posted
I'm already seeking a 2nd opinion, but am trying to figure out how concerned I need to be.
My diaper-aged son had a bite in his groin area. It showed up about a month ago. We never saw a tick, and it's been probably 7 weeks or so since we went camping.
The bite would occasionally get red and pussy looking, and I'd just been keeping a close eye on it. It looked like it was getting better...
until Saturday morning. When I changed his diaper, the bite was again red and angry looking, and had a very distinct bull's eye appearance.
I took him straight to the doctor, who said he thought it was likely Lyme, and prescribed antibiotics.
However, by late Saturday afternoon, the rash was completely gone. It was mostly gone before I even got the first dose in him!
I want to push for a longer course of antibiotics, but since the rash disappeared so quickly, I'm questioning if it really is Lyme.
Trying to figure out how agressive to be. Don't want to be too lax, but at the same time, don't want to mess up the poor kid's gut with prolonged antibiotics if I don't have to.
Posts: 6 | From Evansville, IN | Registered: Sep 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- "a very distinct bull's eye appearance" IS definitely lyme. No doubt about it.
Yes, the RASH can disappear. That does not mean it never existed. It does not mean the infection will just disappear, either.
I hope you were able to get a photo of it when it was at its most visible.
You need to get your son to a LLMD as soon as possible. It's good you son got abx soon, but he really needs a doctor who will know how to proceed. You need an ILADS-educated doctor.
CONSIDER OTHER TICK BORNE INFECTIONS, TOO. He will also need to be assessed for other tick-borne infections. Lyme rarely travels alone.
Now, your son's doctor may be on board with you for adequate care -- but if that doctor is not familiar with ILADS, that is doubtful. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Sadly, I did not think to snap a picture. His GP says that the 15 day course is adaquate, and I can't decide whether to call back and push the issue, or seek a 2nd opinion without her "approval."
Posts: 6 | From Evansville, IN | Registered: Sep 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Forget approval from ignorant doctors. Get a real LLMD, then. Any doctor who thinks 15 days' tx is enough is not educated enough.
Also - other tick-borne infections are very likely.
I hope your son is taking probiotics at opposite times from the abx.
I'm sorry to hear of this but my energy is just too limited to offer emotional support when I see someone in the path of a speeding bus.
I do see that you have posted for a LLMD in the Evansville area. Be sure to contact area support groups, too.
Do you want some links to articles, etc? With early treatment, your son stands an excellent chance.
Be sure to get him on PROBIOTICS, but a LLMD may need to be consulted as I don't know if ALL probiotics are save for babies. Do check on that. But with abx use, he will likely develop a system yeast/candida infection and that can be miserable and hard to get rid of.
Probiotics generally help to avoid that. You might need to get a special diaper cream, though, that is antifungal. You might also need an antifungal mouth rinse.
If his belly gets puffy, that can be from candida.
posted
Keep treating!!! 15 days will not "cure" him!
The rash may show up again, so keep that camera ready. You may need proof later for ins or other ignorant doctors.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Since he had the bulls eye, he does not need a lyme test again. However, as mentioned above, it's important to be assessed for other TBD (tick-borne diseases).
If you can't find a LLMD right away, you might consult with doctors in your area who treat autism. Autism can result from untreated or under-treated lyme.
The doctors who treat autism in children may know of some LL doctors in your area.
The good news is that with early and adequate identification of all infections that may be involved - and with support measures - your son has an excellent chance. I do hope you can find a good LLMD soon.
Take care.
==============================
You may be able to do a search for "children" or "child" in the treatment guidlines, second link down.
It's very important to have this book as a reference tool for self-care and support measures. It answers so many questions in detail that is impossible here on the forum.
tick battler
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 21113
posted
I wish I had treated my kids with a month of abx when I suspected lyme 3 years ago. Now my 3 young children have had 2 years of abx, and 6 months of herbs and are still not fully cured. They are much improved but not well yet. It's just not worth it to take a chance and hope it's not lyme.
I would ask for at least 4 weeks. Definitely sounds like lyme to me. My kids never had any bulls eye at all - just a red area.
tickbattler
Posts: 1763 | From Malvern, PA | Registered: Jul 2009
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posted
Ok, even if I can't get the doc to agree - I remembered that I have some unmixed amoxicillin from a time when my oldest had a prolonged course of treatment, but ended up being allergic. It's still good, and the same strength and everything. If I add it to what I've got, I've got 33 days worth.
Problem solved, I think. Posts: 6 | From Evansville, IN | Registered: Sep 2010
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posted
He's not exhibiting any symptoms at all right now. His only symptom really was the rash, and he may have been a little grumpy/sleepy. But he does that anyway every now and again. (He's also teething, poor kid).
I will keep a close eye out for any other symptoms.
Posts: 6 | From Evansville, IN | Registered: Sep 2010
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