Also, after a few years of not seeing the rash or the tick but having a positive WB, LUAT, and PCR. The other day I remembered seeing the tick. It was on the drive home from a camping trip I went on. After I got home I got out of the car and saw an engorged tick on my floorboard. I threw him out of the car and didn't think about it again. I was really uneducated when it came to ticks and their diseases. I wish I knew then what I know now. About two weeks after is when the problems started, it was textbook from there I got sick never really got better, etc. The tick I saw was your standard dog tick. I have read that only the deer and lonestar tick can carry the bacteria. Can the dog tick carry it as well?
I have slept in my recliner for YEARS. Which means hubby gets the king size bed all to himself! Yes, just me, my recliner, and about 5 pillows in various places so I don't cramp, go numb, throb in pain.
I remember when I was still undiagnosed and living by myself waking up numb as a corpse. One night in particular, my face went numb on me, particularly the tip of my nose. Woke me right up into instant panic. Had to call my Mom at 2 am.
Don't know what's scarier, not knowing what is wrong with you, or knowing it is "Lyme and Friends" . . . .
Hang in there
The American dog tick is found throughout the eastern United States and is widely distributed in Connecticut. This tick is not known to spread Lyme disease, although it can transmit the causal agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The adult tick is the only stage encountered by people and pets. Adults become active about mid-April to early May and remain a nuisance until August. Adult dog ticks can be distinguished from adult I. scapularis by their larger size and the white markings on the upper body surface. Female I. scapularis have a dark brown dorsal "shield" located behind the mouthparts, and when unengorged, have a reddish brown body. Male I. scapularis are smaller than the female and are completely dark brown. Female I. scapularis are fairly large when engorged with blood and, consequently, have been confused with the American dog tick. This occurs during April, May and June when the adults of both tick species are active. For more information about the American dog tick, http://www.dph.state.ct.us/BCH/infectiousdise/tickborne/ticks.htm
Personaly I wouldnt bet on it not carrying B burgdorferi
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/6455/variabilis-biblio.html
My hands also got very sore while I was sleeping so changing positions or trying to move a pillow or blanket was excruciating. In the morning I would stack up several pillows and rest propped up before trying to get up. I also went to bed propped up on 3 pillows when I couldn't wait long enough after taking my antibiotics (not good to lay down within half hour of taking them) to get to bed.
Now 6 months later I am much better. I can turn on my side and have less hand pain. The ankle stiffness is gone. Podipatches helped with the ankle soreness and helped me sleep better.
I still have a hard time getting out of sitting positions. Crossing my legs is especially bad. I kind of get stuck in whatever position I am in. I am often more comfortable standing up. For the last many months I have eaten meals standing because it feels so much better than sitting!
I am most comfortable standing, laying flat on my back with a temperpedic pillow (supports the neck) or laying on the sofa propped up with pillows.
I've found fighting these things doesn't help but making adjustments so I can be comfortable does. I did try supported yoga and it helped a lot. I got the book relax & renew after reading about it here.
Good luck -
h&S