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Stopping treatment to take test

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Lyme Disease
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Posted 9/11/2017 8:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all, I'm relatively new here, been taking doxy 400mg for the last 3 weeks and still have my bulls eye rash. There are also a couple of itchy spots around the rash. My Dr has advised that I take the doxy for 6 weeks and then stop for 10 days and take the test to get a diagnosis. If I still have the rash in another 3 weeks should I continue with the doxy and postpone taking the test?
Posted 9/11/2017 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
The rash can come and go for a long time.

I would do like your doctor says and take the doxy for 6 weeks.

I think he is considering testing because he thinks you will be cured. If you have ANY symptoms, you are not cured.
Posted 9/11/2017 5:02 PM (GMT 0)
The ILADS guidelines recommend treating until sign and symptom free...that would include the bullseye rash.

The test isn't reliable/accurate...so not sure I would interrupt treatment just to be tested.
He is testing because he doesn't think the rash is Lyme? That is all the proof you need.

I would postpone the test if you still have the rash.

You might want to look for a LLMD at this point.
Posted 9/11/2017 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
The bulls eye rash by itself is enough for diagnosis. That's what I had. I would advise you to be sure and take some pictures of it. Those pictures may come in handy later. If you are not using a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD) you should consider getting one promptly. I wish I had. My primary care doctor diagnosed me but then didn't really know what to do after I still had symptoms after taking the doxy. I wasted almost a year before finding an LLMD and now my treatment is longer.

There are people on here who can help you find a LLMD in your area.
Posted 9/11/2017 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks both, I thought he was a lyme literate dr, maybe he assumed I would be symptom free by then, I will ensure I don't stop treatment until I am symptom free and if he doesn't agree I will find myself another Dr!

If anyone can recommend someone in the UK that would be helpful just to ensure I have a plan B
Posted 9/11/2017 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
Send me an email -
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