Relapse and Remitting??

I've been researching Lymes and haven't been able to find much info about the patterns of Lyme.  Is it usually a continuous disease, or does it usually come and go (relapse/remitt).  The reason I ask is because my original sx started in May 07 and lasted several months.  Eventually they disappeared and didn't return again until about a month ago.  When they first came back this time the first whole week I felt horrible.  I was SOOO tired, weak, dizzy,numbness and pins and needles and occassional aches and pains)  along with some other weird sensory issues.  I thought I was going to die!  Well now  weeks later.. I am feeling slightly better and am just feeling the more (annoying) sx such as twitching, brain fog, occasional numbness in left foot, and sensory issues.  
   I don't know if this is a normal pattern for Lymes?  I am curious what kind of Lymes everyone else has.... what patterns (if any), and if anyone elses symptoms relapse/ remitt like mine.    
   Have a good day!

[shells17]

I'm not completely sure, but I think that "flares" are possible and maybe even common with Lyme. This article, http://canlyme.com/donta.html, mentions that someone can be asymptomatic for years after a bite until a trauma, including another infection, awakens the disease. I would think that this could also cause flares, too.

[patsy10]

From what I have read lyme cycles in 4 week patterns.  For myself I can say my symptoms are constant with episodes of worsening or flares.  I did have a period of "remission" for several years.  Lyme can go into remission.  It seems to come back during periods of stress.  It all hit me again after having surgery.

[JackieCalifornia]

I think this is different for everyone, and one of the puzzles about Lyme that confuses doctors too.  There seems to be no particular rhythm among all of us with the symptoms and timing, so pretty much anything goes.

[gorbybelle]

at first my flares were 4 weekly, I thought it was all hormonal, now I still have flares or atleast feel worse on some days , I'm pretty sure I do have less energy and more intense depression in the week following menstruation - which is odd because before all of this I used to have low energy just before menses.  

My 'monthly's' have not been regular [only had about 3 last year] - pain doctor reckoned it was caused by cortisone injections - but G.P.  simply said 'no it's not' !!   I tried to question her on that but the subject was rapidly changed, as she made it clear my alloted appointment time was up!!  she went on to say ' you haven't got Lyme' - wow who needs blood tests and scans when you have phsycic doctors !!!

sorry to warble-on.

so my opinion of 'flares' : yes  I have flares - but some of my symptoms are pretty much every day now.

[wonko]

I agree that this aspect seems to be different for everyone.

In my experience, I had one near 100% remission that lasted for about 1 month.  Other than that, I had constant symptoms with a very gradual progression.  I do have mini flares about once a month, in sync with my cycle.

[skarey]

HI thanks for the replies.  It seems from what everyone is saying that everyones sx are pretty ongoing.  That is where I think my sx are more suggestive of MS.  Having a 1.5 year remission makes me think it's not so much lymes.  However if it is true that no one's lymes is the same..maybe it is lymes.  I am getting very impatient to get the results back.  I'm sure they'll be negative according to what everyone says of the standard lymes test.  If so, I'll be ordering the IgeneX test.
  thanks everyone!

[gorbybelle]

I guess the flares in respect of 'menses' could be attributed to change of mood ,ie;feeling more tired, bloating, etc;  

fluid retention would obviously not help with joint issues.

[patsy10]

I am worse at this time too.  Actually lyme is known to be worse at this time.

[gorbybelle]

I did't know lyme was known to be worse during 'menses' , do you know if the same goes for fibro?

thanks

[patsy10]

Yes.