My 13 yo was just diagnosed with Lyme 5 dys after a camping trip here in the NW, after a bite that developed into a bullseye EM rash. No other symptoms (except a sore neck/shoulders, maybe from sleeping in a tent) and is on a 10-day course of doxy (100mg 2x/dy). I have so many questions and would love some advice! *Should we make an appt with a specialist? And how do I find one in my area? *My 10yo's neck has been really sore today (might just be freaked out by all the Lyme talk - seems really anxious about it) Are family members ever put on a prophylactic dose of antibiotics? *Does that dose and time sound right - I know some recommend at least 6 weeks - should I push for this even if her only symptom is the bullseye rash? *What other steps do we need to take?
I am sure I will think of more questions. Thanks so much for any advice you can offer (even if not related to my questions!)
Posted by t9im (Member # 25489) on :
Hi eandm:
Unless you see what we refer to as a LLMD seeing a specialist will not help. See the video's below and read Dr. B's Advanced Topics (you will see the ILAD's recomendation is for a longer course).
It�s amazing there is a controversy to this insidious disease and I�ve found it easiest to show a couple of u tube video�s on the controversy.
The bulls eye rash is indicative of Lyme disease, even the CDC and IDSA recognize this. (Serological testing can take 6 weeks for your body to produce the antibodies and if you were to wait this long the disease will have spread).
Part of the controversy is length of treatment. Many LLMD's have seen treatment failure when short course (i.e. the 10 day doxy) is followed. More success has been shown with the 21 day (I believe I read this in Cure Unknown regarding Dr. Masters in MO).
As for dose the LLMD's usually recommend 200 twice a day but not sure with children.
Another reason for treatment failure is co infecetions. Doxy can help with the erlichia and bart but not babesia. Tics are cesspools with more than just LB.
As for family members, no. If the 10 yr old was on the same trip he/she would have been in the same environment but that doesn't mean exposure or infection.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Yes, push for treatment .. the EM is a SURE sign she has it. No need to treat the family unless they were also bitten.
Push for a treatment of 6 weeks at least and for 200 mg twice a day. But it's likely they won't give you that. So you will need to see a Lyme Literate doctor ASAP, unless you get lucky with what they will give you.
Check Dr. B's Treatment Guidelines on the top of this forum to see if that dosage is right for her age and weight (the dosage I listed). If she is small, perhaps less.
Act quickly, as you don't want this to get worse.
Posted by eandm (Member # 33319) on :
Thank you so much! I have read Dr. B's recommendations and will watch those videos. I really appreciate the advice and support.