Wow. Could this be true?

I got Lyme Disease for the first time  (twice) back in the early 80's with bulls eye rash both times-- treated immediately with Doxy and was (apparently) fine thereafter.

Right around that same time I also got a very mild concussion from an accident. 

What's curious, is that FOR YEARS afterwards--- up until about 7 months ago-- I always got these dull, nagging headaches-- once a month or less-- that would last for several days. 

I always attributed them to smoking too many cigarettes-- or not drinking enough water, etc.--- the usual suspects.

In addition to the headaches, I also would get occasional bouts of this weird buzzing feeling in the back of my head and a minor bit of dizzyness when I layed down. 

I attributed this weirdness  to residual effects of the concussion.   But really, I didn't know what was causing it. Since I was athletic and healthy and feeling great--- except for the headaches-- I never had it checked out by a doctor.  Life went on.

Now--- to jump ahead to 2011.   I obviously was reinfected with Lyme in either 2010 or 2009.  

Here's what's interesting: I just realized that once I started my serious, recent treatment for Lyme, these nagging headaches have disappeared-- never to return-- unless herx related. 

Also-- once my recent and Lyme related head pressure, brain fog, vertigo symptoms went away-- due also to my current  and agressive Lyme treatment-- the weird head buzzing I had from the 80's,  has stopped as well.

Could it be that the concussion wasn't the cause?  And instead the fact is: that I was NEVER completely cured from my 1980's Lyme infection and thus carried the 'headache' and 'weird head buzzing' Lyme critters with me all this time?

It's just so amazing that these 20 year old 'symptoms' ---  that I attributed to 'something else' ---- are gone now. 

Thoughts anyone ???

 

I would venture to say that yes, it is quite possible that you never had adequate treatment for the first set of TBI's and the result was on-going, although kind of subtle, symptoms.

My reason for saying something so bold? I too have discovered since starting a LD treatment that several of those things I always thought were "just me" are disappearing as well! It's pretty amazing how the body can hang on for years - or, as in my case, decades, functioning and continuing on!!

So glad that you are feeling better Cat!!! :)

Hi Bumper Car

Welcome to the forum! It does sound like you were inadequately treated for lyme disease. That, sadly, is all too common because the currently approved treatment protocols do not fully address the problem presented by long term infections, co-infections, and the fact that there are many strains of the lyme bacteria.

Please look at the permanent post at the top of the forum "New to Lyme?... Start here" It has invaluable information, resources and links that will get you up to speed on this difficult to treat disease.

There, for example, you will find that a herx is a Herxheimer-Jarisch reaction. It happens when there is significant die-off of the targeted bacteria. This causes a backlog of toxins in the body which actually makes a patient feel worse -- flu-like symptoms, aches, pain and more -- before they feel better. Unfortunately, this also stops uninformed doctors from continuing treatment; an informed doctor knows that the herx reaction is a sure sign that a person has lyme disease. That being said -- some people never get a herx. Did I mention that this is complicated?

Anyway, please do post with any questions you have. There are plenty of friendly, supportive people here ready to help you any time.

Trav & Achievinggrace:

Yes....it is all soooo amazing !! .....and it does feel great to lose the weirdo 'it's just me' symptoms.

Thank you for the responses. ::::))))))

Hi mrs2-- I did a bit of research on 'post concussion syndrome' and found: There is no specific treatment for post concussion syndrome. Instead treatments are directed at the symptoms such as pain medication for headache and nausea. For the vast majority of individuals with post concussion syndrome, the symptoms will resolve within six months to one year. Only rarely will someone be afflicted with symptoms for a lifetime following a head injury.

Since I didn't have a serious concussion-- no vomiting or falling asleep etc....and my scans were clear-- no brain swelling at all-- I tend to doubt that I had this syndrome.....especially not for over 20 years.

I feel this was Lyme related. But who knows for sure! Thank you for the suggestion, though.....it was well worth researching.

Hi Lyme14

Since my very minor concussion (not car accident/serious head trauma) happened 20+ years ago..... I have had plenty of time to recover.

That's why I am leaning towards Lyme concernng this. But again, who knows! At least the symptoms are gone now.

I was a horse trainer too when I got that concussion.  

I was galloping one of our really tough racehorses on the track and she wouldn't pull up after a breeze--- we didn't make the turn and jumped the outside rail.....she rapped the rail and sent me a#@ over tea kettle !!

Cracked my helmet in half but it saved my life.  I was knocked out for about a second.  Horse was fine.   Whew !!! 

 

So happy to hear that 'life is good' for you now !!!

TBI's only ruined my life for the 4-5 months I was really, really sick. At least it was winter so there wasn't much to do anyway.

You are truly an inspiration :::::))))))

Glad you're with us !!!! .....and that I made you laugh !!