posted
Hi. I recently found a bullseye rash on my side...very distinct and very large. I live in an area with lots of deer and of course, ticks. I have some symptoms of lyme disease...fatigue, achiness, headaches, etc.
My primary care doctor took blood (lyme titer), CBC, etc. And, perscribed 100 mg of doxy 2 times each day for 3 weeks. Then, I go back for repeat bloodwork.
I am so confused from everything that I keep reading online. I am frightened, upset and not sure what I should do next.
Should I seek out a specialist in lyme disease? Be more aggressive in treatments? Trust my doctor?
I keep hearing how if you don't get rid of it early on, your potential for lifetime problems is greater.
I cannot seem to find a specialist in the harrisburg, Pa area so would have to travel to Dr. B near Philly.
What type of treatment did you do when you found the bulls eye rash?
Thanks in advance. Stacy
[This message has been edited by stacypa (edited 29 June 2005).]
Posts: 10 | From New Cumberland, PA, USA | Registered: Jun 2005
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mlkeen
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1260
posted
Hi Stacy-
Welcome to lymenet. For privacy please don't mention Doctor's names on lymenet. It can be edited, but I don't know how. Not to worry someone else will come and tell how to do it.
Yes, early adequate treatment is VERY important. Someone has all the links for new members organized. It should be within a page or two. There will be weeks worth of info to read.
I have heard there is a llmd, a doctor who is good at treating lyme and co-infections, in the York area. You could go to Looking for Doctor and ask.
There are some in the Chester/Montgomgery County area and I think in Western Pa. PA is so infected that more and more doctors are treating lyme, some better than others.
Your doctor is on the right track, but based on the recommendations that I have seen, you have been underdosed by half as much and half as long.
It is probably too early for the tests to show anything. I believe that it takes four to six weeks for your body to produce antibodies. Prophylactic treatment is imperative at this point for you.
If your current doc is willing to consult with an LLMD and get educated on proper early treatment, that might be a more convenient option.
[This message has been edited by tickedntx (edited 29 June 2005).]
Posts: 977 | From Austin, TX, USA | Registered: May 2004
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posted
To EDIT your post click on the pencil and paper figure by the date. Then please remove the doctors name. You can use the doctors first initial.
Thank you, Lisi
Oh, and get to a LLMD as soon as possible. you will need to be on Doxy for longer than 3 weeks. Read Dr. B's treatment guidelines in Newbie helplinks.
[This message has been edited by Lisianthus (edited 29 June 2005).]
Posts: 986 | From Michigan | Registered: Dec 2004
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david1097
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3662
posted
I believe ILADS suggests that 6 weeks of oral antibiotics will do the trick.
If it is Lyme the sooner to you get it the better as the disease organisms effectively screw thenselves into your tissue. The deeper it goes the harder it is to get rid of.
Many familty doctors are becoming famliar with the rash. You might try yours first.
But first...
ALWAYS TAKE A PICTURE OF THE RASH, USE STRONG LIGHT, NO FLASH, (OR BETTER YET A DIGITAL CAMERA SO YOU CAN SEE WHAT THE PICTURE LOOKS LIKE) A RULER AND PERMANENT MARKER TO SHOW HOW THE RASH IF GETTING BIGGER OR SMALLER. TAKE A PICTURE EACH DAY. OUT A MARKER DOT AT THE OUTSIDE RIM OF THE RED AREA. EACH DAY YOU WILL SEE HOW THE RASH CHANGES.
IF YOU DO NOT TAKE A PICTURE USING THE ABOVE METHOD THE DIAGNOSIS WILL ALWAYS BE IN QUESTION.
The lymne rash is somewhat characteritic in pattern and growth. Bulleye is not a good decription as many insect bites give this bullseye appearance so prompt expert examination or good photos are extremely important. do it before the rash fades.
hope you don't have lyme.
goodluck.
Posts: 1184 | From north america | Registered: Feb 2003
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janet thomas
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7122
posted
Stacy- If you go to the thread-anyone booted out of Dr B? on the second page there is mention of some other LLMDs in the area. You could try emailing those posters.
Kara Tyson
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 939
posted
Most of us didnt get any treatment (if we had a bull's eye rash) or some of us got the wrong treatment..such as for ringworm or a spider bite.
You are at a great advantage over most of the people here. It is frightening--Lyme is serious--but dont let your fright turn into inaction.
The dosages that you are on are low. However, they are the 'standard' treatment in most medical books (where your Dr is getting the information on how to treat). Your Dr. may be open minded about more agressive treatment. If not, you may have to find someone else.
posted
However, it is possible that this doctor is using the 200 mg of doxy for 3 weeks to help the lab testing that will be ordered at the end of 3 weeks. I think a urine test after a 3 week abx will yield bp evidence and maybe co- infections as well. Of course the dx could be made with the EM alone and sufficient treatment could have staarted immediately.
Posts: 219 | From Aubur,Al. USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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david1097
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3662
posted
Not to make trouble here guys. But I have a photo of a "bullseye rash" (ring and white center) from a family member it is a very good set of photo's.
2 of the countries most experienced ILADS Lyme Dr's have said it was NOT a lyme rash. If I figure out how to post a picture I can send it to you.
Still the diagnosis must be made by a knowlegable Dr. and keep the photo's as backup in case of future problems.
Posts: 1184 | From north america | Registered: Feb 2003
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tabbytamer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3159
posted
Stacy,
Welcome
Yes, take those photos!!! The rash may not be a bullseye, but could still be an indication of maybe some other bacteria the tick may be carrying. Also, keep a diary of your daily symptoms.
Yes, seek at least a consultation with a doctor that specializes in Lyme and other tick-borne disease (TBD). We call these docs Lyme Literate Medical Doctors (LLMD).
Don't wait to call and make an appt. Often there is a wait to get in, but while you are waiting, of course, continue to take the antibiotics (abx) that your doc has prescribed.
No need to be frightened, though. Getting at Lyme right from the beginning gives you an excellent chance of complete recovery providing that you get enough abx for a long enough period of time.
Many of our stories here describe what can happen when you don't get a proper diagnosis and treatment until years after the exposure.
Sorry you're not feeling well. But glad you found us Let us know how we can help!
------------------ Tabby
Posts: 2098 | From San Diego, CA, USA | Registered: Sep 2002
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docdave130
Unregistered
posted
STACYPA if you email i have a good llmd in chadds ford that takes inssurance not familiar with harrisburg. dose for initial bite is 400mg doxy per ady for 3-4 months .this should kill all bacteria. you need to go past the alotted time to kill 3 cycles of bb 28 days each. its almost like killing fleas on dogs you intially kill the adults then the babies come 14 days later except bb is 28 days. dr.b i don't think is taking patients and does not take insurance. email me please
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