Is Lyme Disease degenerative?

I am a 25 year old female. For the last year I have been exhibiting many different symptoms that seem to have baffled my doctors. They all know something is wrong, but cannot pinpoint or rule out anything. 11 months ago, shortly after the symptoms started, my PCP performed this one exam, in which he stuck my entire body from head to toe. He used one of his wooden cotton swab broke in half. This of course left one side jagged and sharp and the other soft and cushiony. He noticed I was unable to differentiate between the two on my right side. He sent me to a Neurologist that turned out to have NO medical sense at all. His (PCP) main concern then was Multiple Sclerosis or Lupus. Well to make a long story short, a year later I am still no closer to a diagnosis. Three weeks ago my PCP repeated the exam done 11 months prior. This time just with one object. During this exam we both found out in certain areas now I am unable to feel anything. He has now done testing for Lyme Disease.

Could Lyme Disease cause my loss of sensation, my inability to feel. Or could it be something a little more serious. He is now sending me to my third Neurologist, which is 4 hours away. What could be causing this?

Lyme disease--and its related co-infections--can cause up to 300 different symptoms, and can affect virtually any system in your body. It definitely affects the central nervous system, which can cause symptoms similar to MS and lupus.

Lyme lab tests are problematic--known to have high false readings, both positive and negative. You need to be seen by a doc who has a lot of experience dealing with Lyme in its many manifestations, including neurological ones. This would typically be a doc affiliated with ILADS--the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society.

I recommend you educate yourself about Lyme, since frankly, most docs don't know much about it. I also suggest you join the conversation at www.lymenet.org--you'll hear from hundreds of people who have been through similar stuff, and learn what has helped--and not helped--them. You can also find out about Lyme docs in your region.

Good sources of info about Lyme disease:
http://www.canlyme.com
http://www.lymenet.org
http://www.lymeinfo.net
http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org
http://www.ilads.org
http://www.betterhealthguy.com
http://www.publichealthalert.com
http://www.freewebs.com/teenswithlyme
http://www.lymetimes.org

wow. it could be many things.

lyme disease has three stages, the first is the class target rash. the third can have neurologic manifestations. i guess it could be on just one side, all depends on where it's affecting. the good news is is that it's completely treatable... with antibiotics.

lupus is usually characterized by a rash, either one across the nose/cheeks and/or one across the chest (that makes it look like you're wearing a shaw). patients usually have sensitivity to sunlight and burn easily. that can also have general symptoms of weakness or fatigue.

multiple sclerosis usually cycles between being normal and having weakness, changes in senses. you're a bit young for it, most people are diagnosed in their 30s.

people can also have decreased senstation from diabetes, but he's probably already checked for that.

it sounds like you have a pretty good doc, i'd stick with him and follow what he says. good luck.