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Re: Lyme Disease Reminder PS PS

From:

Leslie Starr

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Sun, 9 Jul 2006 10:49:21 EDT

In a message dated 7/8/2006 9:38:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
 writes:

> So if a tick bites, 
> maybe the best thing to do is assume the worst and get treated, even if 
> there are no symptoms.  (My tests haven't come back.)

Also, it can take a couple of months before your body has built up enough 
antibodies to cause a positive test result. I had mild flu symptoms ten days 
after a tick bite, but no rash and negative test results, so the doctor refused to 
give me antibiotics. I was sicker at eight weeks, but still testing negative. 
Finally tested positive and began treatment at ten weeks, by which time the 
disease was so well established that it took years to recover.

For a few years, I started antibiotics after a bite and sent the tick for 
analysis (U. Conn. - will send the info on request). Now that I'm back out in the 
woods more often, that seems impractical, and I am just monitoring how I 
feel, but still keeping the ticks (in a baggie with a wet paper towel in the 
fridge) in case I become ill and want to have them checked. 

Leslie Starr
Baltimore & Port Republic