I mean a REAL lyme doctor.

You can post in seeking a doctor section to see if there is one near you.

It sounds like you are early to lyme, which means with PROPER treatment AND testing and treatment for coinfections ( a single tick bite can transmit many that require DIFFERENT abx)

you can get on with your life.

As to the jaw pain, I can't answer that. Its not a "set thing" the symptoms- so until proper treatment, it might not go away, it may. I dont know.

Welcome to Lymenet. We're very glad to help you.

So sorry you're in pain. Facial pain can be the worst because there are so many nerves in the mouth.

There are many folks here with vast experience on Doxycycline. I'm sure they will come by shortly & provide much better answers for you.

In the meantime, I can share what I've used for nerve pain.

Low dose prescription Elavil 10 mg. (get generic) & then combine it with 600 mg of Motrin.

The Motrin will take down the inflammation.

The Elavil works directly on the nerve to turn off that abnormal pain signal, if it's nerve pain.

(Elavil is contraindicated in heart patients & should not be combined with thyroid medication.) It will make you sleepy.

Try to treat pain early on, don't wait until it's unbearable & you're crying with it.

Also, I've gone through many a hot gel pack for pain. My best friend------probably.

Be sure & get a microwaveable kind. Read the labels closely becaue some gel packs can only be placed in hot water; way too much trouble.

Mine is called: Reusable/Multi-Purpose ICE/HEAT by Trufit; blue label & blue gel pack. I found this at the drug store.

Because your pain goes from side-to-side it sounds like die-off. Doxycycline does pass the blood brain barrier, so it does affect nerves.

Lyme disease is a disease of the nerves and it will let you know when those spirochetes get stirred up.

This will sound rather lame, but I used Clove oil by NOW from the health food store (it didn't have to be diluted) directly on upper & lower gums.

Somehow this diffuses throughout that entire area. It may not work for your particular pain------it's hard to know.

Everyone's symptoms are unique & so treatment will vary from person to person.

You may not feel like doing any research at the moment, but Tincup has compiled this list of links which make it really easy to learn about Lyme.

Here's the link:

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/009342.html

Sorry, I was unable to answer your questions directly, but others will know exactly how to help.

We are just happy that you at least received prompt treatment which is cricitcal in gaining advantage over this clever bug.

Hope this helps.
Take Care,
Jan

Just wanted to let you know that I suffered with major jaw discomfort on both sides of my jaw for weeks and went to see my dentist and an oral surgeon who diagnosed me with TMJ due to stress (of course!) I was convinced it had to be lyme related and went to a LLMD who started me on Amoxicillan and within a few days the pain was gone. I'm not sure if it was the Amox. or not because I'm new around here too, but it definitely took the pain away. I still have an occasional jab and other symptoms have popped up, but I think I've had lyme for close to 4 yrs. I didn't have much luck with ibuprofin, but the gel pack sounds like a great suggestion.

Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone and what worked for me! I hope you're feeling better soon!
Kim