Struggling with this...

Summer of 2016 I was bitten by several ticks. I had my husband pull one off my back. I pulled one off my stomach, my leg, and my thigh.

By September 2016, I had "The Rash" but had no idea it was "The rash."

October2016-January 2017 I was so sick. You name it I got it. Cold from hell. Flu. Rinse/repeat. Mind you, I'm the person everyone hates, as I typically NEVER get sick. I'm the eat healthy, work out 6 days a week kinda person.

When I went to the doc (urgent care) in Jan 2017 for the flu, I showed her my rash, she immediately said "That looks like Lyme Disease." But only said to check with my regular doc.

Fast forward to march 2017 I finally break down and go to the doc for Lyme. She immediately says yes it is, lets start the protocall - and I foolishly said no, lets do a blood test. Came back negative, so I thought HA! Having no idea at that time, that most come back negative.

The rash moves. It comes and goes. Right now it's a lovely bulls-eye on my lower stomach. I also have a few other rashes above it, and on the opposite side.

When it comes I feel HORRIBLE. Fatigue doesn't quite explain it. Flu like symptoms, with a constant lower back ache, legs ache... I just ache. Nothing tastes good. I'm so cold all the time. (fevers) exhausted. I have days where I feel like ME... and then I'm knocked down. I haven't worked out in two years. (not like me) I've gained 55lbs, and I don't see how, as eating is a chore. I get sharp pains in the side of the bulls-eye, out of the blue, random, that feel like a quick STAB, then it's gone. Headaches. Dull, throbbing kind that linger.


So I broke down today, after the last few months of feeling like absolute crud, and made an appointment with the doc tomorrow. I kinda feel like an idiot for waiting so long, but like others have said, this thing plays mind games with you. I thought because the blood test was negative, I was fine. The rash went away... but like I said, it comes and goes. each time it comes back, it's bigger, and in a slightly different place on the right side of my stomach.


I'm scared for tomorrow. You don't know how many times I've thought I should get this checked again, and then it goes away and I feel fine, so I think Am I crazy?

I just want to feel like ME again. It's been 2 years of a constant merry go round.

Thanks for listening.

You really need to see a doctor who specializes in only lyme disease. Main stream primary care MD and infectious disease specialist won't have a clue on how to treat thoroughly and will only read treatment guidelines from an out of date book.

Post another topic titled "seeking an LLMD in (city nearest you)" and enable the private e-mail option in your registration profile so people here can send you referrals in your area.

good luck

I am feeling for you as well, hope the doctor appointment will be good news. I have a little bit different story from when I was bitten. It was on inside of the thigh and there developed a big rectangular square about 7-8 cm. Was itching like hell, but I didnt experienced any particular sickness. It came gradually a year or so after that.
Maybe it could be flu or some another thing for you, hope you will get well soon!

Hello Trish, so sorry you are going through this also...all the symptoms I feel like I've had every one of them, especially the not working out, I used to be so active and I'm above weight too.

And FYI, like others here are telling you, normal doctors will likely not be much help, find a good LLMD with a good protocol, being Lyme-literate makes a huge difference in knowing what's going on with your body.

Hi Trish,

I somehow missed your post yesterday.


I also agree - you should see a LLMD...not a regular Doc or an ID Dr. (unless he/she is Lyme literate)


If you need help finding one, just start a new thread: "Looking for LLMD in/near_____" and fill in the blank.

Members can send you recommendations. You will need to enable your email address though as we don't post the names of the LLMD's on here for privacy reasons.

You can also email me and I'll check my list and send you names if I have any in/near your location.