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Group Advice after research overload / LLMD in LA (90638)

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Lyme Disease
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Posted 6/27/2019 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry for the longer post but I am finding so much conflicting info online. Can't seem to find a legit free resource for LLMD doctors also.

I live in south LA county and just got back from camping yesterday in the Angeles National Forest. I found a tick on my stomach that could not have been on there more than 24 hrs (guessing eight). However there was already an inch sized ring around the tick. I know average is seven days for this symptom but this was a clear ring. I took the tick out with head, yes it was a deer tick, and within three hours the bite location turned a deep purple with the outer ring closing in on the middle to leave about one millimeter (width of a nickle) of natural looking skin between bite location and outer ring. Could this be the tick's neurotoxin? Is it possible to get a ring without getting infected with something?

I immediately went to a GP and he admitted he was not familiar with Lyme (after he took my money of course) and put me on 14 days of amoxicillin. 500mg 3/times a day at my recommendation. This morning I woke up and the rash has spread from one to two inches and is sore to the touch (like pressing on a bruise).

Should I take a wait and see approach or be proactive in finding an LLMD? I have already booked a Lyme antibody test at Quest but from what I read online I have to wait 3-4 weeks min to detect the antibody. The "igenex lyme test" looks like the best case at detection but not sure which one to do and need doctors approval first. Am a bit lost, recommendations?

Can someone please give me a LLMD in the south LA or north orange county area?
Posted 6/27/2019 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
I just quickly scanned your post....go to a LLMD - yes....


If you can get an appt within a few weeks that would be best - when you call for an appt. let them know it's a recent bite...so hopefully you won't have to wait for them to see you.


Email me if you don't get recommendations for LLMD's in LA...I may have a few near you.


I can't stress enough to act on it right away.....good for you for being diligent....but don't stop now..

Wait and see - NO. the EM rash IS lyme disease....in early stages....you don't need a test to tell you that.
Posted 6/27/2019 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
As I recall, Buhner recommends a poultice of andrographis on the bite site for a couple of days; but it may be too late for that. And he also recommends a course of Astragalus for a couple of weeks. Maybe someone would confirm my memory.
Posted 6/28/2019 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
Take photos now if you have not already. The "ring" rash is erythema migrans, which is diagnostic for Lyme disease. You definitely got at least one tick-borne infection from that tick, most likely more than one. I'm glad you are getting treatment already, but definitely find an LLMD fast for more full-spectrum antibiotics, at least several more weeks. You're right that the Quest test won't be helpful, so go with an IGenex panel that detects multiple tick-borne infections, or just continue treating. Early Lyme is very treatable, if you act fast and do it right. But that "bullseye" rash means you have it - no testing required!

Good luck!
Posted 6/30/2019 5:53 AM (GMT 0)
bump - Anyone with recs for a LLMD in LA ?
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