Some advice

Hello everyone,

I had an exposure to a tick on May 5, 2012 while I was walking my dog in a wooded area. On that date I checked my self found nothing on my body but the dog had 3 and my gf had one.

Two days Tuesday May 8, 2012 I was putting my hadn through my hair and found a tick. I have very thick hair and I am not even sure if he was attached or just stuck in my hair. I had people check my scalp after the tick was removed and there was not visible rash or infections.

The next day I called my Dr to get antibotics just to be safe. The Dr did not see my but just RX'ed 100mg of doxy 14 days suppy which I began taking. That Friday May 12 I started getting a dull headache that went away by late Sunday. I continued taking the doxy 100mg a day until May 14 when I went on vacation and forgot the pills at home. I got back on Sat May 19 and starting taking them again. That same day another headache came on.

I would describe it as dull and I feel foggy. Can anyone give me an recommendations on what I should do next? I am not sure that I was even infected by I have never in my life had headaches and these past two have been endless. Please help..

Eric

Hi fredd1lb - welcome to the forum! Lyme disease can be a bit tricky, but luckily you caught the possibility of it in time!

Just a few thoughts...100 mg of doxycycline is bacteriostatic - meaning it will stop the bacteria from reproducing, but it doesn't actively kill it. Most ILADS doctors agree nowadays that higher doses for longer durations are a much better bet. I would suggest seeing a LLMD, that way you can nip this issue in the bud if it's going to be problematic.

The headaches you've been experiencing could be a side effect, or they could be the result of a herx/die-off reaction. I'd suggest taking a look at the "New to Lyme" thread, if you haven't already - it explains a lot there, and there are also suggestions for detoxing (such as the epsom salt baths) which can help with herx symptoms.

That you caught this early is good, just be extra mindful of any symptoms you might experience as they can be clues if this gets any more complicated. Good luck!