rash

I originally thought I had a spider bite.Once bitten by a black widow and they look the same on onset. My question is now the original spot is clear in the center amd now expanding a bit with little bumpys around it. Is it possible to get it in another spot. I have the same round rash now on the underside of my forearm? I go to the doc Wednesday , when I ask to test for lyme what should I ask for. He is primary care and every referal has to go through him. So if he doesnt think its lyme he wont refer me to a specialist so I want to show that I know what Im talking about.I go in cause my bloodwork showed a thyroid issue. I feel like Im falling apart, a new day a new ailment.

Forgive my writing, cant find my glasses.

Thank you

Is this a new bite, do you still have the rash? If so, take a picture of it. The testing at the Dr.'s is pretty faulty, but the western blot is better than the Elisa. Testing too early will give a false negative, I think the test starts picking things up after about 6 weeks of infection? Someone correct me if I'm wrong please. I would ask for abx too...for 6 weeks.

Hi Tonya,
Welcome to our community! I'm so glad that you found us, although I'm so sorry that you are having all of these issues!

With what you are describing, symptoms included, you likely have Lyme disease. This means that you will need treatment by a doctor that has been trained by ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society) standards. We can most likely help you find a Lyme Literate doctor if you would like.

You really need to start taking pictures of each one of those rashes and any others that show up. Be sure to put a quarter or a pencil or something like that in each picture so that there is a reference for how big the rash is.

Please read through our "New to Lyme? Start here!" thread, as it's packed full of important information that you will need as you go through your testing and treatments.

Please be aware that something like major surgery will make your infection(s) and your symptoms flare pretty good. Stress will increase the symptoms and/or their severity, and will lower the immune system so it's not able to fight the infection(s) as well.

I would heavily suggest that you get started detoxing (instructions for what we recommend can be found in the "New to Lyme?" thread) and avoiding sugar, eating as healthy as you can now.