Thank you all so much for the informative posts and links about Lyme Disease. I've been reading for about two hours and have learned so much already.
About 2 weeks ago I had what I thought was the flu, left work to come home and go to bed. That continued for a couple of days--high fever, joint aches, headache, chills then hot, etc. Went to the ER on a Sat. night. DX=fever. They did run a Lyme test.
Results of Lyme test were negative, but by this time (a few days later) I had broken out in several rashy blotches all over my body. Also my 2nd to baby toe on my left foot was swollen and there was a tiny red speck on top of my foot.
I went to my PCP who suspected Lyme but wanted to rule out a broken toe. She sent me for a foot x-ray, which was negative. She then immediately started me on Doxy 100mg./twice a day. The next Lyme test came back positive so she extended the length of the Doxy to one month.
After reading here I am concerned that I should be on a higher dose and will call her tomorrow to discuss (I have the link to the ILADS document.)
After reading so many stories about Lyme going undiagnosed (and after seeing in first-hand with a dear friend) I am thankful that mine was apparently caught early.
My question is this: Should I be tested for other tick borne diseases? Should I see a Lyme Specialist?
Thanks so much, Bonnie
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
"My question is this: Should I be tested for other tick borne diseases? Should I see a Lyme Specialist?"
Yes! and Yes!
The best care is the care given in the first month or two. If you want to knock this out FOR GOOD, then get on a higher dosage of doxy.
Most of us here would want to be treated for a minimum of two months when first bitten....and continue until ALL symptoms are gone for two additional months.
You don't want to take any chances.... and it sounds like babesia would be a possibility for you as well.
Have you seen these links?? They are very well organized.
Treepatrol's links contain photos of Lyme rashes. Check those out too. And BE SURE to get photos of your rash for documentation. You may need it later!
Doxy needs to be at least 300mg a day to cross the blood brain barrier.
I am glad your doctors are aware of Lyme and tested you,
but I still would recommend seeing a LLMD.
As for co-infections, well, those tests are terribly accurate either.
A Lyme Literate Medical Doctor would be able to discuss co-infections/symptoms
And know what protocol to follow.
I am so glad you caught it early!
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by CaliforniaLyme (Member # 7136) on :
Y E S AND Y E S !*)!*)!)!!!!!!!!
And W E L C O M E ! ! ! ! ! ! !*)!*)!*)!*)!*)!*)*)!!
Posted by Vermont_Lymie (Member # 9780) on :
Yes -- you got good advice above. Get yourself to a llmd, because one month of low-dose doxy is not sufficient treatment.
I took 400mg/day doxy (200mg in morning, 200mg at night) when first starting treatment.
Also, as you know, ticks in the northeast can carry babesia, bartonella and other TBD's. I did not want to believe it when I was first diagnosed with lyme, but I am a believer now after a positive babesia test and a good response to babesia treatment!
Especially if you had a high fever -- like I did -- that can happen with babesia and co-infections.
But few doctors have sufficient knowledge about tick borne diseases.
