ticker

Hi airey. I have Lyme disease and have never heard this. Lyme disease is known as the great imitator because its symptoms mimic those of many other diseases including ALS. Many people who have Lyme were first diagnosed with other illnesses such as ALS, MS, CFS, and Fibromyalgia.

Do you have Lyme or ALS? My suggestion to anyone diagnosed with the above mentioned diseases is to be evaluated for Lyme and the co-infections that ticks can transmit (Babesiosis, Ehrlcihiosis, Bartonella, and Mycoplasma). Lyme disease is the second fastest growing infectious disease in the US after AIDS and it is the number one vector-borne disease; however, the majority of the medical profession is ignorant of its seriousness and prevalence.

When tick-borne illnesses are a possibility, it is very important to see a knowledgeable doctor. No Lyme test is completely reliable. Below is a symptom list for Lyme disease. It affects people individually and you can have any combination of symptoms.

Lyme Disease Symptom List

Unexplained fevers, sweats, chills, or flushing
Unexplained weight change--loss or gain
Fatigue, tiredness, poor stamina
Unexplained hair loss
Swollen glands
Sore throat
Testicular pain/pelvic pain
Unexplained menstrual irregularity
Unexplained milk production: breast pain
Irritable bladder or bladder dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction or loss of libido
Upset stomach
Change in bowel function-constipation, diarrhea
Chest pain or rib soreness
Shortness of breath, cough
Heart palpitations, pulse skips, heart block
Any history of a heart murmur or valve prolapse?
Joint pain or swelling
Stiffness of the joints, neck, or back
Muscle pain or cramps
Twitching of the face or other muscles
Headache
Neck creeks and cracks, neck stiffness, neck pain
Tingling, numbness, burning or stabbing sensations, shooting pains
Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy)
Eyes/Vision: double, blurry, increased floaters, light sensitivity
Ears/Hearing: buzzing, ringing, ear pain, sound sensitivity
lncreased motion sickness, vertigo, poor balance
Lightheadedness, wooziness
Tremor
Confusion, difficulty in thinking
Difficulty with concentration, reading
Forgetfulness, poor short term memory
Disorientation: getting lost, going to wrong places
Difficulty with speech or writing
Mood swings, irritability, depression
Disturbed sleep-too much, too little, early awakening
Exaggerated symptoms or worse hangover from alcohol

For more information on Lyme or to get a doctor referral, see the Lyme disease board at this site.