Re: do I have reason for concern? - Lyme Disease Message Board

cahcinderella · 12-25-2003, 07:58 PM

Hi Everyone, My Dr wants to test me for Lyme since I have been having some weird symptoms (rapid heart, fevers, vision disturbances, panic and depression, acne,erratic periods,short term memory loss, cloudy thinking, acid reflux, weight gain, unsteady balance---knock into things alot) I live in south western Pa and haven't vacationed in the north in years and then only to Niagra Falls. I don't remember ever having a bulls eye rash, but I do remember finding a tick in my clothes a couple years ago. Is it possible that I could have Lyme disease? Please forgive my ignorance, I am not familiar with the disease. I did have a strange rash on my face about 11 yrs ago that looked like ringworm. I don't know, I just wish I could find out why my whole life has drastically changed in the last 6mon.. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

Cindy

sady · 12-29-2003, 05:16 AM

Cindy,
Yes I think you should be tested. At least you have a doctor that
suggested it. It sounds like my early on symptoms. I had something start with me 2 1/2 years ago,They kept suggesting Lupus, One year ago they said
Yeah that's what you have, but no solid proof basing it o symptoms of Lupus.
I have almost every symptom of Lymes though. My doctors don't believe the seriousness in my area of Lymes. Are you having muscle and joint pain?
My problem now is all the meds I am on could mess with the results of a Lymes test. I have read alot about Lymes and my suggestion to you is yes get tested right away. If they get you started on aggressive antibiotics you could be rid of it soon. Alot of people on here talk about making sure they check for the bacterias that carry Lymes (make sure they check for those) Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Bartonella. I hope this helps. I have a Doc appt. in 2 weeks and I am going to ask for one or a referral to a Lyme Doc. Let me know what happens.
Sady

ticker · 12-29-2003, 03:09 PM

Cindy, Lyme Disease is the second fastest growing infectious disease in the US after AIDS, it has been reported in every state. I believe that PA has the third highest number of cases in the US.

To me your symtpoms sound very much like Lyme. Only about 50% of people who have Lyme ever get a rash, but the one you describe sounds like a bullseye.

Make sure you see a knowledgeable doctor and also get tested for all the co-infections.