I'm 3 for 3...I can't believe it...

Hey guys I haven't been here in so long...brief history: Undiagnosed Lyme in 2005-2006, got treated by Dr. P in 2006 for several months, had healthy baby in 2007 and hadn't had symptoms for a few years...had another baby in 2009...later in 2009 contracted Lyme again! We knew it was a new infection because of bite marks and Bullseye-ish rash(es) on my back. Treated VERY early since I recognized the signs and was fine within a month. SURPRISE! New pregnancy in 2010...found out in July...now at 26-27 weeks pregnant I have contracted Lyme for the THIRD time. During my THIRD pregnancy. So nervous, because my first was healthy, but by the time I became pregnant with her, I really had no symptoms, but stayed on treatment anyway and everything was fine. This time contracting it during pregnancy scares me...Having been my third time here with it, I can tell new infection from flares. This is new infection. I have had a headache, diarrhea, fatigue, stomach ache, dizziness, swollen glands in my neck, very very low grade fever and feeling blah and just down...this has only been about 3 days...I recognized these symptoms PLUS my trademark Lyme symptoms: rib pain and lower back pain that is almost severe. One of the scariest symptoms is sharp pains in my uterus. I had that my first time though, before I was pregnant or ever had any children...and I had it my second time, after baby #2 was born, and Dr. said the Lyme attacks scar tissue (I had a C-section the second time) I now see Dr. G...and I saw him today...he believes I will be okay, baby will be okay too...especially since I have seemed to have found it early again this time and the fact I'm kind of far along. He made copies of my info for me to give to my obgyn and said he could call him if he has questions. I am on Ceftin twice a day. My first pregnancy I took Zithromax. Does anyone else have an opinion on which is more effective? I was just looking for info online and there wasn't much about this subject and those two meds. I want to knock it out fast...with being pregnant and an 18 month old and 3 year old I just don't have time for being sick again, you know? Argh! I'm so frustrated and have decided that going outside anymore is just not worth it. I don't go into any places I feel are "dangerous" but it apparently doesn't matter....

Hi Hol,

Sorry you have all this to worry about when you are juggling so much already. And pregnancy should be a time of happy expectation. It does sound like you are treating the lyme and staying ahead of it.

I had lyme for over 20 years and was inadequately treated for it. Then I was bitten again and added co-infections to the mix and wasn't treated for 9 months. I was on antibiotics for 2 years, and was feeling very well. Within three months I was very ill again -- I thought perhaps the infection was back, but as soon as I began treatment, I remembered a had had a funny thing on my scalp that wouldn't heal.... The bacteria must have made me stupid immediately! At least that's what I'm claiming. So I have been back on antibiotics for three months and I am well on my way to feeling well again.

The point of my story is that my lyme doctor has every confidence that I can get well again even with these lengthy exposures. I would like to think that the same is true for you and that you have caught this early enough and are treating it thoroughly enough. I'm glad you have such good doctors.

Enjoy your pregnancy and take care!