The Symptoms of Lyme Disease

The Symptoms of Lyme Disease

  When Brad became ill after living all of his life not just healthy but athletic, we were hit with one traumatic diagnosis after another. He was told he had lymphoma, a blood clot in his brain and his lungs. As well as heart issues. Yet, they all came back normal.  Still Brad was and still is feeling as if he is dying. So...what is it? This was the question when we were led to our Lyme Doctor.  Thus, we want to share with you the typical symptoms of Lyme Disease. 

Symptom 1

 http://biddybytes.com/?p=6727     Kelly Mellor  

If caught early and you know with out a doubt you were bit by a deer tick then you will witness a small red spot at the site of the  bite. [Known as a  known as erythema migrans (EM).] At times this is called a 'bulls-eye' rash; which has a red ring surrounding a clear area with a red center. It stays for 3 to 5 weeks. It may be warm to the touch but not itchy. Flue like  symptoms such as stiff neck, fever,body ache, Swollen lymph nodes,headaches and fatigue also occur. {Symptoms of Lyme Disease} 

Symptom 2  

Arthritis is a common link to the majority to most all Lyme patients. The knee is the most common joint to be affected. If left untreated, 10 to 20% will continue on to chronic arthritis (this will lead to erosion to cartilage and bone) {Arthritis Disease Center/Signs of Lyme Disease}. Fibromyalgia is a typical diagnosis when an infected patient is left untreated in the beginning. Yet, it doesn't stop there either; osteoarthritis and even rheumatoid arthritis are typical diagnosis. 

Brad had knee surgery 1 year and 9 months ago. His knee was hurting him badly it was also swollen and weak. After the surgery he developed a clot that was quite severe. He spent close to two weeks in the hospital. 

Symptom 3

An annoying headache to migraine begins to occur. When Brad started getting this, he would take all types of over-the-counter medicines and nothing took the pain away. 

Symptom 4

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: After Brad's first catheterization the sweet doctor researched and came up with this conclusion. Yet, even with the CFS it does not cover the entire scale of all the symptoms he was revealing. In another post we will share how the CDC does not give much attention to this. 

Symptom 5

Heart Problems; as stated earlier Brad has constant heart pain. His local cardiologist twice now was convinced he had: 1- A blockage and 2- Hardening of the Pericardium. Less than 1 out of 10 lyme patients develop heart problems. This surfaces generally after several weeks prior to the bite. "There may be an irregular heart beat, dizziness and shortness of breath." {http://www.healingwell.com/library/lymedisease/info1.asp } 

Symptom 6

Neurological signs are quite significant with the Lyme and the co-disease that usually accompany. This of course is affecting the nervous system. This occurs weeks, months and sometimes years after the incident. With Brad we noticed his taste buds were no longer working (and now after 1 yr. still are not). He has a headache 24/7 and increases in degree one week per month (herxes). He also has insomnia, breathlessness (which in the lyme world is called 'breath-hunger'), hard time concentrating and even mood swings. 

Also other unique things such as eye twitching and many more. 

Now, there are symptoms that people have that others do not. With the Co-diseases, one can experience a bounty of issues on top of this. This is a general list. I do plan on narrowing in on the co-diseases, their symptoms and treatments. 

I do feel soon that the topic of testing for lyme must be viewed here to help the reader better understand why a negative result can come back from your doctor. Yet, you could still have this disease. 

Deer Tick

ESSENTIAL LINKS TO CHECK OUT

TICK ENCOURNTER

Is It Possible You Have Lyme or Another Tick-borne Disease? Some doctors say that Lyme (also known as Lymes) Disease is all in your head. By Trisha Torrey

HEALING WELL/INTRO TO LYME DISEASE

Up-Date on Brad: His doctor put him back on the doxycycline and off the zithro for now. This week, his chest is hurting and his head. Prayers are greatly appreciated. We also have been denied any disability. God is our provider. I know He will guide us to what road to take now. Meanwhile...we lean on Him.