posted
I've had numerous tick bites but this latest one--on the back of my head--is the only one in memory that left a bump that feels itchy 5 days after the tick was removed.
The lab that examined the tick said the head was missing, but not to be concerned. "It will work its way out." In addition to the itchy bump, I can feel a lump in my neck below it. I'm guessing this is a swollen lymph node.
Do you think I should I have this looked at? I'm on Doxycycline, 100mg twice a day, but am thinking I ought to see if I can get that increased.
posted
I had a tick embedded in my lower back. after the little POS was removed, I had an itching red lump for about 2 weeks. There is still a scar in that location. This was over 8 years ago. about 1 yr after that bite, I got bit again in an IDENTICAL location. ARGH! that was the start of my troubles.
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Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
Lymeboy, you made me bust out laughing! Ha ha (little POS)! God, I'm warped (ha ha)!
I (still laughing) had itching with every bite. :)
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Alisandne,
I.
If that tick head is still embedded, it should be incised (removed with a surgical blade) ASAP. Some area around the head should go with it to be absolutely certain not one speck of the tick remains.
This can be done in a doctor's office but most, as that moron you went to, think it will work its way out and it's no big deal.
It may work its way out (and, if so, that could take a very long time). But, it likely will just stay there. Even if "absorbed" by the body, it can be dangerous.
It's extremely important to get that out now.
In some parts of Europe, this is standard procedure - to incise any tick parts left behind, also taking a bit of tissue all around that to be sure there is not even a trace of a tick part.
The thinking is that the borrelia remains on the tick pieces and can create a spirochete haven, even after treatment.
(What ILADS is) . . . WHY you need an ILADS-educated, Lyme Literate Doctor - starting with assessment / evaluation. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Keebler, I'll call my doctor tomorrow. He's been good about listening to me on these things, so perhaps he'll take care of it. I'll also see about upping the Doxy.
Tricky Tickey
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26546
posted
My experience is they itch for weeks, red bump and all.
-------------------- Early Disseminated LD- 2010. Currently doing acupuncture and yoga. Negative Igenex (IND & Pos Bands) ISSUES AFTER: Tendonitis, letter reversal, Low immune system. PREVENTION:SaltC,Iodine,Humaworm, Chiropractic. Posts: 1013 | From In a van down by the river. | Registered: Jun 2010
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posted
Alisandne... You are doing the right thing... I had one of those docs too and I wish I had someone like Keebler advising me back then. Cut the $%#% thing all out if you ask me... I would not hesitate. I am no doctor, but in my experience, you cannot yield too much on the side of safety here... And the doc will know what to remove, it he questions it, find another doc. I would think a derm would do it for you no question...
Yes, Dr. B's guidelines are what I would follow- with dosages at this point. I was in your boat... but had none of this great advice. I am still treating and it will be four years in September.
If I have one regret -- it would be that I did not get it incised. Keebler you are so good to us...
And yes, my bite was itchy and red and I started saying incorrect words within about five days... Mine was not even engorged but my skin was raised up around it so it had to have been making itself at home for a bit ....
Let us know how you do... Thinking of you...
Posts: 859 | From Southeast | Registered: Mar 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Alisandne,
Have you seen Burrascano's Guidelines - or the ILADS guidelines (they are not the same)?
I am concerned that treating with just one Rx can be ineffective. Doxy allows spirochetes to convert to other forms (such as the cystic form) that require a different Rx, such as Flagyl or the like.
The matter of biofilm also needs to be addressed. Not sure if flagyl covers all those bases or not but GSE, grapefruit seed extract is a common biofilm buster. Allicin can be, too.
Also, it's important to be assessed for coinfections.
Hope you are taking good liver support (as Rx are often very hard on the liver, as are infections) - and adrenal support.
Since you've been here two years and on treatment before, I'm guessing you have all that information but it's important to dust that off as doxy is not the best thing all alone, even at the best dose.
Good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Well, I saw the doctor early this morning. He cut into the bite site (which was much less swollen/itchy than it had been), but didn't see anything. I have a call in to the lab that examined the tick; I'll ask them if they're certain they didn't receive the head.
My doctor agreed that I would double my dose of Doxy. I printed out Burrascano's Guidelines and gave them to him.
What do you recommend for liver support? My one attempt at taking Milk Thistle resulted in uterine bleeding, so that was stopped. I drink licorice tea, which I'm told provides adrenal support. My cousin died of sudden, unexplained liver failure, so I'm conscious of the need to take care of my liver.
I'm taking Super Garlic 6000 (6,000 mg of allicin per tablet) but am unsure how many tablets I should take each day. I'd be happy to add GSE if you think that would be a good idea.
Thanks, both of you!
Posts: 117 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Jul 2010
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posted
Call it brain fog, but I swear there was another message in this thread that asked about my previous infections and symptoms.
Twice (not this time) tick bites were accompanied by unexplained fevers, terrible body aches, and night sweats. Then for weeks I had a problem digesting anything. I had aversions to foods I previously liked, and my appetite was diminished. I awoke often during the night, usually with some sweating. Had weird, pins-and-needles flashes in my lower abdomen. Odd shooting pains elsewhere. Badly aching knees.
Doxycyline cleared up everything each time (200 mg/day) and I felt good--or as good as I ever feel, having lived with fibromyalgia and joint pains for a long time.
This time no fever, but I experienced the fragmented sleep and sweats the night before I found the tick on my head. This is the most engorged tick I've had on myself.
I ordered Samento and a probiotic. My favorite liver support is fresh beets, eaten often. Hope this is enough.
Posts: 117 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Jul 2010
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posted
That thought has occurred to me. I was tested for Lyme a number of times over the years. I tested negative, but we know how much that counts.
Posts: 117 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Jul 2010
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