@windyshores, I agree Lyme disease testing is highly controversial. You're quite right, and as the information from Mayo Clinic states, the timing of testing is important to note. The tests are most reliable a few weeks after an infection, after your body has had time to develop antibodies.

I like your recommendation of seeking diagnosis from a Lyme literate doctor. My husband got bitten by a tick while we were in a high-risk Lyme region. However symptoms only appeared when we were home and local doctors were unfamiliar with abnormal indicators. Luckily our local PCP consulted with Lyme experts, shared photos of his atypical, non-bull's eye rash and he was able to get early treatment. In his case, the lab test confirmation was unnecessary and all ended well after a strong course of antibiotics.