Lyme Disease

[PixelRabbit]

I know this is an unorthodox thread for a photo forum but my thinking is we have a large group here and there is a good chance someone might have some good info (yes I've googled and there is a ton out there and I'm working on wading through it)
So by chance does anyone have any great resources for info/forum on Lyme Disease that they can share?

 

[unpopular]

My wife had it. Classic bullseye, the physician even brought in steady stream of residents and took her picture for educational purposes.

The specialist prescribed her a week of tetracycline and sent us a $300 bill for ten minutes consultation. I guess we had to pay for the waiting room.

It's a big deal, and can have lasting, reoccurring flu-like symptoms, muscle pain and possible neuropsychiatric symptoms (disputed) that mimic bipolar disorder, but if you catch it early it's very treatable.

Why do you ask?

 

[gsgary]

I had 4 days in hospital after a tick bite in Lithuania on a motorbike tour virtually collapsed as soon as i put my bike in the garage after riding back from the ferry

 

[MTVision]

A family friend was diagnosed with MS 15+ years ago. She'd been wheelchair bound for about 7 years when she moved from VT to CO. The doctors there figured out that she never had MS. It was Lyme disease left untreated.

I'm not sure what her recovery has been like since she was treated for Lyme Disease but it can cause some serious serious problems if left untreated.

 

[pgriz]

I am really hoping, Judi, that this was an academic question, and not because you or one of your family having it. I don't know anyone who has had it, but the written articles on it are not encouraging reading.

 

[PixelRabbit]

Thanks for the responses everyone.
Unfortunately I'm asking because I found/was bitten by a tick on Aug. 8th.

Because of my olive skin tone the bullseye rash presented as a very faint bruise and was almost missed. I've been getting progressively worse and woke yesterday with muscle spasms in my face.

Just got back from a very frustrating trip to ER with antibiotics and need to see my doctor in two weeks.

This is uncool

 

[unpopular]

Yikes. Yeah. I'd say any time you get a tick bite with any kind of rash or bruise you should see a doctor immediately. I am pretty sure that you'll be OK, and the spasm might not be related to the tick bite at all, but it's good that you got some antibiotics.

 

[Desi]

Judi, consult an infectious disease specialist. Most MDs don't have much experience with Lyme disease (at least, not in California)

 

[gsgary]

Was your rash very hot ? mine was very hot, are you sweating ? i was sweating even when i was not hot, if not the tick was probably not infected

 

[Jaemie]

You've probably already seen this link and the LymeDisease.org website, but... Lyme Disease - Introduction to Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

 

[unpopular]

Was your rash very hot ? mine was very hot

The rash my wife had was also very, very hot to the touch, but I am not sure that this is an absolute indication. I think any time you get an unexpected rash after receiving an insect or animal bite, it's a good idea to be checked out.

 

[pgriz]

Judi, very sorry to hear that you may have it. Can't give you any meaningful advice except to try and find a specialist who knows this disease and how to treat it. And I hope your immune system kicks out the intruders. You have my wishes and my prayers.

 

[BlackSheep]

Oh, Pixel I'm so sorry to hear you got bit!
A couple of people at my work have dealt with lyme disease; I can ask them about it next week if you'd like some local information. In the meantime, did you find the Lyme Disease Association for Ontario yet? Here's the link: Lyme Disease Association of Ontario I remember at least one of my co-workers getting some information from them.
Hope you are feeling better!

 

[PixelRabbit]

Hey all, sorry it took a while to reply, this thing is kicking my butt so haven't been doing much more than reading the forum. Thanks so much for the thoughts and links, I visited all that were posted and got more info. Right now the plan is to go see my doctor before the two weeks of antibiotics is up like the ER doctor suggested and keeping my fingers crossed that the antibiotics work.

I've had time to look up some things that I've wanted to try like water drops, drops on a cd, smoke, etc... I'm looking forward to trying them now, I haven't touched my camera since last week and I miss it This will be great way to keep busy