme definitely affects circulation. I have the dark circles under my eyes that other have mentioned here. When my Lyme flares up the circles get much worse, to the point I look like I have two black eyes.
The circulation problems also make me look, not merely pale, but almost corpse-like. My lips turn almost grey sometimes. Other times they are fine, healthy-looking and rosy.
Posts: 78 | From Northeastern USA | Registered: May 2004
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groovy2
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Dark circles for sure for me--jay--
Posts: 2999 | From Austin tx USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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henson2
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My family members notice paleness. Very pale.
But mostly what I encounter is people telling me how fabulous I look, how well I look, "You're looking very well" and terrific, etc.
I don't know how to respond. Grateful or wish they knew how I really felt?
[ 19. May 2007, 02:07 AM: Message edited by: henson2 ]
Posts: 1066 | From East Coast | Registered: Dec 2000
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But mostly what I encounter is people telling me how fabulous I look, how well I look, "You're looking very well" and terrific, etc.
I get the "You're looking well" when I'm wearing decent clothes and makeup. Of course, I don't go out of the house much, and when I do I dress neatly and put on a little concealer, blush and lipstick, so most people rarely see me without. I've heard other women with chronic illness complain that if they wear makeup out everyone thinks they are fine, and if they don't wear makeup people assume that they are not grooming themselves due to depression. You can't win!
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sizzled
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I never recognize the person in the mirror!!!
posted
Wow...I'm not alone in suspecting this then...
I don't have the circles, but I think I'm seeing a slow drop in my brow and eyelids. The lids are starting to hang close to being over my eyes. I'm also thinking that my once-full cheekbones have lost volume down to my jaw line...
The vibrations go along with periodic numbness as well.
Thx all for your replies and input!
Bill
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shazdancer
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posted
Agreed, Gabrielle, my hands were my first symptom, and they aged big time.
I don't know about a Lyme "look," but I've noticed a Lyme body language among those who have long-term infection. Many have figured out how to hold animated conversations while sitting...very...still. I think we have figured out how to grab rest wherever we can.
Regards, Shaz
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Sue vG
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Wow. I've been having these same thoughts too. I contracted lyme at 46, and at that age people told me I didn't look a day over 38.
Now I'm 50 and no one who knew me before is telling me how good I look anymore. Putting on 40 lbs. didn't help.
Definitely jowly, overhanging eyelids, and very thin, crinkly skin on the backs of my hands. A tired, tired look in the eyes.
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