New to all this...need some hope

Hello, I am pretty certain too, i am infected. my story is similar to others here.

To the best of my recollection, I have been bitten 21 months ago. i had no symptoms for 6 months initially, then symptoms started and tried to resolve with my primary care doctor and local health network. since then i have been bounced around to specialist after specialist (Neurology, Infectious disease, ENT, etc), 4 different primary cares for various issues that no one can help with, and in and out of ERs with no resolve. every time no conclusive diagnosis occured, it always went back to being labeled as anxiety/depression

this December i got really sick with flu like symptoms, and all the my lyme type symptoms had flaired up worse than ever...that prompted me to go back to a new primary care...this time the new primary care listened to what i was saying, and my history of odd things going on. she started me with the routine dosage of dox antibiotics (started on 12/26). I have been tested multiple times with Western Blot for past year and half, and they always come back negative. This time we ordered PCR test. I also had the Igenex test kit sent for complete lyme panel and complete coinfection panel, they should receive it today. in addition to that, I am waiting on getting my appt scheduled with LLMD in North NJ.

i am not sure what else i can do with this now, but the symptoms and an accompanying anxiety have been weighing heavy.

what can i expect in the days to come, as i start ABx, wait for test results, get into my LLMD? some questions i have is if my PCR test comes back positive this time, will this be enough to start some advanced antibiotic treatments (IV) through my primary care/infectious disease? or, i am pretty much on my own like its been, until i can get into LLMD? Related to the anxiety of this, will taking ativan or other antianxiety drugs, inhibit the usefulness of the antibiotics (i understand the pitfuls of benzos, would only be taking them on case by case basis during times of panic.)

thanks in advance

THanks a lot, i appreciate your feedback.

my struggles are a few, the muscle twitches, tingling in my face, those two alone drive up my anxiety, then all that with the uncertainty or unknowning of what is really wrong here...since it can be diagnosed effectively with a test. of course the stringing along i went through for over year now, adds to my uncertainty.

i want to feel confident knowing i will get results, i am on the right track now...but still not there yet.

i will start looking into the alternative options for various treatments in the days to come. for now, it i will use the ativan only when needed, as a security blanket if i need to fallback on. Just wanted to ensure that wont prelong or create any lack of effectiveness issues with the antibiotics

Hi and welcome but sorry you are having these symptoms and I sure hope you begin healing soon.

Not sure if you meant you had scheduled an appointment with an LLMD or waiting....I would schedule one since many LLMD's have long waiting lists. I would suggest to be put on a cancellation list if they don't have an appointment right away.

If they have a deposit fee for first visit it should be refundable if you need to cancel, just ask to be sure.

Testing can be unreliable, but Igenix is one of the better labs to test with.

Many people test negative even though they have been clinically diagnosed by the presentation of their symptoms, their exposure to tick areas, and history of tick bites etc.

Not sure if you have had a chance to read our"New to Lyme" start here thread at the top of the page but it has very useful and important information about detoxing, Lyme, testing, symptoms and more.


Well take care, Jo