Lyme disease?

[Bernadine]

I was just diagnosed yesterday, so of course I'm googling.

If you had a rash, was it painful? I feel like most of what I'm reading says it shouldn't be, and my rash is definitely painful.

[whitemerlot]

I was diagnosed 13 years ago. I had to take 3 rounds of antibiotics and have had no issues at all since. After the first round, my headache and fever returned within a couple days.

The rash for me was just a bullseye rash with the tick bite in the middle. It was a bit annoying but it was on my waist and so I thought it was a mosquito bite that was getting bigger.

[shauni27]

I am so sorry you are dealing with this. I do not have Lyme but I have a number of friends who do. None of them have ever described a painful rash, ever. I would for sure ask your provider about that and make sure you get in to see a specialist.

[calamity]

Did they diagnose you from the rash alone, or did they do bloodwork?

[Bernadine]

Jun 12, 2019 7:34:31 GMT -5 calamity said:

Did they diagnose you from the rash alone, or did they do bloodwork?

Rash alone.

I'm wondering if the reason it's painful is the location- it's right in the crease between my butt and thigh, so I'm sitting on it all day.

[calamity]

I would get a second opinion and ask for blood work too. Any symptoms other than the rash?

I've had Lyme several times but never got a rash at all.

Is it just on one side? It could be shingles and that is treated more easily if you can start medication right away.

[Bernadine]

Jun 12, 2019 7:57:59 GMT -5 calamity said:

I would get a second opinion and ask for blood work too. Any symptoms other than the rash?

I've had Lyme several times but never got a rash at all.

Is it just on one side? It could be shingles and that is treated more easily if you can start medication right away.

I've noticed some fatigue, but no other symptoms.

I've had shingles- I don't think this is it.

Would I just go to another PCP for a second opinion?

[calamity]

Bernadine, another PCP or an urgent care place. I hope you can get some straight answers!

[cjcouple]

No, not at all. I was on vacation 2 summers ago and the only reason I saw the rash was because of the hotel bathroom was all mirror on one wall so it caught my eye out of the shower (It was across my abdomen). I honestly never even had any side effects. They treated me immediately upon my return with antibiotics but still ran blood work. Then more blood work after my abx course to make sure it worked.

[cjcouple]

I do want to add, my son had a "tick bite" that hurt. The tick actually buried itself under the skin but it appeared physically like a pimple or ingrown hair (it was in his scalp). I had no idea it was a tick in there until he got a rash days later. So the bite itself could hurt in that case

[cjcouple]

strawberry, yeah, they are so small and yet cause such havoc.

[maloney]

Mine itched more than it hurt

[Bernadine]

Jun 12, 2019 9:12:57 GMT -5 strawberry said:

Jun 12, 2019 8:38:50 GMT -5 cjcouple said:

I do want to add, my son had a "tick bite" that hurt. The tick actually buried itself under the skin but it appeared physically like a pimple or ingrown hair (it was in his scalp). I had no idea it was a tick in there until he got a rash days later. So the bite itself could hurt in that case

. I never even saw my tick. Also mine originally appeared like a large pimple or ingrown hair. And just like his, the pain was in the bite not the rash/bullseye. OP - I would definitely get a 2nd opinion & blood test. If it’s lyme, don’t wait on treatment. I am forever thankful that I passed out or I would probably still be suffering w/ chronic Lyme.

I've started doxycycline, so I may see how that goes for a few days. I have a follow up appointment next week.

[mountaingirl]

I have had a few bulls eyes show up before. The last one was sore and itchy. I’m assuming that the bulls eye is the rash you are speaking of?

I have never heard of someone being diagnosed as having Lyme just from the bite. Take the doxy with some heavy probiotics, it can really mess your gut up. I would get the test in a few months and go from there. Just because you reacted to the bite does not mean you have Lyme.
Good luck to you and I hope the doxy does not mess you up too much!