posted
Hello, I'm new here and was wandering if someone could help. I'm a 29 year old, healthy, female who has some recent, minor, symptoms.
Before this, the only problems I've had and/or gone to the doctor for are carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and pulled muscles (while playing sports).
All of my symptoms began 2 months ago and it seems to be one thing after another. Except for the fatigue & numbness in my feet, which occurs several times a day, on a daily basis, everything else comes and goes.
On average, 2 days a week both of my legs hurt, feel heavy and stiff and make it a lot of work to walk a short distance. The rest of the time, they are perfectly normal.
I feel dizzy on occasion, not a "room spinning" sensation, more of a lightheaded feeling. This occurs when I stand up and is intensified by the heat.
The numbness I mentioned in my feet occasionally moves up toward my knees, it's more of a "asleep" feeling than a pins and needles feeling.
My hands (mostly fingers) fall asleep sometimes but this has only happened a few times. In the past I've had problems w/ weakness in my right wrist and was diagnosed w/ tendonitis.
My short term memory is HORRIBLE.
I wake up at least once a night to go to the bathroom and the only time I've ever done this was during the second half of my pregnancy. (I have one child who is 17 months old.)
I've had problems w/ constipation my entire life and recently tested positive for h-pylori.
About a month ago, I had a rash break out on my lower back which tested positive for HPV1.
I have had recent earaches that come and go (my PCP checked my ears and said they look fine).
I had one incidence (1st ever) where my friends took me to the ER and was told I had a vagal reacation. I had been drinking alcohol (very little) and was outside (it had rained so it was nice and cool), was not under any stress or excitement, and all of a sudden felt like I needed to lay down. I started sweating profusely, mainly my face and head and then felt like I was going to pass out. I was not dehydrated. My white blood count was 21 and showed toxic granulation of neutrophils. The happened on a Saturday night, when I went to my doctor for another CBC on Monday, my white blood count was 9.
I was referred to a neurologist right before all of this started for a recent onset and increase of migraine headaches. He ordered a brain MRI. A couple of days before the MRI was scheduled, I was at work and everything became blurry in my right eye and my vision was not as good as before. It was time for my yearly eye exam (always had 20/20 vision before and no eye problems) so I went in and was referred to a neuro-opthalmologist after failing 2 field of vision tests and something to do w/ my pupils dilating or not dilating like they should. Anyhow, I saw the neuro-opthalmologist and was diagnosed w/ optic neuritis.
I still have pain in that eye when moving it sometimes, problems w/ contrast, reds appear as a bright pink, etc but my vision is almost back to normal (20/25). My eye problems are extremely worse when I go into the heat.
Also, I have had some recent strange sensations under my skin (muscle spasms?) that feel kind of like a twitching, jerking feeling. They only last a second but occur, literally, all over my body.
My MRI results came back normal. The only note was that my left optic nerve was more prominent than my right.
A lumbar puncture was also done, I have not seen those results but was just told that it came back normal also. The anesthesiologist that did the LP ordered a second opinion on my MRI and I was, again, told it was normal.
I have had multiple blood tests done and my neurologist currently has me on Lexapro and Klonapin. I believe that he thinks I have severe anxiety problems since all of my tests come back normal. I do agree to be an anxious person, always have been, it runs in my family but I'm not convinced that all of my recent symptoms are the result of anxiety or panic. I'm no more stressed recently than before and when I do become anxious, my symptoms don't increase.
The most recent symptom I've had came 2 days ago when I was laying in bed before falling asleep. I looked over at my alarm clock and the red numbers appeared to have moved to the right and then back to the left so I closed my right eye (good eye) and the same thing happened. It wasn't a drastic move but it appeared to have moved an inch or two and then move right back to the left. I'm not sure if this is related to my optic neuritis but I plan on asking my neuro-opthalmologist when I go back in 2 weeks.
At my last neurologist appointment last week, he said I failed the Babinski's reflex. Until that, he was convinced all of this was stress related.
My primary care physician, neuro-opthalmologist, the radiologist that did the MRI, and the anesthesiologist that did the LP all seem to think I have MS or MS type symptoms but I'm convinced my neurologist thinks my recent symptoms are all anxiety related.
Could these be lyme disease symptoms? If so could my MRI AND LP results come back normal? We don't have ticks here in Texas (that I've seen) but I travel to see my in-laws in Wisconsin/ Minnesota twice a year and have been bitten by dear ticks before. I don't recall ever having a rash after being bitten. Thank you
posted
WOW, You sound like my story. I am 27 and I had the same eye problems although They got a little worse. I had floaters then my vision was dark and dimm. I couldnt watch tv, drive, dial the telephone.
Everyone "meaning the multiple doctors I seen" thought it was MS with me too. I was puzzled when Every time I was getting my IV Steriods I would feel worse, run fevers. My eyes would get worse.
Even though I didnt meet all the critiria to be diagnosed with MS my neurologist wanted me to start the injections.
THats when I started to seek other help. I just knew something else was going on. I had so many other symptoms going on. At the time I didnt think to tell any of the doctors. I would always find a reason to why I was having those particular symptoms.
I really think you should get a professional opinoin from a lyme literate doctor.
I am not saying you have lyme but your symptoms and story sounds alot like me.
You dont have to have a rash, I didnt. Only 70 or 80% develop a rash.
Making a appointment whith a lyme literate doctor was the best move I could make. Since my first appointment I have had only improvements!!!
Since being on antibiotics I have had no visual problems! My doctor had to start me on IV's because of the serious symptoms I had. I have neuro lyme.
I have been improving so much. I really see an end to this.. I really think I will beat this.
The only downfall with me is that I received alot of IV sterioids and lyme bacteria has a field day with that. Steriods decrease your immune system and the bacteria can double.
I am afraid if I didnt do what my heart was telling me I could be blind right now taking injections and not getting better.
My MS doctor told me that I just have the MS that wont get better... JUST IF HE CAN SEE ME NOW!!!
I am taking care of my two kids. working, driving living life and I can thank My LLMD!!
So follow your gut feeling and see a LLMD. If you are interested I can give the one I see. But it will be a drive for you.
Like I said I am not saying you have lyme but it could definatly be a possiblitly and I would see a LLMD, Lyme literate doctor and get some blood work done and appointment! Go from there!
GOOD LUCK!!
Posts: 61 | From ILLINOIS | Registered: Nov 2005
| IP: Logged |
NP40
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6711
posted
Nina, there's ticks in Texas, to be sure. Hey, that could be a country song ! All my ex's live in Texas All my ticks live in Texas
Wisconsin & Mineesota ? You can barely walk in your backyard and your swamped with ticks in these two states. You've pulled ticks off previously ? Good chance that one stuck ya'.
Those are definite lyme symptoms and most doc's are blissfully unaware of them. My advice is to go to the "Seeking a Dcotor" section of the forum and post a request. Someone will send you a Private message with doc info for your area.
Secondly, keep reading here, you'll learn a ton.
Posts: 1632 | From Northern Wisconsin | Registered: Jan 2005
| IP: Logged |
shazdancer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1436
posted
Hi, Nina,
So sorry to hear you're not feeling well, with all those puzzling symptoms. Just when you should be enjoying your toddler, you are worrying about this stuff, and the doctors aren't getting to the bottom of it.
Yes, Nina, it could be Lyme. Your symptoms are very consistent with neuro-Lyme (neuroborreliosis). A big key is that you are basically saying, "I was young, healthy as a horse, but now I seem to be falling apart in many different categories."
You have eye stuff, ear stuff, nerve stuff, and fatigue stuff. Makes me think Lyme.
If I were you, I'd have a Lyme specialist (ILADS affiliated) take your history and do a thorough workup. I tell that doc about your positive findings (like h-pylori), and let the doc see if those could be the source of your problems, or if Lyme could be the source behind the symptoms.
Take care, Shaz
PS -- In the future, consider breaking up your post into shorter paragraphs. Some of us are smart, but neuro-challenged, and the large block of text is hard for our eyes to follow.
PPS -- Note to the eye-challenged: Try scrolling the text up near the toolbar, so you only focus on one or 2 lines at a time.
OR, get a piece of paper and hold it up against the screen, to underline one line of text and obscure the rest.
Posts: 1558 | From the Berkshires | Registered: Jul 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Sorry about that all running together, I was afraid it was too long, lol.
Thank you all for your advice. I didn't know there were ticks in Texas, I learned something new. My husband's from Burnett county (Wi) and the ticks are soooo bad there in the summer. He told me that only the tiny orange ones carry lyme not the brown ones, not sure how true that is. I guess I will try to figure out how to post in the seeking doctor section. Thank you all so much for your response!
Posts: 3 | From Temple, TX | Registered: Jul 2006
| IP: Logged |
HEATHERKISS
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6789
posted
SYMPTOM CHECK LIST
This is not meant to be used as a diagnostic scheme, but is provided to streamline the office interview. Note the format- complaints referable to specific organ systems are clustered to better display multisystem involvement.
RISK PROFILE (PLEASE CHECK) Tick infested area__ Frequent outdoor activities__ Hiking__ Fishing ___ Camping ___ Gardening ___ Hunting ___ Ticks noted on pets ___ Do you remember being bitten by a tick? No__ Yes__ When? _________ Do you remember having the "bull's eye rash"? No__ Yes__ Any other rash? No__ Yes__ Have you had any of the following? (CIRCLE ALL YES ANSWERS) 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
-------------------- HEATHER
Posts: 1974 | From ABERDEEN, NJ 07747 | Registered: Jan 2005
| IP: Logged |
5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have Lyme/coinfections and my entire family does too. Your symptoms sound very much like mine. Over time weird things would come and go. My MRI was fine and all neurologists brought up stress. I didn't have the greatest reflexes either. They would poke my knee and nothing would happen!
I must have went to 12 doctors until I finally met one that knew something about Lyme. I found my symptoms came out more after my pregnancies. MY LLMD feels I probably had it through both preganancies but my immune sytem always fought it off.
If you were around tick areas and saw them you should run to get proper Lyme testing done through Igenex. The fact is only 40% of people get the rash. My sons didn't have the rash and they both have it.
Go to ILADS (International Lyme) website and read LLMD's guideliens there.
You don't want this to go on and on- please rule out Lyme as soon as you can. I really feel if I connected with an LLMD I wouldn't be so bad off now.
Posts: 238 | From Bethlehem, PA | Registered: Oct 2004
| IP: Logged |
Welcome to LymeNet!!! Many helpful friendly people here. Ask all the questions you need to.
In my opinion, it really does sound like Lyme is a high probability.
One thing you need to be aware of with your history of h.pylori and carpal tunnel syndrome is that you most likely have B vitamin deficiences -- especially B6 and B12. This could be contributing to your neurological symptoms and memory problems as well.
Read the Newbie links and especially Dr B's 2005 Guidelines -- he lists specific vitamins and minerals that Lyme patients may need to supplement.
Hope you find an LLMD and can get treated ASAP.
One reason you need to find an LLMD and not just go to any doc is coinfections. Most ticks carry multiple bacteria. Most Lyme patients have more than one infection and each infection requires specific treatment. Most general M.D.'s do not know to test for coinfections and aren't experienced enough to recognize the symptoms of the coinfections.
Keep us informed on how you are doing.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
NINA... listen to me! I had the EXACT same visual symptoms as you, as well as the frequent urination. And ironically enough, the FIRST time I noticed a visual problem was when I was looking at digital clocks... its to wierd, the time would almost look like it was "floating" and moving in front of the clock, it really scared me. Then I noticed that the windows in my car always looked like they were dirty, even though they werent. My vision also got dim and grainy and I couldnt accomplish simple tasks or remember where my silverware drawer was.
We arent saying its definatly lyme, but PLEASE get yourself to a Lyme literate doctor!
Any questions, feel free to post here or private message one of us.
Since my treatment I am about 85% better.,
Posts: 48 | From Toms River New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2006
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic