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Can Lymes be present w/o bulls eye

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Posted 8/9/2017 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
i was bitten a few weeks ago, I had an extremely itchy hairline on the nap of my neck. A week later, I felt a bump on the back of my neck, had my husband look & said it looks like something bit you. Next day I felt it & it felt crusty, so I thought. I haven't scratched it so why is it crusty. So I scratched at it until a little black hard shell scratched off. Hmmm...the next day, it hit me, I bet that was a nymph! My neck had been stiff, I was chilled, glands in the back of my head feel sore and swollen underneath. I had seen no bulls eye rash, granted this was the back of my neck. I did have a granuloma at the lower base of my spine. It looked more like an annulara. I'm in Oregon, not a heavy area for Lymes supposedly, we do live in the country & I'm thinking my dog may have brought it in. He sleeps with us 😟 Doc does not believe it is in our area but to pacify me, gave me 10 days Doxy 2Xa day 100 mg. Just curious of you opinion. Thank-you in advance!

Post Edited (Dirtfarmerswife) : 8/9/2017 1:44:42 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/9/2017 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, lyme can be present without a bull's eye rash.

Many here will attest to that. Many never saw or felt the tick. Many just got sick and sicker and sickest.

If you suspect lyme, I would not waste my money on a labcorp or quest lyme test. Ask your doctor if he will sign for you to have an Igenex lyme test (No. 188 and 189 - which are IgM and IgG Western Blot $210).

Research Igenex Lab in Palo Alto, CA and have all the information for him. Just in case he is unfamiliar with this lab that does great testing for lyme disease.

Oh gosh, and welcome here!!!
Posted 8/9/2017 3:16 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome Dirtfarmerswife

Something bit you and you have symptoms consistent with Lyme disease.
I would not wait for a test before treating - but you need more than 10 days of doxy.

I would try to get in to see a LLMD asap and in the mean time see if you can get more doxy.
The dose really should be 200 mg twice daily.
Can you go to another Dr?

You also need to take probiotics while on abx.

To find a LLMD - start a thread: "Looking for LLMD in/near ______" and fill in the blank.

You don't want this to become a chronic infection.
Posted 8/9/2017 3:47 AM (GMT 0)
Me again, from what I have read, while taking Doxy the test can be a false negative? Also, it has only been about three weeks (I think since initial bite). Is a test something that would be reliable at this point? Thank-you so much for your replies.
Posted 8/9/2017 4:28 AM (GMT 0)
It does take awhile for the immune system to develop antibodies that are needed for a WB test.

Also, sometimes if abx are used, the immune system doesn't mount a response.

I would focus on treatment first and foremost....it is a recent bite...and your best chance of knocking it out is now.
Posted 8/9/2017 7:12 AM (GMT 0)
believe me, you want to take a month (or two) of antibiotics NOW then worry this was just a false alarm. tests are notoriously bad, even CDC now admits the tests are leaving a large number of sick people out.

i would do anything to turn time back and catch this darn thing as early as you did and take a few antibiotics then and kill it before it spreads. now all of us chronic here only hope to contain it.

don't be one of us, please... just because some medical guidelines are not up to date.

i never saw any rash.

Post Edited (mpost) : 8/9/2017 1:18:16 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/9/2017 7:34 AM (GMT 0)
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your replies. I'm just not sure how to go forward as the Dr.s around here really don't believe we have Lymes in our area. (Although we know people who have it) Any idea how I can get a G.P to agree with any particular protocol? I would gladly drive to Portland, Or. Vancouver, or Seattle, Wa if anyone knows of a specialist, but then how much time do I have to get this handled? Any idea of a protocol I could show him? Also...I'm thinking the little head may still be in there.

Post Edited (Dirtfarmerswife) : 8/9/2017 1:45:14 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/9/2017 7:44 AM (GMT 0)
You can show your Dr. the Lyme Disease treatment guidelines:

www.lymenet.org/BurrGuide200810.pdf

Scroll down to page 18 - you will see antibiotic doses and then Page 19 - for treatment times based on categories.

The link to these guidelines (even tho they're from 2008) is in the latest ILADS Treatment Guidelines:

www.ilads.org/lyme/treatment-guideline.php
Posted 8/9/2017 7:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, im south of Portland. My LLND is in Tualatin, Or. Can you go to an ND?
I HIGHLY recommend their 'Restorative' clinic.

And BTW> people need to seriously STOP saying Lyme disease isnt in Oregon. Last Summer at a campground on the coast, where deer were roaming all around, I picked a tick off of my husbands head! There's trees, shrubs, animals etc etc etc....Lyme IS EVERYWHERE!!!

Another thing to point out to those ignorant ones, is that people travel; therfore even IF Lyme disease isnt in Oregon, it doesnt mean you didnt get a tick while traveling elsewhere!!!
Posted 8/9/2017 7:48 AM (GMT 0)
The other thing to do - is call the LLMD's office and say it's a recent infection - and can they possibly fit you in so you can get treatment right away.
If they don't have an opening...then ask to be put on a cancellation list - and you may get in sooner that way.

Then phone every few days...


But still try to get more doxy from another Dr. Can you go to a walk in clinic?


(I sent you some LLMDs names and contact info)

Dr MR in seattle - give his office a call. He does an initial consult via skype...maybe he can fit you in for that. Then he apparently writes up a plan.
I have a subscription to his online Lyme treatment book.
Posted 8/9/2017 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
Mspike, I'm not sure how to reply just to you, but how can I get the name of your specialist in Tualitin?
Posted 8/9/2017 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
If Mspike comes back to this thread, he will see your reply.
Posted 8/9/2017 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome,
If you are unable to get an llmd appt soon the other alternative while you are waiting is herbals.

Many here use herbal protocols . A few are Buhner, Cowden, Beyond balance and Dr Rawls.

You can also begin building your immunity up, detoxing,eating gluten free or paleo, less stress.

Take care and glad you found us, Jo
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