My husband just found a tick in my daughters head. He pulled it out with tweezers and it's in a jar.
You'd think that in battling this horrid disease that I'd know what to do but I haven't a clue. We are in Ohio and doctors around here don't even believe that Lyme exists here. I see a dr in PA but he doesn't treat children.
Do I just wait and watch her for symptoms?
I'll take the tick to the health dept tomorrow but I'm just a nervous wreck. I just can't believe this. I've spent these years fearing these ticks, refusing to take the kids out in wooded areas and this happens. Guess I'll be living the rest of my life in fear .
trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
Oh NO! I am not a doc, but I would be trying to give my daughter prophylactic ABX. It could get tricky as childrens need with ABX are different than adults, but if you have any stashed, maybe call a pharmacist and ask what the appropriate amount for a kid might be???
Sounds like you removed it correctly. That is good news! Any idea how long it was there? Was it engourged? Can you identify which type of tick it was?
It would be too soon to test your daughter. The best thing would be to get some baby doses of doxy. any chance the pediatrician could be convinced? OR any chance your child has a SUDDEN ear ache or other illness that you could CALL your pediatrician about?
Just tossing out ideas to ya.
My heart is going out to you! Trails
Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
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posted
I've got a stash but unfortunatley it's much higher than is used, I believe. I have Omnicef and Amoxy and Ketek. UGH. I just can't believe I'm dealing with this.
I didn't even look at the tick. The minute my husband told me, I felt like I was going to throw up. DH said it wasn't engorged at all.
I don't know what to do. The peds around here don't dose without seeing her and I doubt I can convince them that it's neccesary even though I REALLY wish I could. I've just got to get my thoughts together and figure something out.
Posts: 144 | From Marysville, Ohio | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
Oh Wow, I can feel your fear. So sorry you have to go through this. Call your pediatrician ASAP.
Even if he doesn't believe that lyme exists, if the tick is positive for lyme, unless he is a complete moron, he would have to treat her given positive results.
I would also call Dr. Ray Jones in Connecticut, (pediatrician)to see if he can do anything, or has any suggestions. Call your doctor is Pa. to get some feedback on other possibilities.
Go to help/questions on the left side of board to see if they know of dr. near you, who can treat her. Try and stay calm, and keep your daughter as calm as you can. How old is she?
Hopefully , someone on this board will know of someone near you. Hope this helps. Please let us know what's going on.
Sending Healing Light your way
Gael
Posts: 121 | From philadelphia | Registered: Feb 2006
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I've looked for doctors who treat children as we were trying to be proactive with her but we didn't get very far. I nursed her and wasn't being treated, in fact I had no idea I had Lyme. Now this. My LLMD isn't in the office on Fridays.
Here I sit with three bottles of abx infront of me wondering if I should take matters into my own hands . I just wish it didn't have to be this way. No one around here understands Lyme.
I know that asking medical questions on this board is a big no no but can I ask a what would you do? I have 500 mg of Amoxy. Would you dose your 60lb six year old or would you use the wait and see approach while trying to find a doctor to get in to?
I'll give Dr. Jones a call tomorrow.
Posts: 144 | From Marysville, Ohio | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
Dr B's guidelines say 50mg per kg per day which is close to doable with the dosage I have. I just can't chance her going through hell, like I have been and am still there. Sorry for the serial posting, just thinking. Any more thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Posts: 144 | From Marysville, Ohio | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
Whatever you do, don't rely on tick testing to decide whether or not to treat. I was bit again last year and sent the tick to Igenex.
The test came back negative, but my LLMD started me on abx the same day as the bite. Nine days later I came down with a "flu-like illness"!!!
So I will never send another tick to be tested. I will TREAT only!
I pray you will find a solution by tomorrow. I understand your panic and fear!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
YEs! looking at Dr B's guidelines sounds like a great idea!
Maybe do a search here for other moms and ask what they did for their kids.
A few days wont make or break her case as the tick is OFF now. So I would do your best to get sound medical advice just to what the dosing of that amoxy should be.
You could call a NOT local pharmacy and just ask--"out of curiousity" what is the pediatric dose for amoxy? What is the most an 80 lb kid can take. They often answer things like that just coz they can.
Dr J and others most likely wont give advice without seeing first. Hence the case against him.
Sux for us ALLLLL!!!
hang in there, you are doing the best you can, thinking and being the best advocate you can, she will be okay, she has a great mom like you!
Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
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Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
SO feeling for you...
Of course, I can't tell you what to do.
However, if it was ME, knowing my child had no antibiotic allergies (and I do know this, as a matter of fact...), and knowing I happen to have some amoxicillin lying around...
I would look up the dosage on a reputable website, such as I just did, for, say, an ear infection...
Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox) -- Interferes with synthesis of cell wall mucopeptides during active multiplication, resulting in bactericidal activity against susceptible bacteria. Covers S pyogenes, group B streptococci, and enterococci, and non-beta-lactamase-producing H influenzae (40% of H influenzae produce beta lactamase). Does not cover M catarrhalis and 40% of H influenzae (because of beta-lactamase production). Streptococcal resistance is not due to the production of a beta lactamase, but is due to a change in the penicillin-binding protein. Some authors suggest using high-dose amoxicillin for patients who fail traditional dosing or who are at risk of having a resistant S pneumoniae.
(blah blah blah.)
Then I'd make note of the pediatric dose:
Pediatric Dose:
<3 months: 30 mg/kg/d PO divided bid, 125 mg/5 mL >3 months: 45 mg/kg/d PO q12h, 200 mg/5 mL or 400 mg/5 mL; or 40 mg/kg/d PO q8h, 125 mg/5 mL or 250 mg/5 mL >45 kg: Administer as in adults
Then I'd get all over it ASAP. And as soon as I could, put a call into my own LLMD and have him put her on a prophylactic regimen.
Good luck and try not to stress. You're on this fast enough that things should be AOK!
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
I am so sorry about your daughter. My little granddaughter is 4 and weighs 34 lbs. She was on Amoxicillin 1 tsp 3X's a day but I can't remember what the MG was.
You could go by the information on the post above and split it up into 3 equal doses. She is now on 1/4 tsp zithromax once a day.
It is 200mg/5ml if that makes sense to you. I would go to my pediatrician tomorrow first thing and DEMAND that he put her on one of those for a few weeks.
Then if he won't cooperate I would take matters into my own hands. I sure wouldn't take any chances with my child. I have gone through that nightmare for the past 15 years, and still am with my daughter and granddaughter.
Maybe if you BEG your LLMD to treat her he will. I would try that avenue too. Maybe he will advise you on what your Dr. there needs to give her.
I will say a prayer that you get the cooperation you need tomorrow.
Good Luck,
-------------------- ICEY Posts: 468 | From Las Vegas NV | Registered: Jun 2005
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
Save the tick! you can send it to IgeneX labs and they will run tests for Lyme and co-infections. You still have to start treatment right now,and you may be able to stop it once the test comes in from the tick in a few weeks.
Put the tick in a ziplock bag with a moist cotton ball, label it and fed ex the tick to IgeneX pre-paid.
You should begin treatment on your child right away. The wait and see if she gets sick option is not a good idea! Call your LLMD right away, page them, do whatever you have to do, go to the ER, get antibiotics and make sure your child is put on the correct dose. Bring the Guidelines, demand treatment, if one doctor is an idiot, find another one. Start antibiotics right away, waiting is bad news, trust me! Read the Lyme Disease treatment Guidelines and take action right away! Remember less than half of all infected people get a rash, so don't hold your breath waiting for a rash. Go, now!
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tabbytamer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3159
posted
mvilas,
Wondering how you and daughter are doing?
Has anyone suggested taking a photograph of the tick bite? And continue to watch the site and take photos of any reactions that might show up? Also start a diary of date of bite, any complaints your daughter might develop, physical/emotional changes, etc.
Just in case you have to convince a duck now or in the future.
Hang in there! You're doing great, right on top of this. If (and I hope not) but if that tick transmitted anything, remember that children bounce back quite nicely with prompt treatment.
posted
I read everyone's comments and can only say the matter is urgent. Get to a doc - preferably a LLMD - ASAP for immediate start of abx treatment. don't wait for test results!
We will be thinking of you and yor daughter
-------------------- Pam Live well. Laugh often. Love much. Posts: 53 | From Ohio - south/southeast | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
I'm printing out Dr. B's guidelines right now and I'll call and get in with the ped sometime today. I'm going to beg for prophylactic abx. I'm hoping that if I explain my story that they will be sympathetic to us. If not, well, I'll have to do something myself. Part of me wants to push this to the side and just wait but I know better. It's just so hard dealing with something that no one understands. Thanks again for the replies.
Posts: 144 | From Marysville, Ohio | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
I have another question. Does anyone know if the CDC or another "reputable" site among MD's has any recommendations as far as treatment based on possible Lyme transmission? I'm so afraid of being looked at like a crazy hypochondriac mom when I walk in with this printed out info. I should be somewhat use to it now considering I have been dealing with doctors who think I'm crazy for several years now.
Posts: 144 | From Marysville, Ohio | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
We are seeing the ped at 12:45. If anyone knows of anything else I should print off to take with me, besides dr. b's guidelines, please let me know. TIA
Posts: 144 | From Marysville, Ohio | Registered: Apr 2003
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lymie tony z
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5130
posted
I'll alert Ann Oh that you may need some help...zman
-------------------- I am not a doctor...opinions expressed are from personal experiences only and should never be viewed as coming from a healthcare provider. zman Posts: 2527 | From safety harbor florida(origin Cleve., Ohio | Registered: Jan 2004
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posted
You don't have much time, so I'll be brief.
When you take Dr B's "Guidelines" to your pediatrician, be sure to show him: page 32 "Appendix - Rationale for Treating Tick Bites" I recommend you highlight or underline the last paragraph.
Also, do everything you can to get your pediatrician to call Dr J in CT....even if it means throwing yourself on the floor & crying.
Dr J will consult by phone with drs & will recommend appropriate dose & length of treatment. He is a Lyme Pediatrician who has treated over 9,000 children & teens. Best in the world.
I will e-mail the contact info for Dr J.
Posts: 4638 | From South Carolina | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
cbb- thank you. I took the highlighter to the guidelines this morning. I made the appt with the ped that I figured was the most impressionable at this point. I just hope she can work with us. I've been trying to call Dr Jones since 9 but it keeps giving the hours and saying to call back during normal business hours.
Posts: 144 | From Marysville, Ohio | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
One more suggestion. Go to www.ilads.org Print home page to show credibility & purpose of organization.
On the left, click "Basic Info" Print pages 1 & 2. Great info!!!
For those who don't know: ILADS - International Lyme & Associated Diseases Society
I don't think you'll find much help on the CDC site when it comes to treating Lyme disease.
Posts: 4638 | From South Carolina | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
Talked to Dr. Jones office and they basically said what I already knew. Get her on 30 day treatment via the pediatrician and no phone consults w/o seeing her because "that's why we are in trouble now". I've got his info to take along with me so that the pediatrician can call him if neccesary. Thanks again for the info.
Posts: 144 | From Marysville, Ohio | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
After much begging and pleading and nearly crying, the pediatrician agreed to the 30 day course based on Dr B's guidelines. She felt that Lyme was very rare here in OH . I know different.
Posts: 144 | From Marysville, Ohio | Registered: Apr 2003
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trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
AWSOME NEWS! You broke thru the system!
I was practically crying reading how everyone was trying their best to help you. We are such a fantastic crew here, we crack me right up!
Even though it almost broke YOU, you did it super mom! I am so impressed with your steadfastness and your knowlegde and persistance!
Your daughter is going to be okay. She is on the right stuff right away. This is the key to it all.
You can take a deep breath for now and have a good weekend, INDOORS!
posted
Hi, Just got to board today. I sent PM to Ann-Oh last night, she said she would e-mail you with the name of pediatrician from Columbus.
I saw that you said your e-mail was wrong, just hoping she got the info to you. So glad you got appointment with pediatrician today. I was wondering if you think you had lyme when you were pregnant with her? I hope not.
I wanted to add that when I responded to your post last night, I was concerned that since you only had antibiotics for an adult dose, giving her something that would have been the wrong dose and wrong antibiotic could have put her in worse danger, if thats possible, given the severity of lyme disease.
I know it was a tough call. I am a retired trauma nurse, and I guess I was weighing all the facts. Her life was not in immediate danger, and I was concerned about anaphalactic shock and other possible problems you might have run into.
It was not meant as medical advice, just some guidance for a very precarious situation, and I knew the decision was ultimately yours. Very anxious to know how things are going.
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Gael
Posts: 121 | From philadelphia | Registered: Feb 2006
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posted
Thanks everyone. I did get an email from Ann!
I'm pretty sure that I contracted Lyme when Em was 9 months old. I nursed her past the age of three though and that was w/o any treatment.
I also have a 19 month old. I was on Amoxy and some zithro during my pregnancy with him. We haven't had him tested because he's a healthy little guy.
Posts: 144 | From Marysville, Ohio | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
Fantastic news!!! Good job, Mom!! Three cheers for you!! and.... Three cheers for your Pediatrician!!!
Give us regular updates so we'll know how both of you are doing. Don't forget the acidophilus. ....and plenty of fluids, especially water.
Posts: 4638 | From South Carolina | Registered: Mar 2001
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lymemomtooo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5396
posted
I wish you continued good luck. I am so sorry that this happened.My daughter has had her life ruined by ticks so I hate to hear of any other kids being bitten..
Don't forget a lot of probiotics to protect the stomach and urinary tract..Also something to help with toxin removal.. I am not a DR so not sure what to suggest but lemon or lemon oil in water may be helpful. lymemomtooo
Posts: 2360 | From SE PA | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
SO RELIEVED! GREAT JOB MOM! Are you planning on following up with pediatrician in Columbus for any testing?
Let us know how everything is going. How are you feeling after all that stress and drama? Couldn't have been too great for your lyme. At least you got your daughter treated.
Take Care,
Gael
Posts: 121 | From philadelphia | Registered: Feb 2006
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posted
I'm not sure about testing. From what I've gathered from my LLMD and Dr Jones, she could test positive for the antibodies even though she's cured or the Lyme isn't 'active'. I still get confused even after all this time.
I cannot tell you how strung out I feel right now! I spend my life trying to avoid ticks and then to have one embedded in my little girl just made me want to crawl in a hole.
I've got a nice stash of probiotics in my freezer and I just spent another mini fortune at wild oats on some more. She's my good little pill taker .
posted
Hi, Try and get some rest, if possible. Don't beat yourself up about your daughter getting bitten.
We only have so much control over lifes' circumstances. You did the best you possibly could do to try and prevent a tick bite.
You might want to consider at some point, contacting the doctor in Columbus, just in case your daughter would show any symptoms after 30 day course of antibiotics.
That way you can have information in case you need to follow through with someone knowledgeable in TBI. I hope and pray everything will be okay with her.
Sounds like you caught it in time and she won't need anymore treatment.
Sending lots of good thoughts your way.
Gael
Posts: 121 | From philadelphia | Registered: Feb 2006
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posted
Of course it's a traumatic event for you & your family, but I'm sure some good will come out of it.
You've given your Pediatrician important info & I hope she will be interested in learning more. When you have time, click "Lyme Disease Association" on the left & get the brochure "ABCs of Lyme Disease" for her. It has outstanding info on Pediatric Lyme written by some of the best LLMDs.
I want to say again that I am so impressed that she listened to what you had to say & she followed the recommendations of Dr J & Dr B.
Just love hearing good news!!! Posts: 4638 | From South Carolina | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
Wow! What a past few days for you! As a Lyme Mom and all three of my children have it I know how you feel and what you are going through. If one of my kids had a tick on them now I'd flip!
We go to Dr. Jones after a long battle with in adequate dosing for my 8 year old boy and inadequate tests for my 6 year old boy. When he first saw them he prescribed 400mg of amoxi and 1 tsp of Zithormax. The two of them had it for a while so I guess the dose was high. For my 3 year he had her on 1 tsp of Bactrim 2x day along with Zithromax.
My one son had been bitten twice and never had a bullseye. The second time he was bit my doctor put him on 10days of doxy then 20 days of amoxci. That wasn't nearly enough because then throughout the year he started to signs and symptoms. That's when I went to Dr. J.
As a fellow mother who has gone through this before I would advise:
1. Don't worry about the bullseye- it doesn't have to show and you can still contract the disease.
2. In some of Dr. Jones's literature he talks about where tick bites may be. Anything on the head/neck is treatly aggressively by him because it can affect the brain/neurological functioning.
3. If you saved the tick- send it out to Igenex. My husband sent his to MDL but it didn't show anything but then he finally tested positive himself. It's hit or miss but if you know there was a coninfection in the tick you know you may have to use a certain antibiotic on your duaghter. Certain antibiotics work fine for lyme but don't work for the coinfection.
4. Test her through Igenex. MDL did not catch the coinfections in my kids or myself for that matter.
5. Pump up her immune sysytem and give her plenty of rest!
I'm happy your pediatrician is on your side and I wish your daughter well. You knew what to do- so give yourself a lot of credit! Imagine all the mothers who have no idea and just pull the tick off and don't worry when they don't see a bullseye?
Posts: 238 | From Bethlehem, PA | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
I'm happy that the pediatrician let me do what I know is best for my daughter, however, I'm not convinced that I got through to her. I'm pretty sure she just viewed me as an anxious, hypervigilant mother. I'm not viewed as mainstream in their practice and I'm always known to question the answers. We don't vax on their schedule, cloth diaper, vegetarian, AP - you get the point . This just adds to it. Oh well, she has the information and hopefully she'll at least read through it. I also gave her Dr. Jones name and number and printed two big packets of info for her.
I have to say thanks again for all the support Posts: 144 | From Marysville, Ohio | Registered: Apr 2003
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lymemomtooo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5396
posted
I want to prepare you, not to scare you..Document everything with dates..We have had some on this board, who have gone the extra mile for their kids, be accused of M by proxy..
There should be a lot of info in old posts..Some out there that are illiterate think it is the problem and if your practice already sees you as out there, just cover your butt..
And this is something that no one should have to worry about but it has happened..lymemomtooo
Posts: 2360 | From SE PA | Registered: Mar 2004
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quote:Originally posted by lymemomtooo: I want to prepare you, not to scare you..Document everything with dates..We have had some on this board, who have gone the extra mile for their kids, be accused of M by proxy..
There should be a lot of info in old posts..Some out there that are illiterate think it is the problem and if your practice already sees you as out there, just cover your butt..
And this is something that no one should have to worry about but it has happened..lymemomtooo
Thanks for the heads up. Munchausen's crossed my mind - I have everything well documented and will continue to do so.
Posts: 144 | From Marysville, Ohio | Registered: Apr 2003
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. This just adds to it. Oh well, she has the information and hopefully she'll at least read through it. I also gave her Dr. Jones name and number and printed two big packets of info for her. 
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