posted
Yesterday, I noticed a bullseye-shaped rash on my back, about 1 inch in diameter. Later that same night, it had disappeared. This morning there was second distinctly bullseye-shaped rash, and a third faintly bullseye-shaped rash, both on my back but in different places than the first, all about 1 inch in diameter. There is no discomfort associated with the rashes; I currently feel fine.
I live in downtown Chicago and it's extremely unlikely that I've been bitten by a tick recently, though I believe I was bitten by one at least ten years ago. Does the rash associated with LD ever appear way after the initial bite?
Ringworm seems unlikely, as I haven't been in a gym setting or shared clothing, and the rings are not bumpy, itchy, raised, etc.
I also had a swollen lymph node and general malaise/fatigue several days before the appearance of the rash. I have had trouble with concentration, occasional numbness in my fingers/toes, anxiety/depression and poor memory for years, but I recognize that these symptoms all can easily be attributed to other things.
Does this sound like a possible case of Lyme, or am I being overly cautious?
Posts: 1 | From Chicago, IL | Registered: Nov 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Q: Does the rash associated with LD ever appear way after the initial bite?
Yes. Definitely. And it need not be at the bite site.
Rashes can come along anytime. They can also be triggered by antibiotics, at times, mostly at the start of abx treatment or starting a new abx.
When I started on abx, I had 12 bulls eye rashes show up at one time, years after being bitten. These are known as satellite rashes.
Bottom line for you: with all those symptoms, I hope you will find a lyme literate MD (LLMD) for proper assessment. The rash is very important to mention right up front.
� PHOTO -- If that rash appears again, get a good photo of it. That is very important. Still, you need to be assessed, even if that rash does not reappear. Your other symptoms - with that rash - are telling you something.
� AVOID STEROIDS, even avoid steroid creams if suggested for the rash. Steroids can make infections works.
� LUMBAR PUNCTURE (Spinal Tap) is NOT a good test for lyme. Any doctor who suggests this to diagnose lyme is not a lyme literate MD (LLMD). -
[ 11-08-2010, 12:35 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
From the May 2007 issue of Clinical Advisor The Clinical Advisor is a monthly journal for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in primary care. Home page: www.clinicaladvisor.com
CONTROVERSY CONTINUES TO FUEL THE "LYME WAR"
Discusses differences in the methods of the IDSA from those of ILADS
�� Nutritional Supplements in Disseminated Lyme Disease ��
J.J. Burrascano, Jr., MD (2008) - Four pages
==============================
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.
This book is based on interviews with 13 Lyme-Literate Health Care Practitioners. Each practitioner is given one chapter in which to share their healing strategies
California Lyme Disease Association (CALDA) is a non-profit corporation acting as the central voice for all tick-borne disease issues. An excellent website for anyone in any state.
PHA - Public Health Alert � an on-line newspaper devoted to education in the field of lyme and tick-borne disease.
===============================
STATE � Many states have their own Lyme disease association, network or group of a similar title. A Google search can often find that. Be sure they are ILADS-minded, though.
. . . * Clinicians do not realize that the CDC has gone on record as saying the commercial Lyme tests are designed for epidemiologic rather than diagnostic purposes, and a diagnosis should be based on clinical presentation rather than serologic results. . . .
- see the full range of testing for tick-borne infections that must be considered for all lyme patients. It's best to first see a LLMD for guidance regarding if other tests are needed and, if so, which ones.
SPIRO STAT Technologies, L.P. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Now, all that is not intended to make your head spin (although I'm sure you may be dazed). All those links can help you streamline your approach.
I would first find a LLMD. Then use the links as a reference set. It's also excellent to have in a file on your computer to pass along if others ever need it.
What I'm hoping is that the rash will be clear, or photos will be, so that the LLMD can best assess you and your systems. And, it would be nice if it were not lyme and there was some other logical explanation for your symptoms. But only a LLMD can really know how to best assess, in light of the rash.
About the rash on your back - just to rule out other possibilities - if that is around any new clothing or undergarment be sure to consider that. Allergies to dyes and finishing products - or to latex or other fabrics can cause irritation, even just on one spot.
Regarding all your symptoms, I'm sure you have a very healthy life style but, just in case not, be sure to take really good care of yourself.
If you consume aspartame, any artificial sweeteners, or MSG, by dropping all that from your diet, you should feel better. Google for all the names of MSG and aspartame.
If you have been consuming these, by dropping them before seeing a LLMD can really help make the diagnostic process much more effective.
STEVIA (from plants) is okay as a natural sweetener but avoid all artificial ingredients, additives and dyes.
Good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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