Hi Liverette!
Welcome to our community! I'm so sorry that you have an autoimmune liver condition!! I can certainly understand your concerns!
How sure are you about
the rashes you had being the same as the ones for Bartonella? Did you happen to take any pictures of them? If not and they happen again, be sure to take some pictures of them so that they are documented - no matter what's causing them. Also be sure to put something like a pencil or quarter or other common object next to your rash so that others who look at the picture can understand the size and other features.
Let's assume that you have Bartonella - you will definitely need treatment. It's not a virus, it's a bacterial infection, but that doesn't automatically mean strong antibiotics. The fact that you felt improvement while on antibiotics tells us that you have a bacterial infection.
You should know that it's possible for you to have other infections known as tick-borne infections - but don't let this freak you out. You will know by your symptoms. Are you up to going over a couple of symptom lists? If not, I have some other ideas.
I believe a Lyme literate Integrative Doctor would likely be your best bet to get more information though, considering your specific circumstances. We can likely help you find one though. You will want a Lyme literate doctor whether or not you have Lyme disease because they are trained in a specific manner that relies on science and not political bias.
If you would like to send me an email by either clicking on my screen name or on the little blue envelope under my screen name and include the basic area where you are located, I will see if I have any referrals in your area.
Otherwise you can start a new thread titled something like:"Looking for an Integrative Lyme literate doctor in the _______ area." Although you will need to enable your email option in your profile in order to receive any recommendations, as we don't allow doctor's names and contact info to be posted on the forum for several reasons. You can enable your email option in your profile, under 'edit profile'. Be sure to click the submit button to actually save your preference.
You can email Stephanie at:
[email protected] I would suggest that you specify that you are looking for an Integrative Doctor (if that's what you choose).
You can also go to The Lyme Disease Association and search for LLMD's 3 times in a month. You have to register first. Here is the link:
www.lymediseaseassociation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=277&Itemid=74 You will want to find an ILADS (International Lyme And Associated Diseases Society) trained doctor, as ID Docs (Infectious Disease Doctors) believe Lyme is hard to catch and easy to treat, and don't believe in the reality of chronic Lyme. The ILADS site is another great place to read to get you started on your Lyme journey.
www.ilads.org/lyme_disease/treatment_guidelines_clearing_ilads.html The best news I have to offer though is that you are not alone!! We are all here to help you get through this!!