posted
Hi! I feel a little silly... as if I'm REALLY reaching but... here goes.....
I was bitten by a tick several years ago (2002) -- whether I was bitten is not in question. I was.
I was in advanced (military) training and... when I noticed the tick -- we "burned" it off and I didn't think a great deal about it anymore (silly, I know).
I don't remember if I felt "flu-like" symptoms because my focus was on completing the training....
The oddest thing I do remember is the site where the tick was embedded would raise (swell) and itchy periodically (even years after).
Fast forward several years... I notice now that I have quite a few of the symptoms that are associated with LD....
I have a doctors appointment on Monday.
I'm trying to research what could be wrong and present my questions logically rather than emotionally.
My plan is to be very proactive with my health (that's difficult to do in the military).
Again, I have quite a few of the symptoms associated with LD....
My question: is it totally unlikely that I could be having symptoms/be infected so late after being bitten (also, I live in Md but was bitten in Tx).
This is all very frustrating -- I've been going back and forth to the doctors regularly since last July....
groovy2
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6304
posted
Hi Dig--
It is very possible that you got lyme and maybe co infections--
I got bit in Austin TX 20 yrs ago- Lyme is Everywhere -
It took about a month or so for me to start getting sick --
I saw the Bullseye bruise on my leg after I was bit --
Lots of people Dont see a bullseye bruise -
The Tests for lyme and co infections are VERY Poor so dont let negative test results sway you --
Lyme and co infections MUST be Diagnosed by symptoms ONLY -- this is why you need to find a doctor knowledgeable in lyme- LLMD Hope this helps--Jay--
Posts: 2999 | From Austin tx USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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adamm
Unregistered
posted
Sounds like it definitely could be tick-borne. You should
tdtid
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10276
posted
As others have said, I would definitely see a Lyme Specialist to get it ruled out if nothing else since it sounds extremely suspicious.
You can get names of doctors in your area by posting a note over in the "Seeking a Doctor" topic. Good luck to you and let us know how things work out for you.
Cathy
-------------------- "To Dream The Impossible Dream" Man of La Mancha Posts: 2638 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Oct 2006
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Yep, hit a Lyme Doc for sure. I had my Gallbladder out when I was 27, I think it was Lyme even way back then.
Good luck and let us know how ya make out.
Steve
Posts: 406 | From Rhode Island | Registered: May 2007
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
welcome dig me; glad you found us since you ARE now a lyme and/or co-infection of lyme disease patient!!
i had a long note i wrote you, but the system LOST it, so i'll try to reproduce what i basicly said the 1st time..
we have other military women here too w/lyme. go to SUPPORT forum, and post there;
suggestion; for military women with lyme; what drs. do you go to?
COPY your post above to the one in both SUPPORT and SEEKING DR and PASTE in "NEW POSTS" there!
1 recent one told me my list of llmds for her area; military would NOT LET HER GO TO! it's has to be 1 of THEIR approved NON-LYME LITERATE MDS!! bad news for you. so be prepared for this.
but post in seeking drs. for YOUR STATE ok. ********************************************
i've got alot of info mentioned in the below info i'll post here for you. main thing is there's a post PREPARING FOR YOUR 1ST LLMD VISIT that will help you for your mon. appt., etc. *************************
WELCOME, would you like a FREE copy of my newbie package of 113 pages info galore sent by a PRIVATE MESSAGE here; includes TREEPATROL'S LINK of his archive of over 1000 links of good lyme info?
I've been completely REORGANIZING it; NOT DONE YET; but up to page 60 since I have now created a TABLE OF CONTENTS WITHOUT PAGE NUMBERS since it changes DAILY!
also, please go to TREEPATROL'S NEWBIE INFO IN MEDICAL; at top being features; mark it as a favorite! over 1000 links of good lyme info. He/I have some duplicates.
most of mine is very DETAILED info on certain things: SSDI/ss diability insurance benefits; FINANCIAL BURDENS; about IGENEX blood testing, symptoms lists for the basic types, NOIR/no infrared SUNGLASSES, etc. and how to use this board!
If you would like my newbie package, please send me a PRIVATE MESSAGE. PMs are the 2 people standing together icon to right of your name. Just ask me to send you lyme package, and I'll get it to you promptly. Thank you!
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posted
Totally possible. I was bitten 49 years ago and was first diagnosed in 2000.
Your female problem could be from Lyme. It did that to me. REad my story below.
Lyme Disease 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
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
Oh, no, burning off a tick is not the right way to do it! That ensures any disease the tick has gets regurgitated into you! This was how mine were removed as well .... for some reason people think this is the best way, but it is not.
I got diagnosed 34 years after being bitten, so it's not a stretch to think it's Lyme.
Unless you go to a Lyme literate doctor, you will most likely not get diagnosed. Docs don't want to diagnose Lyme because of all the political garbage surrounding it.
Please see an LLMD as soon as you can.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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robi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5547
posted
I have never heard of a Lyme Literate Military doc. They will most likely give you the party line .......... "you've been tested and the test is negative you do not have Lyme." If you do get a positive test and they treat, it will not be for a long enough time. Lyme is not easily cured with a few weeks of antibiotics. If it was this board would not exist.You really need to find an LLMD in your area. Folks here can recommend one. Usually fairly $$, but if you want to get REAL halp and not be told you are carzy and need anti-depressants then please seek out an LLMD. It will be the best $$ you ever spent.
A few warnings: 99% of Infectious disease doctors use the IDSA guidelines for treating Lyme. These are inadequate and are being investigated by the Connecticut Attorney General (enough said ..... ). There are some infectious disease docs that know the true story but I highly doubt any are military docs.
Also, be sure to read as much as you can on This site. These docs know the realities of Lyme, conifections and treatment. www.ILADS.org FIND A DOC THAT IS A MEMBER OF THIS GROUP! This is of the utmost importance. Stop wasting your time and health on getting a run around.
Post in Seeking a Doctor. Give your location and the location you will be in for training. It can take a while to get in with an LLMD.
And yes, all the advice above is good. Lyme and coinfections can lay dormant for years.... another reason it is so hard to get a diagnosis. Please follow up on this. Your hunch seems right.
Not a doc, just an informed patient trying to help others avoid the tradgedy of misdiagnosis.
Hope this helps, robi
-------------------- Now, since I put reality on the back burner, my days are jam-packed and fun-filled. ..........lily tomlin as 'trudy' Posts: 2503 | From here | Registered: Apr 2004
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Chest pain in a military recruit.Beck AS, Okulicz JF, Rasnake MS. Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Infectious Diseases, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, Texas 78236, USA. [email protected]
Lyme borreliosis remains an important and common vector-borne illness in the United States, Europe, and Asia. In the majority of cases, it presents as a localized rash that seldom causes further complications with antibiotic treatment. If left undetected however, various neurologic, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal manifestations may occur. Reported here is the case of a basic military trainee who first presented with cardiac manifestations of Lyme disease, highlighting this tick-borne illness as a rare, easily forgotten, and treatable cause of complete heart block.
PMID: 18364626 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Get yourself to a LLMD.
Godspeed.
Posts: 45 | From upstate NY | Registered: Sep 2007
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
nycaregiver, thx for the good link; i added to my newbie package. please copy that to TREEPATROL'S newbie ARCHIVES so it can be added there as well in future....big thanks!
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Well, it seems that last year (Sep-Oct timeframe), when my doctor mentioned Lyme as a possiblity -- he also tested me for it. I found out today that the test was NEGATIVE.
I never knew that I was tested in order to follow up on the results... but that dr also passed away suddenly in Nov or Dec and the subject never came up again....
Fast forward.... My appointment (today) was HORRIBLE and, aside from crying all day, I am terribly discouraged!
I logically presented why I thought my doc, based on symptoms alone-- should begin antibiotic treatment. (I WAS to attend a training school on this coming Monday so my options concerns are time-limited)
The doctor refused to consider Lyme (even BEFORE she looked at my labs)....
She hadn't reviewed my medical records.
She was not interested in the symptom list I'd completed from Joseph J. Burrascano, Jr, MD. -- DIAGNOSTIC HINTS AND TREATMENT GUIDELINES FOR LYME AND OTBI....
She was apologetic that she was only able to evaluate me on my lab results (which, for the most part have been WNL with slight variations here and there). But her apology yet dismissive attitude, not only cancel each other out but, it's not helpful to my status and really means nothing to me....
I "appear" healthy, however, I feel LOUSY!
I spoke at length to my boss and he is very sympathetic to my plight but, obviously, he's not a doctor.
I must admit, the drs reaction did put me off and it does make me feel a bit and question myself....
My plan: absorb the cost of seeing a LLMD. If his testing/evaluations are negative then I will see the psychiatrist... and rheumatologist, and do the sleep study..... as the "good" doctor suggested (ok, not the psychiatrist... don't feel that's my concern) Posts: 12 | From Md | Registered: Apr 2008
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posted
My plan: eat the cost of seeing a LLMD and if he is evaluation is negative then I will see the psychiatrist... and rheumatologist, sleep study.....
======================= Why would you see a psychiatrist?? Why would you want to see a rheumatologist who will tell you the same thing as the last "doctor."
Sleep study?
Pay out of pocket if you want to get well anytime soon!
I'm trying to maintain a sense of humor.... I was NOT serious about seeing a psychiatrist THOUGH I am feeling stressed now that I have been sold out... You are correct -- I have been sold "down the river" with no paddle is in sight (AND I don't swim).
The rheumatology and sleep study consults were the dorcors "idea" after I repeatedly told her my symptoms aren't MERELY fatigue but also muscle and joint pain... and insomnia.... and all this other stuff. I guess she threw it out so as not to turn me away "empty handed"....
BUMMER!
I have SO many PM's to go through and I will be seeing an LLMD ASAP!
Thanks so much for your words and help. I REALLY appreciate it! :
Posts: 12 | From Md | Registered: Apr 2008
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
I am sorry you are having to go through this.
I was refused testing for Lyme because we don't have it here in La.
I had to go to a walk in clinic to get tested.
I didn't know any better and had my Western Blot through Quest.
I was referred to a psychiatrist with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
I almost believed that maybe that was my problem.
However, I realized that wouldn't explain my joint pain, fevers, etc.
I did call the psychiatrist and tried to make an appt.
Thank God he wasn't taking any new patients.
It was the next day I went to a Walk in Clinic.
Out of the multitude of tests I had done including ANA, RA, etc.
Lyme was the only one that showed something positive.
Hang in there. Sorry you have to spend your own money....but your health is worth it.
Keep us updated please.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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Here are the Lyme Risk Assessments conducted by the US Army in the early 1990's. It covers many of the military locations in the US.
This information documents the presence of Lyme disease, the types of infected ticks, host animals carrying infected ticks, and the risk of contracting Lyme on each installation.
You may want to search for information about the new helmet developed to test for exposure to Lyme in the field.
Also, there's a report of Lyme Disease at the Marine Recruiting Station at Parris Island, SC. I hope that's the correct name.
The US Army takes Lyme disease seriously...so should we.
Be proactive for your own health's sake. If you don't you will regret it.
Posts: 1672 | From AL/WV/OH | Registered: Jun 2006
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WOW! Thank you. I am not in the Army but some of my some of the training I've attended are in areas/on bases classified as SOME risk and HIGH risk....
Posts: 12 | From Md | Registered: Apr 2008
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
nancy, thx for the risk assessment link; i added it to my newbie package.
please make sure you copy the link/info to TREEPATROL'S archive; GOOD INFO THERE!!
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stymielymie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10044
posted
dig me do you have a friend name mitch in oregon that you talk to.
just want to know because he has a friend with the same problem
docdave
Posts: 1820 | From Boone and Southport, NC | Registered: Sep 2006
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From one military to another, don't waste your time fighting the clinic to get help on anything Lyme.
I know I was bitten by ticks many times during training courses and field training and was never offered any testing/help even though I was at installations known to be highly infested on the Army's reports.
I finally got a MTF doc from Russia to give me a referral to a civilian provider and I've been in treatment for close to 2 years now.
How did they test you? If it was blood drawn by the clinic lab (Quest or LabCorps) then you should ask for a Western Blot test done only by IGenex Labs.
The clinic lab can request the draw kit, draw you, and then mail it off to Igenex for testing.
That's the best way to get tested. If they did a blood test at the clinic lab, there are a lot of false negatives.
It will be difficult for you to seek civilian medical care being active duty. Be very careful with whom you discuss your situation with.
'They' can UCMJ you for going outside the military medical facilities.
If you can get a referral to a civilian provider you won't have to pay so much out of pocket; at worst you'll have to pay up front, submit to Tricare, and Tricare will reimburse a portion of what you paid, supplements, and the like.
You'll have to do some research to find a LLMD nearby you.
Most of your prescriptions will be covered by getting at the pharmacy but if they tell you they don't carry it, ask the pharmacist to put it through to the SGH to get funding and approval for the pharmacy to order it.
They can get anything from any type of pharmacy, even experimental; I've had experimental, costly drugs approved this way.
If you have any quesions or need info from someone who deals with the military treatment facilities on a daily basis, PM me and I'll try to help!
Hang in there! Lisa
Posts: 19 | From Colorado Springs, CO | Registered: Jan 2008
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