Hello rpguy,

Has your wife seen a lyme specialist?

Without being treated, are problems walking, or gait problems, a symptom of Lyme disease ? Yes
Do fevers or flu like symptoms occur frequently ?

Are cardiac problems typical ? yes

After possibly being 16 months into the disease, are there
any reliable tests that can be requested at this point ? No

Does the rash ever re-appear ? yes

Note the occurrence/frequency of symptoms varies in individuals.
There are about 100 strains of the lyme bacteria in the U.S. alone.
300 worldwide. All 100 have not been isolated and studied. No 2 lyme patients seem to be alike so naming a "top five" wouldn't be prudent.

The only way to truly know if your wife has Lyme disease is to seek out a Lyme specialist ("lyme-literate" doctor). You can go to the Lyme Disease Association. org's website. Click on Doctor Referrals and conduct a search for one in your area.

Note: Lyme disease is a CLINICAL diagnosis.
It cannot be diagnosed nor ruled out by a test.
Tests are meant as a screening tool only, not as a diagnostic tool.
Unfortunately, this is not common knowledge among mds even though it's easily found on the CDC's website.

Arthritis and hypothyroidism are extremely common symptoms and I personally know folks with Lyme who also have Fibro (lyme feeds the fibro symptoms). I can't stress enough seeking out a Lyme-literate md.

Best of luck to you!