[greenberetTFS]

Originally Posted by Red Flag 1

I am sorry to learn of this for you.

I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease a month or so ago. I know more about the disease now than before, even as a provider, I knew very little about this disease.

The question to ask is where you are in the progression of Lyme Disease? Did you see the tick ( deer tick/blacklegged tick)? Did you notice the typical rash (erythema migrans)? The best outcomes are when the tick is seen and the rash is picked up early. Antibiotics are most effective early on; in my case Amoxicillin for 30 days, with other problems presenting. The farther away from the initial exposure, the more involved the disease is.

I do not know what the Regs. say about active duty with Lyme Disease, I suspect it would be determined based on the severity of symptoms as they present. Early treatment can leave you symptom free. Some ( 15% ) develop symptoms that present for several mnonths and then completely dissapear.

Later ( 2 years or more ) the disease can be a diagnosis "by exclusion", that is to say nothing else fits. Lab studies for blood titers can result in false positives and false negatives, and therefore of questionable value . Symptoms can include flu like symptoms, headache ( brain lining involvement), facial nerve involvement (Horner's Syndrome), joint pain, back pain, cardiac involvement (pericarditis and arrythmias), lymph node ( including spleen) involvement, cysts behind the knee, and overwhelming fatigue.

Again the question is where you in the disease? There are specalists dealing with nothing but Lyme Disease, I know of one in Northern Virginia ( will pm on request). The best way to deal with Lyme Disease is prevention, second is early diagnosis and adequate treatment.

I've been bitten by insects and reptiles on three continents, got Lyme Disease doing lawn work. I wish you well. I know where you're at!

RF 1

Jim,

Sorry to hear about your disease........I hope your getting better.........

Big Teddy