Bartonella: A Microscopic Monster

For the past several weeks, a migraine has plagued me. After sending my doctor two emails describing the course of my migraine, I caved in and went for an appointment. After asking me several specific questions, he told me what was on his mind. Though he is encouraged by my increase in energy, I still have too many issues that are not improving. After much research, he believes the real issue for me is a Bartonella (a very mean bacterial) infection. Usually, the body can fight off such an infection, but the Lyme bacteria has lowered my immune system, causing the Bartonella to become chronic.

Many of the symptoms I currently have which spell Bartonella infection are:
1) strange, particular muscle spasms (including but not limited to abdominal contractions similar to labor)
2) atypical migraines (tension headache married to a migraine headache)
3) constant, acute sole (feet) soreness
4) neurological pricking, tingling fire in, on, and under my skin - covering entire body
5) unexplained abdominal pains
6) spastic adrenal issues which effect energy levels and include severe hot/cold spells (always either hot when others are comfortable or cold when others are comfortable...it's a very unnatural hot or cold feeling)
7) unexplained sudden onset of depression that leaves just as fast
8) cognitive issues/brain fog
9) unexplained swollen glands and enlarged lymph nodes accompanied by a chronic sore throat
10) gastrointestinal issues
11) low appetite/weight loss or inability to gain weight (My hydrocordisone obviously took care of this issue.)
12) chronic fatigue
13) tender nodules along extremeties, just under the skin
14) unexplained fevers
15) overall discomfort/soreness
16) brain inflamation/sensation of fever inside my head
17) night sweats

There is also a strange rash that often accompanies Bartonella infection, but I haven't been afflicted with that as of yet. Many patients have an enlarged spleen. I know my doctor keeps a watch on mine, but I don't know if it has ever been enlarged or not.

Trench fever is also caused by this bacteria, as well as, Lymphadenitis. As far as I know, I don't have either of these, though I have some of the sypmtoms such as sore shins, headaches, chronic oral pain, and swollen/sore lymph nodes.

My doctor is still researching. Though he is now familiar with the symptoms and is certain we need to treat this infection head on, he wants to know how to treat it with an appropriate antibiotic protocal. Until then, we will continue with the Lyme treatment. Please pray he finds answers soon as we believe that Bartonella is the real issue hindering my recovery.

Thanks for your interest, concern, prayers, and support.

Feeling It

Maybe I try to sugarcoat things too often. I don't know. I think that's why I don't blog about my lyme more often. But today I need to speak. Today, I need to write so I can look back on my good days and appreciate them more.


This has been a rough week for me personally. I warded of a migraine for over two weeks only to have it hit me full force on Sunday. Mine are atypical migraines - the kind where the migraine meets up and holds hands with the tension headache....a very difficult cycle to break. All day Sunday and Monday, I medicated the pain while the sensation swept through my body, depleting me of my strength. Tuesday was a little better. Wednesday I felt like I was over it until exhaustion hit in the evening. A storm front came through and the migraine has been fighting to return with it. I'm so worn out and fighting depression. I know it will pass and that helps me to hang on, but it's still frustrating. Sometimes I simply get weary of it all and today is one of those days.

Linnette's Lyme Check

Hello!

I have a good report this time. Even though I'm still in a lot of pain all the time, I have been doing more without the usual set-backs. My doctor thinks I'm doing remarkably well considering everything I've been through with the temporary move to South Carolina, living bumper to bumper in a two bedroom apartment, and moving back again. Everything seemed to check out during my exam. I don't know what exactly he looks for, but he said everything looks well and he thinks I'm improved. This gives me some hope as I've been discouraged by all the pain. I don't know if the Fibromyalgia will go away with the Lyme or if that's something I'll have to live with the rest of my life. I didn't think to ask him, either...just too many things to discuss.

Thank you for your continued prayer and loving support. I can tell people pray for us. God's grace is so evident in our lives. :-)

Yours truly,

Linnette