sigh I live in the PNW. I am a huge nature lover. I try to make my hikes very low-risk. After a weekend on Friday Harbor, Wa then the next weekend hiking at Mt. Rainier, Paradise, when I took my clothes off last Saturday night, I found a red rash on my upper thigh.
There was no bullseye, but a clear pin prick bite mark in the center with a circular red rash surrounding the bite mark. The red area was slightly swollen.
I called my lyme doc immedicately and did a phone consult. She can't say whether it's a lyme transmission, but has ordered bloodwork and Rx Cefdinir (sp?)
Question: What have you all heard is the current 1st line of defense and treatment with a reinfection? I thought it was doxy and even heard that IM Penicillin is a must in the 1st 30 days!
My doc says that you don't even always get a + even if bloodwork is done immediately.
I've been well for more than 6 months. Last night while working out, I felt fatigued, muscle pain, joint pain, and slight sore throat this morning.
Feeling scared and blue!
Posted by poppy (Member # 5355) on :
Antibodies are said not to form for at least a month after exposure, so immediate bloodwork looking for antibodies may not find any.
Take a picture of this rash. Bullseye is actually not the most common lyme rash. And there are other insects that can cause redness after a bite. But you probably recognize lyme symptoms when you see them.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
That's too bad - we enjoy nature so much! I am wondering, if we are slathered in tick repellent - us, our gear, the area we camp in - if we could keep ticks away.
I use an essential oil, Orange Guard, from oranges - it's how oranges keep bugs away. It's also sold as a concentrate, TKO Orange.
I put a small amount in a spray bottle, fill with water, and we can spray on clothing, gear, immediate environment, lightly rub/mist on pet fur in addition to what they get at the vet/pet store. Use other essential oils on skin.
And of course, many go the permethrin route.
Posted by supergirl (Member # 26936) on :
Thank you, Robin. My main concern right now is that I get the proper and immediate treatment to prevent another case of chronic lyme, so gosh, if you happen to know what abx are the best during that critical period, please do share.
I have never heard of someone using Cefdinir (omnicef) but maybe I'm wrong!!
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
Supergirl-I am sorry to hear about your bite. Crossing my fingers hoping it was from another bug, not a tick.
Take a picture, for your records.
Buhner recommends apis and ledum for tick bites. Also another herb (starts with an A... Can't remember specifics).
It is on his website. Maybe the herbs, the homeopathic rememdies and your abx will nip it in the bud.