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Posted 6/30/2009 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

I originally got on to this forum due to a high risk HIV encounter and am currently awaiting the 6 week mark (2 weeks to go)for the next test (did PCR and ELISA at 2,5 and they were both negative).
But while researching a bit I realized that many of the symptoms are quite common and hence I thought I'd ask in this forum as well (as I do live in a tick infested area in Europe and I have been bitten several times)

At the moment I have a number of "symptoms" including -
- "Tender" lymph nodes in my yaw, neck, armpits and groin. Not really swollen I think but they are tender to the touch as well as a general feeling of discomfort/medium pain.
- "Rash" on my chest and right nipple - no so much of a rash but more like a really bad itch
- Slight pain and tender lower stomach (more like where the prostate is)
- Pains around/in my kidneys
- Hard to concentrate (well doesn't everyone when they are worried)
- Loss of memory
- Flashes of light in the corner of my eyes (which after some research got me to Lyme)

Now - I've been down the HIV "worry road" once before (so I know that your mind&body can play some serious tricks on you) and I think I can recall having all of the above then as well except the last one.
So when I started thinking about it and went further back I realized I might need to add
- Elbow pain (for a year or more - but not now)
- Sore thumb joints (for a year or more - but not so bad now)
- Psoriasis (undiagnosed - for the last 15 years)
- Spells of depression (minor or even common as you get through your 30's...)

I understand that most, if not all, of the above can be psychosomatic (scary it in self...) and a result of stress/anxiety, but I thought I would ask in here is this typical of Lyme?

Also - What tests do I ask for in order to diagnose Lyme?

Any feedback appreciated.

- 1701
Posted 7/1/2009 9:36 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum, Rollo,

I am sorry you are not feeling well and suffering the long wait for a diagnosis. I hope you are able to find help soon. I agree with the comments made by Gracie's mom. Seek a "lyme literate" doctor (use recommendations) and test for lyme and coinfections. Try to contact a local lyme support group.

Lyme disease (and coinfections) can affect all parts of the body and weaken the immune system. It seems that this combination can give an unlimited number and type of symptoms. It makes diagnosing and treating these diseases so difficult. So, to answer to your question-----your symptoms are common to lyme, but it does not mean you have lyme. It will likely take an experienced doctor to clinically diagnose you, and hopefully be able to support the diagnosis with appropriate lab tests. However, the lab tests are not reliable, and often do not "catch" all the positive cases. There are many reasons for this and you will read about it during your researching. One of the most useful tests here in the USA is called the Western Blot. One of the frequently used labs for testing is named IGeneX, in Palo Alto, CA. The lab has a website with interesting info. I am not sure which tests are done in Europe and which strains they are able to test for. Because people can travel the world now, it is possible to be infected with more than one strain. Each lab may not test for all the possibilities. This is a reason why a local support group could be helpful to you-----to find the right doctor plus a good lab. The support group could save you time and money.

You can start learning more about lyme by reading the topic posted at the top of the first page of this forum, entitled "The Basics, Newbies check this out". Also, you may find it useful to go to the website of ILADS, to get more information http://www.ilads.org/ (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society).

I hope your return to good health comes swiftly. Best wishes. bablymers mom
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