Posted 9/4/2014 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys,
I'm a frequent traveller back and forth between UK and Massachusetts. Returned back 28th Aug after an eventful last few days. Noticed the classic bullseye rash/bite mark the Thursday before, hadn't really thought too much as I was covered in mossie bites, thought maybe a spider had bitten me again. Was advised to go and get checked out, due to feeling 'ok' delayed this until the Monday. Went to a drop in clinic at CVS, where I got told it looks like lymes. This was confirmed in the emergency room. Got given Doxy 100mg BD for 2 weeks. I told the doc previously had hellish diarrhoea from doxy but she said it's the best treatment. Took the advice being 'a good patient'. Tuesday arrives and I start vomiting and not managed to keep the abx down, speak for ER, who said try the next dose in that evening and if not come back. Later that afternoon I get a call to confirm the blood test was positive to lymes.
From the Tuesday Morning, I went down hill feeling, lethargic, nauseous, head ache which seemed to continue to longer and low grade fever. It was touch and go if I was able to fly home I felt exhausted, nauseous, weak, and had diarrhoea.
So as soon as I landed arranged an appointment with my general practitioner. Explained the above.... He thought the vomiting and diarrhoea were as I'm sensitive to the doxy. So changed to 500mg BD of cefuroxime (Currently finished 1 week of those, with 1 further week). Signed off work for 10 days and I'm seeing him again tomorrow.
I'm weak, feel exhausted, I ache, my knees and ankles and wrists hurt and time, I've still got an occasional head ache. I'm finding it difficult to sleep (may still be jet lag I'm unsure), and I've started with restless painful legs at night. I'm having to get a lift to the appt tomorrow as I don't feel up to driving.
In the UK it's not really a common disease compared to US. I'm a nurse and haven't come across it until it happens to me!
So a few questions if anyone can help me....
Is repeat blood testing required and if so when? I've still got another week of abx.
Is it normal to still feel the above and how long will it last. It's so frustrating as I'm sure most of you know.
Thank you in advance for your support
Becky