Need LLMD in Southern California

This might be the first time I've ever posted on a forum. It feels strange to send a bunch of personal info into the unknown. But here I go!

I am 31, live in California, and had thyroid cancer/thyroidectomy in the last year. My past with cancer doesn't feel related to my current issues, but maybe one of you will see a connection.

Alright, on to the ol' lyme disease. I don't know if I have lyme disease or if I'm jumping to conclusions. A bit of background: several months ago, my parents bought a puppy from Missouri and had it shipped to California. (Note: Totally against buying animals and totally against shipping them across the country. But my parents did what they did.) During a visit to my parents house, I came in frequent and close contact with the puppy who turned out to have ticks—none of which tested positive for lyme. My mom found a tick while I was visiting. Being paranoid, I immediately checked myself everywhere for bites/ticks etc, but found nothing.

about two weeks later, I have a bullseye rash. I go to the doctor's and they scoff, say it's definitely not lyme, probably ringworm (which I've never had), take a lyme test (which going through the forums I know is not accurate) and of course the test ends up being negative. I am prescribed a cream for the "ringworm" which in fact does make the rash go away. So, I let it go. Question: doesn't the bullseye rash just fade away anyway? I have a picture of the rash, but I don't know if I'm allowed to send it here.

A couple months later (this past July) I am hit with a cold, starts out with a sore throat and then becomes a serious cough that keeps me awake most of the night. The cough, and difficulty with breathing has lasted for over six weeks. Went to doctor again, said it was postnasal drip but tested for lyme again (again negative). In the last two weeks I have developed what looks to be Erythema Nodosum, lumps from my knees to ankles. I had an appointment with my thyroid doctor last week and he thinks that it could be lyme even though he is not really LLMD. He gave me 7 days of doxy and my cough has gotten a bit better (though I'm worried the improvement is just in my head) but the Erythema Nodosum has gotten worse.

Does all of this sound like lyme? I'm super lost. There is so much information on these forums and I don't even know where to start. If anyone can recommend a LLMD in Southern California (I live in Orange County) that would be wonderful. Thank you in advance for your help.

Hi Girlie,

Thanks for the speedy reply! Here is a link to the bullseye images. Does this look like lyme to you? Or anyone else?

http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/Health1/library/?view=recent&page=1

Ok, thanks for letting me know.

Dadeen,

Yes, I will email you!

GTW