How many were/are chronic sufferers of Lyme Disease?
By sylviekitty
@sylviekitty (2083)
United States
March 20, 2007 12:49pm CST
I have reason to believe that I have been (or that I am) a chronic sufferer. I have not been tested yet- I need to get my "script" to get tested. However, the facts are looking more and more like this is something I should be tested for. I have been having symptoms off and on for at least 9 years that I know of. I have had tests for all sorts of diseases and disorders and have yet to be diagnosed.. but I remembered being bit by a tick in Pennsylvania, back in 1986. And shortly after, I had a swollen lymph node under my left arm. I never linked the two together in my mind until the last couple of days. I also had a wierd rash on the back of my leg, which showed up well after the tick bite.. which can also be an indicator (an asymptomatic rash, in a place different from the bite). All of my symptoms do fit, and this means I could have had LD for 20 years or so. And my neurologist is trying to tell me that she'll give me the test (to humor me, I guess), but she doubts I'd have symptoms this far out.
Sigh..
2 people like this
2 responses
@blueskies (1186)
• United States
20 Mar 07
Keep insisting until you get the test. Don't let them brush you off. Lyme disease can have long lasting and far-reaching effects. Because it's not very widely known, many doctors are very skeptical when a patient suggests it. I've had the same thing happen with celiac disease. Keep insisting. You need to know the answers. I hope you start to feel better soon.
2 people like this
@sylviekitty (2083)
• United States
20 Mar 07
I'm sorry that happened to you. I just had that test a few weeks ago, as the CNP I saw (instead of the Neurologist- who was visiting with a patient) told me that CD is being linked to several neurological disorders. Of course I've been eating more gluten free products lately, and less wheat products. (In no way am I gluten free, but she figured I could have been "modified" enough to throw off the results). My results were negative.
I wanted my son tested, as well.. (because of the Autism, and I wanted to see if he could benefit from the Gluten Free diet) but the pediatrician at the Autism clinic said that his various tests showed little wrong with him physically, to warrant the need for the GF diet.
2 people like this
@sylviekitty (2083)
• United States
25 Jun 07
I got a test thru the Igenex Lab, and found out I do have Lyme... will also get another test for Celiac, I believe through a colonoscopy. Oh joy. LOL
1 person likes this
@Jennifer16628 (184)
• United States
15 Aug 07
What symptoms have you experienced? I was diagnosed a year ago with fibromyalgia by PCP. I never was referred to a rheumy. After doing some reading though I am convinced I need a test for Lyme also. I was wondering how your symptoms presented over the years and what they were/are. I look forward to hearing your answer.
@lyn999 (1)
•
8 Oct 07
Did you ever get an answer? I was first diagnosed with fibro and much later found out I had chronic lyme disease. It is not fun - you need to find a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor and there are not that many. Let me know if you are still looking.
