posted
I'm writing this in the middle of the night, feeling as though I'm being tortured. For the fifth night in a row, I've had to get out of bed after only a few hours sleep because I was in so much pain.
It started six days ago with a little pain in my right upper arm just below the shoulder. It quickly moved, spreading to the shoulder and over to the back of my neck, eventually starting to move up the back of my head.
It has become so severe that I thought I might have shingles. The unremitting quality reminded me of the shingles I had (in my back on the left side) 10 years ago.But my doctor (and my chiropractor) assumed it's a pinched nerve. I know I've never had a pain in this area.
Then last night I discovered a tick bite in my right arm pit.The bite looked larger and redder than usual, and the tick (although the side of a poppy seed) looked like he had been attached for some time.
I was exposed to ticks while gardening six days ago. I removed one the next day and had it tested. It got a clean bill of health. I suspect the one I found last night was acquired at the same time.
So last night after the tick was removed I took two 100mg capsules of doxycycine, as instructed by my doctor. About 45 minutes later I threw up--projectile vomiting that nearly took me by surprise.
I normally would take doxy with a decent amount of food, but had only eaten some cherries and a few grapes. The other thing is the doxy this time looked different from capsules I've taken in the past. These new ones are bi-colored, stamped with RX616. I wonder if they're a different type.
I strongly suspect the tick bite cause my pain. Do you agree? I've already been dealing with chronic Lyme, and one of the things I emphasize is getting enough sleep and rest.
I am so far from that this week. I am too tired and in too much pain to see an end to this. I don't know what to do.
(breaking up the post for easier reading for many here)
Bartenderbonnie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 49177
posted
Sorry to hear Alisandne
The ticks are EVERYWHERE!!!!!! You MUST use effective tick prevention methods. Even the best methods are not fool-proof.
A tick is a sewer of infections, parasites, fungy's, viruses. No test is reliable. No test can pick up the many strains and pathogens. If a test comes back positive, then you a clue to what's in your yard.
If a tick test comes back negative, DO NOT let your guard down. Listen to your body. Listen to your symptoms. You have more to go on than most people. Most don't see a tick, or get a rash. They don't have a clue.
You have a CLUE. You have symptoms. And because you already suffer from chronic Lyme, your immune system is overwhelmed to mount another defense againest a new bite. Our health is so fragile.
Western blot Lyme testing is notoriously flawed during the initial 4-6 weeks period of bite. But I would get one anyway, as maybe a band or 2 might be reactive. You would have another clue. Don't spend money, get an insurance covered test.
Get the test done on a Monday or Tuesday in the week. Take a long hot shower beforehand to get the blood moving. Make sure to get the test results, don't rely on provider diagnosis.
posted
Thanks, both of you, for responding. This tick bite was my own fault. I have a long history with ticks, and have been pleased that what my son calls my "hazmat suit"--long-sleeved men's white dress shirt, white pants tucked into white socks in rubber boots, with the addition of some rose geranium oil--has been so effective in the past couple of years.
Even so, I've been pretty spooked--giving up most of my gardening (partly for other reasons as well) and staying indoors a lot more than I used to.
Therefore, I can't explain why I made the decision to go out en pull tall weeds without wearing long sleeves for protection. The rest of my usual outfit was in place, but on top I wore just a t-shirt and gardening gloves. Like I said, my own fault.
I wish I knew if anyone else has experienced pain like this resulting from a tick bite. Because I'm convinced that if the tick wasn't responsible, I must have shingles.
And if that's the case, I need an anti-viral. And although I tend to avoid pharmaceuticals whenever possible, some kind of pain pills would be appreciated too. I'm writing this in the middle of the night again.
I'm taking the doxy with food now and doing okay with that. Thanks again.
(breaking up the posts for easier reading for many here)
posted
Not a doctor, but sounds to me like it's due to the tick bite. Hopefully the doxy will help.
I have been on various narcotics for pain med, so don't know if you would like to inquire with your doctor re trying one - like vicodin, tylco #4, ultram, demerol.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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posted
Thanks, Robin. I've always avoided narcotics because in my limited experience they make me sick to my stomach, and now I have the added concern of liver issues. But I may have to look into something I can tolerate if this keeps up.
Posts: 117 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Jul 2010
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