Could this be Lyme??

Hi All,

I posted this on the anxiety forum but it was suggested I seek opinions on this forum as well. Based on my symptoms, I have researched lyme disease as a possible cause. I'm an avid outdoors person and have always been concerned about tick bites but have never spotted a rash but I know it's not always detected. I live in a low Lyme threat area but I certainly have hiked in areas prone to Lyme in past years.

I have been attempting to attain a dx for symptoms that started at the end of November 2011. At that time, I experienced paresthesia in my left hand followed by my right and left foot a few days later. I saw my pcp, had blood tests for thyroid, glucose, vitamin deficiencies, etc. nothing came up. To r/o ms, I had a brain MRI which was normal. The dr figured it was anxiety. I have a family hx for anxiety and I do experience it but not that I would call on any debilitating level. Symptoms have not gone away despite trying to be zen. Went to a neurologist and had a neuro exam, cervical MRI and ncs and emg. All were normal. The neuro said there was nothing wrong with me. I asked if it could be anxiety, she said yes. I also have been seeing a neuro chiropractor, 12 treatments and no improvement.

I have paresthesia daily in my feet, sometimes my hand. I also have it up the back of my head. I experience dizziness (light-headed) off and on and brain fog. I am in great shape. Exercise 3-5 times a week. I have two young kids and I stay at home. I do find this stressful at times.

My question is whether this type of presentation -- persistent parasthesia can be caused by anxiety or should i continue searching for alternative dx. I asked my neuro about other possible causes and she waved them off including Lyme disease. I'd be most grateful for any and all input!! I have another appt with my pcp and want to make sure i address all possibilities. Thanks!!

Post Edited (Kenai) : 3/29/2012 4:35:44 PM (GMT-6)

I have the exact same feeling in my hands and feet as well. It's primarily in my left hand and started recently. It's about 5 times per day and a few weeks ago it lasted the entire day for several days. I am dizzy and lightheaded daily as well. I also have a lot of twitching in my eyes and limbs.

I have Lyme and other co-infections. All my other tests were negative for other conditions and I was in decent health prior to known tick bites. So I would say it's a good chance that this could be caused by Lyme or a co-infection. My LLMD certainly thinks it is.

I would strongly suggest that you contact a LLMD as soon as possible.

Yes, my research has indicated the controversy surrounding Lyme. Frankly, that's why I haven't heavily pursued it. From what I've read, I didn't think I presented with classic symptoms. However, when trying to figure out what's going on with me I know two things about me: 1) I've experienced high levels of anxiety and which caused physical symptoms: hives and ibs (17 years ago) 2) I'm an avid outdoors person. I love to hike and run in the woods.

So, the two best explanations are anxiety or Lyme disease. I haven't been able to find cases hx for either dx that closely fit what I've experienced.

I had already determined that I would request that my pcp run an Elisa and western blot. Not sure he'll agree. It's worth a shot. Sounds like getting a llmd in my area isn't easy--long wait and far drive!!