've been reading around this board for a little over a month and have found it very useful.  I've read the new to lyme area and have wanted to post, but kind of shy I guess. Sorry in advance since this will be a long post, but I want what ever guidance and opinions I can get, so here goes....

My MD who is what I would consider somewhat lyme literate diagnosed me with lyme approximately six weeks ago.  I've had strange medical problems for many years. I'm almost 39 and have not felt well for years. I don't even know where to begin. Have had many digestive problems(pancreatitis, ileus, non functioning gall bladder, constipation, ischemic colitis), random rashes, allergies, joint and back pain, extreme fatigue, brain fog, concentration problems, irritability, sensitive to noise and light, fuzzy vision, itchy skin, always feel cold but sweat in the middle of the night, the list goes on and on.

In addition to all the other things I've had arm and hand pain/stiffness the last year and a half.  Last fall the pain turned into numbness and tingling and was told I have Reynauds.  Since I do a desk job and type a lot I was sent for nerve conduction testing in January and had a positive result in both arms with "low conduction velocity" whatever that means.  My MD said we could try physical therapy and chiropractic  for a couple of weeks and if there were no results I would be referred to a surgeon.

I showed some strength improvement with pt so we continued 5 or 6 weeks. The physical therapist noticed different neurological things she would call "fired up" and referred me back to my md.

I saw my doctor and she ordered blood work. I think everyone was think lupus inthe back of their head and was also. I said what about lyme, not really thinking I had it and she said she could test me for that too.

My IgG and IgM Western Blots were negative, but 41 kD IgG Band was reactive

These are my CD 57 results(the numbers on the far right are my retest after 6 weeks)

CD57+CD3- of % Lymphs - 1 Normal Reference Range 1-10 2
CD57+CD3- of % WBC - <1 Low Reference Range 1-4 1
CD57+CD3- of % Absolute - 24 Normal Range 20-258 44
CD57+CD8- of % Lymphs - <1 Low Range 1-15 1
CD57+CD8- of % WBC - <1 Low Range 1-4 <1 Low
CD57+CD8- of % Absolute <20 Low Range 20-248 22
CD57+CD3/CD8- of % Lymphs - <1 Low Range 1-5 1
CD57+CD3/CD8- of % WBC - <1 Low Range 1-3 <1 Low
D57+CD3/CD8- of % Absolute - <20 Low Range 20-114 22

Rhuematoid factor, Anti-Nuclear Antibody, ENA screening all negative

CBC normal range, but MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RDW-CV right on the upper limit of normal and RBC lower limit
of normal

My doctor started me on 100 doxy twice a day and after 6 weeks just rested CD57 a couple of weeks ago-those are the #'s above on the right. Most improved, but seem on lower end of the range.

As far as tick bites go, I had on for sure latched on for I don't know how long when I was around 13. I've had contact with at least another couple more removing them from my dog within the last few years. I live in Illinois and there are a lot of deer I even get them in my yard sometimes. I used to be outside a LOT gardening until the last couple of years. Been too tired.

I've been on the doxy for almost 2 months. Some days it seems like thing have improved and other days seem worse. I work full time and I feel like I'm barely hanging on to my job which I need especially because of the insurance. My co-workers who I would have considered my friends barely speak to me know. I think they think since I've been on antibiotics that I should be better by now.

The doctor said my tests indicate lyme, but I want to know what you all think. It would be ideal to see a LLMD, but if they don't take insurance I don't know if I could afford it. Also, I've had a few people(my husband and a co-worker) tell me I should take a medical leave to have time to heal. I feel I need to because my cognitive function and memory has been so poor, but I don't even know if that's something I could ask a doctor for and I'm afraid about it.

Input on anything would be very appreciated.

Regarding work - if you can take a medical leave for awhile, that might be a good idea. The body needs lost of rest, sleep while treating...along with reduction in stress levels.


Please feel free to ask any questions here...this community is a great group - very supportive, caring, and knowledgeable.

If you want to find a LLMD and would like our help, you can start a new thread titled: "Looking for LLMD in/near_______" and insert your city/town and State".