I am glad the board is back!

[lymebytes]

Hi everyone! I am glad the board is up and running again. Thanks John!

[uvamomb]

Is it true that you can be tested by two different labs and come up negative and still have lyme disease. A friend of my brother's wife had it and they say I am going through everything she went through.
I'm so glad we're home!!!
Thanks,
Kathy

[Bubbi]

Is it true that you can be tested by two different labs and come up negative and still have lyme disease. A friend of my brother's wife had it and they say I am going through everything she went through.
I'm so glad we're home!!!
Thanks,
Kathy

Its true--the testing can not be the only factor used in DX because it is so unreliable--your Doc must take into account clinical evalution when making a DX of Lyme.

I came down with Lyme in 2001--my tests all came back positive. I actually knew I had been bit but ignored it--it was 6 months later when I got really really sick.

I have never totally recovered and it has disabled me.

Glad to meet other Lymies and look forward to gaining more info.

[lymebytes]

Hi Kathy. How long have you been sick?

No Lyme test is completely reliable, and results can vary by lab. It is my understanding that the ELISA or titer is the least reliable and the one most doctors run first. Is this the test you had done? It is important to be tested by a Lyme lab such as IgeneX in Palo Alto, CA. They use more sensitive testing. Testing should be used only as an aid in diagnosis, not solely for diagnosis.

Below is a Lyme symptom list. You can have any combination of symptoms.

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

When Lyme disease is a possibility, it is very important to see a knowledgeable doctor. Besides Lyme disease ticks can transmit several co-infections including Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis (HME & HGE), Bartonella, and Mycoplamsa. It is estimated that 60% of people who have Lyme are co-infected. It may affect treatment choice and progress.

If you would like a doctor recommendation, let me know.

[lymebytes]

Hi Bubbi, welcome to the board!

Have you been continuously treated by a Lyme knowledgeable doctor? Have you been tested for the co-infections mentioned above?

If you would like a doctor recommendation, let me know. Seeing a knowledgeable doctor and learning as much as you can are very important. I recommend reading "Everything You Need To Know about Lyme Disease (2nd edition)" by Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner and Dr. Joseph Burrascano's treatment guidelines at http://www.ilads.org/burrascano_0905.html He is one of the top Lyme doctors in the country, and many Lyme doctors follow his protocols.

With proper treatment, you can get better. Hang in there okay?

[2mag]

so glad we are back up
where is buttons and the clan

2mag l old sign on was vboj