Lyme Newbie - Is It Behind Me?

[BillK3]

I was diagnosed with Lyme about 7 weeks ago via the Western Blot test.  This test was performed on a lark due to the fact that I live in a tick-infested area.  I was asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis.  I was prescribed Doxycycline for 4 weeks and I had pretty bad headaches and a sore neck (back of neck) during treatment.

Now that treatment is over for almost 2 weeks now, I continue to have some headaches, but much milder and the neck pain is improved too - but it's still there on a daily basis.

Is this likely to be a "give it some time to improve" kind of thing, or does the existence of continuing symptoms, though milder, indicate that more/different treatment is needed?

[BillK3]

Thanks Patsy.

When I had the Lyme test, my Doc was able to determine that I was just recently infected (I realize that the Western Blot test is not 100% accurate).  I agree that my symptoms were probably the result of blood toxins caused by killing off of the bacteria and I have some concern that continuing symptoms (though milder) indicate continuing infection.

I have found that Lyme is quite a challenging disease to diagnose and treat, complicated by seemingly polar opposite positions held by Infectious Disease Docs and LLMD's.  Quite a messy landscape out there - not sure what I make of it yet.  I have an appt with my Doc this week, and I will seek her opinion.

Thanks for your thoughts!!

[patsy10]

That is a very good question.  I know of a person who was asymptomatic and lived in an endemic area.  His doctor treated him as well.  It sounds like the dye off (toxin release) may be what caused your symptoms.  Have you talked to your doctor about the ongoing symptoms?  Lyme can lie dormant than exacerbate during periods stress.

I am not a doctor but I feel that persistent symptoms mean there is still infection.  Who knows how long you have had it.