posted
Hello there! I am 15 weeks pregnant, and discovered an unusual bite mark on my chest about a week ago.
We had been in the great outdoors of the Stowe VT area, where I had been lulled into believing Lyme didn't exist. I have since learned that Stowe had two documented cases last year. Anyway, I didn't take the normal precautions that I would living in Fairfield County CT. In fact I didn't do a body check at all.
So, earlier this week I have been feeling quite headachy and tired, but thought nothing of this, since I have been tired with the pregnancy, and I do tend to suffer migraines (although I did NOT suffer any migraines during the second trimester of my last preganancy)
But last night, the bite mark developed a red ring around it. :-( I had Lyme 6 years ago, and this rash was less distinct than that one, but even more interesting, it is gone today. Can this still be a Lyme rash, if it disappeared overnight, rather than growing bigger?
Because I am pregnant, I would like to find a doctor in my area (Fairfield county or even Westchester County, NY) who is an LLMD. If the rash had lingered I would have had a certainty and expected a doctor to treat me with whatever antibiotics are approproiate for pregnancy, but I am afraid a regular doctor will dismiss the idea and/or not know what tests are the best.
Being pregnant, I have to get to the bottom of this very fast.
Each forum also has special links at the top of each page containing information you may find helpful.
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If the rash shows up again .. get a picture of it. Try to include a date next to the rash (from a newspaper) and your face if that is possible. You may need it for proof now and/or later.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
It sounds like you should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. Your history of a bug bite, rash, and ill symptoms x1wk should be enough for them to treat you.
Ehrlichiosis is an infection also transmitted by a tick. It causes headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and fevers. Symptoms start 1-2wks after the bite. (This is what I thought of when I read your post). It is usually diagnosed and treated based on symptoms.
So please, try to see a local doctor, even an urgent care practitioner, to at least start you on an antibiotic this week. Then you can find an LLMD to follow-up with proper testing and further treatment if necessary.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
YES>.. the rash is diagnostic of lyme. Why should she go to Lyme info. net to tell THEM?????
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
Where you had lyme before it was possible before the new bite to transmit lyme to a baby. With a new bite, its even more serious.
i am 33 weeks preg with #3 9 (surprise) and my peri was not concerned about the chronic lyme (even though its a problem), and said if it was acute (which a new bite is) that would be a major problem and need aggressive treatment.
I am not trying to scare you and obviously you know you have to get this taken care of asap. My suggestion is to call your OB immediately let them know in no certain terms you have a bullseys rash, your symptoms. They should at least start you on something. At that point I would want to see a perinatologist and while you are doing that find a llmd. I drive to CT to mine.
My llmd said that it was important to take at least 2 abx the whole pregnancy. i assume for acute lyme, it would be the same. If this happened to me I would stay on abx the whole pregnancy. But at least get on something asap. Also some abx are not safe while pregnant ( like doxy) so dont self treat.
Good luck if you need any advice you can pm me
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
Oh I just saw you were in Ct (i thought I read NH) there is a GREAT llmd near hartford who is great and treats adults, children and pregnant women. I strongly suggest you call. Its not cheap but its well worth it. I will pm you his info
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
sorry a few more things.... Dont let them test you right now. It takes at least 6 weeks after a bite to develop antibodies to the bacteria. The test checks for antibodies. what will happen is they will test you and you will be negative and tell you you dont have lyme and not to worry.
All you need is the bullseye rash to be diagnosed with Lyme.
also take a few pics of the rash. (important evidence)
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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posted
Thank you everyone for your replies and for the pms. I am taking all info into account, it will take a lot to go through it all! :-)
When I had Lyme six years ago, I had contracted it here, but was diagnosed in Chicago, where Lyme was so rare, I had professionals coming in to see the rash. I started doxy immediately, but it was killing my skin, so I stopped after ten days, and continued on amoxy. This was given to me by a general practitioner here, and he made an interesting statement: He said that Lyme is so common and frequent here, that the docs around here were prescibing doxy if anyone even presented with lyme-like symptoms even without a positive test.
I thought that was pretty prgressive, so while there is obviously reason to mistrust docs regarding chronic lyme, I am at least hopeful that any doc will err on the side of caution when it comes to this more acute case in light of my pregnancy. Just praying that all is well, and am thankful for all the information you all have provided. Will let you all know what happens tomorrow. This sucks to have happened on a holiday weekend. :-(
Posts: 2 | From CT | Registered: Jul 2011
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