Lyme or lupus

Hi I visit the Highlands of Scotland two or three times a year, walk, cycle.

on returning from holiday last July I began to experience sweats and swelling of fingers. I continued. Going to work until late Sept when I become acutely unwell with generalised joint, muscle pains and hot/ cold sweats. GP diagnosed inflammatory arthritis and started me on steroids. Was referred to rheumatologist who told me was viral. I did have bite on ankle on return fron Scotland with rash although did not see tick. He did ELISA test and all tests for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus etc. all were negative. Have been unwell ever since, sweats, insomnia, fatigue, feet and hands either red and inflamed of cold white/purple. Experienced tinnitus, strange sense of smell, palpitations, rib pain, anxiety and depression. The list goes on!  Eventually persuaded GP that many of my symptoms pointed to lyme he prescribed doxycycline and 3 months on feeling much better. Requested full lyme panel but lab only did ELISA which again was neg but could be false neg again given the fact am still on steroids.  Am now weaning of steroids. Disappointingly saw rheumo again, he tells me doubtful lyme and is querying lupus despite two neg tests for this. So frustrating, run out of antibiotics next week and am still symptomatic. Am looking in to paying for private test. Lyme Disease Action have been so supportive throughout, cannot recommend them too highly.

it seems such a battle, I have managed to return to work after nine months but worried May go down again if treatment not continued.

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