does this sound like Lyme?

Hello,

I began experiencing some strange symptoms on May 6, 2011. On that night I took a dose of MDMA and it was the next day that my symptoms became apparent. They have persisted ever since. This led me to believe that what I was experiencing was directly related to the drug, but now, a year and a half later, I have my doubts. This is partly because I have spent innumerable hours on drug forums where I have read many reports of odd symptoms after ecstasy abuse, but none that resemble my own and absolutely none that have gone on as long as mine. Hence I write here today. If my symptoms sound similar to anyone, I would greatly appreciate knowing, and if not I would also like to know so I can expel the possibility.

My main symptom is a sensation of paresthesia on my scalp which persists pretty much all day long, and has for a year and a half. It feels like there is something crawling under the top of my skull. It changes over time. Sometimes it is extremely uncomfortable, sometimes hardly noticeable, sometimes so painful that it induces panic attacks on rare occasions. It feels like a burning, pins and needles sensation, and rarely goes away for more than a couple days at a time. Aside from this I have what seems to be restless leg syndrome. I get a bad burning sensation in my knees when I wear pants, or if any type of fabric (e.g. bed comforter) rubs up against my knees it can become quite uncomfortable. Like the feelings in my head, these symptoms fluctuate over time, but they are quite persistent overall. These are my main two symptoms. Occasionally but not nearly as often, I feel similar burning sensations in my elbows, cheeks, and knuckles. Aside from these sensations and the stress it causes me, this is the extent of my symptoms. Oh and one more thing. When I drink alcohol, I get the most unbearable hangovers imaginable. I used to enjoy going out and partying with friends on weekends but now I stay away from all that for the most part because I am left with the most intense fogginess the next day along with heightened discomfort and aggravation of all the aforementioned symptoms.

Though I manage to get through my days, I am often feeling pretty uncomfortable and stressed out because of it. I am proceeding with my life in a relatively normal fashion, and thus I cannot truthfully say that my symptoms are too debilitating, but that said I would do anything in the world to end them.

I have visited many doctors. The general consensus is “stress” or “anxiety” which seems to be the medical go-to to describe anything that doesn't make sense to them. They tell me I'd be surprised by what stress can do to the body. Maybe they're right, but I really don't feel any stress, and never really have! Except for what has been induced by my symptoms. Got some lab work done and nothing came back irregular. I even visited an infectious disease specialist at the health center at my university and got an Elisa test which came back negative for Lyme.

When I would search my symptoms, the most frequent thing that came up was Lyme because of some of the later stage neurological effects. Could this be what I am experiencing?! I found this thread which made me believe I might:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Lyme-Disease/Scalp-Symptom/show/958769

I also read another thread about someone whose lyme symptoms were first detected after taking MDMA because the drug weakened their immune system. Could this be possible for me? I would love to know if my symptoms sound anything like Lyme, whether anyone can relate to what I'm saying, or if anyone has any advice about how to proceed with my symptoms!

Thank you.

Btw, I forgot to mention...a few months after my son was born I started having weird scalp pain. It felt like I had painful lumps under my skin, or like I'd had my hair pulled back too tight for too long, only more extreme.

I've recently started to feel the scalp tingling too. It can be pretty unnerving, that's for sure. Do you have any other symptoms? The scalp thing, the "brain fog", the skin irritation and the adverse reaction to alcohol can all be symptoms of Lyme disease.

I also get the pins and needles sensation a lot. In fact, it's in both of my hands as I type this...yay... :-/

I hope this forum helps you and that you can find some answers soon!

Thank you so much for all the helpful information. I think that covers the bulk of what I am experiencing. A couple other symptoms that come to mind that are prevalent but less bothersome are that my limbs often "go to sleep" much faster and for longer than previously, and I sometimes get twitches/muscle spasms in specific locations that will last for hours. Are these symptoms typical of Lyme?

I'm gonna start be trying to find a LLMD in my area. I'm just worried about some rumors I've heard about how expensive these doctors can be, and that they are often out of pocket.

Thanks again for the help.

I had forgotten all about this post, so much so that I just posted a new topic about scalp pain and hair loss. My memory is really just not cooperating with me lately. *sigh*

Spall explained that well. I definitely have the twitching muscles as well. I remember when I first started feeling really sick, after my son was born...I was laying on my left side taking a short nap. When I woke up my entire right leg was asleep. It really scared the crap out of me! I still have the same issue. I can lean on my elbow for a few seconds and my arm starts to tingle and go numb.

Thank goodness for the kindness of Traveler and others for reminding us that these issues get better with treatment!

Spall also had a good point about it being your actions during your "adventure", rather than the drug itself. Don't beat yourself up about it, it's honestly just going to be good to know so you can start with treatment!

Have you had any luck finding an LLMD? I actually found one that accepts my insurance. I could never afford any treatments out of pocket. I've been out of work too long.

You might have to prepare to travel a bit. I was lucky enough that the LLMD closest to me does take my insurance. He's outside of Nashville, which is only about a 3 hour drive.

Keep us posted, and if you have any questions about other symptoms, etc please let us know.

-Lymer ... The poster formerly known as Rori...user name changed for privacy purpses :)