I have had a round rash (1.5" across)on my back just below my neck since early last year. Did not pay to much attention to this as it did not bother me much.
As time went on and March of 2007 hit I started having numbness in tongue, lip, chin. Then 3 weeks later hands, feet and parts of legs were like numb. Then my trunk was next to get numb like feeling. Then the shocking feeling down to my hands and feet when I bend my neck.
After about another 3 weeks I got another rash that appeared in the middle of my chest (1" across)and would get really dark red then get lighter and seem to go away but never completely as I could always faintly see it, Then after a week or so it would come back again. All this while the one on my back just stayed there never went away all this time but it does not seem to be real dark.
In June I went to Nerologist had MRI (found lessions in brain and neck) had Lumbar Puncture and was diagnosed with MS.
I am now at a Lyme Literate Doctor which also found a big sinus infection with what I told him has been on and off for over a year. He put me on Imoxicillin 500 mg which I take 2 pills twice a day for 30 days. I am getting the Lyme test through iGeneX Lab as he requested. He also is giving me a Yeast test. I will not get any of the back until Sept 10.
Can somebody tell me if these rashes were an early sign of Lyme or anything that could cause my problems/symptoms/Lessions?
Has anyone had a Yeast test for any reason?
I was on IV Steroid treatment once a month per the Neurologist but the Lyme doctor told me to stop taking it. Any opinions?
Any input, oppinions, ideas about my last 6 month of confusion? Please let me know.
Thanks for listening. Any input would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Rob
Posts: 40 | From Michigan | Registered: Aug 2007
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dontlikeliver
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4749
posted
The rashes MAY have been Lyme rashes, but impossible for me to say for sure, obviously.
I also had L'hermittes sign a few years back and was on the probably MS 'bandwagon'. Before that, I was in CFS and Fibro-land.
So, what I have since learned is that there are other causes for L'hermittes than MS, and Lyme can be one.
Steroids are a no-no unless you're life's in immediate danger (if you have Lyme), and preferably only if you're on antibiotics at the same time.
Many of us have yeast issues. Try to follow a low-carb diet.
You're lucky to have found a Lyme doctor; I think you'll get better from your 'MS' now.
Good luck.
Posts: 2824 | From The Back of Beyond | Registered: Oct 2003
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CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME!!! IN our local group we've had about a dozen MSers, half of whom developed MS after Lyme diagnosis, half before, all of whom got better with abx tx!!!!
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
Welcome Rob!
Many of us on here (myself included) have previous diagnoses of MS. It IS possible to have many of the hallmark "signs" of MS, including brain lesions, and have lyme instead.
While only your LLMD can say for sure, I would never submit to MS treatment before thoroughly checking out the possibility of lyme. Neurologists are loathe to do this and are usually dismissive of the possibility, in fact, often downright hostile. LLMD's, on the other hand, are much more in tune with the ever-developing research linking the two.
I would stick with your LLMD. If you DO have lyme, MS treatment can really set you back. On the other hand, if you don't have lyme, lyme treatment won't hurt your "MS" progression. In my opinion, everyone should try at least six months of antibiotic treatment, preferably aggressive treatment. Your very reaction to the antibiotics can be diagnostic of lyme, since if you don't have it you won't likely have much of a reaction.
Steroids are very bad if you have lyme, as noted above -- they suppress your immune system, which is already very stretched if you have lyme.
We've an interesting thread on here called "Are All Neurologists Goofy?" Do a search for it in the subject line. You'll be amazed!
Hang in there; so glad you've found an LLMD.
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
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When I went to my Neurologist the first time I brought a list with me of the past 3 month of my problems and he said quote, When somebody comes with a list like you have 9 times out of ten they dont have any problem. But of course after the MRI things were different.
Also, when I went to him with the question - what tests have been done to rule out Lyme Disease, he said none, but we can do an antibodies test at the hospital, the results came back he said the test was negative you do not have Lyme. He then said you do not want Lyme. I could not believe my ears as I said I would want Lyme over MS. Then he said why are you so persistent about having Lyme, that is when I told him because I lived in Massachusetts all my life and my doctor there said to rule it out. He then said, I had no idea you lived in Massachusetts. No kidding you did not ask. And also, he said there was not one confirmed case here in Michigan.
I then talked with the Michigan Lyme Disease Association about these things and they told me the antibodies test was junk and that you cant do an antibodies test for Lyme if you are on steroids, the test is void. They also were very mad to here he said there was no confirmed cases in Michigan.
I did get a second opinion from another Meurologist and he too said I had MS and the same attitude but he did say that we could rule out Lyme by doing a Lumbar Puncture, which I already had this with the previous Neurologist and he did not do any Lyme test. I told him I am not doing the Lumbar Pucture again as I had bad problems after the first procedure and ended up a week later getting what they call a blood patch - where they stuck another needle in my back and injected my own blood to repair the site from before, it did work!
Anyway, at this point I do personally feel better with the Lyme Doctor as his bedside manner and professionalism is through the roof as compared to both the Neurologists I seen, it is like night and day.
Thanks for listening,
Rob
Posts: 40 | From Michigan | Registered: Aug 2007
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groovy2
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Member # 6304
posted
If the rash shows up again make sure to take a picture of it --very important --Jay--
Posts: 2999 | From Austin tx USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
Hi savagek
lyme rash's can come in all shapes & sizes, not just the classic "bulls eye rash"
Ditto what Jay said...good idea to get a photo of it if it surfaces again ~
Might want to hold something that has the date in it like a news paper and hold a tape measuring stick up along side of it to get the aprox size.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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bejoy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11129
posted
I have discovered that a lyme ring rash can show up at any point in the disease.
From what I have read and seen, the later stage lyme rings tend be nickel to quarter sized, and to have a distinct raised dark outer edge, (but not always.) They can come in lots of shades and sizes.
The major difference between a yeast (ring worm) rash and a lyme (erythema migrans) rash is that yeast generally itches and lyme generally doesn't.
Other than yeast, I have not seen posts or pictures of any other kinds of rashes that come in a bullseye shape.
So in my non-medically certified opinion, if your ring shaped rash didn't itch, chances are good that it was lyme related.
From what I have read, lyme brain scans look identical to MS scans.
I agree that it is essential to stop taking steroid shots. HIgh dose steroids supress the immune system, which is what you don't want when fighting lyme bacteria.
The good news - sounds like you are working with a good lyme doctor who will help you get well.
-------------------- bejoy!
"Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." -Ralph Waldo Emerson Posts: 1918 | From Alive and Well! | Registered: Feb 2007
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At this point with all the input here along with the Lyme doctors advice, I will in fact stop doing the IV Steroid treatment.
As I am on the Imoxicillin 500 mg (2 pills twice a day) for 30 days, would I feel a difference in this time if I in fact do have Lyme. I have only been on Imoxicillin for 5 days now.
I also want to Thank all of you for the warm welcome and for all the input and Help as it really means a lot to me as I am sure you all know.
Thanks Again,
Rob
Posts: 40 | From Michigan | Registered: Aug 2007
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
At this point with all the input here along with the Lyme doctors advice, I will in fact stop doing the IV Steroid treatment " -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh No IV steriods. Using steroids if you have lyme is like pouring gasoline on a fire. Ketes have a field day. Hands down the very worst thing you can do if you have lyme.
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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IV steriods. Using steroids if you have lyme is like pouring gasoline on a fire. Ketes have a field day. Hands down the very worst thing you can do if you have lyme.
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