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Newly diagnosed thru PCP - LLMD in MD?

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Posted 12/28/2015 3:58 PM (GMT -5)
Hi. I'm newly diagnosed with Lyme on the Eastern Shore of MD. I actually went to the doctor after presenting paralysis/numbness in my face, which was localized to my bottom lip and chin. This had gone on for about 4 weeks and I had convinced myself it was something serious. My PCP opted to throw in a Lyme test when he sent me for bloodwork. Much to my surprise, he called and said my IGM came back positive - but I kinda blanked out when he discussed the rest of the stuff.

I have been prescribed 100mg of Doxycycline twice a day. It's been about 5 days and I'm not really noticing any relief to my symptoms. Aside from the facial numbness, I experience extreme fatigue, raging headaches, and severe joint pain in my hips.

Is it wise to just stay the course with the 21 days of antibiotics, or would many suggest seeking out a specialist? If so, does can anyone recommend one via email? Everything I read is rather frightening.

Thanks!
Posted 12/28/2015 4:02 PM (GMT -5)
Definitely a LLMD. Doxy only works if you were bit just recently (like in the last few weeks). But it sounds like this has been going on awhile.
Posted 12/28/2015 4:05 PM (GMT -5)
Based on my PCP, he believes I would have been bit within 6 weeks of testing positive, which would have been about 2 weeks prior to the onset of my face feeling odd. (Basically 2 weeks before Thanksgiving.) I never saw a tick, nor did I ever have a rash that I was aware of, so I only have what he shared to go by...
Posted 12/28/2015 4:10 PM (GMT -5)
I never had rash or tick bite that I saw either. Suddenly started getting sick in April ( numbness that spread, buzzing inside, cognitive stuff). Thinking back I may have gotten bit 5 years prior but didn't really have major symptoms.
Posted 12/28/2015 6:18 PM (GMT -5)
Hi ROXY21601 - welcome to our community.

Your dose of doxy is too low.
Many LLMD's do prescribe doxy - even in chronic Lyme cases, but it's 200mg twice daily.
Sometimes initially 100 mg twice daily is prescribed, but after a few weeks, it should be increased to 200mg twice daily.

21 days is not long enough - you need to continue treatment until symptom free plus 4-8 weeks after. (Per Dr. Burrasacano's guidelines)

So, yes, please make an appt, with a LLMD.

Since you are new here, it would be a good idea for you to read the "New To Lyme...Start Here!" thread at the top of the page. It's full of great information - symptom lists, info on probiotics, detoxing ideas...and more.
Posted 12/28/2015 6:39 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you. I did review much of the New to Lyme info. I've already ordered essential oils, etc for detoxification. I appreciate the feedback and will reach out to my community re: locating an LLMD. I thought my Doxy dosage seemed super low after spending a few hours sifting through various threads.
Posted 12/28/2015 6:44 PM (GMT -5)
Here's a link to a website with detox ideas:

www.tiredoflyme.com/detox-methods.html
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