posted
Hello: This is my first post. Three weeks ago I got a bull's eye rash and other rashes on my body(the others were not bull's eye). Bull's eye was warm to the touch and I had temp of 99.6 to 100.1. I went to my dermatologist who said to wait 2 weeks for Lyme test. I went for blood test 2 days ago and the doctor called and said he wants to look at the rash again, but he is leaning towards negative. My rash is still there I have aches all over my body. I thought if you had a blood test the results would either say yes you have Lyme or you dont have it. P.S. I live 90 miles north of NYC which is in the high risk for Lyme. Thank you
Posts: 54 | From catskills NY | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
I'm sure others will be able to tell you more.
However, with a rash like you describe, I would definitely push for the physician to start ABX right away. This is your window of opportunity.
As well, my understanding is that a test will not be positive right away. It takes a few weeks. So, if the test is negative, that does not mean that you do not have Lyme Disease.
It sounds like you are starting to have some symptoms. I would not be cavalier...go for the ABX. Chances are the MD will just waste your time trying to fugure this out for you only to conclude "no Lyme".
sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
Sent PM with doc's name.
Please see an LLMD asap and while you're waiting get another opinion .... until someone will prescribe you 200 mg doxy twice daily. You need to take it until you are symptom-free for four weeks or a minimum of six weeks (according to Dr. B's guidelines on www.ilads.org).
BTW, the bullseye rash is diagnostic for Lyme, you have it.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
While the rash is still there get a photo or two of it. Put something in the picture that will indicate relative size, like a coin, ruler, etc. If possible get at least one photo that also shows your face, so there is no question it's you.
Don't delay, rashes can disappear. Good luck with your doc!
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
welcome; so glad you found us.
also, with the photos, have TODAY'S NEWSPAPER DATE VISIBLE in what you take for proof!!
WELCOME, would you like a FREE copy of my newbie package of 124 pages info galore sent by LYMENET'S PRIVATE MESSAGE system here; includes TREEPATROL'S LINK of his archive of over 1000 links of good lyme info?
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also, please go to TREEPATROL'S NEWBIE INFO IN MEDICAL; at top being features; mark it as a favorite! over 1000 links of good lyme info. He/I have some duplicates.
most of mine is very DETAILED info on certain things: SSDI/ss diability insurance benefits; FINANCIAL BURDENS; about IGENEX blood testing, symptoms lists for the basic types, NOIR/no infrared SUNGLASSES, etc. and how to use this board!
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we thank you for helping us; otherwise, we will SOB, SCROLL ON BY, since we can't read to help you. If I see posts like this, I SOB them; to hard on me. I'm also in the early stages of losing my eyesight from diabetes retinopathy.
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groovy2
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6304
posted
Ditto on taking a picture of the bullseye
Posts: 2999 | From Austin tx USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
I went back to the Dr. today and he said my test came back negative.
I told him I had heard these tests may come back negative and I might still have Lyme so can I please get some antibiotics anyways.
He said no and said I should take another test in 2 weeks. The test is called Lyme disease IQM early test with reflex. Its the same one I took already .I went to Labcorp.
[ 20. June 2008, 10:26 PM: Message edited by: mariana ]
Posts: 54 | From catskills NY | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
Another update: I called another doctor suggested to me and they said : call my primary care physician to look at my rash .They (the LLMD) can see me in 4 weeks but that I need to be on antibiotics , especially since I have had the rash for 3 weeks.
I have appt tomorrow to see my doctor.
[ 20. June 2008, 10:27 PM: Message edited by: mariana ]
Posts: 54 | From catskills NY | Registered: Jun 2008
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I would like to THANK everyone for scaring the heck out of me.For telling me I have Lyme if its bull's eye.
Otherwise, I would not have gone to see another doctor.
I went to see my own doctor today. I told her the whole story.
She said dermatologists know nothing about Lyme.
She looked at my rash which has been here for 3 weeks and said it looks like Lyme, you had flu like symptoms, the rash was not itchy , rash is not raised, its bull's eye ,therefore she says indicative of Lyme.
She said she worked 13 years at the ER and when anyone came in with such a rash, they were put on Abx right away, no waiting for blood test results.
She gave me Doxy 100mg/ 2x a day for 3 weeks, then go back to her and do a western Blot( I think).
When I asked my dermatologist for antibiotics he said no, don't worry you'll live.
Sorry about making this post so long
THANK YOU EVERYONE
Posts: 54 | From catskills NY | Registered: Jun 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
-
I'm glad to hear that your own doctor is stepping up to the plate.
Did she mention testing for co-infections ??
Did she mention medicine for the cyst form of lyme ?
You may still want to schedule an appointment with a LLMD.
If you still have the rash, take photos - with your face in one so they know it's you if you need this at a later date. Take several - just in case you might have to leave them with different doctors.
TuTu suggested the face shot and one with a newspaper to show the date. This may help with insurance documentation.
Whatever the rash(es) look like - bulls-eyes or not, take photos. While the bulls-eye is definitely lyme, lyme also has other types of rashes, too.
Be sure to get good light and maybe put a clean quarter near it for size perspective.
--
ILADS: www.ilads.org - check out articles and download the Treatment Guidelines.
--
to the upper right of this page, you can find a support group near you.
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You might also get a copy of "the Lyme Disease Solution" by Singleton. You can read reviews at Amazon.
seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
I am new to all this, but I can't fathom how doctors can be so ignorant about some of this stuff. Just the few stories I've read on the forum make my head spin!
Why would they risk a patient's health? If you know you're not educated about a disease such as Lyme, why take such an offensive stance on non-treatment?
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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You are right. the dermatologist could have said go see your doctor because Lyme is a serious , tricky disease and not all doctors are equipped to deal with it.
what got me mad was that he said don't worry you'll live.
Posts: 54 | From catskills NY | Registered: Jun 2008
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adamm
Unregistered
posted
The cyst (i.e. spore) is a protective structure in which the
bacterium encases itself i order to survive under adverse
conditions. These must be destroyed with different drugs than
those used to target the bacterium in its spiral form, and
the two types of agents are frequently administered concurrently.
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otherwise, we will SOB, SCROLL ON BY, since we can't read to help you. If I see posts like this, I SOB them; to hard on me. I'm also in the early stages of losing my eyesight from diabetes retinopathy. ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
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