Rivendell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19922
posted
I discovered a deer tick attached to my stomach on Sunday, April 5, 2009. Obviously got it that weekend. I had two horizontal red streaks, like stretch marks, across the site of the bite. The bite, itself was a bump and red. I discovered the tick because of itching. The site has continued to itch.
Went to doctor next day. Was given Azithromycin 2000g liquid, time released to last for 10 days.
The next day after doctor visit and after taking the medication (this was a Tuesday), I discovered a VERY FAINT ring around the site. This ring only lasted about an hour. Needless to say, it scared me.
Went back to doctor, of course the ring was gone, and he gave me Amoxil 500mg. bid to take after the 10 days of Azithromycin (so the two meds wouldn't interact with one another.)
The ring was so faint, I am wondering if I imagined it. I was so frightened when I discovered the tick, that I am wondering if my imagination took over.
Anyway, I have a very nice doctor, but don't feel comfortable pushing him for more meds. I already of CFS and can't afford a Lyme doctor.
Should I follow up the course of antibiotics with herbs and supplements such as grapefruit seed extract, barberry, burdock, goldenseal, cat's claw, herbs containing berberine, etc.? I honestly have more faith in herbs.
I am taking lots of garlic now and lots of echinacea.
Thanks for your comments.
P.S. I read somewhere that two weeks of antibiotics can cause all future lyme tests to be negative even if you are infected with lyme. Is this true? Is this because spirochetes form cysts?
Posts: 1358 | From Midwest | Registered: Apr 2009
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adamm
Unregistered
posted
I'll link you to my newby spiel and get you the info of Lyme docs in the region. A couple of them take insurance.
It would help if you could post a picture of your bite.
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Rivendell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19922
posted
Thanks. The ring only lasted about an hour and was so faint I am not sure that it was real. Denial? Or did the med work causing the ring to be faint and fade after an hour?
Now I still have the two horizontal lines across the bite. The bite was small, round, 1/4 diameter, raised and red, and red irritation about 1/4 inch around the bite. Very itchy and warm the first few days.
The ring was located about 1 inch from the center of the bite. The ring was very thin and very faint. Not sure I actually saw it.
The horizontal lines are fading now, as is the bite, but still visible.
Anyway, I have no photograph.
****Do you think the meds are sufficient, followed by some really good herbs, grapefruit seed extract, etc.?*****
My insurance only covers certain doctors in the state of Indiana. Very limited coverage.
I can't afford a Lyme doctor, but it would be good to know who is around if I become super sick. Still I don't have any money. Would they treat me out of the goodness of their heart?
If you are going to go the alternative route, I would try to find a natural doctor who treats Lyme to help you.
Buhner wrote a great book on Lyme Disease called "Healing Lyme". He has protocols and herbs in his book that are effective.
Amoxil and Zith do not interact and can be taken together. I took Amoxy and Biaxin (like Zith) together. They are a good combo. I'd push your doctor for more (at least three weeks' worth, preferably about six weeks). Doxycyline is the best drug to take immediately after a bite, I don't really understand why your doctor didn't prescribe it.
You need high doses - I took 7500 mg per day (that is not a typo, it was 2500 mg. three times per day) of amoxycillin .... 500 mg per day Zith .... or 400 mg per day of doxy. You don't want to undertreat.
The time after your bite is the one and only chance to completely get rid of Lyme. However, if you already have CFS, you most likely had Lyme before the most recent bite.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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Rivendell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19922
posted
Hi! Yes I have had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since about 2001. Have not gotten any better and was just about to apply for SSDI when this happened.
I also have Neurally Mediated Hypotension, which is very disabling. Have had it since my early 20's with bouts of CFS since then. But around 2001, I could no longer "push-through" my symptoms and became truly disabled.
Maybe a tick bite from long ago. But I also had untreated hypoglycemia for several years. Didn't know I had it. In those days, the 1970's, there was "no such thing. All in my head". I was eating sugar, etc. doing all the wrong things, so that long period of low blood sugar and chronic yeast infections could have caused nerve damage, too!
Anyway, I just can't afford to pay out of pocket. I guess I must muster the courage to see my doctor again.
I have read a REALLY good study done on grapefruit seed extract on destroying Lyme and busting the cysts. I will try to provide the link.
I am really not facing this very well. It has taken me all this time to get the courage to apply for SSDI.
Rivendell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19922
posted
SixGoofyKids,
When you were treated with the high dosages of meds, was this immediately after the tick bite or after you became seriously ill?
I am not experiencing any symptoms since the tick bite. Just the usual CFS/NMH. My CFS is more fatigue, brain fog, post-exertional malaise and orthostatic intolerance. Pain has not been a big component for me, but if I don't take MSM or glucosamine sulfate, I have pain in my joints.
Posts: 1358 | From Midwest | Registered: Apr 2009
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posted
I was misdiagnosed for 30 years. By the time I was diagnosed I was bedridden. I had ups and downs during that time, so it's not like I was sick the entire time.
So, I was not diagnosed early. I took the high doses of meds for two years. Now I am using alternative treatments.
I believe all your CFS symptoms could actually be Lyme. I have/had hypoglycemia, low blood pressure, fibromyalgia, insomnia, malaise, etc. from Lyme.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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Rivendell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19922
posted
Sounds like we have a lot in common. Well, if I am already sick with Lyme, I guess I don't need more spirochetes in my body.
I can't afford to pay anyone out-of-pocket. I have been reading the different protocols of Lyme doctors like Dr. Buhner (sp?) And I guess I need to try to get more meds from my doc.
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