CFS/ME or Lyme disease?

Brain and nerves
1

Hi all,

I just had an interesting conversation with someone regarding my symptoms for cfs/me and they raised an interesting question regarding testing for lyme disease.

I have looked at the symptoms for lyme disease and it is all very familiar symptoms to what myself and a lot of others here experience.

 I was asked if this has been checked in the blood tests that have been carried out and I am not sure if this has been checked.

I have had alot of blood tests done and all has been clear but I am not sure if lyme disease was checked as not sure if there is a "special" test for this.

Has anyone else here has lyme ruled out and if so is this checked with your usual blood tests? I see that you don't always get the "bullseye" rash and can just get the other symptoms so is something I will raise this with my Dr. but don't no if I should contact him just to enquire or wait until my next appointment.

Just wanted to throw it out there to see if this is something a Dr. would rule out automatically based on the symptoms of cfs/me.

2

One thing I think you can probably check online is the incidence of Lyme in your area. This would maybe tell you the probability of your contracting Lyme.

3

Totall Agree with Jackie, lymes is contracted through ticks and normally there are reports that they are in your area. If you have been bitten abroad and dismissed as a flea or spider or mosi bite maybe worth having the test, but normally tick bites are more severe. 

4

My neighbor was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia without knowing that she actually had lyme disease.  Apparently, she got a false negative on her original test for lyme disease.  I guess she was fortunate to get the test re-done.

5

Hi Shane,

When I was diagnosed 25 years ago for CFS, I was lucky enough to have an experienced infectious disease doctor check me for lyme disease. It was so long ago, so I don't remember the details, but I do think it was a specific test.

I would ask you doctor to order the test needed. Unfortunately, many other diseases must be ruled out first before a diagnosis for CFS can be confirmed or made.  Good Luck. KPD