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Posted 1/10/2014 5:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

First off I'd like to say, hello to all on this forum! I've been a follower from a distance for a while now and what a great resource for information. I'm a 24 year old male and live in Canada. I was a competitive soccer player, workout 4 times a week and work a physical job, before Lyme changed that 4 months ago. I now only am able to work, which I still feel fortunate for. Anyways enough of that I'll cut to the chase.

Symptoms started with back pain, then tingling legs and hands, muscle twitching, weight loss, arthritic type joint symptoms (clicking, popping, mild pain), muscle fatigue and general fatigue and a bunch of other lesser symptoms.

I've had 2 full MRI's, CT Scan stomach and chest, ultrasound, 45 different blood tests looking for everything from autoimmune, myopathy's to HIV, 4 nerve conduction and EMG studies. Seen 2 neurologists, neuromuscular doctor, regular doctors, rheumatologist and probably some I'm forgetting haha.

Anyways, I've always thought it was Lyme and went half way across the country to see a LLND (who's awesome and so well informed) and got a clinical diagnosis based on specific Lyme symptoms. Now I just received my Igenex results and they are as follows:

IFA: 82 Positive,
IgM West. Bl.: 23-25: IND, 31: IND, 39: +, 41: ++, 83-93: IND.......Igenex: POSITIVE, CDC/NYS: POSITIVE
IgG West. Bl.: 39: IND, 41: +.........Negative
Multiplex PCR: Negative all around

Doctor explained them in great detail over the phone, and she was convinced without a doubt I have Lyme. In fact she said with being CDC positive, no doctor in Canada could technically deny that I don't have Lyme, because its the standards they follow. I have started treatment that is a mix of Cowden and other supplements and herbs. She's huge on biofilm and detoxing. Going to start Cowden part soon.

So basically I just wanted to hear from some of the experts on here if you feel it definitely is Lyme and if you feel I'm on the right track. Thanks in advance!
Posted 1/10/2014 5:42 AM (GMT 0)
Glad you joined the dialogue. If those are IGenex test results (just reread and see they are IGenex, sorry having trouble reading) I would say based on my research of IGenex tests you are positive for Lyme. The fact that you are also positive for CDC and New York basically clinches it. Good luck with your treatment protocol. Let s know how you progress. Hope you find a good LLMD or LLND to help you get better. One good thing is you caught it early so that should be in your favor.
Posted 1/10/2014 5:58 AM (GMT 0)
Roxie,

Thanks for the quick response and I definitely plan on spending some time around here. Appreciate the advice.
Posted 1/10/2014 8:15 AM (GMT 0)
I am so glad you found out early on you have lyme so it can be treated effectively. I had it for years before I got the treatment I needed. good luck and we will support you all we can. jackie
Posted 1/10/2014 1:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lyme Contractor - I also was a very competitive soccer player in my youth (my brother went pro). Like you I'm also definitively positive for Lyme (on ALL bands my doctors hilariously say).

I've found that we are the LUCKY ones because doctors and insurance companies, even the reluctant ones, will continue to treat us as long as the tests are positive. Things become a heck of a lot more difficult for those who have Lyme, but whose tests are not positive.

Anyway, I wanted to ask you, as a fellow soccer player, do you find your version of Lyme to be more joint/muscle inflammation specific? My version has wrecked absolute havoc on my "soccer body". Specifically my legs, calves and knees.
Posted 1/10/2014 3:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hello

Mystery1: Yes in a lot of ways I feel fortunate to have found out fairly early (or so I think) and that I can start my treatment. I feel for people like you and others who had to go way longer before knowing what was wrong. My LLND had Lyme undiagnosed for 14 years, so I couldn't even imagine that. If you knew my personality I am a definite go getter and couldn't accept that I had "some strange" illness that nobody could diagnose. In Canada its pretty well impossible to even get anyone to talk about it. Thanks for the reply.

Vcast: That's awesome! My dad is from South America so that's where I get my passion for soccer from. He actually still plays at the age of 58 haha.

I wasn't nearly as positive as your test but just met the narrow criteria for being CDC positive, anyway there's little dispute what it is. Unfortunately in Canada there's no hope of getting anyone to prescribe you long term antibiotics so its all for nothing to a degree. Unfortunately I am self employed and have no sort of insurance plan, so treatment is out of pocket. I'm fortunate enough to be able to still work (sort of) and make a very decent living as a Residential Building Contractor (hence the name Lyme Contractor ;) ), so I'll make it through financially and for that I feel blessed.

I don't have a whole ton of pain but mostly joint clicking, popping. My ligaments snap over top most of my bones around my joints. Worst areas are shoulders and wrists, likely due to my occupation. As far as muscle fatigue aspect, Lyme's wreaked havoc on my legs. They get weak super quickly comparably to before when I could run 90 minutes 3 times a week. I'm sure you had this but I'm used to having these "soccer legs" that resemble tree trunks and now I put on a pair of pants and I have all this extra room haha. Funny and frustrating at the same time. I will get back to playing again, just a matter of when. Appreciate the response and hopefully I'm not too long winded for you (I have lots to say usually haha)

L.C.
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