Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica or Lyme?

Dear Ask The Doctor: 4 weeks ago my doctor gave me a quick diagnosis of Sciatica (Piriformus Syndrome) due to pain in my hip and groin. I was given some stretching exercises and a script for Soma. Instead of getting better is is getting worse as now I am experiencing severe symptoms of Meralgia Paresthetica on top of it. Does this make sense? Is it likely that I would have both of these conditions without any trauma or injury? Or can the problem be something else entirely? I ask since both my spouse and dog have been diagnosed with Lyme Disease I have to wonder if this is a misdiagnosis. (I know I can't get it from them, but I could have been bit and not know).

Dear Eddie: It looks like you are having possibly a sciatica episode or a hip bursitis, please be patient and follow the doctor recommendations. On the other hand, I will give you some info about Lyme disease. You're more likely to get Lyme disease if you live or spend time in grassy and heavily wooded areas where ticks carrying the disease thrive. It's important to take common-sense precautions in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent. The signs and symptoms of Lyme disease are variable, usually involving more than one system. The skin, joints and nervous system are affected most often. If you have had the following: a small, red bump may appear at the site of the tick bite. Over the next few days, the redness expands, forming a rash in a bull's-eye pattern, with a red outer ring surrounding a clear area. The rash, called erythema migrans, is one of the hallmarks of Lyme disease; Flu-like symptoms (Fever, chills, fatigue, body aches and a headache) may accompany the rash; 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; nflammation 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. If you know you've been bitten and experience signs and symptoms of Lyme disease  particularly if you live in an area where Lyme disease is prevalent , then contact your doctor immediately.