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Could all my issues be undiagnosed Lyme-I had the bulls eye rash years ago

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Posted 11/14/2015 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
For the past 10 years, I have had many troubling health issues. Fifteen years ago, I was bitten by ticks while hiking which stayed on my for a few days. I then had an itch which wouldn't abate and on my arm was a bulls eye rash( had no idea about Lyme).
Present time
I have suffered neck, upper back and reflux, IBS symptoms for the past 7 years. I have pain on the left upper quadrant and get diarrhea and nausea for months at a time. In 2011, I lost 30 pounds due to nausea and diarrhea and had every test imaginable. The only one that came back abnormal was the gastric emptying and it was mildly abnormal. They gave my PPIs, antibiotics, etc and nothing helped. They did a blood test for Lyme but it was negative. I gained my weight back and got better, but every few months, I have terrible neck and shoulder pain( no disk issues), diarrhea, left upper quadrant pain and nausea. Someone told me this could be Lyme--should I go in that direction? If so, what test should I request? After the Bulls eye rash, my blood test didn't show Lyme.Any help is appreciated.
Posted 11/14/2015 11:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi lillye - welcome!

A bulls-eye rash is Lyme disease. Since it wasn't treated, you developed other symptoms over the years.

The testing you should get is from Igenex Lab in California. Get a Lyme Western Blot IgM and IgG.

But, I need to tell you that the testing for these infections is unreliable/inaccurate. There are many false negatives...even with using the Igenex lab.
Your symptoms are consistent with Lyme Disease.

Moving forward, along with the Igenex test, you should find a LLMD and schedule an appointment.
The sooner you do this, the sooner you can start healing.

Also - when you have a moment, please take a look through the "New to Lyme?..Start Here!" thread at the top of the page - lots of good information - pay particular attention to the detoxing suggestions. That is something you can start right away...to help alleviate the symptoms.

What is your left upper quadrant pain like? muscle pain...or nerve pain? front/back or both?

I have nerve pain issues - that turned into frozen shoulder (upper left side) - it has always been my worst symptom...it radiates down my left arm and hand.
Posted 11/15/2015 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
The left upper pain is burning under my left shoulder blade, under my arm and sometimes even in left front abdomen-sometimes it goes into my left arm but I have been checked for heart problems-all negative
Posted 11/15/2015 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds similar to mine. Mine started with the shoulder blade area...
I don't have it in the abdomen...but i do have it in the ribs on the same side.

I have many more symptoms - but that remains my worst...and it clouds my perception of how I'm doing - because it is horrible ---even though some of my other symptoms are better.
Posted 11/15/2015 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
If I have had this 15 years, will that test really identify it? Also, where can I find a certified doctor? Perhaps my GI doctor will order the test.
I looked at the bulls eye rash pictures and I really believe that is what I had but my doctor just gave me some cream and it went away. I have not had another one since..
Do you have the digestive upsets?
Posted 11/15/2015 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
The test may not show a positive -but you could still have some bands show up positive...
Igenex, although the best lab to test - these tests often produce false negatives. But, as I said, even with a negative test result...you may show some 'positive' bands.

we can help you find a LLMD - just start a new thread titled: "Looking for LLMD in/near _____" and fill in you city and State.


No, I do not have any digestive upsets...but many people do. Lyme and coinfections can affect any part of the body/brain. (unfortunately)
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