How do you know Lyme is gone

My 4 year old son was diagnosed with Lyme disease 10 days ago. Here's a quick history: 12 days ago he had a swollen bug bite (we never did see a tick or anything), 11 days ago the swelling went down and a bull's eye rash appeared. 10 days ago the rash had faded (but was still there) and we took him to the doctor. Doctor diagnosed Lyme based on the rash and prescribed Amoxicillin. He originally prescribed for 7 days but has now extended it to 21 days.

I've done some reading and it sounds like the 21 days may not be enough and should be more like 6 weeks. Also, he's only getting 30mg/kg and not the 50mg/kg I read about. Since I've already asked the doctor once for an extension, I'm hesitant to go back and ask for more.

Is there any way to know that the antibiotics worked and the Lyme bacteria is gone? Within 2 days of taking the antibiotics, the rash was completely gone and he hasn't had any other symptoms since then. From appearances it looks like he's ok but from reading it sounds like Lyme can hide and appear months or years later.

What are your thoughts? Should I ask for an additional 3 weeks of antibiotics (and risk appearing overreactive and potentially offending the doctor for second guessing the prescription a second time)? Assume the Lyme is gone once he's off the antibiotics, monitor very closely for other symptoms and follow up with doctor keeping in mind the previous Lyme diagnosis?

Is it possible that this wasn't even Lyme in the first place since the rash was only there for such a short time?

Personally, I would get back to the doctor and insist on a higher dosage of abx, and insist that it be for the full 6 weeks. One thing I know for sure is that no one should have to risk ending up with a chronic infection simply because a doctor didn't want to give the right amount of abx for the proper amount of time.

Dr. Charles Jones is a pediatrician that treats children who have Lyme and other tick-borne infections. I believe that you would do well to do some reading on his site as well: (www.drjoneskids.com/)

You may want to consider printing out and taking a copy of either the recommended dosages for children that have Lyme disease with you to see your doctor. Dr. Jones has it on his site or you can go to our "New to Lyme?" thread and find a link for Dr. Joseph Burrascano's paper, "Advanced Topics in Lyme Disease" for that info - and a whole lot more!

Please understand, you have one chance and one chance only to kill it before it spreads to deep tissues of the whole body!!! Which means treatment for years and tens of thousands of dollars.

Please take the Charles Jones website advice. It will save you a lot of family pain down the road.

Do take the info to his pediatrician and Demand, don't ask, demand the right drug, dose and time according to what knowledgeable experienced providers are using. If he she is unwilling, ask for a referral. Or better yet, find an LLMD. Lyme Literate MD. Your son is worth every penny!!!

My seven year old son has congenital Lyme, he was born with it. It's just a matter of time when he will start expressing symptoms. Believe me, you don't want to have deal with this!!!

My prayers to you and your whole family,
Lisa