Lyme Disease?? What does a bite look like?

[worried1234]

For two years now I have suffered from so many of these symptoms mentioned and doctor's have disregarded my concerns as too much stress. I have had terrible anxiety, constantly wondering if it could be HIV, but I have never had anything close to a questionable encounter. I have had this bump within my ear that appeared close to the time my initial anxiety began occuring and ever since symptoms seem to be worsening. The bump has three black dots, it almost looks like some kind of spider bite or something, definitely a bug bite. I have never asked a doctor what it was because I never really looked into Lyme Disease. Now that I have read up on it I'm actually mildly relieved to quite possibly know what I am dealing with after all of this time. Does this bite sound like one that a lyme disease carrier could have left, and why would it still be around two years later? Any insight would be much appreciated, thanks alot.

[TINUVIEL]

Hi,

I have not heard of a tick bite producing a bump such as you described. Sometimes an infected tick will produce an Erythema Migrans, or Lyme rash which does NOT always take on a bullseye form, it may be a line, a blotch, resemble a bruise, may or may not be raised, feel heated, or itch, could be very large or small, or could produce multiple rashes. More than 50% of people with Lyme NEVER get a rash and many do not even recall a tick bite.

If you suspect Lyme your best bet is to be evaluated by a Lyme literate physician. There is no test which can absolutely rule out Lyme, but the best testing available is the Western Blot done through Igenex Labs in Palo Alto, CA. In addition to Lyme, ticks can carry several co-infections and many people with Lyme also have one or more co-infections. It is important to test and treat for these as this is vital to successfully treating the Lyme.

Below is the list of symptoms that another board member, Ticker, often posts. Keep in mind that you can have any or all of these symptoms:

Unexplained fevers, sweats, chills, or flushing
Unexplained weight change--loss or gain
Fatigue, tiredness, poor stamina
Unexplained hair loss
Swollen glands
Sore throat
Testicular pain/pelvic pain
Unexplained menstrual irregularity
Unexplained milk production: breast pain
Irritable bladder or bladder dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction or loss of libido
Upset stomach
Change in bowel function-constipation, diarrhea
Chest pain or rib soreness
Shortness of breath, cough
Heart palpitations, pulse skips, heart block
Any history of a heart murmur or valve prolapse?
Joint pain or swelling
Stiffness of the joints, neck, or back
Muscle pain or cramps
Twitching of the face or other muscles
Headache
Neck creeks and cracks, neck stiffness, neck pain
Tingling, numbness, burning or stabbing sensations, shooting pains
Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy)
Eyes/Vision: double, blurry, increased floaters, light sensitivity
Ears/Hearing: buzzing, ringing, ear pain, sound sensitivity
lncreased motion sickness, vertigo, poor balance
Lightheadedness, wooziness
Tremor
Confusion, difficulty in thinking
Difficulty with concentration, reading
Forgetfulness, poor short term memory
Disorientation: getting lost, going to wrong places
Difficulty with speech or writing
Mood swings, irritability, depression
Disturbed sleep-too much, too little, early awakening
Exaggerated symptoms or worse hangover from alcohol

Hope this information is of some help to you. Take care.

[ticker]

Hi worried1234, welcome to the board!

TINUVIEL gave good advice.

People are often bitten by ticks without knowing it. They are tiny and inject a numbing agent so you cannot feel them on you. I believe that PA has the third highest number of Lyme cases in the country.

When Lyme is possible, it is very important to see a knowledgeable doctor. No test is completely reliable, and results can vary by lab. Many doctors follow outdated treatment protocols. If you would like a doctor recommendation, let us know.