Lyme Disease - Lyme Disease Message Board

kky · 06-04-2002, 10:20 AM

Hello,

I've been going to various doctors for almost a year. Two G.I. doctors told me the problem was irritable bowel syndrome (because many of the symptoms started initially with changes in the bowel), however, both of my children have also had many of the same symptoms that I have. I've just read the message posted by "Ticker" and I was surprised to see that we are experiencing many (about 80%-90%) of those symptoms. It's very vague and the symptoms will last anywhere from a a few hours to a few days to maybe even a couple of weeks and then subside. (Then maybe reappear two months later, lasting a day or two.)
I believe I tested negative for Lyme's in December. I am worried about the kids now as we are all having pain in our lymph nodes. We live in rural PA and I drove 2 hours to take them to an infectious disease specialist who basically made me feel like an over-worried mother (and he didn't test for lymes).
I am wondering if anyone might have contact information for me to locate a specialist in Lyme's to look into the possiblity of a Lyme Disease infection as the cause of our sickness. Also, I am curious if it would be common for more than one family member to suffer from this disease at the same time, or if that rules out Lymes.

Thank you,

Worried (and tired and sick) Mom

ticker · 06-05-2002, 06:57 PM

Hi Worried Mom. Lyme symptoms can be cyclic. Pennsylvania has a lot of Lyme cases, I believe it is has the third highest number in the US after NY and CT.
It is not uncommon for more than one family member to have Lyme because they are often together where the infected ticks are. It is important to see a knowledgeable doctor because no Lyme test is completely reliable. Try contacting national Lyme Disease organizations for assistance.

kky · 08-07-2002, 10:36 AM

I just wanted to thank the person that just replied to my post.
My older son (8 years old) has had most of the symptoms listed on the message from "Ticker" and has most recently complained on many occasions now that his heart is beating too fast, that his hearing is "funny" b/c sounds get loud all of a sudden and he is experiencing occasional migraines and very bad pains in his ribs (even when just sitting). He is also becoming moody and his teachers have written notes to me last school year that he is "being very forgetful" (something that I'm having alot of trouble with now too), and "appearing very tired".
I took him to our pediatrician and asked specifically if we may be able at this point to test for Lyme, and was told that it wasn't necessary. In fact, the only test done on my son in the last year were three blood counts (the white blood cells keep going up and down - but not enough to indicate anything serious) and a stool sample.
I am so grateful to have actual contact information where I might get help for me and my family. I don't know what the problem is (whether or not it is Lyme), but knowing a doctor might actually consider testing for it would be a big help.
Thank you.

ticker · 08-07-2002, 05:50 PM

KKY, Pennsylvania is endemic for Lyme, I believe it has the third highest number of cases in the US. It is important to see a knowledgeable doctor because no Lyme test is completely reliable. It is my understanding that the titer test (the one most doctors will run) is the least reliable of all.

Ticks can also transmit several co-infections--Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis (HME & HGE), and Bartonella. Both Lyme and Babesiosis can cause heart palpitations and severe headaches. It is important to be tested for these also.