Fibromyalgia or Lyme Disease

Heather Lynn

Regular Member

Joined : May 2011

Posts : 283

Posted 6/10/2011 6:26 AM (GMT 0)

I have read that fibromyalgia and lyme disease can be virtually impossible to differentiate clinically. Is this true? I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and I also talked to my doctor about Lyme disease. She tested me for it, but also explained how testing can be inconclusive. She asked me if I remembered a tick bite, and I said no. But I did have a tick bite 14 or 15 years ago, but no rash. My test (I'm not sure which one) came back negative.

My doctor didn't seem to think it was Lyme disease, but basically said if I was really concerned we could do a 30 day course of antibiotics. But I have had fibromyalgia-type symptoms for at least 5 years, maybe 10, so it seems like 30 days of antibiotics wouldn't be enough to tell. I'm just so confused by all this!

achievinggrace

Veteran Member

Joined : Nov 2009

Posts : 3266

Posted 6/10/2011 10:01 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Heather!

So sorry you have been suffering for so long. Your doctor is on to something, I believe. Fibromyalgia is a symptom of Lyme and if it is Lyme and you go on antibiotics for a month, you will most likely get a herxheimer reaction.

The herxheimer reaction, if you are not familiar with it, is where a significant die off of bacteria releases enough toxins to actually make your symptoms worse -- just for a while. It would be a definitive indication that you have Lyme.

Right, that's just what you want to hear! So you're feeling bad now and the best bet is to make yourself worse!! Hooray, I hear you say. The good news is that if that happens, then you could continue treating for the Lyme and eventually leave behind your Fibromyalgia.

Don't know about you, but I would jump at the chance to feel better. It is marvellous that your doctor suggested that course of action.

Good luck!

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