urgh... so are there any precautionary measures I should take? Just left a message with the pediatrician....
Does Lyme always present with some sort of symptoms? Now that I know she's been bitten (it was definitely attached), I'll be on top of anything unusual - so if nothing happens at all, I know she's in the clear, right???
I am just so ****ed right now.
If anybody has any info on reducing tick populations on your property, please pass it along - I'd really appreciate it as this is now the second Lyme scare this summer we've had with the kids (my other daughter just finished antibiotics), and we haven't even been out in the yard much because of a mosquito problem...
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
My LLMD does abx from any tick bit in an endemic area (which is everywhere). Check the Dr. B guidelines for new tick bites.
I'm sorry to hear she was bitten.
Posted by happytoes (Member # 21039) on :
Thanks for your response - I'm really hoping the doctor calls soon.
I'm thinking of having the tick tested for lyme via the Umass extension lab - it would be worth the money to ease my mind and hopefully prevent the need for antiobiotics in such a wee little one:( I can get the results back in a week.
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
happytoes, I am sorry your daughter was bitten.
IgeneX Lab in Palo Alto, CA also does tick testing.
Posted by 2roads (Member # 4409) on :
Get the tick tested by Igenex.
Check for Lyme and Bart..I don't know if they can do Babs...I don't see why not.
My family all got sick in PA. I agree with Goofy that you are not only in an endemic area but also a place where coinfections are prevalent.
I'm sorry to say the stats aren't in your favor so be conservative. Call Dr. Jones in New Haven for a consult.
Well wishes,
2roads
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
So sorry your baby was bitten.
My doc says always treat if the tick was attached.
I would test the tick, but I would also treat while waiting for the results. The sooner treatment starts the better.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
happy toes,
so sorry to read this!
you have the kids LLMD LIST right since your daughter? just ended her abx.
i'll see what i can find on tick provention in your yard.... Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
here is link with MANY LINKS in it about this entire thing!! i'll raise it to the top here as well for others needing this advise.
that's all i found quickly; but 1st link has MANY links of good info in it .... hugs
Posted by disturbedme (Member # 12346) on :
You should DEFINITELY treat, especially since you're in Pennsylvania which is HUGELY endemic.
I'm so sorry. Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
I would test the tick in case something develops
later. It takes up to 3 weeks in some people to
develop antibodies so testing her may not provide
any conclusions. But tick would show if you need to
treat or be watchful.
Posted by tick battler (Member # 21113) on :
Sorry to hear your babe was bitten. If it were me, I would treat ASAP. It's not worth what I'm dealing with - 3 young children with chronic lyme.
My daughter was bitten at 10 months, I had the tick tested and it was negative so I didn't treat her. Now at age 2, she tests positive for lyme, bart and babs. She could have gotten it from me but it could have been that tick. She was a very healthy baby and still is, but started becoming cranky and crying in her sleep, so I knew something was up.
Igenex admitted to me that ticks can still carry lyme and get negative tests. Every tick I have sent to them (about 4) has tested negative. I would not rely on that.
tickbattler
Posted by happytoes (Member # 21039) on :
ohh - tickbattler - I'm so sorry to hear that your children are suffering from this... do you have a good doctor for them? We're in Newtown Square, so really close to you - if you like your kids' doctor, would you mind passing on his/her name? I may give them a call...
Posted by happytoes (Member # 21039) on :
Oh yeah - I also wanted to mention this - I would probably be insisting on treatment right now (we just went through this with my other daughter and I had to FIGHT to get treatment), but here is my reasoning not to - let me know if you all don't agree:
1. Well, this is not a reason really, but I really hesitate to give my 4 month such a hefty dose of antibiotics because of these reasons...
2. The tick was on her FACE. I am thinking that I caught it almost immediately after it became attached. I noticed it immediately when I picked her up. I know that it has to be attached for a minimum of a couple of hours (but closer to 24 hours) for lyme, etc. to be passed on.
3. I think it was in the larvae form. It was INCREDIBLY small. Like as small as the period at the end of this sentence. I still couldn't confirm it was even a tick until I put it in alcohol and was able to see the legs spread out. According to the lab that I talked to, the larvae can't carry any nasties since they have not bitten anything. Once they have their first meal, they become a nymph and that's the stage you have to start worrying since they could have picked something up from the first host.
I know that many of you usually feel it's best to ALWAYS treat after a tick bite (and even my pediatrician usually feels this way), but given this info, well, would you still?
Tickbattler - that really stinks that the labs can't detect it 100%... urgh... I just re-read your last sentence about your 2 year old. My 2 year old has recently become really cranky and crying A LOT in her sleep - now I'm going to start worrying about her, too!! ahhhh!!
Posted by tick battler (Member # 21113) on :
Hi happytoes,
Sorry to say this, but the tick on my daughter was the larva form as well - almost translucent. That's another reason why I declined to treat her. Also - that rule about 24 hours is totally wrong. I relied on that and that's why my kids are all sick.
Lyme around here is out of control. I take my kids to Dr. J in CT for treatment. In the meantime, you could try seeing our current pediatrician who is now more aware of lyme and might consider giving your daughter a month of abx.
I will pm you.
tickbattler
Posted by blinkie (Member # 14470) on :
I would not waste money on testing the tick. Instead, I would spend it on a good LLMD. If it were my child, I would treat just due to the tick being attached. Many good abx combos are safe for infants. Mine did 6 weeks of ceftin and zith at 7 weeks old and had no complications.
I would rather risk that than risk a long-term lyme infection that will cost a lot to treat and also be torturous for your child.
Just my opinion.
Posted by gemofnj (Member # 15551) on :
ditto!
Posted by MY3BOYS (Member # 17830) on :
sooo sorry, just from one moms heart to another...(((((((((hugs )))))))))))))))))))
on the yard issue: we did buy granules you put down using a spreader. bought it at lowes and was red bag. had mostly that permith...something . sorry lyme brain but is the chemical kills ticks. i do know on the bag said for ticks in yard, red bag.
then you water it in. we put it along the perimiter fencing and behind back fence (we back up to woods and bayou) and does work.
we were having HORRIBLE ticks this year. last yr. IKE hit us worse than expected and really did a number on some area that are very pretty, woods, trails,etc. threw off the whole eco-system. this yr. ticks and mesquitos are rediculous!!!!!!
we were pulling off ticks daily from the dogs despite frontline. and i am bit manic about checking pooches(and they are not outside dogs- go out back for bussiness and stay in really)
Posted by WildCondor (Member # 434) on :
Time to get your baby to a Lyme doc and make sure he's treated properly!!
Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
The face is so close to the brain. I would treat also.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
that you are not only in an endemic area but also a place where coinfections are prevalent. ![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[kiss]](graemlins/kissing.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)