Have I Lyme disease?

[Ollie113]

Hi I think I might have Lyme disease.Four years ago whilst camping in ireland I became aware of a large red mark on my trunk and a rash on my spine like hives but in a straight line along my spine.This was followed by months of migratory joint,muscle and bone pain everywhere from knees to fingers and feeling Severe fatigue with most symptoms worsening in the evening.hI also had many conjunctival haemorrhages Was referred to rheumatologist who suspected palindromic arthritis.All symptoms disappeared but following year noticed was very itchy all over in evening even after antihistamines no amount of scratching got rid of it.this went on for two years.This year I've been to endocrinologist with nodules on lymph nodes.now I have a very sore neck, (where neck meets back) and serious myoclonuc jerks every night the second I lie down.they feel like they're coming from base of my spine.im at my wits end and feel like a hypochondriac at this stage.i know doctors look at me like I'm cuckoo!any ideas would be hugely appreciated.i also have photos of all visible symptoms
Thanks,ollie113

[Foggy2]

Babesiosis is very prevalent in the US, esp. the east coast (where it first began), and nationwide commercials are done during spring/summer months for awareness since it has spread nationwide.  Testing is rarely done now and just treated based on clinical exam and history over the past several years except on rare situations.  Most areas do have special Lyme specialists, and most Rheum. also treat as well.

[TheLightSeeker]

Lymes is the great mimicker of all diseases and easily one can list over  100 different symptoms which could be attributed to Lyme's Disease or not!

Do you have access to an LLMD in your area?
This will help you rule out Lyme's disease, which is notoriously difficult to diagnose and consequently difficult to treat, so you can save yourself the agony of going through what you're telling us for years, with a potential poor prognosis, dealing with your current doctors.

The other suspicions which come to mind are:
1.Pathogenic mycoplasma infection and its co-infections: Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia (which is known for its active-inactive phases and it can stay dormant & undetected in the body for years!
Search under Dr. Garth Nicolson here in Medhelp for details.
He's the world's expert in this filed (your doctors will probably know nothing about these) and he's also a part time medhelp expert contributor.
LLMDs are usually knowledgeable also, as Lyme's shares the same company of co-infections. IGENEX Labs in California are the golden standard for testing.
Where do you live?

2. SLE (Systemic lupus erythematosus) which also  follows a relapsing and remitting course.

Please let me know, if you need more details.

Cheers.
Niko

[Foggy2]

I doubt that you have Lyme Disease this far after the first incident and your current symptoms are not consistent with Lyme.  However if you insist, you can ask one of your MD's for a Lyme titer to be drawn to be sure.

Are you still seeing the Rheum. MD?  If so, what medications are you taking and what is your current diagnosis?

What is your diagnosis with the Endo. MD?  Swollen lymph nodes usually indicate the body trying to fight off an infection, unless you mean a nodule.

The jerky movements as you are drifting off to sleep is a common reaction in people as the muscles relax.  If you feel this is not the case and abnormal, discuss this with your Endo. MD.  Perhaps taking a warm shower prior to bedtime will help you relax and prevent this.  Also make sure you have a comfortable pillow to sleep on and the room is not over heated.