From Minnesota--July 2008 diagnosed Lyme's Disease several weeks after removed deer tick from back. Initial reaction-fever, really sick, shooting pains in quads. Shooting pains in quads still there Jan 09. Why? Doctors don't know.

Polly, I'm so sorry that you've been dealing with this. Lyme disease is a complicated thing and it seems to affect different people in different ways.

I was able to find the rest of your question: You said you first had fever, was really sick, and had shooting pains in your quads when you were diagnosed. And that the shooting pains in your quads have not gone away, and that doctors don't know why. Is that right?

Have all of the rest of your symptoms gone away? Did they go away slowly or quickly? Is this just the last lingering bit?

I have a question for you about the pains. Do they start at the top of your quads or at the bottom? I ask because the Mayo Clinic page says this about Lyme disease symptoms after the flu-like symptoms pass:

"Migratory joint pain. If the infection is not treated, you may develop bouts of severe joint pain and swelling several weeks to months after you're infected. Your knees are especially likely to be affected, but the pain can shift from one joint to another.

"Neurological problems. In some cases, inflammation of the membranes surrounding your brain (meningitis), temporary paralysis of one side of your face (Bell's palsy), numbness or weakness in your limbs, and impaired muscle movement may occur weeks, months or even years after an untreated infection. Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood or sleep habits also can be symptoms of late-stage Lyme disease. "

Here's the Mayo Clinic page I'm referring to:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lyme-disease/DS00116/DSECTION=symptoms

In both cases, they seem to hinge on an untreated infection. I'll repeat Tina's question, were you treated when you were diagnosed? Were you prescribed antibiotics?

This page:
http://www.lymeinfo.net/pain.html

talks specifically about the pain of Lyme Disease. It says "the pain caused by Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can be widespread and excruciating. It can affect muscles, joints, nerves and bones, and manifest in any area of the body." So what you are experiencing is very real and seems to be somewhat common. This page also discusses antibiotics, why you should stay away from steroid treatments, and medicines that help with the pain, as well as alternative options such as physical therapy and acupuncture.

You might be interested in the Lyme Disease Research Database, where you can also sign up for a weekly newsletter:

http://www.lyme-disease-research-database.com/

What course of treatment did you receive?

Anon, Were you treated with antibiotics when you first discovered the Lyme's disease? Thanks.

If anyone has information regarding my question, I would be most appreciative!