2nd time with Lyme - Lyme Disease Message Board

Lilacroad · 03-16-2005, 09:51 AM

Hi, new to this site. Need advice. Was first diagnosed with positive Lyme test in 1989. Got bit in Stony Brook, NY. Was treated with 30 days antibiotic. Fine until Fall of 2004 (was in Stony Brook again in Aug. 2004). Rheumatologist blamed my symptoms on another problem I have Cardio-lypid antibody syndrome. I said it was lyme again so she tested me. It came back positive and I took the 30 day 100 mg bid for 30 days. Now that it is over I feel no better. Going to see Dr. again. What is the suggested next course of Antibiotic? How do I can rid of these achy joints? Should I see a specialist in Lyme rather then be followed with Rheumatologist? I live in South Central PA. I also what seems like pink eye in both eyes for almost two weeks. Is it related? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
-Lilac Road

sleeperwoken · 03-16-2005, 11:07 AM

Oh, yes, you absolutely need to see an LLMD. You should be treated longer than that. Ticker will come along to tell you about doctors in your area. Hope you get an appointment soon.

Keep us posted, we will help in any way we can.

Betterdaysforme · 03-16-2005, 11:51 AM

Dear lilacroad,

Boy I think I would avoid Stony Brook! It was refreshing to hear that you have been symptom free for so long. We are all looking forward to that day. Could you have been bitten again and didn't know it? You must have treated pretty quickly after the first bite because it seems you didn't take meds for long. Lucky you! I feel you do need to find somebody at least willing to consider Lyme and Ticker will help you with that search for the right doctor. Good luck and hopefully you will be cured as quickly as before.

betterdaysforme

Lilacroad · 03-16-2005, 02:34 PM

When I was bitten the first time it was in August 1989 (I had the rash) and I was diagnosed in early January. It was so new then no one knew what the rash meant. No problems until this past Fall. I don't remember the tick bite this time. I had to have been re-bitten because I tested negative in August of 2003.

ticker · 03-16-2005, 03:45 PM

Hi Lilacroad, welcome to the board! Yes, pink eye can be a Lyme symptom.

Thirty days of treatment is not long enough for Lyme and 200 mg of Doxy a day is not strong enough. It is my understanding the recommended dose of Doxy for Lyme is 300-600 mg daily. Lyme needs continuous, aggressive treatment. Besides Lyme disease ticks can transmit several co-infections including Ehrlichiosis (HME & HGE), Babesiosis, Bartonella, and Mycoplasma. Many people who have Lyme are co-infected so it is important to be tested for these. Were you ever tested for them?

No Lyme test is completely reliable. It may be that you never eradicated the initial infection and/or you may have been reinfected. It is very important to see a Lyme knowledgeable doctor. Many doctors do not understand Lyme and treat with outdated protocols. Dr. Chandra Swami in Hermitage, PA comes very highly recommended. I hope you can get an appointment soon.

Keep us posted okay?