Hey Guys I have Lyme disease but I can't help but see so many people with other diseases that have so much in common with those that have Lyme. My aunt suffered for years with terrible migraines until she was tested for Lyme through a specialized lab and was positive. (this one www.igenex.com) she now rarely has the migranes.
Check this out, taken from the Lyme Foundation, " large numbers of patients are being routinely misdiagnosed as having other illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Moreover, Lyme disease can mimic numerous other maladies. It has been known to present as Multiple Sclerosis, ALS and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, those diagnosed with Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Depression and Attention Deficit Disorder also should consider the possibility they may have Lyme disease. Leading researchers are finding strong evidence that the Lyme bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) is responsible for a significant amount of mental illness, including those disorders that present as Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and OCD. New evidence is even pointing to a possible link between Lyme disease and Autism" this is why Lyme is being called the "Great Imitator" disease.
Take a look at this list for Lyme Disease/co-infections:
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
If you think you have even a few of these you may actually have Lyme disease/co infections like erlichiosis, babesiosis etc. I myself had practically all of them and now I am almost symptom free. You do not need to have had a bulls eye rash or even have alot of these symptoms everyone has variations in symptoms. some have almost none. If you have any questions/comments don't hesitate
for more information on latest news on Lyme visit the International Lyme and Associated Diseases web page http://ilads.org
you can actually request a kit for testing from the Igenex website (a kit will be sent to your home and you will need to go to wherever you get blood drawn but you have to do it through your doctor. if your ins. unfortunately does not cover the cost for this test, you will have to pay for it but it is the best investment you will ever make; I know I have no regrets) http://www.igenex.com
and if you need to find a specialist go here- Lyme Disease Association http://lymediseaseassociation.org/Doctor_Referrals.html
or you can call 888-366-6611
Post Edited (ltlgirl) : 4/13/2005 1:37:55 PM (GMT-6)