posted
Okay, you may know me from my recent zithromax entries. I've been treated for 7 1/2 months so far; tested positive for lyme, babesia and possible bartonella.
I'm having a 200 year old hollow tree taken down. I went out yesterday to speak to the arborist and look at all the downed wood. This morning I wake up and shower to find a tick embedded in my thigh. I am NOT feeling calm.
I removed the tick, head intact, sealed it between two pieces of tape, and I'm taking it to my LLMD this afternoon. My thigh looks like it has a mosquito bite.
I'm afraid that whatever co-infections I didn't get first time around will surface in this little bugger. The "What If" beast is lurking large in my brain...
Can you get worse from a new bite during treatment?
wiserforit
Posts: 508 | From Banks of the Hudson | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
You poor thing! Try not to go too crazy! You have 2 good things going for you-on abx & have an LLMD you can see right away!
I had a similar experience this summer-rash & symptoms with no tick in sight. Started doxy & 5 days later found a tick trying to attach itself & another which fell off. Within 10 days a new rash started & dissipated almost before my eyes. It cleared up in 2-3 days unlike the first one which lasted a week.
The abx you are taking should be helping hit it quickly. Sure your LLMD will have good advice Sue
Posts: 249 | From finger lakes, ny | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
How many months with these guys? Is is year round? thought they went somewhere for the winter. How did it get to your thigh? Were you wearing shorts?
I think I would feel OK being on antibiotics but would have the same concern about the co-infections - The doc will know for sure.
By the way I thought that the tick was to be kept alive for any labwork??
Nervous, I took down 5 trees yesterday- they are probably running around looking for me now.
My neighbor in the back went to the dr. for a checkup and he said, "you have a tick on your back and its been there a couple of days"
So thankfully you found it quickly! and are getting it tested.
Posts: 465 | From New York, NY | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
My experience is yes the second tick (year 2000 for me)made me very sick. It wasn't during treatment though like yours.I went down hill for five weeks then hit the emergency room. I didn't have an LLMD at the time. I had been sick already about 10 to 12 years but just living with it since i didn't know about LLMDs and had no luck with the ducks. Four months after that second bite with the help of the internet I got an LLMD. I've been on antibiotics the last six years. So, yes that should be in Bold print on Tick phamplets that the first infected bite doesn't mean you are safe from getting worse with additional infected bites. Your on antibiotics so that should help. That 2nd one of mine was on for four days. Yours was on only overnite. So,that might not be a problem at all. Overnight wouldn't freak me out to much. Your carefull removal helped too.
Posts: 8 | From St louis North of | Registered: Oct 2005
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Vermont_Lymie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9780
posted
Sorry to hear that!! Fortunately, you caught it right away, which is a good thing. So hopefully, no re-exposures.
And you are already on abx, and under the care of an llmd -- all good things. But you should find out right away which abx is best to take given the new bite. I have always read that doxy was the first line defense, and I don't know if you can take that with zith.
take care and I hope all stays well. Can't believe these ticks are out in late november.
Posts: 2557 | From home | Registered: Aug 2006
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
Yikes Sorry this happened to you.
But you have 4 things going for you. Abx off the bat in there. You have a LLMD to go for for proper treatment. You actually saw the tick. Many of us never knew when the little devil got us. And fourth you know signs & are armed with information and you know what to look for.
Hang in there dana
ps. here's a link. I wasn't so brave when I found a tick on my legg. Totally freaked out. Some very kind folks here gave me some comforting words :
posted
Dear Susie, Marsy, Hawn, Vermont, Dana, Dave and Michelle --
Thank you so much for your support!
I went with the tick to LLMD who wrote me a prescription for Doxy, but with the understanding that I don't necessarily have to take it now. The tick was "filed in the round file" (garbage) -- LLMD said NY Health Dept rarely tests ticks the way some CT Health Depts will. Wish I'd thought of Igenex.
I'm on the Zithromax and my LLMD knows that my reactions to abx can be fierce and/or allergic. I had some swelling around the eyes and on my hands during my initial trial with doxy nine months ago.
LLMD stated that Bart and Lyme would be covered by the Zithro, but to stay aware of headaches/fevers that could be Erlichiosis from this new tick. We're working on addressing the Babesia -- I just flunked the Plaquenil trial... couldn't handle the neuro complications and am still in neuro herx.
Due to my allergies/sensitivies, LLMD suggested trying without doxy with careful monitoring this month. I am taking a calculated risk by not taking the doxy; but I've got the script if I start to freak or feel horrible or find a rash. [My husband is also taking doxy for Lyme, so I can take a hit of his while waiting for mine at the pharmacy if need be!]
I'll be jumpy about this for a while. I also feel creepy crawly and keep checking for ticks. No, not compulsively... just freak-outedly!
Saying a prayer and wishing you all well!
wiserforit
P.S. I'm dragging my butt to that protest tomorrow with my 4-year old and a lyme green poster!
Posts: 508 | From Banks of the Hudson | Registered: Jul 2006
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