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After dealing with Lyme disease, would you go to an outdoor music festival for 3 days? (Field, grass

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Posted 8/14/2015 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry for the long title but I wanted to be as descriptive as possible.

Next weekend a big 3 day music festival is happening, and an event like this would normally be the highlight of my year. My favorite band is playing, and many of my friends who I no longer see will be there.

I already would opt out of camping and getting a hotel room, but the thought of standing in a grassy field for 12-15 hours a day for 3 days scares me to death. This is in western NY, The place I contracted lyme in the first place. No amount of three day fun is worth another tick bite.

Am I being too paranoid? What would you do?
Posted 8/14/2015 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
If I went, I would only go when that particular band was on. Is there a schedule...so you can see approximately when they will be on?

I probably wouldn't go - in fact I was invited to an outdoor concert - Keith Urban was playing...and I declined - same thing - very hot, crowded, drunkenness, long walk to and from the car, and lineups for the outhouse...
Posted 8/14/2015 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
My thoughts are a different than what Girlie has expressed.

Why not treat an outfit with permithrin and take deet for any skin that might be showing? I still go outside all the time, and when I'm prepared to be out in the grass with my clothes that are treated, I have yet to pick up a tick.

/sawyer.com/products/permethrin-premium-insect-repellent/

I bought one bottle through Amazon and treated an outfit (shirt, pants, socks) for both hubby and myself.

To me it would depend more on how you are feeling and if this is a good idea for you. If it's something that you are up for and that will really help lift your spirits because you got to do something "normal" - one weekend spent with some deet won't hurt - as long as you detox a lot!!!
Posted 8/14/2015 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
My decision about not going wasn't because of the exposure to ticks...just mainly the heat and the crowds.

(not fond of outhouses either...lol)


So, if all that is fine for you...and would normally be fun....then think about Traveler's suggestion - with the insect repellent....and then do a really good check when you get to the hotel.
Posted 8/14/2015 3:20 PM (GMT 0)

Traveler said...
My thoughts are a different than what Girlie has expressed.

Why not treat an outfit with permithrin and take deet for any skin that might be showing? I still go outside all the time, and when I'm prepared to be out in the grass with my clothes that are treated, I have yet to pick up a tick.

/sawyer.com/products/permethrin-premium-insect-repellent/

I bought one bottle through Amazon and treated an outfit (shirt, pants, socks) for both hubby and myself.

To me it would depend more on how you are feeling and if this is a good idea for you. If it's something that you are up for and that will really help lift your spirits because you got to do something "normal" - one weekend spent with some deet won't hurt - as long as you detox a lot!!!

Honestly I'm doing very well with my lyme treatment now. Stamina/feeling up to it is fortunately not an issue. I just don't want to go back to that terrible place after finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

I do have permethrin. It works that well huh?

I saw your thread about picking up some ticks on a dirt path by you. You weren't wearing it then?
Posted 8/14/2015 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Reba,

I know just as many people that got Lyme from ticks being carried in on their dogs from there backyard in the city here as people that got it while hiking/biking/hunting/fishing. You can't let it stop you from doing what you love. I used to make my living recording at music festivals. Once I'm better, I'll for sure be out there again, just being a little more careful and more informed and using precautions like trav posted.
Posted 8/14/2015 3:44 PM (GMT 0)

Reba2000 said...

Honestly I'm doing very well with my lyme treatment now. Stamina/feeling up to it is fortunately not an issue. I just don't want to go back to that terrible place after finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

I've been in a similar place only the location was my garden.

I truly believe I got bit when I was trying to create a new garden in a more wooded area of our property. Still, trying to venture out into the garden after my diagnosis left me crying out of fear.

I bought permethrin and sprayed my shoes and jacket. I actually bought Insect Shield pants, tees and socks since the protection lasts through 70 washings.

While I'm still a bit tick-phobic (definitely more alert for them), I have been enjoying gardening again.

Life is too short to not do the things we like to do.....we just need to make smarter choices in light of certain risks.
Posted 8/14/2015 4:31 PM (GMT 0)

Reba2000 said...

I do have permethrin. It works that well huh?

I saw your thread about picking up some ticks on a dirt path by you. You weren't wearing it then?

No, I was not wearing it then. I honestly just didn't take into account how hot it's been and how dry we have gotten lately. That's when the ticks get more "aggressive" here.

If you have the time, get some permethrin (it's not expensive really) and treat a set of clothes - remember you will only have the protection in the areas covered with permethrin - and then try them out.
Posted 8/14/2015 4:32 PM (GMT 0)

Girlie said...
My decision about not going wasn't because of the exposure to ticks...just mainly the heat and the crowds.

(not fond of outhouses either...lol)


So, if all that is fine for you...and would normally be fun....then think about Traveler's suggestion - with the insect repellent....and then do a really good check when you get to the hotel.

Never any offense intended!!! I just saw it differently - partly because as long as I have at least an outhouse, I'm happy!! LOL! The heat and crowds is what I'm not so fond of, LOL!!!
Posted 8/14/2015 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
" I have been enjoying gardening again.'

YAY, CD!!!! Good for you!!!
Posted 8/14/2015 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
If I felt up to it and was smart about all things involved, I'd go in a heart beat.....sounds like fun!
Posted 8/14/2015 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the encouragement everybody. I think I'll be going now.

But if I get bit again it's your guys' fault! :)
Posted 8/14/2015 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
I personally would, if I felt up to it. I can't stop doing the things I enjoy bc of Lyme.

Margaret
Posted 8/14/2015 11:52 PM (GMT 0)
I sure as heck would! I mean tis the season right? It's summer and that means outdoor music festivals! Have an awesome time. Unfortunately I've missed several concerts because I just wasn't well enough to go. But hey, what can you do right? Health comes first :)
Posted 8/15/2015 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
Just be sure to really protect yourself!! You are now aware of what you need to do (treat clothes, treat bare skin with Deet, stay hydrated, and eat healthy) and you will likely be okay. If you don't do those things, you are taking a large risk in my eyes.

And let us know how things went!!!
Posted 8/15/2015 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
I would go. If you wanted to you could use closed toe shoes and wear pants maybe sprayed with deet. But as long as you check yourself for ticks at the end of the day in case, I wouldn't worry. Your aware of ticks and what they can do.. so you are smart enough to check your body over thoroughly after at the end of the day!
Posted 8/15/2015 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
I read that a tick must be attached for 24 hours before it can transmit disease. Is this true? Even for a nymph?
Posted 8/15/2015 4:08 PM (GMT 0)

PeteZa said...
I read that a tick must be attached for 24 hours before it can transmit disease. Is this true? Even for a nymph?

NO!! This is NOT true! It's part of the misinformation that is being spread. Has anyone ever heard that it takes a mosquito that long to transmit diseases??? No, they bite and are gone very quickly.

How about any other insects that transmit diseases? Do any of them have to stay attached for a full day??? No.

When I wasn't on astragalus and got reinfected last summer, I know that the tick hadn't been attached for longer than 30 minutes! And even when in treatment for Lyme, if I had a tick attach, symptoms would begin to ramp up within 20 minutes, and I would feel it for about a week.
Posted 8/15/2015 4:11 PM (GMT 0)

ClaraS said...
Honestly for me personally, NO.
I have lost so many years laying here being sick. If I were to recover I would never risk this again.

The problem with this is that there are so many insects that now can transmit this infection that you can't protect yourself by just not doing a few things - you would literally have to live inside a bubble.

So the best option is to learn how to best protect yourself (wear the right clothes, treated with permethrin, and use something to protect you from getting Lyme again like astragalus), and to learn what to watch for so you can get into treatment quickly should you get reinfected.
Posted 8/15/2015 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
If you do, I heard using Sore to Soar is very good. Use every couple of hours ankles, behind knees, neck pulse points and you may want ear and under arm areas! Also hear rose, geranium oil, same idea. The tiny critters apparently are not pleased (they'll move on to the next person )... maybe.

No real security about this.

Good luck! Be well.
Posted 8/15/2015 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Reba,

Traveler has good ideas to treat your clothes. There are some essential oils that repel ticks. And other natural products for your body.

Traveler. I need advice too
My dd 11 has Lyme. Doing great. We live in California. Sixth grade camp coming up. Outdoor activities in woods. Hiking etc
So nervous about sending her. Just got her healed.
Should I treat a few outfits and let her go

Mary:)
Posted 8/15/2015 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
If she's responsible enough to be sure to do daily tick checks and spontaneous ones when they go out walking, then I'd say yes, treat a few outfits and let her go. That would be such a shame for her to miss out on that. I can still remember parts of my 6th grade camp!!

I would suggest though that you put her on a daily something to help prevent Lyme at least while she is there - kids are kids and it's hard to stop and do things when your friends are all waiting for you, or watching you. I prefer astragalus, mainly because it's the easiest thing for me to get, but I understand that homeopathic ledum is supposed to be good too. I just don't know enough about that system of medicine to feel safe in recommending it.

I hope that's helpful information. I've been on astragalus since January of this year, and am completely convinced that I would have had Lyme a few times this year if I hadn't been using it!
Posted 8/16/2015 5:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi traveler

Thanks so much for your advice. Good idea on the astragalus.
She's really good at listening to me. So hopefully she gets to go.
We have a great natural path. So I'm sure he will prescribe something. Just so worried.
🌺
Posted 8/16/2015 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
I would be very worried too if it was my daughter!! But, these infections sucked the life out of my life, so I like to try to help people "get back out there", as there is just too much to life to miss out on all the time!! I can remember very well how it felt to tell what few friends I had that I was sick again and could go do whatever. It's a hard way to grow up.
Posted 8/16/2015 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
Reba, your immune system may be working better than it was when you got Lyme disease, so that will help you too. Take or keep taking probiotics.

If you go, have a great time!!
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