Does this sound like Lyme disease?

Hey, so I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia four or five years ago (I am 19 now and was about 14 then), but I am not convinced that is the only thing I have. Just last week I took a turn for the worse. My muscle are now very painful and feel really weak. They hurt so bad when I try to walk or climb the stair or do anything. The muscles in my arms also really hurt. I am using a cane right now because of the weakness, plus for balance because for a while my left leg would shake violently whenever I walked. Anyways, my doctor said that it was stress causing it/making it worse, but even though it was supposed to be my freshmen year of college (I was told I needed to take a semester off by three different doctors) I didn't feel that stressed. I mean of course I was stressed but I was more excited than anything. Anyways, the other reason I think I might have Lyme is because I have had joint pain since I was 12 and it started in my right knee and very quickly spread. The symptoms seem to get worse each year (or even each month) and the symptoms started when I got Mono. My family and I used to go camping every summer so it is very possible I got bit by a tick, but I didn't notice the rash or the tick. It seems like every doctor I go to (Pediatrician first, the Pediatric Rheumatologist, Rheumatologist, Neurologist, and several Family Doctors) ask if I have been tested for Lyme. And I have, I have gotten the blood work multiple times and it always comes back negative, however many people I talk to (who are also convinced I have Lyme) tell me that they or someone they know who has Lyme never had the blood work come back positive. They had to get a different more expensive test. I also get sick a lot more often then everyone else. When I went to school I got EVERYTHING that went around. I have also had Mono twice. I am really tired all the time and I am always in pain. A LOT of pain. And every time I think that I am in the most pain I can possibly handle, the pain gets worse. Sorry this turned out to be so long, but please give me your thoughts and input. Thanks.

Doctors should also be testing your liver and platelets b/c the test for Lyme is tricky. Lyme often hides in undetectable places and your immune system won't always respond right away. Lyme tests are often inconclusive. Therefore you should have some other tests too. Especially a liver test. You need an infectious disease specialist who understand how to detect Lyme in multiple ways. It sound like you have a tick disease. Headaches? Memory issues?

Definitely could be Lyme! I have most of those symptoms. All my "normal" labs were okay, and my Lyme test was negative. I did have IgM band 23, which is specific for Lyme. I tested through Igenex and was CDC positive.

I highly recommend you get tested through Igenex, then bring your results here and we'll help you interpret them.

How much do the Igenex tests costs? And right now I am seeing a Rheumatologist, a Neurologist, and my family doctor.

The IgM and IgG western blots are $269. I just sent one in last week for my daughter.

Wow! They are very expensive haha. I just don't know what to do!

Unfortunately, that is cheap compared to all the doctor visits! And there really aren't any good options that cost less.

Don't be surprised if your Doctor isn't supportive when you discuss getting an Igenex test done, and that you are looking for a LLMD.

If he/she is supportive - that's great.

My Dr. doesn't know much about Lyme disease, but I was fortunate that she accepted the positive Igenex lab results and has supported me so far - but I do get treated from a different Dr who is very knowledgeable about Lyme disease.

Good luck!