I have a question about the onset, i.e., first symptoms of lyme disease: Did anyone here with lyme start out with something like a major stomach upset with abdominal pain (mine radiated all the way into my left shoulder, like a pinched nerve!), major bloating and intestinal problems (constipation)?
The reason I am asking is kind of a long story. Basically, I am trying to pinpoint when I contrated lyme, if I did (I have not been diagnosed yet). Since I remember no tick bite and never had any of the other typical lyme systems, I wonder whether the particularly sudden onset of my irritable bowel - which I have now had for almost 10 years!! - may have been the start. What's more, my symptoms started after a day of mountain biking and hiking in the woods. This stomach pain hit me that day like a truck - I have never experienced such stomach pain before and, as I said, the problem, though essentially under control now, became permanent from that day on. All tests including an upper GI were negative. I think you see what I mean ...
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks a lot,
RobertH
Posts: 4 | From Los Angeles, CA | Registered: Jan 2006
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posted
When I first started getting my symptoms, one of my symptoms was that I was very bloated in the lower abdomen and I farted A LOT. Like all the time. It was really weird. I think that is a symptom of IBS.
Posts: 50 | From San Diego, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 2004
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quote:Originally posted by RobertH: What's more, my symptoms started after a day of mountain biking and hiking in the woods. This stomach pain hit me that day like a truck -
Could very well be!! I know alot of folks here DO have alot of stomach issues. Keep reading!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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david1097
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3662
posted
It could have been something like bartonella. Bart has been reported to have a particular propensity to affect the GI tract as well as create neurological problems.
From what I have read, it looks like bartonella is a common insect bourne disease. It can also be carried by fleas and lice. In one of its forms, it was a big problem in WW1 and was named "trench fever", AKA "undulant fever". What happens after the intial stages of infection is not well documented but some think it can go systematic and stay asymtomatic for the most part but giving the periodic GI problems when it is allowed to expand due to impairment of the immune syustem due to stress or other factors (stress is a big factor in IBS... so this makes a bit of sense).
When mixed with lyme,, you have a tough combination as lyme does suppress the immunue system in a cyclical basis.
Have you ever had any antibiotics like cipro or levequin. Did it do anything?
Bartonella is a tough bug to kill also
Just my thoughts on the subject.
Posts: 1184 | From north america | Registered: Feb 2003
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caat
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2321
posted
When I first got sick I got IBS but with diareah. Have had constant mild diareah ever since- 10+ years. Had INTENSE intestinal pain for the first 2 to 4 years which gradually got better- but I still have what ever it is.
I'm now ending a 4 month bart tx. I can't tell if the tx helped or not till I'm off these massive ab.s for several days but the gi problem is still there.
My old ID doc thought it was giardia that was somewhat resistant to flagyl and mine might be, but yours doesn't sound like that.
I ordered vermox from Mexico and took the hookworm dose. It didn't help me but who knows... IBS can be parasites too- those tests aren't very good, and certain roundworms are very hard to detect.
The only thing that helped was finding out which foods I had allergies to. The allergies weren't the cause but eliminating or restricting those foods can help a great deal.
Posts: 1436 | From Humboldt county ca usa | Registered: Mar 2002
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David95928
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3521
posted
Within the last several months, someone posted and abstract about "IBS" being successfully treated with antibiotics. The search function should find it if you are interested.
-------------------- Dave Posts: 2034 | From CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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posted
Just a quick note: I have had IBS on and off since 1994. Although Doxycycline has yet to alleviate symptoms of fatigue or neurological difficulties, it has done WONDERS for my IBS. I take 400mg of doxy a day and I have been going to the bathroom normally since--a total first for me. Here is to all the doctors who swore up and down IBS was a manifestation of my anxiety! -Carrie
Posts: 13 | From Downingtown, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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posted
I've had IBS since I was about 16. The one thing that has helped my stomach problems more than anything else is going on to Ceftin (Cefaclor). I can't tell you how wonderful it is to be able to go out without the fear of not being able to find a sound proof loo!!!!
Posts: 229 | From United Kingdom | Registered: Jul 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
Welcome Robert to the board! Yes, it is 1 of many symptoms we all have.
I could say yes to what you read plus a later poster. I've been treated for 1.5 years, and it has NOT let up at all. But now I go from diarrhea to hard stool constipation....go figure.
Would you also edit your post to SHORTER paragraphs and DOUBLE space between them. That's another of symptoms of CHRONIC lyme, not being able to read/comprehend long paragraphs. Thanks for helping us out Robert.
Print off TREEPATROL'S NEWBIE LINKS in medical at top of page 1. Check them off as you read important ones to you....many months of reading.
Print off Dr. B's 05 lyme guidelines, 40 pages; he's our LLMD, lyme literate MD, expert!
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Worthless tests & labs, a dangerous vaccine, insurance companies refuse to pay, undertreatment the norm, all about money. MO. Posts: 281 | From CT | Registered: Oct 2005
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geniveve
Unregistered
posted
i've had ibs as long as i can remember and i'm now 56. antibiotics, unfortunately, tear me up something awful and cause major problems. i have to go on all kinds of meds just to clear the damage that antibiotics do.
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