4 weeks of Neuropathy and getting worse
About 4 weeks ago I developed a tight band sensation and tingling in both feet and ankles. Within a few days it spread to my left hand. My PCP ordered an MRI of my spine, which showed multiple herniated discs, but the spine specialist felt my symptoms didn't fit the MRI findings and recommended testing for Lyme disease and vitamin B12 deficiency. My Lyme testing came back IgM positive (reflex testing) and IgG negative, and I was started on doxycycline for 21 days. I'm currently on day 11. Instead of improving, my symptoms have continued to progress. The tingling has now spread to my right hand and seems to be moving farther up my legs. I've also developed aching muscle pain in my thighs and upper buttocks. Despite this, my strength remains normal in all four limbs—I can still walk normally and haven't noticed measurable weakness—but everything feels "off," with persistent tingling and odd sensations. My doctor believes this could be a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction and advised me to continue the doxycycline. However, I'm worried because the symptoms seem to be expanding rather than improving, and I'm concerned this could be something other than Lyme disease. I have appointments scheduled with both an infectious disease specialist and a neurologist, but the progression is frightening. Has anyone with confirmed Lyme disease experienced symptoms continuing to spread after starting doxycycline? If so, how long did it take before things stabilized or began improving? I'd also appreciate hearing from physicians or anyone with a similar experience while I wait for my specialist appointments.