Does this sound like lyme?

[awkweird]

I am a 20 y/o male, whose been having health problems for 3 years. I have muscle swelling (inflammation), muscle twitching, brain fog, swallowing difficulties, balance problems, and fatigue. I don't ever remember having the characteristic bullseye rash. I've been tested for everything under the sun including Lymes (Though I'm not sure how accurate the tests in Canada are). I'm really not sure what is going on, But I was hoping someone who has been through something similar can maybe help. Thanks

[justanamatuer]

Just get on Doxy and see if it works. I agree antibiotics shouldnt be just taken willy nilly, but for the price of the doxy vs the tests and time they take the doxy is a far less harmfull way to go.
   If it is lyme or another tick born illness you will most likely start to feel better in 1-3 days. If no change take the doxy for ten days and stop, if you do feel better take the doxy for a full 4-6 weeks.   100mg twice a day.
   Dont screw around with this ****, it will only get worse if it is lyme.

[JackieCalifornia]

I would wait until I found a Lyme specialist to get more tests run.  If your current doc doesn't understand how IGeneX testing fits into the mix, the doc might order the wrong things, and the tests are not cheap (we're talking in the hundreds of dollars).  I wouldn't have a Chevy mechanic order parts for a Jaguar, either; I'd wait for the Jag mechanic to give a look-see and decide what to test for and from which lab.  

Then be sure you always get your own copies of ALL test results and keep them in a file at home.  You never know when they might come in handy for a future doc's review, and getting copies later from a former doc's office is a hit-and-miss thing -- you never know if you got them all.  Been there.  

[Ricobord]

Up tp half of Lyme patients do not see or remember a rash, so that doesn't exclude it.  There is another nearby thread talking about IGeneX.  They are the lab of choice for doctors who know Lyme well. They report Lyme specific antibodies that are ignored by the CDC surveillance criteria, which can show an infection.
Your symptoms are consistemt with a late stage Lyme infection. Perhaps a current doc will be willing to authorize IGeneX tests while you seek out a Lyme doc.

[JackieCalifornia]

The email at ILADS to request a referral is:

                        contact [at] ILADS [dot] org

Tell them your geographic area and/or where you can travel to.

Also, take a look at websites like CanLyme.  There may be others focussed on Canada also, I'm just not aware of them if so.

Best wishes!

[mojogal]

I agree with you've got to be. I never had the circular rash and those symptoms sound like Lyme and or one of its co infections. Finding an LLMD who can guide you through everything is essential. Good luck.

[awkweird]

Thanks for the reply and link, and your right about doctors being ignorant to lyme disease in Canada. I'll check out that site you sent and see what happens, Thank you!