How do I distinguish between Lyme and ?

how about getting the igenex test for lyme- it is a pretty accurate indication. I wasn't sure if I had it for months and was told tests are ineffective- until someone told me to take the igenex test and I tested positive. Wish someone had told me to take that earlier.

are you getting the igenex? That one is pretty straightforward and you can interpret it pretty clearly.

And then the other key is to find a doctor who knows about lyme, don't waste time with doctors who don't. Good luck- the whole thing really sucks.

Yes is is the Igenex test I'm getting.

Re: getting a good LL Doc - not much choice here on Vancouver Island, BC. Canada. I hope she's good.

Having to travel 3 1/2 hours each way to see one for my Igenex test. She is apparently LL and has several patients. She has prescribing rights, so can prescribe abx.
But I will remember to ask the question about how long does she treat - and hoping her answer is "until resolution of symptoms"

I guess I'm thinking it's not fibromyalgia because it seems like something is attacking so many parts of me...that Lyme fits better.
endocrine, brain, thyroid, nerves, muscles, joints, skin - I dont know if that is common for Fibro.

I did do a regular "free" test that is covered my our medical...But waiting still for results - going on 6 weeks - so i'm going to get the Igenex test in a couple of weeks. Can't keep waiting for a test that will most likely be negative anyway.
I have to get the ball rolling - life is passing me by. Another summer is almost here...and I have to feel like there is a plan in place to get better...

I am kicking myself that I didn't pursue Lyme sooner...but it's so frowned upon here in Canada...that you just feel like an idiot for even suggesting that you could possibly have Lyme.

I saw two endocrinologists - first one said "menopause has many faces".... - yeah, really - it causes tremors, muscle twitches, the shakes, muscle weakness, muscle pain, tingling left side of face, body vibrations, etc., etc. Hmm, then how come most women can work when they're going through menopause???
The second endocrinologist said I what I have is neuro muscular - and suggested a neurologist.
the neurologist said I don't have MS - "I promise" - and then proceded to ask me if I felt better now. Actually, no i don't because I feel like crap even if I don't have MS . Then he sent me to a Physiatrist.
The physiatrist said I have frozen shoulder. But didn't want to hear about other symptoms...because that's not his area of expertise.
All these specialists appts. took about a year.
Now I'm waiting for my ENT appt.
enough is enough

How awful Revive to lose 15 years of your life!
But, good that you're better now!
What did you take once you started treating your Lyme?

Think of it this way - how and when did it all start? I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia too, but I didn't buy it, bc once I read about it, I said there is no way in heck this came out of nowhere. I was sick inbetween too, but still, the body aches, the anxiety, the cystitis, the migratory pains, yes, they all fall within fibromyalgia symptoms, but fibromyalgia does not just "appear" out of left field. From what I have read and understood, it is believed that fibromyalgia stems from a change in your CNS. Ok, so does that happen out of nowhere? Nope! Something has got to happen to you for this change to take place. The suggested possible causes are : severe trauma, autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis or lupus), repetitive injury, infection (hmmm could it be lyme that causes fibromyalgia like symptoms? yup!)

I rest my case =)

hope this brings a little insight to you!!