posted
Both of my knees now are painful much of the time. I started antibiotic treatment in August 08. My primary care doc took an x-ray of my right knee since that is quite swollen. I told him my left knee also hurt but since it is not swollen I guess he ignored that. My x-rays came back stating I had arthritis in the right knee and bone spurs. How can one tell the difference between lyme arthritis and just plain old regular arthritis? I have tested negative twice for lyme, but not with Igenex. I was bitten about two years ago, did not have a a bull's eye. My LLMD feels that I have Lyme. What are your thoughts?
Posts: 63 | From RI | Registered: Sep 2007
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Sorry your knees are bothering you.
More times than not I hear of Lyme arthritis without swelling. So having an "unswollen knee" isn't unusual for Lyme.
It is only unusual to doctors who know not what they do.
If you have a true LLMD.. and he/she feels it is Lyme...
posted
I don't think my arthritis fits the normal Lyme description, but then again, it seems there is very little "normal" about this disease.
I have widespread joint pain and stiffness. It is bilateral and worst in my ankles, knees, and hands. It is bad in the morning or any time after I've been still. Exercise helps.
My rheumie told me those traits are hallmark of inflammation. I don't have any signs of mechanical arthritis, where the bones are rubbing.
It seems no two cases are alike. I've also tested negative through 2 ELIAS and a lumbar puncture (which was not performed with primary intent to test for Lyme). I'm still waiting for my Igenex results.
No real advise here, just offering my experience to demonstrate the variety of joint problems.
Be well.
Posts: 455 | From Was in PA, then MD, now in the Midwest | Registered: Nov 2008
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