Lyme and Atrophy at the Wrist

Hello, All:

I was diagnosed with Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia in September of 2016. Prior to diagnosis, I was positive on three ELISA tests and positive on three Western Blots for IGM Band 23 and IGG Bands 23, 39, and 41.
The first doctor to diagnose me was an Rheumatologist and an ID conferred, and they started me on doxy.

In December, I switched my treatment to Dr. J in Washington DC, and I have been pulsing with antibiotics since then.

Many of my symptoms have gotten much better (fatigue, headache, hot flashes, insomnia, digestive issues, etc.). However, I started experiencing muscle twitches in December all over my body and nearly all the time.

While the twitches have gotten better, they were very concerning to me, and made me question whether I was experiencing a motor neuron issue. I have had three "clean" EMG's over the past year, so that is some reassurance that the twitches are lyme-related.

More recently, it seems like I have some atrophy in my wrist. Not necessarily the muscles of my forearm, but the actual tissue around my left wrist seems to be getting smaller. The strength in my arm and hand don't seem diminished and I had a neurological exam three weeks ago with no abnormal findings.

My question: Has any one else with Lyme and/or co-infections also experienced some atrophy around the wrist or other joints? If so, do you have any suggestions for combatting this effect?


I really appreciate any taking the time to read this and respond. It helps to feel you are not alone.


Thank you.

I had the twitches all over as well, but mainly focused on my left side in my calf, foot chest hand and arm. There is noticeable 'atrophy' in those locations. Side by side comparisons of each of those locations to the right side of my body you can see noticeable differences and also where you can measure there is a difference as well. My left pectoral is noticeably smaller than my right now. I too though motor neuron issue at the beginning, but never experienced any weakness. Lots of pain, twitching, cramping and apparent atrophy for almost 2 years but no actual weakness. Going on 2 years this upcoming November. I wasn't as fortunate as you so with testing positive on the Elisa test, I only tested positive on Igenex IGG so I had always questioned whether it was a motor Neuron issue. I believe it's lyme decimating the motor neurons or neurotoxins from the lyme dieoff which also explains what the twitching is about. The effected motor neurons possibly bounce the signals around instead of relaying them to the muscle and providing feedback to the brain. Hence rapid twitching that changes location frequently.

The only therapy that has really made a difference is exercise and eating lots of protein, and going Gluten, dairy and sugar free. I tried a ton of supplements with no success. Good luck.

Dacarte3, Tyme, and bluelyme: Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. All of this is really scary and, as I said, it helps to hear that others are finding ways to deal with these issues.

Tyme: Appreciate the tips regarding exercise and diet. I've also noticed that the twitching becomes worse -- more widespread and frequent -- if I don't get enough sleep. about 15 minutes in a sauna three to four times per week also seems to help.


bluelyme: My doctor is now moving me to a protocol to focus on bart, so I hope to have success like you.

Decarte3: No, I'm not currently taking a collagen supplement, but based on this thread I will start. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks.