posted
Co-worker was bitten by a tick. Showed me the rash. Told him to RUN to the doctor. His doctor gave him 2 doses of Doxy. Told him not to worry the tick has to be attached for 72 hours to get Lyme. WTH.........Has anyone else ever heard of this?
-------------------- If you play at the beach, expect to get some sand in your shorts Posts: 223 | From central pa | Registered: May 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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posted
- Well, the usual myth is that it has to be attached 24-48 hours, which is WRONG. Even a prick of the skin by the tick's mouth parts can transmit infections - if that tick has ever had any blood meal prior.
But, hell-o, did the doctor not SEE the rash that is a clear indication that lyme is in his body?
Oh, my. I hope he will believe you that he must find a different doctor now, maybe somehow get to a LL doctor or at least one not so ignorant.
He should take photos of that rash, at least one with his face and the rash to prove it is his body. He should be sure to keep these, and transfer from his phone so if his phone is lost, the photo is still saved somewhere. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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posted
- While two doses is sorely inadequate treatment (and I hope he can find a doctor who will be aggressive with treatment
and assess him for other tick borne infections). Pass this along to your friend.
Doxycycline cautions:
1. avoid sunlight on your skin (even "bounced" sun) even for weeks after course is done; [however, lyme treatment for someone who has apparently had it for a couple years will take a while, a month is not going to cut it, sorry]
2. Food with doxy. But no dairy. Do not take with any multi minerals, either. A substantial meal, in the middle with some food before and after the doxycycline really matters.
Protect stomach but do not take a PPI - proton pump inhibitor (they have some negative effects). take doxy with a substantial snack or meal - in the middle so you've got some food before and after
Avoiding gluten can help with the stomach, too.
3. keep torso as close to upright as possible for at least 30 minutes after doxycycline taken so as to help protect esophagus from the irritation it can cause if lying down.
Depending upon the angle of the particular chair, the most upright position of a recliner MIGHT be okay if you must rest your head or put your feet up, just don't slink down. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
average joe, this is exactly how regular doctors are treating tick bites.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
This really torqued me. Even my family doc tells me he has been reading that six weeks of doxy is becoming somewhat of a new standard for potential Lyme infections as opposed to the old 2 week standard. But 2 doses is just WOW!
I told my coworker that if a doctor told me that's all I needed and stated the ridiculous 72 hour claim I would look at them and tell them they're an idiot.
I don't even see the point to 2 doses except to potentially let the bugs build instant immunity to the stuff.
All I can do is try to educate this person but they ultimately have to make their own decision. I hope for their sake it's the right one.
-------------------- If you play at the beach, expect to get some sand in your shorts Posts: 223 | From central pa | Registered: May 2010
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
Yes, it makes me furious also.
But worse is when it happens to a friend of mine and he doesn't even call me to get my advice. Instead, he posts on Facebook like it is the latest IN THING and no big deal!
I guess he gets that attitude from the doctor.
I tried to tell him he was playing with fire. Still, he doesn't want a lyme doctor's name. Instead, he went to the ER when the bulls eye reappeared a few weeks later after camping. They told him it was a reaction to a spider bite and gave him a little more antibiotics. And, of course, he is accepting it and posting about it on Facebook.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
Please give your co-worker this info A.S.A.P.!!
I was told by one of the top Lyme-literate doctors that it only takes 15 minutes, NOT 72 hours, for Lyme to be transmitted through a tick bite. There is such nonsense being put out there about this disease and people are getting sicker because of it!
200 mgs of Doxycycline 2x/day for 6-8 weeks is what was recommended, not what he's been given!
Your co-worker needs to be evaluated and treated by a Lyme-literate doctor (LLMD). Non LLMDs have no clue about this horrible disease or its complex treatment!
Unfortunately, LLMDs are far and few between. He needs to go where they are.
When he calls for an appointment, have him ask if they have any cancellations or a waiting list. Tell him to call every day! Patients have been able to get in sooner by doing this.
The top LLMD, Dr. H, has written a new book entitled, "Why Can't I Get Better?". It is an excellent source of information.
Have him read "Cure Unknown" by Pamela Weintraub. Get it at your local library or buy it used on Amazon.
Also view "Under Our Skin" for free on www.hulu.comPosts: 8981 | From Illinois | Registered: May 2006
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- The instant the bite occurs, (if tick is infected) the process of transmission starts. It may take just 15 -20 minutes or so until it circulates around to the nervous system. But, really, once that puncture by mouth parts occurs, that's all it takes to set the action in motion. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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