posted
I was bit by a tick in Cook County IL (outside Chicago) 2.5 weeks ago. I figure it was probably in my head for approximately 5 days.
I researched online and the CDC said in 2007 that 32% of ticks in Cook Cty are infected. The IL Dept of Health said in 2009 that over 20% of ticks in Cook Cty are infected.
I started experiencing headaches almost daily after a few days. Last week I got a very stiff sore neck that has lasted a full 6 days.
I went to my doctor who told me there is an extremely low change I have Lyme disease since I have no fever or rash and she prescribed me an anti-inflammatory instead. She refused to put me on an antibiotic as she assessed the risk as so low.
I have been using the anti-inflammatory but my neck is still stiff and sore. So far I don't have any other symptoms I am aware of. (I am exhausted, but then I'm always tired). I am very concerned, especially because my neck has been sore so long for no other known reason.
Please advise. I am very concerned it is lyme, and very upset my doctor is not seriously considering it.
Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
Hello lymaid. I would do like I did= send for
Igenex test kit and get a Western Blot. The
sooner you find it the easier it is to kill.
Steroids are a no no when it comes to lyme. It
will take 2 weeks to perform test and you can go
from there. I am assuming your doctor checked
blood for infection? The test needs to have no
antibiotics in system for 2 weeks prior to
testing in order to get the best results. So you
could take doxy for a week while test is ordered
and wait 2 weeks to draw or just draw and send
now. Your choice. If I were you I would not wait.
There are some new posts on pricing and your
doctor will have to sign for order. When you get
your results there are many here who can help
you find a LLMD. Just post again in seeking
doctor in xxxx. Prayers to you.
-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Pinelady, thank you. No, my doctor did not test my blood at all. She told me your blood will not show antibodies until 30 - 45 days after being infected so there was no use in a test. I'm hoping to get in to see a LLMD in the area tomorrow. I hope they can get me in immediately. Thank you again.
Leelee
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19112
posted
Lymaid,
I agree with Pinelady that you should have labs done by Igenex. The one thing your doctor did tell you that was correct is that it can take a few weeks for your body to make antibodies to Lyme and the results to show up in your blood.
Sometimes blood work doesn't even detect the antibodies, but with Igenex you stand a pretty good chance of getting an accurate report.
Your sore neck and headaches could point to Lyme already. Some people get sick immediately. In others it takes time to show symptoms.
If you decide to go to a LLMD it can take several months to get an appointment so I would start your search for one now just in case you need one.
Best of luck,
Leelee
-------------------- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King,Jr Posts: 1573 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I went to Dr. K, and LLMD in Colorado. He thinks it is most likely, and that I also have a coinfection, ehrlichia. We are doing the blood test you guys have suggested as well as a bunch of other tests. He started me on doxy, first dose last night and within a few hours I had a terrible fever that lasted all night and today my forearms are burning and my cheeks feel wrong. I don't know how else to describe it...kind of like they are vibrating when they are not. I keep hoping it's going to turn out to be a mistake and I have overreacted. It kind of feels surreal.
sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
I'm glad you've gotten on meds for it so quickly. It is normal to feel worse before you feel better, it's called a Herxheimer Reaction.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
| IP: Logged |
Leelee
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19112
posted
I think it is a good thing in a weird-Lyme way that you are already affected by the abx.
Best of luck to you.
Let us know what your Igenex results show and how your treatment progresses.
-------------------- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King,Jr Posts: 1573 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2009
| IP: Logged |
gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551
posted
lymaid,
that is so wonderful you got treatment right away. good for you that you were so informed.
Just in case you dont know much about doxy:
Please do read your product information when taking DOXY. Do not take any dairy with doxy, and DO NOT lie down within 1/2 of taking it or you can suffer serious damage to your esophagus and intestinal tract.
Take with food to avoid stomach irritation.
Do NOT go in the sun while taking doxy or you can suffer serious sunburn it minutes, and it doesnt turn red.
In case your LLMD did not cover this part:
Antibiotics destroys all the good bacteria as well as the bad, so it is a good idea to replace the good flora in your intestines or you can wind up with yeast (candida) issues.
You may also want to consider taking a high culture / high strain REFRIGERATED probiotic either a professional strength given by your doctor, or over the counter at your health food store. (sample: Renew Life Critical Care Ultimate Flora) This will help to avoid a potential yeast infection of the gut.
It is a good idea to replenish 2-3 times a day ( one dose at bedtime) and away from antibiotics.
You can do a search here under 'probiotics' or 'yeast' for further information.
Keep a low carb/low sugar diet and take vitamin supplements as discussed with your doctor.
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic