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OK, here's my story. I woke up 4 days ago with Bell's Palsy on the left side of my face, it got worse as the day went on. I went to the MD next day they put me on Valtrax and Pred, I'm in Oregon so they didn't think it was Lyme's, I asked for a blood test anyway. I still do not have the results yet. The MD was leaning more toward Herpes even though, I am not sexually active. I have been on the east coast twice this summer, both times in the woods. Other people I was with at the time found ticks on them that night after being in the woods. My only other S/S are intermittent bad headaches with neck pain, now I am starting to get random excrutiating back pain. I am a nurse, and many in my family are nurses, we are pretty convinced I have Lyme's. So I plan to stop taking the Pred. I have a week's supply of Doxy that I plan on starting before I even find out my blood tests results. I have felt horrible for the past few days, not sure if it's all the meds or more Lyme's showing up. My bell's palsy has not left me face yet, just curious...more then anything with Bell's it's important to know what caused it for you....so if anybody thinks they can help me....thank you. TDAN
Posts: 3 | From oregon | Registered: Sep 2005
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My daughter had Lyme when she was about 3 1/2. ( she is 6 now) She had a fever for about a week and was very achy and irritable. I insisted on bloodwork even though I got the old it's probably viral thing. Two days after they took blood she woke up with Bells Palsy on one side of her face. The doc said her bloodwork was not complete but put on amoxiciilin anyway. The test was positive and the Bells Palsy went away after about three weeks. We treated her for two months since the Lyme was caught early. Thank God she has been OK ever since. (I do have my lawn sprayed now)
deedee
Posts: 31 | From Gaylordsville, CT USA | Registered: Sep 2003
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I didn't know at the time, but now it looks like Lyme caused my Bell's Palsy. It was my first big symptom. Drs gave me prednisone then. Of course that didn't work much. They didn't really say what may have caused it.
It went away after about 3 weeks. So, 4 days is kind of early to expect it to go. Red flag cause Bell's is an early symptom of Lyme. II've heard of neck & back pain and headaches being part of Lyme but I don't have these sx.
-------------------- Be well, SAK Posts: 371 | From Up North | Registered: May 2005
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I got Bell's when I was 10 and it took a few weeks to go away. After that my health started to deteriorate quickly. One of the first things I noticed was the neck pain. That's still a chronic problem for me. My back soon followed. It does sound like you have Lymes. Luckily you seem to know what to do about it. If you've caught it this early you probably have a good chance of recovery.
-------------------- Laura French Posts: 39 | From Bloomington, IN | Registered: Sep 2005
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Well, as you obviously know, bells palsy can be caused by more than one thing.
However, the eastern visit and the ticks sound suspicious. Lyme can also be acquired in Oregon.
You probably got an ELISA test at a so-so lab. If it comes back negative, it could be false negative. This is not a very good test. Better to have a western blot done at a lab that reports all bands.
Catch lyme early and you may knock it out for good. This is the most important thing, catching it early. So, if the test is negative, don't lower your guard. If you can get a doc to order it, have your western blot done at IGeneX (can google them, have website). Can call and get the test kit sent to you without doc order, but will need the order to send it back to lab. NP or PA might be able to order this also, if you know someone.
The other thing to think about is that ticks carry multiple germs and it is possible you have gotten more than lyme. Read the newby links about co-infections such as ehrlichia, babesia, bartonella. Maybe you didn't get any of these, but if you treat the lyme for at least 6 weeks and still have symptoms, could be a co-infection there also.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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Hi Tdan, Welcome to LymeNet. So sorry you're having problems, but I'm glad you found this website.
All the symptoms you listed could possibly be Lyme and/or other Tick-Borne Diseases. From the info you gave, it sounds as if you're on the right track.
As for the blood test, it may or may not be accurate.
If done too soon, the body hasn't produced enough antibodies to give a positive test result.
Test results can be effected by which lab is used. There are only a couple labs that specialize in testing for Tick-Borne Diseases (TBDs) like Lyme, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Bartonella.
Print "Diag Hints & Treat Guidelines..." at www.ilads.org/burrascano_1102.html It's 32 pages of excellent info written for drs to use & patients to learn about Lyme & Co-Infections.
Also, go to www.ilads.org Click "Basic Info" - facts everyone should read!
Keep in touch & ask as many questions as you need to.
Posts: 4638 | From South Carolina | Registered: Mar 2001
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It would be a very good idea for you to find an LLMD... I had headache and neck pain for about 6 months - and then I developed Bell's Palsy too.
I had other symptoms too - but the Bell's Palsy along with the headaches and neck pain are what lead me to a lyme disease diagnosis.
Good luck - and I'm glad that you found us - just sorry that it means that you are dealing with health problems.
This place has been a lifesaver for me... you've come to a great place for help and support.
Posts: 416 | From Southeastern PA | Registered: Sep 2003
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ArtnSoul is right! You need to be evaluated by a Lyme Literate Med Dr (LLMD). So busy answering questions & suggesting helpful info - this important point was not addressed.
Go to Seeking a Dr here on LymeNet & put your location in the title. Info about drs will be e-mailed to you.
Seeing a LLMD will probably involve some traveling, but it will be worth the effort to get an expert opinion - ASAP.
The earlier the treatment, the better the results, but ONLY IF the treatment is adequate.
Posts: 4638 | From South Carolina | Registered: Mar 2001
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Good move on dropping the prednisone SOON! It is probably responsible for your feeling worse. Lyme patients will get worse when on steroids. It drives it deeper.
When someone says Bell's Palsy, the very first thing I think of is LYME.
Please begin your search for an LLMD!
Lyme symptoms list:
1. Unexplained fevers, sweats, chills, or flushing 2. Unexplained weight change--loss or gain 3. Fatigue, tiredness, poor stamina 4. Unexplained hair loss 5. Swollen glands: list areas____ 6. Sore throat 7. Testicular pain/pelvic pain 8. Unexplained menstrual irregularity 9. Unexplained milk production: breast pain 10.Irritable bladder or bladder dysfunction 11.Sexual dysfunction or loss of libido 12.Upset stomach 13.Change in bowel function-constipation, diarrhea 14.Chest pain or rib soreness 15.Shortness of breath, cough 16.Heart palpitations, pulse skips, heart block 17.Any history of a heart murmur or valve prolapse? 18.Joint pain or swelling: list joints_____________ 19.Stiffness of the joints, neck, or back 20.Muscle pain or cramps 21.Twitching of the face or other muscles 22.Headache 23.Neck creeks and cracks, neck stiffness, neck pain 24.Tingling, numbness, burning or stabbing sensations, shooting pains 25.Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy) 26.Eyes/Vision: double, blurry, increased floaters, light sensitivity 27.Ears/Hearing: buzzing, ringing, ear pain, sound sensitivity 28.lncreased motion sickness, vertigo, poor balance 29.Lightheadedness, wooziness 30.Tremor 31.Confusion, difficulty in thinking 32.Diffculty with concentration, reading 33.Forgetfuiness, poor short term memory 34.Disorientation: getting lost, going to wrong places 35.Difficulty with speech or writing 36.Mood swings, irritability, depression 37.Disturbed sleep-too much, too little, early awakening 38.Exaggerated symptoms or worse hangover from alcohol
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