Any Advise??

Over the past 3 or 4 years I have gotten bad joint pain. Wrists, ankles, fingers, toes, etc. Sometimes swelling, sometimes not. The pain some times controls my life. I am 28 and feel much older. I've been tested for rheumatoid arthritis & lupus 2 years ago & again this year. Both times tests are negative. (RA runs in the family) This whole thing is making me crazy. This is my main problem.

But, I also have had fatigue issuses for over 10 years now. They tested me for sleep apnea, everything was fine. I get sick easily. I have Asthma issues & headaches. I remember getting bit by a tick when I was about 11 or so. 17 years ago? Would that make any sense? Should I push for a Lyme disease test? Do my symptoms seem right?
If any one can offer any help it would be apreciated. -- Thank you!

Hi readysketty,

I just wanted to tell you that I agree with CanjunGrl!

From my own experience:

I live outside the LA area (not a lot of ticks here)

I moved here from Kalamazoo, MI 6 years ago (lots of ticks and mosquitoes) Mosquitoes have been known to transfer Lyme.

Prior to K-zoo, I was in Kansas (need I say more?)

Two year stint in (of all places-Fargo, ND) Mosquitoes so big you can saddle them and ride 'em. Not to mention, ticks were very common in the lake areas of Minnesota (30 seconds across the bridge from Fargo)...with 3 sons, we spent a lot of time at the lakes fishing, swimming, exploring and so on.

Before my career led me to these different parts of the Midwest, I lived in Wichita, KS. Born and raised. Camping, fishing, hunting, watersports were all part of my upbringing. Suntans...could this have disguised the bulls eye?

Lots of time spent in Oklahoma from birth to date. My parents have a lake home there. Can you say Deer tick?

I promise you I am getting to the point!

I cannot tell you the number of ticks I've had on me over the years and different areas I've lived. I would not hesitate to say that I have flicked ticks off of me every year for as long as I can remember! I especially love when they get their little heads under your skin...Not really!

I go to Oklahoma a couple of times every summer for 3 day weekends and the 4th of July (not this year) and Kansas every 2-3 months to see my Granddaughter.

I travel all over the world for my career (no travel since April)...so sad!

OK, lots of build up to make a simple point...sorry!

I have been completely sick (prefer to say not well) for 4 months. I was diagnosed almost 3 weeks ago as positive with Lyme, co-infections and other wonderful things.

When or where I encountered the "bad guy" that gave me this is unknown.

Was it when I was 2 years old fishing with my Daddy in Oklahoma? Was it 6 years ago when I was living in my Michigan lake house? Was it when i was traveling all over....

Gosh, I don't know.

What I do know is that I am very ill and have been house bound for four months.

After a very stressful time in my life, I became very ill...subsequently, I have been diagnosed with Lyme and am being treated.

So sorry for the length of my response!

The long and the short of this is to get tested! The sooner you find out, the better off you will be! Piece of mind alone is worth the cost of the test.

Moral of the story:

Doesn't matter how long ago you may have been infected; it is possible that you have carried this with you for quite some time and it's now decided to rear it's ugly head. You take control of it before it controls you....

You are too young to let this control you.

One more thought: I also have CFS and Fibromyalgia which have very similar symptoms. You may want to look into that as well.

Don't give up until you get the proper diagnosis no matter how many doctors you have to see!

I pray you will get the information you need to act on your condition and get well soon!

Best wishes to you!

Thanks CajunGrl!

Do you ever sleep? This site has definitely given me some comfort with my sleeping issues! When I can't sleep, you'll find me here!

I only hope everyone does not get tired of seeing my name every where! This site is an incredible pick me up! I have actually felt more alive in the last few days, since I have joined, than I have in the last few months! And...I'm herxing (which made me do a search online and find you). I am better tonight but just can't sleep. I'm on Pacific time....you?

readysketty,

Sorry for the personal dialog on your inquiry. This is a fine example; however, on how this site can be very medicinal when it comes to your mental health!

I love everyone for their genuine concern for others while they, themselves, are suffering!

Thanks!

RD,

Your response made me smile. Good for you! Not many people can do that with me these days! Funny, when I was young, people used to call me "Smiley"!

I'm glad we were able to connect at some level. The more people that "get me" the more people I "get". I think this is healthy. It may not cure us but it certainly can't hurt!

Where do you live in the south...if you don't mind my asking?

RD, thanks for your support! You have mine!

Sweet dreams!

Thanks for making me laugh!

Love this site!

Almost hate to go to bed...I might miss something, LOL?

What time zone are you in CajunGrl?

BTW, have I told you how wonderful you are?

I sure hope you are being rewarded by all the support you provide to all of us out here. I know you are suffering yourself.

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

LadyWLyme,

I'm central. Yeah, it was pretty late last night. I think I finally went to sleep at 6 this morning. Ugh! I hate when this happens.

Thanks for the compliment btw:)