I have Lyme disease, and co-infections. I know I have Lyme disease and co-infection, because my body is telling me so. I have been battling this disease for four years. I have also been fighting Lyme denial all along. Unlike many with Lyme disease, I remember the ticks, I pulled an engorged tick from my body, I had a bulls eye rash along with two additional rashes that resembled curling iron burns. I had most the symptoms on the list of Lyme symptom. The only evidence I am lacking has been a CDC positive western blot from any lab. I showed 41+++ on all the tests, and some weak markers on other bands, but never a full five bands or more positive. As far as 99% of all PCP, and ID doctors are concerned I do not, and never had Lyme. I know I have Lyme. I can feel the crawling under my skin. I itch randomly through out my body. I have fatigue, nausea, muscle weakness, twitching, forgetfulness, brain fog, panic attacks, anxiety, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and severe GI distress. Yet as far as the 99% of medical professional are concerned I don't have Lyme. For a long time in my illness I was in Lyme denial. How could a tiny tick cause me so much pain I thought. Prior to Lyme disease I had spent next to no time in a doctors office, except for a annual physical, or my knee surgery. I assumed we lived in a time of an advanced medical system that knew of such simple diseases as Lyme, and had the fool proof tests to find what ills you. When my initial Lyme test return negative, I was surprised but ready to move on and find what could be causing my suffering. My PCP had run numerous blood work, and procedures, and was stumped as to what this could be. He thought possible Crohn's disease, IBS, TMJ, and sinus infection. None of his possible diagnosis stuck however, and I was turned away and sent from one specialist to another. It is no wonder why I, along with others, many of whom never even remember being bit or exposed to ticks have Lyme denial. I still find myself questioning; is this Lyme, or something else. I know I have Lyme. I know I have co-infections. I know no matter how sick I become the 99% will never believe me. I know I have Lyme denial, and so does the other 99%
Post Edited (Cheezhead) : 1/6/2010 6:22:09 AM (GMT-7)