many symptoms,no diagnosis - Open to All Other Health Topics Message Board

bigmike4 · 07-12-2005, 12:17 AM

im a 32 year old male. to look at me youd think i was the healthiest man alive. for quite a few months now ive been suffering from periods of spaciness and cognitive problems. also intermitent fatigue and recently numbness of my lips and face. its so frustrating. ive been to countless doctors a few specialists and a phyciatrist who blamed it all on depression and anxiety. he tried me on virtually every anti depressant none of which helped or i couldnt tolerate adverse effects. ive had a few episodes of reactive hypoglycemia but it doesnt happen when the brain fog happens. ive had a brain mri,eeg,xrays,nerve conduction tests. recently they decided to try b12 shots since my level was in the low end of the normal range but i havent felt much from it. the ent has me on antibiotics for sinus amd somethin has my lips less numb now. the spaciness and cognitvie problems are ruining my life. i dont know where to go from here. anyone got any ideas?

ive considered autoimmune disorders, circulation problems and maybe even its sexually transmitted but none of those have been checked. i also have cold clammy hands sometimes that seem to be worse when im spaced out and the only thing thats helped the spaciness is to run and break a good sweat, none of this adds up

ticker · 07-12-2005, 06:36 AM

Hi bigmike4, welcome to the boards!

I am sorry you have been so sick, I know it is frustrating trying to find out what is wrong. I highly recommend that you consider Lyme disease as a possibility. It is often hard to diagnose (and not considered as a possible diagnosis) and can cause the symptoms you describe. Lyme disease is a multi-system bacterial infection caused from the bite of an infected tick. It can cause many seemingly unrelated symptoms. Many people who have Lyme saw several doctors before getting diagnosed.

Lyme is treated by antibiotics, so I think it is significant you noticed a change when taking them. Also, sometimes people who have Lyme have a lower than average body temperature because the bacteria thrive better. When they exercise and raise the temperature it can help to make the body less favorable for the bacteria.

When Lyme disease is a possibility, it is very important to see a Lyme knowledgeable doctor. Many doctors do not understand Lyme and under treat. Besides Lyme, ticks can transmit several co-infetions including Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis (HME & HGE), Bartonella, and Mycoplasma. Many people who have Lyme are co-infected. It is important to be tested by a Lyme reputable lab such as IgeneX in Palo Alto, CA. If you tell me where you are located, I will tell you of the closest Lyme doctor to you that I know of. For more information on tickborne diseases, see the "Lyme Disease Information" post on the Lyme board at this site.

Hang in there okay? You will find out what is wrong.

bigmike4 · 07-12-2005, 08:36 AM

im in va. one doctor took blood and said he checked for lyme and it was negative but im not sure its that simple. i think im going to submit to a spinal tap and get more blood done to check my immune system. ive seen so many doctors and they all promise to find out and then do nothing. thanks for response

ticker · 07-12-2005, 01:40 PM

Hi bigmike4. The majority of doctors do not understand Lyme disease. No test is completely reliable. From what I understand, the ELISA also called the titer, is the least reliable and the one most doctors run first. Is this the one you had done?

I suggest that you see a Lyme doctor before having a spinal tap done so you may possibly avoid this test. If a doctor tells you it is a good test for Lyme, then he/she is not knowledgeable. Spinal taps show Lyme disease in less than 5% of cases. I have never heard of a Lyme doctor ordering one to test for Lyme. I am sure they can be useful to test for other conditions.

There is an excellent Lyme doctor in the Lutherville/DC area. His name is Dr. Kenneth Singleton. I hope you can get an appointment soon and get some answers.

Keep me posted okay?