Topic: My pregnant daughter was bitten by a tick today!
dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33574
posted
I am beside myself with worry over this. It was not engorged, but it was attached and it seemed to be a nymph or very small deer tick.
She called her OB/GYN at my suggestion and asked for a prophylactic dose of ABX and the doctor on call told her to call her her PCP for follow up.
It is Sunday night and it is unlikely she is going to get a prophylactic ABX script. Any suggestions? I know that there are certain herbs that are known to stop Lyme in its tracks but I don't know if they are safe for someone who is pregnant.
She is a school teacher and could go to the school nurse tomorrow morning, but not sure any ABX could be provided through the school nurse. She managed to save the tick and is going to try to get it tested at UMASS Amherst.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
| IP: Logged |
Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323
posted
I'm so sorry this is happening. Doxycycline is usually the go to drug for new bites, however it's not good to take while pregnant.
Amoxicillin may be a good choice. I know there's a combo to take while pregnant, but I don't know the specifics.
I'd be concerned about co-infections too and it's great that the lab you're sending the tick to can test for some.
Is there Lyme literate doctor she can get to? A lot of times they'll make an appointment for new tick bites.
Another option is urgent care (she can say she was bitten by a tick and now feels like she has the flu and she may have had a rash).
The tick does not have to be engorged to transmit Lyme (it could have just fed elsewhere and have the bacteria ready to go). I've been infected twice that I know of and both times the tick was not engorged.
I hope for the best for your daughter.
Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012
| IP: Logged |
Lymedin2010
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34322
posted
The first thing I did when my daughter got bit was to place a heating pad on the bite area & blast the heat. Kept it for as long as she could take it so that the bacteria can be killed off locally.
Then we got antibiotics the next day.
Some researches report that borrelia will die in 108 temps for 20 min. There have been some reports on babs being sensitive to heat as well. The local bite will get hotter than 108.
Posts: 2087 | From NY | Registered: Oct 2011
| IP: Logged |
surprise
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34987
posted
Well, first of all, your pain and suffering has garnered the knowledge to take care of this- lucky and fortunate they are now- it's clueless and festering that bring the problems,
and let's remember, not every single tick carries infections- it got caught slam dunk, she'll get some amoxicillin, and be okay, even if, that's my gut feeling.
-------------------- Lyme positive PCR blood, and positive Bartonella henselae Igenex, 2011. low positive Fry biofilm test, 2012. Update 7/16- After extensive treatments, doing okay! Posts: 2518 | From USA | Registered: Nov 2011
| IP: Logged |
posted
Amoxicillin is what most pregnant women take for Lyme. Sure hope she can get what she needs!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
A school nurse cannot prescribe antibiotics. If her PCP is of no help, she should go to a local ER, or urgent care center.
I have heard some of the Minute Clinics will prescribe. Hopefully her PCP will just go ahead and prescribe it so she does not need to start running around finding someone who will.
I'm glad the tick is being tested. Sorry she is dealing with this right now. As Surprise said not every tick carries infections. With all your knowledge and expertise to help her out I'm sure she will be fine.
Posts: 1748 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2011
| IP: Logged |
lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230
posted
Our local er will give ONE doxy pill and tell her not to worry
Dr j used to consult with docs if you can find one to cooperate-then you woukd know you have corrrct dose
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
So sorry to hear this. Maybe you could try your doc's office and ask for suggestions?
You could also go to www.lymediseaseassociation.org and call LLMDS in her area, and ask if they have any cancellations that day or the next day to PLEASE call you. People do cancel when they don't feel good (herxing), etc.
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
| IP: Logged |
dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33574
posted
Thank you everyone. I got on the MA Lyme Group and did get the name of a LLMD out her way who I will call today if my daughter has no luck with her PCP or the walk in clinic. It is so crazy that our medical establishment does not understand how dangerous it is to not treat right away!
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
| IP: Logged |
posted
Dr. J, the leading Lyme pediatrician, has put together a protocol for pregnant women with Lyme which can be followed with your own doctor. Call his office to ask for more information. Maybe he can give you some suggestions?
PM sent for Dr. J's contact information.
Posts: 8981 | From Illinois | Registered: May 2006
| IP: Logged |
dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33574
posted
My daughter's PCP and OB GYN were afraid to be proactive, but I found a walk-in clinic for her to go to and she had to educate that doctor about the need for a prophylactic antibiotic. It is pathetic that this is still happening.
But then her husband got involved and didn't want her to take amoxicillin because he wasn't sure it would be safe for her to take while pregnant. It was a struggle, but I worked hard to convince them both how important it would be for her to take it as a precaution.
I pleaded with them, finding every article I could to reassure them both that amoxicillin would be okay for her to take. I never would have believed I would have to do this a few years ago. She did eventually take the amoxicillin and will take more today. Not sure she will do anymore than that.
The tick was not on her for long. I pray she and the baby will be okay. Thanks for all your suggestions and support. I have done all I can at this point. I am going to send them the link above, hopingandpraying. Thank you!
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
| IP: Logged |
GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
I am praying for her and the baby. Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
| IP: Logged |
posted
Send the tick to Igenix in Palo Alto, CA for $365 for an accurate test of 5 diseases... I did that for my grandson's tick and the local walk-in gave him 3 weeks of meds for Lyme and Babesia when he got a fever. He was positive for those two out of five, according to Igenix.
You are correct to be upset. Can you get your daughter to a LLMD? Call LLMDs to see if they'll take her TODAY.
Please be VERY aggressive on this.
Posts: 921 | From CT | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323
posted
"Can you get your daughter to a LLMD? Call LLMDs to see if they'll take her TODAY."
Agreed. Time is of the essence.
Trying to educate a typical doctor is like trying to tell a podiatrist how to be a gynecologist. It's an uncomfortable mess for everyone.
Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012
| IP: Logged |
dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33574
posted
It is too late. My daughter already disposed of the tick because she felt safe with the antibiotic. For my own sanity, I have to believe that the tick was not on her for long and everybody will be okay.
My daughter is 30 years old and I only have so much influence in her decision making. I have given them both a lot of info on the politics of this disease along with as much education as I can without alienating them both (which today, I am very afraid I may have done).
I did call 2 LLMD's out in her area and neither of them were able to take her on as a new patient right away. I did find one who comes highly recommended, and I gave her his name and contact info.
She assures me that she will let me know if she develops any strange symptoms or rashes. At this point, I think I need to back off. Thank you all for your concern and advice.
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
| IP: Logged |
Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323
posted
If you look at the brochure on preventing chronic Lyme, it says specifically the "wait and see" approach is risky.
Antibiotics won't protect against some co-infections like babesia.
I'm sorry you're going through this.
Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012
| IP: Logged |
dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33574
posted
You are preaching to the choir... Our children don't always think we know best. But I appreciate you trying to help. I have a sister who gets bitten a few times a year and does fine with her prophylactic doxy - seems to have avoided getting lyme and co. for a couple of decades. Let's hope my daughter takes after her!
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'm glad your on top of this! My sister called me last year after she was bitten....72 hours later they prescribed oral Doxy for her. The medication made her extremely sick, but quite possibly could have prevented this dreadful disease from possibly causing a lifetime of problems. It should be noted my sister lives in a highly "Lyme Endemic" area..so doctors often times are more understanding. Your doing the right thing..."Keep Fighting"!
Posts: 50 | From San Diego | Registered: Jan 2014
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic