I don't even have to go outside. They crawl off my husband's clothes and bite me. I'm talking about ticks. Before we moved to the Midwest, a neighbor who had lived here warned me about them. Growing up in Florida and at that time, living in the Atlanta, I could not imagine those little bugs that bit dogs getting on humans. Oh, boy, did I learn!
I am currently recovering from my third bout of Lyme disease. I thought I might have the Swine Flu since we had been traveling in Texas. But I would have been over that by now. The doctor said I tested negative for all types of influenza. Of course, the Lyme test was negative too but I recognize the symptoms. Chills and fever that rises and then falls and rises again. Terrible joint pain. The other times, I had the "Bullseye" rash at the bite site but the tests were negative. The doctor treated me for Lyme since I had the rash and symptoms. I understand that 40% of the victims don't test positive. Others never have the rash. It actually looks like ringworm. Husband tested positive in 1992 but he never had the rash.
The doctor put me on the standard treatment. Doxycycline, for 28 days. I haven't had the fevers now for about 72 hours but still very shakey and weak. Extreme fatique is also a major symptom.
Since the disease incubates for weeks, it is difficult to know just when I was bitten. I know everytime we go back to the farm, I get some on me. As soon as I discover them, I remove them, but they know how to hide.
Thought I should post about it just in case someone out there might recognize the symptoms. For some reason, some doctors are reluctant to diagnose and treat Lyme disease.
Tags: Ticks Lyme Disease Illness
