The first potential cause for my symptoms was identified
 

I thought I'd give everyone an update on my situation.

If you don't know my backstory, see my posts on these threads:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...highlight=lyme

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...77#post1187777

I just got the call tonight that my Lyme test was positive. This shouldn't be a surprise for me, but I'm also a little shocked and emotional. It's been a long road of dealing with medical professionals that didn't know what was wrong with me and I even had one doctor tell me to get a therapist because he didn't believe my symptoms.

The test I took was the iSpot by Neuroscience. I had to take 6 weeks of antiobiotics before I took the test. I was also started on Low Dose Naltrexone at the same time. The burning in my feet had greatly reduced within 2 weeks of starting those drugs. I originally attributed the improvement to LDN alone, but perhaps it was the antibiotic given my positive Lyme test.

The clinic that I went to is very knowledgeable with Lyme and neuropathy. They are also going to look for other causes for my symptoms because it might be more than just Lyme disease. I did have some other tests that showed my inflammation is high, but it did not point to anything specific. I think I'm in pretty good hands.

I am so happy for you!
 

Your hard work and perseverance has paid off. It does sound like you are in good hands and that is wonderful. :hug:

Wow that is great!
Why did you have to do abx for 6 weeks first?

Wow! I am so happy to see you finally got some answers. Kudos to you for following your wisdom and being persistent. I'm sure that wasn't easy.

I hope you continue to improve every day.
:hug:

Amazing! Your persistence is an inspiration to others
here who continue to suffer lazy and
Arrogant doctors who refuse to consider
Lyme and refuse to learn about it.

I hope you will stick around and continue to
Help other members here.:hug:

While I'm sorry to hear this, it's also wonderful news. At least now you know one of the causes and part of your struggle is over. What's next? More antibiotics? Regardless, I wish you the best in dealing with this and hopefully getting some improvement. I also hope that any and all other causes come to light.

I'll look back through your posts and see why you suspected Lyme, since perhaps I should be looking for that too. I'll also look to see what tests I can have done, ideally one where I don't have to take so many antibiotics. But perhaps that's unavoidable.

Thanks again for updating us.

Madisongrrl, whenever you get a chance, I'd be grateful if you would tell us why you (may) think the test you took is more accurate than the Western Blot and others. Years ago I got a bite on my ankle and till today I don't know where it came from. I don't think it's connected, but I did live in a Lyme ridden place, I've just learned. This makes me wonder. But given what I've just read about diagnoses and even if done accurately the possibility of healing, I'm somewhat frozen and not sure how to proceed. I will write the other person, Leeza Jane, I believe her name way, who found out she had Lyme years later. Thanks again for sharing and also for making me think about this.

Madisongrrl, that is excellent news. I am glad that your perseverance has paid off and I hope that the combination of antibiotics and Naltrexone continues to help.

You are an NT member who I really admire because of the knowledge and experience that you readily share here :).

Madisongirl

Good to hear you're finally on the right track. I hope now that you have part of the puzzle answered it leads to treatment that heals.
Thank you so much for sharing the research you've done during your journey. We all benefit from your efforts.
Wishing you continued improvement.

I am sorry you have Lyme disease. Make sure they treat you for Bartonella and Babesia also. They say 90% of people with Lyme disease have these co-infections also. Bartonella is most often associated with neuropathy. The tests for Bartonella and Babesia are woefully inadequate because there are hundreds of different strains and most tests only test for 2 or 3 strains. A good Lyme disease doctor will treat you for these diseases even if you test negative for them and see if you respond to treatment.