Lyme Disease?

[Jimmy886]

So I have been bitten by many ticks in my time - I live in Scotland. I have never noticed any rashes or flu like symptoms after infection either. However, recently (years after I have been bitten), I've developed some symptoms I believe are suggestive of lyme or co-infections.

It started with anxiety 2 months ago (which has now pretty much gone). It then progressed to dizziness and breathlessness for around 2 weeks - I sometimes still get occasionally dizzy. My muscles feel shaky and I often feel tired these days (2 months after onset). I also get a vibrating sensation in my hands and feet - could this be lymes? I'm scared it could be. I've had negative serology come back just a couple of weeks ago (which my doctor says is conclusive in long-standing infections - I don't have lyme disease). Any help? Is this something else? I am aware that lyme isn't that prevelant in the UK.

[mojogal]

Yes Cave is Right. Many people overseas use IgeneX. Maybe you can print out articles about Lyme being in Europe. WhatisLyme.com has a section with international Lyme info and also the signs and symptoms of Lyme. ILADS  has the signs and symptoms too.

[cave76]

Try that EuroLyme Yahoo group. A lot of people there get tested by  Igenex.

[Jimmy886]

I don't thin there's any way I can get a blood test in Ca - it's too far away. My doctor really thinks this isn't lymes and will refuse to test me further. I'm pretty stuck on what to do next

[mojogal]

Hi,  I have become a helper in the International Lyme awareness campaign and it is found in your country and many country's in Europe.

I was bit 22 years ago but didn't get my diagnosis until 2 years ago. I never had a rash or even real flu symptoms after getting bit. I got symptoms like you did plus fatigue. Since it has been in my body so long without treatment, it had already done much damage so its important to start treatment as soon as you can.

In the US, the majority of Doctors don't believe in Lyme and the testing is very inaccurate unless you use the specialize lab in Ca called IgeneX.

Good luck!

[Jimmy886]

I don't ever remember getting a rash - I know a lot of people don't remember getting these though. My parents and doctor are certain I don't have lymes and that I'm worrying about my health (which I often do) and so getting any specialist tests isn't really an option! `

[cave76]

Ephedra gave you some very good advice but if your doctor follows the party line about Lyme then I bet that he will say that Igenex is not an approved lab.

Read all the information at ILADS,com if you want to get up to speed.

And Lyme in the UK-----  it's there all right! Go to EuroLyme, a Yahoo group and see how many people have it.

Having said all that---- it is possible that you don't have Lyme. But until you get tested properly you won't know But your tick bite history is very suspicious! Did you ever get a rash from one of the bites?

[Jimmy886]

I've heard in long standing infections the serology to look for antibodies is pretty much conclusive? I've also read a lot that tests are inaccurate - according to the internet! I'll go back to my doctor and see what they think

[Ephedra]

I don't know anything about the prevalence of Lyme in the UK.  They say it's not prevalent no matter where you live.  Regardless, given your history of tick bites and symptoms, I would say it could be a possibility.

Have you had any recent traumatic or stressful event that could have caused an otherwise dormant infection to activate??  Something that could have weakened your defenses?  

Some people can go for many many years with Lyme and not ever become sick until some sort of stressful/ traumatic event or even an unrelated illness.  Some medications can also give the bacteria an opportunity.
It has a lot to do with genetics as well.  No two Lyme cases are alike.  Everyone presents differently and responds differently to the infection and the medications used to treat it...  I could write a book, but you get the idea.  

The testing for Lyme is very inaccurate.  The best testing that you could get would be through IGenex, here in the US.  But even that is not foolproof.  As I sort of mentioned, I am not sure what sort of options you may have in the UK.

Hope that helps.  Good luck!