Symptoms that are better

Hello. I was bitten by a tiny tick about 6 weeks ago. Two weeks ago (more or less) I had crushing headache, neck pain, fevers, sore throat and whole slew of other problems. The strangest thing was that I was almost delusional in that I wasn't sure if I was dreaming or not while I was so sick.This went on for a few days (could have been the flu) and slowly improved. I still have a headache/stiff neck (not as bad at all, though, as it was) and now have congestion but I am much better.
I have an appointment at infection control at the University of Kansas in a week.
My question is: can symptoms really improve and it still be a tick-related illness? The timing for my symptoms beginning were really perfect in terms of matching tick-borne illness. I had my flu shot last fall, so I doubt it was the regular flu but I just don't know.
I plan on keeping my appointment regardless but if others have had improvement too, it might help me keep my resolve that there is something weird going on.
Thanks so very much!

No doubt they can. That is classic for me and many others on this site.

Hi Admcd1 -
I agree with all the other posts above. I just wanted to suggst also, that the KUMC Infectious Diseases dept is full of ID docs, so you need to be prepared that ID docs generally follow the IDSA (infectious Diseases Society of America) version of Lyme Disease, which is extremely limiting in its definition and diagnosis.

I agree that you are a classic case of Lyme - no other pathogen causes the Erythema Migrans (bull's eye) rash, also given your other sx noted. That said, please be prepared that most ID docs will declare you don't have Lyme - or refuse to test you, or test you and explain away positive results.

IF you're lucky enough to get diagnosed appropriately by one, they're only going to prescribe only what the IDSA recommends for Lyme, which is 4-6 wks of antibiotics and likely not long enough for someone who also qualifies as chronic Lyme (sx for more than 6 months or 6 months past initial infection), nor do they recognize chronic Lyme. It MIGHT help you that you were never initially treated, so they can't claim that you were successfully treated w/ a short course of abx and your current sx are "lyme syndrome".

and IF you're lucky enough to get a 4-6 wks abx, then that will give you time enough to transition to your next step and we can help you with that.

So, it's a place to start but please don't feel discouraged if you don't get good feedback. And it could be a good experience - you never know.

Another thing I would do if I were you is to fill out this symptoms list and take it with you to your appt - along with a nice detailed description of your tick bite, date, place, etc. like you posted here. This information will help guide your appt and alleviate the need to remember everything and will give the MD something concrete to respond to:

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=3673749&g=3673789#m3673789

And please, do let us know how things go! Also let us know if you have any questions. We're here to help you with your next steps and to find another specialist to consult if necessary, start preparing for treatment, etc.

-p

Post Edited (Pirouette) : 5/15/2017 7:46:55 PM (GMT-6)

Yes, please DO update us... I'm glad we could help you.

I would encourage you to start now by detoxing and doing any dietary changes that may be needed. We need to eliminate sugar, go to low carb (not no carb! - Veggies have carbs), and to start detoxing while you wait for the first appt with ID doc's (and I echo the thoughts on their being able/willing to help - next to none).

If you get that situated, and are ready for more before your appt with the LLMD, I would encourage you to look to possible herbal protocols that you can do along side of most abx. That way you can continue to be proactive.

We have a lot of good information about these things in our New to Lyme thread, but always ask any questions you need to here!! There are no dumb or silly questions! If you don't know or understand something, you really should and we are here to help the best we can.

Hi ADmcd1 -

I totally agree w/ Traveler - if you get your diet and detox protocol in order, I'd start on some gentle antimicrobial herbs and anti-inflammatories (not the immune-reducing kind)! A lot of us here have implemented a hybrid Rx + herbal antimicrobial approach pretty successfully, which offers broader coverage.

I have used one overseas pharmacy. I believe it is legal in most states, as the pharmacy usually has a prescribing MD on staff who may contact you for review, etc. Please email me if you have any questions about this and if you'd like a recommendation.

Obviously, you're probably better off partnering w/ the right LLMD who can prescribe what you need and help manage your treatment w/ you. But it is one way to bridge the gap until you can secure that person.

-p