posted
In 2007 I was bit by a tick. I came down horribly ill, I had a rash on my legs and developed 2 bright red circles on the outside of my leg. I saw my family dr. and he ordered tests. The 1st test came back Rickettsii IGM acute, retest in 90 days. He forgot to mention this. Late in 2007 I moved out of state. Since I was still feeling sick, I saw my family dr. The 2nd tests said the same-retest. I then saw an infectious disease dr. The tests came again the same--I was told not to worry about it, it was nothing. In her report she put I had a slight case of RMSF. Can you have a slight case? Should I not worry about it and seek other causes? What is the difference between a Lyme Specialist and an infectious disease dr.? I am still sick and tired, and have terrible bouts of illness. What would you do?
Posts: 7 | From Maine | Registered: Apr 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Jasmine, welcome. I hope you find here what you need to help.
Many here have neuro and vision problems so that large blocks of type without breaks can look like a sea of swirling grey blotches.
So that more can read and reply, I'll break up the text so you can see what works best for many here: --------
Jasmine's original post:
In 2007 I was bit by a tick. I came down horribly ill, I had a rash on my legs and developed 2 bright red circles on the outside of my leg. I saw my family dr. and he ordered tests.
The 1st test came back Rickettsii IGM acute, retest in 90 days. He forgot to mention this. Late in 2007 I moved out of state. Since I was still feeling sick, I saw my family dr.
The 2nd tests said the same-retest.
I then saw an infectious disease dr. The tests came again the same--I was told not to worry about it, it was nothing. In her report she put I had a slight case of RMSF.
Can you have a slight case? Should I not worry about it and seek other causes?
What is the difference between a Lyme Specialist and an infectious disease dr.?
I am still sick and tired, and have terrible bouts of illness. What would you do?
(Jasmine) -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You need to consult an ILADS-educated LLMD for sure. (LLMD = Lyme Literate Medical Doctor. Most Infectious Disease - ID doctors - are clueless about tick-borne infections.)
Be sure to take in copies of all three of those positive Rickettsii tests. Be sure they know about "2 bright red circles" on your leg.
If you have photos, take them with you, one set for the doctor but always keep the original set for your personal records.
The main difference between an Inf Disease dr and a Lyme specialist is that the specialist (LLMD) will treat you until you are well. That is a pretty big difference!!
The standard treatment by an ID dr is 3-4 wks of low dose antibiotics. Then they are usually through with you!
If you're sick, you need to be tested and treated for all possible coinfections which can come from the bite of a tick. Some of the infections require different medications than those specifically for Lyme disease.
PS.. a "slight" case still needs to be taken care of!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
Thank you. That is a big difference and one I can identify with.
I was on doxicilian (?) for 3 days then my dr. took me off them (TN). The other dr. said don't worry about it (ME).
But, for the last 2 yrs. 8 months I have not felt right and more often than not just downright sick. I will keep trying to find a specialist--
Again thank you.
Posts: 7 | From Maine | Registered: Apr 2010
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Haley
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22008
posted
Hi Jasmine,
I also was bitten in 2007. I was diagnosed 6/1/2009. I have tested positive for Lyme, Bartonella and RMSF plus a few other things.
Everyone tells me - you must treat RMSF now or you will die but I'm still alive. I've never understood if this infection is more serious than the others or not.
You need to see an LLMD.
If you remember please post and tell us what the doctor says or you can PM me.
What are your symptoms? Do you have pain on your scalp (I know it's a strange question)?
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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kidsgotlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23691
posted
I saw where you had lived in Tennessee at one point. If this is where you were bitten, don't let anyone tell you that lyme doesn't exist in Tennessee. It does!!
We do not have the classic New England lyme here, but a different type(not sure what the difference is, but that is what my llmd doc told me.)
-------------------- symptoms since 1993 that I can remember. 9/2018 diagnosed with Borellia, Babesia Duncani, and Bartonella Hensalae thru DNA Connections. Posts: 1470 | From Tennessee | Registered: Dec 2009
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
Rocky Mountain Fever affects each person differently. Some die early on during the acute infection, while most recover quickly with early treatment. Others who get the infection and go untreated still have the infection, sometimes are still very sick persistently, and require Tetracyclines/Minocyclines/Doxycyclines to knock it out. Most LLMD's see this infection as one of the easiest to kill and don't really feel it needs to be treated beyond a few months. Then again, most of the treatments for Lyme go on and on, so it's usually covered by the other drugs if Lyme is also present.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
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