As usual, the northeast is the worst, but the Midwest is really picking up with tick bites and emergency room visits as a result.
-------------------- Hiker53
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kgg
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In spite of prevention, one of my dogs had an engorged tick on him. Thankfully, it was not carrying pathogens. State of Maine's cooperative extension does free tick ID and $20 for pathogen testing. Very affordable.
My neighbor sprays her yard. It cost $600. I do not want to do that. My other neighbor has bees. And I want to again some day. So I do not want to spray the yard.
For prevention I use DIY tick tubes twice a season, Revolution on the dogs, permethrin permeated vests and neck scarves, and InsectShield.com treated clothing for me.
I watched a carnivore doc on YouTube the other night, show video of him walking his high grass fields in Tennessee with shorts on. And poohpooh Alpha gal. I wrote a note telling him his cavalier attitude is going to cause problems for himself and viewers. For all the good it will do.
The ticks seem to be tolerating our cold winters more. The result being the 2 year cycle is not interrupted, leaving us with a "bad tick season" every Spring and Summer now.
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Phoiph
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EliasYoderAmish video with tips for tick prevention in your yard:
Phoiph
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kgg~
Agreed...the Upper Midwest had a very cold winter, and still people are reporting a record number of ticks and tick bites on social media sites.
It also appears that the initial treatments being given are below ILADS standards...no surprise there.
It seems people are taking it more seriously, but not seriously enough. I feel that ILADS should launch a strong educational public service campaign regarding prevention, tick testing, and early treatment guidelines.
I also feel that ILADS should make the treatment protocol section of the website clearer and more user-friendly, especially for those who have just been bitten, are in a panic, and trying to print guidelines for their doctor.
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kgg
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Phoiph, agree. The thing I am also seeing is that people here in Maine are more aware about ticks and Lyme. But the physicians are still reluctant to prescribe antibiotics or are just giving a single dose of Doxycycline.
That single dose of Doxy was disproved years ago. And yet, physicians are still using it. And I have found that trying to tell people that they have been grossly undertreated is like talking to a brick wall.
So frustrating.
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Phoiph
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kgg...frustrating is right.
I have been doing my best to educate people online who already have a full-blown rash that 1 dose of "preventative" doxy is not enough!
I just read a reply to one of my posts from a physician who said that the ILADS site was not mainstream, therefore likely misinformation, and that the person should only listen to their trusted doctor who gave them the single dose of doxy.
Of course, because this person is a physician, all immediately agreed.
We can only do what we can, but I will never stop trying.
posted
I ran into a woman at the mechanic the other day who used a walker.
She told me it was all because of eating too much spinach.
She asked why I used trekking poles and I told her about Lyme.
She said she was diagnosed with Lyme but that she is over it and refuses to acknowledge her walker use may be due to Lyme or the after effects.
Even Lyme patients don’t get it. Sad.
-------------------- Hiker53
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kgg
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Phoiph, I am glad you say you will never stop trying. But I confess, I do not push anymore. I have found, at least in Maine, that the ones that listen and do something, are the ones who have already sought care outside of mainstream medicine. So it is like preaching to the choir.
Hiker53, I spoke with a woman about 2 months ago, at our farmer's market where we both are venders. She said she was diagnosed with Lyme. And treated successfully. She walks with a cane, complains of fatigue and very blatant with her irritability. She complained how horrible she was feeling. She did not hear a word I said. She was going to go talk to her doctor.
Then there is another vender who knows his problems are from Lyme/tick bites. He is from down on Deer Isle on the coast. Every time he walks into the market to set up, he is asking questions about his symptoms and what to do as he walks by. I am trying to get him to buy a mHBOT chamber. He gets it.
I used to think people with MS were married to their diagnosis. I had never seen a bunch of people who did not want to hear of any other possibility. Now it seems like it is everyone.
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quote:Originally posted by kgg: Phoiph, agree. The thing I am also seeing is that people here in Maine are more aware about ticks and Lyme. But the physicians are still reluctant to prescribe antibiotics or are just giving a single dose of Doxycycline.
That single dose of Doxy was disproved years ago. And yet, physicians are still using it. And I have found that trying to tell people that they have been grossly undertreated is like talking to a brick wall.
So frustrating.
so weird - i got a Bull's Eye and thought I better go to a doc in the box and get "my three weeks of doxy" since that is what they did a few years ago - I got 10 days (and it cost 2.59 $ )
When I asked if I could at least get 3 weeks, they rattled down a list of requirements:
[oops - I deleted it because it may be again policy - suffice it to say, the single dose was under one of the categories and it surprised me, too]
it is not just frustrating it is plain weird: doxy is so cheap, Lyme is so serious, and still... no you can't have any, even after all these decades of data
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kgg
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Harmony, their mantra is: Don't confuse me with the facts, I have already made up my mind.
I don't know when this tick bite occurred with the bull's eye rash, but please continue to search for a provider to treat you thoroughly.
Check the ILADS website. Or check with your state Lyme support group. Surely they have some names.
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quote:Originally posted by kgg: Harmony, their mantra is: Don't confuse me with the facts, I have already made up my mind.
I don't know when this tick bite occurred with the bull's eye rash, but please continue to search for a provider to treat you thoroughly.
Check the ILADS website. Or check with your state Lyme support group. Surely they have some names.
Yes, of course. I went through all that before and with Bartonella henselae and Babesia duncani.
I got an LLMD appointment next week.
But thinking of stopping the Doxy - ugh - I threw it up this morning and have a history of stomach ulcers. Would like to discuss that with the doctor before taking more. I would be 5 days without coverage, but... weighing my options.
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kgg
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Harmony, I take my Doxycycline with a tablespoon of peanut butter. I have a weak stomach and that helps prevent the stomach upset. At least for me.
Many people do not know this, so just in case, do not lie down for an hour after taking it. It can cause a lot of esophageal irritation due to reflux.
I have also used Pepcid complete, which seems to help.
I am really glad you have an appointment that soon. Hopefully, they will come up with a treatment plan that your stomach will cooperate with.
Posts: 1854 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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quote:Originally posted by kgg: Harmony, I take my Doxycycline with a tablespoon of peanut butter. I have a weak stomach and that helps prevent the stomach upset. At least for me.
Many people do not know this, so just in case, do not lie down for an hour after taking it. It can cause a lot of esophageal irritation due to reflux.
I have also used Pepcid complete, which seems to help.
I am really glad you have an appointment that soon. Hopefully, they will come up with a treatment plan that your stomach will cooperate with.
Thanks so much, kgg!
Sigh. Yeah, I will go through all this again.
More devastating question is what to do with my farm...?? I was doing so well clearing brush and that is out of the question now. I was careful. Those ticks did not show up on my nightly tick check. Not at all. So frustrating! I am not sure what to do now...
I was wearing white - top to bottom - pants tucked in - touched cut-down brush only with tools, like a pitchfork, to get them into the trash/truck to haul away - was wearing boots - checked myself frequently and thoroughly at night - walked only on cut grass -
I did not have spray on me, but I had experimented with ticks on sprayed surfaces before and they seemed to go right over them, so I did not see the point of risking the chemicals near me...
I don't see how I can be more careful - and letting this stuff grow wild all summer is not a good option either.
What do people do? We got to live in this world!
-------------------- Persistence, persistence, persistence!!! "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence... Persistence and determination are omnipotent." attributed to Calvin Coolidge Posts: 624 | From USA | Registered: Jun 2011
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Phoiph
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Harmony,
Is there a chance you could have been bitten when you WEREN'T working on your farm? Or have a pet that could have brought one in?
It seems people are reporting being bitten even if they rarely go outside.
I don't know if this is helpful for you, but I did buy a "Tick Suit" a few years ago for working in endemic wooded areas.
It is basically white cotton coveralls with partial hands and feet that fit tightly to skin under gloves, socks and (sprayed) boots. For head and neck protection, I also use a cool-max type balaclava. When I come in, I immediately head toward the shower (helpful for poison ivy exposure too).
It has the added benefit of discouraging human trespassers...LOL
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Is there a chance you could have been bitten when you WEREN'T working on your farm? Or have a pet that could have brought one in?
It seems people are reporting being bitten even if they rarely go outside.
I don't know if this is helpful for you, but I did buy a "Tick Suit" a few years ago for working in endemic wooded areas.
It is basically white cotton coveralls with partial hands and feet that fit tightly to skin under gloves, socks and (sprayed) boots. For head and neck protection, I also use a cool-max type balaclava. When I come in, I immediately head toward the shower (helpful for poison ivy exposure too).
It has the added benefit of discouraging human trespassers...LOL
What a great idea! A hazmat suit for cutting down my brush! I should have thought of it!
Brilliant! Whatever it takes!
I worked all my life to have this place and I am not about to give up now. Stupid ticks!
I will also try the cedar mulch on my fence line when I get it all cleared - the video you sent me in another post. It may have been AI generated but it's worth looking into - Western Red Cedar mulch 3" deep and 3' wide.
I see several suit options on Amazon - a 25 pack - ha ha! Just what I need! Single use and discard. Cheaper than hiring a landscaper (I don't know how they do it!?!)and cheaper than Lyme therapy!!
They make them with built-in booties - but I need to figure out something for the neck/head and hands...
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Phoiph
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What do you think of a hazmat suit with built-in boots and yellow household cleaning gloves taped with duct tape at the wrist/arm?
Then I could put folded duct tape at the face opening all the way around, so the ticks would have to crawl into the fold or over the sticky side...
They are so tiny! I just can't see them. But if I do 3-4 hours of yard work and then strip the whole thing off and leave it outside in the trash and go take a shower/tick check - maybe I could win this battle and not get bit and still get my yeard work done in the summer?
Hey! I could even pull poison ivy out with my (covered) hands! Yikes.
-------------------- Persistence, persistence, persistence!!! "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence... Persistence and determination are omnipotent." attributed to Calvin Coolidge Posts: 624 | From USA | Registered: Jun 2011
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I wear the balaclava over the hood with the neck covering on the outside.
You can also treat the Tick Suit fabric if you like.
Hope this works out for you.
Thank you!! This is proving to be an interesting exchange - great ideas and thanks for the links!!
-------------------- Persistence, persistence, persistence!!! "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence... Persistence and determination are omnipotent." attributed to Calvin Coolidge Posts: 624 | From USA | Registered: Jun 2011
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Phoiph
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quote:Originally posted by Harmony: "...I will also try the cedar mulch on my fence line when I get it all cleared - the video you sent me in another post. It may have been AI generated but it's worth looking into - Western Red Cedar mulch 3" deep and 3' wide..."
I agree the video is likely AI generated but I do think the content is worth trying. as I have had good luck using cedar "Wondercide" spray on my dog for years. I also use a "Tick Mitt" on him after a walk.
It's awful to have to be so vigilant, but I find having a "system" helps a little with the anxiety. Like you, i feel anything is worth it to have my outdoor life.
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Since I starting spraying all my outside clothes with permethrin--shoes, socks, pants or shorts, shirts, gardening gloves, cap--I have not had a tick.
I do not have a dog anymore or I would worry more.
Tick mitt is a good idea!
Don't think I could handle a baclava. I am hard of hearing and since I do not sweat much (thanks mom for the genetic condition), I would overheat in the summer where I live.
-------------------- Hiker53
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Phoiph
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Hiker, you can also wet the cool-max fabric.
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kgg
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I like that tick suit. But why don't they do like InsectShield.com does and treat the suit with permethrin?
Posts: 1854 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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quote:Originally posted by Harmony: [QUOTE]Originally posted by kgg: [qb] Harmony, I take my Doxycycline with a tablespoon of peanut butter. I have a weak stomach and that helps prevent the stomach upset. At least for me.
Many people do not know this, so just in case, do not lie down for an hour after taking it. It can cause a lot of esophageal irritation due to reflux.
I am starting to think the opposite: our stomachs are the strongest! Strong in survival instinct, strong in protecting us from something foreign that may hurt us - my stomach said "uh-uh, I'm not sure what this is - return to sender - you are not getting through to her!"
Ha ha! Seriously though, I am back on the drug until I see the doc. With food this time. Better lower absorption than no absorption - or that may be wrong (if it kills gut bacteria but not spirochetes - argh! - we need better answers from research!!)
Great warning if you got bit and take Doxy: ***Do Not*** lay down for a while after - I read horror stories now of damage to the esophagus where people had to take drugs just to tolerate drinking water it hurt so much. Don't get doxy stuck in your throat or burp it up.
Drink water to flush it down and stay upright for a while (30, 60, 90, 120 minutes - ask your doc or pharmacist or do your own research)
It can happen to people who never had an issue with it until they took it at night and went straight to bed...don't do that!
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quote:Originally posted by Harmony: "...I will also try the cedar mulch on my fence line when I get it all cleared - the video you sent me in another post. It may have been AI generated but it's worth looking into - Western Red Cedar mulch 3" deep and 3' wide..."
I agree the video is likely AI generated but I do think the content is worth trying. as I have had good luck using cedar "Wondercide" spray on my dog for years. I also use a "Tick Mitt" on him after a walk.
It's awful to have to be so vigilant, but I find having a "system" helps a little with the anxiety. Like you, i feel anything is worth it to have my outdoor life.
It says it uses cedar oil not toxic to horses, which is important to me because some cedars are toxic to horses.
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quote:Originally posted by Phoiph: Originally posted by Harmony: "...I will also try the cedar mulch on my fence line ...
It's awful to have to be so vigilant, but I find having a "system" helps a little with the anxiety. Like you, i feel anything is worth it to have my outdoor life.
I know, right?!
I was thinking "what do I do now, if I can't do yardwork/brush removal all summer???" and I thought of all the landscapers and how I felt about it yesterday and that I had not gotten a bite in years...
then I thought, well, if I go ahead and still do it, maybe I won't get bitten again and it was just this one bad luck bite - should that stop me in my tracks?
It is so nerve-wracking that you pretty much can't see them, and can't feel them - and you never know if there are any and where... like a horror movie.
You got to do what you can to feel normal again and get your life back.
I will see how I feel in a hazmat suit with built in boots and gloves taped to wrists and a sticky tape ring around the face opening of the hood. I don't even know if I can work in that outside in the heat. Maybe from 6-8 am.
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Phoiph
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It looks like the "Cedarcide Tickshield" has a higher concentration of cedar oil (20%) and can be used on animals greater than 20lbs.
I do think cedar oil is a repellant, and seems to work on my dog (although we know nothing is foolproof).
quote:Originally posted by Phoiph: It looks like the "Cedarcide Tickshield" has a higher concentration of cedar oil (20%) and can be used on animals greater than 20lbs.
I do think cedar oil is a repellant, and seems to work on my dog (although we know nothing is foolproof).
Thanks so much for taking a look and for the link, Phoiph!
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Phoiph
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quote:Originally posted by kgg: I like that tick suit. But why don't they do like InsectShield.com does and treat the suit with permethrin?
Good question...maybe it is a patented process? But you could send the suit to InsectShield to be treated. (Says it lasts 70 washings, which is much longer than treating it yourself.)
I'm surprised InsectShield doesn't sell their own pre-treated tick suit.
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Also, if you have to be on Doxy for a new bite and you still need to be outside, these are great for SPF 50 sun protection without lotions on your arms. (size chart was wrong for me, 12.5" biceps pointed to Large but that was wrong - Small/Medium fits perfectly and is very comfortable and stays on). I picked a bright color and you'all know why. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWBTZL55?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
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