More and more research into the endless list of symptoms and / or why patients diagnosed with Lyme Disease have lingering or confusing symptoms, is pointing to the issues of undiagnosed 'co-infections'.   

We will try to post as many links for relevant research that may help to better explain and / or clarify how these symptoms can present, as well as sources for photographic images that you may have experienced.  

It can't be stressed enough that taking photographs of any rashes; swelling; unusual marks that appear on your body is important… as well as moving images if / when mobility or cognitive function is affected. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words and is something that may be of importance to your healthcare provider.

Also important to understand is that there are usually many strains and / or sub-species of infections, of which only a couple are tested for.

A clinical diagnosis can be further supported by keeping a good symptoms log / journal; a travel and work history (which includes full and part time work; day trips; summer camp; etc.); and a full health history needs to be kept as well as the mindset of 'thinking outside the box' to consider similar conditions.

For example, most of the published research for "Bartonella-Associated Infections" has been focussed on either the homeless or those infected with HIV / Aids. In the later, these patients are categorized as "immunocompromised", something of which those infected with Lyme and other associated diseases can also fall into.

What is important to understand is that there is no clear-cut set of criteria that applies to every patient. The more infections that someone might be battling the more 'layers of the onion' so to speak that need to be identified and treated. A newer infection might also trigger an older or dormant infection, hence causing confusion or delays in treatments and correct diagnosis.

Please refer to the Links Section entitled: LYME DISEASE - Common Co-infections as well as other areas listed within the Links Section. This may trigger a memory of a long-forgotten illness; possible exposure; family related history… or even where symptoms and illnesses may be described differently.