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Bartonella and sleep, how to check for this?

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Posted 1/9/2014 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
I just got a second opinion from a LLMD over a free phone consult, he said I definitely have Lyme from the two positive C6 peptide results. But he also said bartonella is the suspect for causing the sleep disturbances. I read a list of the bartonella symptoms and I really don't have any of them except for not sleeping. I just wake up 30 to 60 times every night.

So how do you really go about checking for bartonella?

Also, if bartonella is really causing my sleeping issues, then what on earth could the chronic Lyme be doing to me?

While sleep is by far my number 1 complaint and most serious, I also have chronic lower back pain, arm/shoulder/hand numbness when placed in certain positions, cold hand/feet, and food intolerances for whole wheat, milk, nuts.

If I really have chronic Lyme for over 10 years I guess I really am extremely lucky if these are my only (miserable yet manageable) symptoms. Although I feel it really would be the Lyme causing the sleep.
Posted 1/9/2014 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
Since you've checked the symptoms list for Bartonella and you don't seem to have the symptoms, I would say not to put the cart before the horse on this one. Go through your Lyme treatments - if you do have a Bartonella infection, it will either stop your healing from Lyme, the symptoms will really come out as you lower the bacterial load from Lyme, or you will discover that your sleep issues are from Lyme and you don't have Bartonella.

But that's just my opinion!
Posted 1/9/2014 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
There's really no bartonella test?

I'm wondering if I only one symptom out of 30 (who really knows all symptoms), is it even likely to have it. I would figure matching at least a few symptoms would be required.
Posted 1/10/2014 12:24 PM (GMT 0)
There is a test for Bart, but like most tests its not 100% accurate. Due to this, LLMDs like to assess your clinical symptoms, in additional to testing. Both measurements together give a much much better picture with this disease (one more reason traditional doctors arent adequately equipped to help us).

Since you are having sleep disturbances, your LLMD is correct in at least continuing to suspect Bart. For me, my insomnia is directly linked to my Bart. I know this because when I stop my Rifampin ABX, my nightmares and insomnia return. The nightmares are intense. So does my extreme "I want to hurt people" anger issues. Im not certain if extreme anger is on the list for Bart, but it needs to be. hahaha

Yes do feel lucky.... most people with Lyme for that long have severe neuro/brain issues.
Posted 1/10/2014 1:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I too have Bartonella. I had a PCR test for this.
My LLMD said the nightmares I've been having are caused by the Bartonella. For me it is worse during PMS period, which he also considered to be Bart. When I had my herx when changing ABX, this got worse at first. After a few weeks it got getter. I do not have insomnia, but I do take Nestrolan (trazodone hydrochloride) which makes your sleep deeper.

Symptoms differ from person to person. I think it is good your doctor keeps this route open as a possible cause for your sleep disturbances. Maybe you could speak about treatments for both Lyme and Bart with your doctor?
Posted 1/10/2014 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
Well I definitely don't have nightmares, is this a common thing with bartonella? I really don't dream at all because my sleep is too intermittent and disturbed so I don't fall into deep stage sleep.
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