Do You Have Lyme Disease? Lyme disease symptoms checklist helps people document exposure to Lyme disease.

By LymeTimes Editor

symptom checklist to assist patients and physicians in the diagnosis of Lyme disease E arly diagnosis and treatment are essential to restore patients to health and to prevent progression of the disease to late or chronic Lyme disease, which is much harder to treat. Lyme disease is a clinical diagnosis—based on the patient’s medical history, symptoms and exposure to ticks. Many people with Lyme disease are misdiagnosed. Delay in diagnosis of Lyme disease is common. Approximately 60% of patients with chronic Lyme disease are not diagnosed for at least two years.

In May, LymeDisease.org launched a symptom checklist to assist patients and physicians in the diagnosis of Lyme disease. The checklist helps people document exposure to Lyme disease and provides a print out that people can share with their physicians. It asks basic questions such as have you been exposed to a tick habitat, do you recall being bitten by a tick, have you had a red expanding skin rash, and typical symptoms of Lyme disease.

Approximately 60% of patients with chronic Lyme disease are not diagnosed for at least 2 years.

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2 Reader Comments

I am a nurse for 30 plus years. I currently have a co-worker who has had swelling in her fingers face and general body areas and brain fog for over a year now. This co-worker was recently diagnosed with Lyme disease by an osteopathic doctor. She had a focal seizure at work and went to the ER and released without a diagnosis. She was on Plaquanil as it was originally thought that she had Rheumatoid but since was taken off of that medication. After many doctors and specialists she is getting worse. Today she has a temperature of 102 plus, she has chills and diaphoresis. She is on two antibiotics since her diagnosis but her condition is not improving. She is now on disability for a few weeks, loosing strength in her legs and checking out mentally. I am concerned she is becoming depressed as this goes on. Please advise as to the next step as she has lost faith in providers here in this area. Sincerely, concerned for my co-worker, Deb

We suggest you consult with a Lyme-literate practitioner. Here is a link to our physician directory: https://www.lymedisease.org/find-lyme-literate-doctors/

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