Feel unwell after tick bite

[BattenbergandLadyGreyTea]

I found a tick in my back in the shower last Sunday. Fairly engorged. I didn’t realise what it was at first and started rubbing it thinking it was garden debris.

It came away and went down the plug hole before I could stop it. I removed some more bits gently with my nail and washed the area with soap.

Ive had tick bites before so didn’t think much about it. My husband returned yesterday from a trip away and removed a leg sticking out. The bite area is sore but no rash.

This morning I woke up with muscle ache, nausea, headache and felt very tired. Saw a gp and had a blood test today. I had a mild temperature at the surgery. GP prescribed antibiotics even though the blood tests aren’t back. She said I could stop the antibiotics if the result is negative.

I haven’t started the antibiotics yet. I feel I should just take them and finish the course even if it’s not Lyme.

During the summer, I had 2 tick bites, both had the bull’s eye ring after a few days. I had the antibiotics and was tempted not to take them (having just finished antibiotics for something unrelated. But after reading about Lyme’s I decided to take them! It’s a really nasty disease, not to be trifled with.

as someone in a similar situation a few years ago- I would take the antibiotics and finish the course. Lyme is serious.
It can take 6+ weeks to show in a blood test And even then it’s unreliable.
If caught early then it’s treatable.
the fact you have some symptoms of it also would suggest you should definitely finish the course of antibiotics- even if bloods are negative and then monitor yourself very carefully for any further signs.

From those who I know who had it, you'd know!

I also get bitten several times a year, I now spray with Incognito spray, which seems to help, and trued the Pestecs bands this year, when I garden, also seemed to help.

So there’s your answer from a qualified doctor. Why would unqualified randoms know better?

I have read the Guardian article and I am now worried that I may have inadvertently let my ds down as never considered testing him after a tick bite years ago and we are often in the parks with deer.
He now has neurological symptoms that suddenly got worse after he contracted COVID in the pandemic and continue getting worse ☹️

Does anyone know how to go about testing via the German lab - or any other comprehensive testing? The article has a link but it appears to be directed at health professionals - after all I can't just draw the blood myself and send it off.

Can anyone suggest please where to start?

What anti biotic did they prescribe? The blood test can often be inconclusive. Personally give ln the symptoms you have described I strongly feel you should finish that course Of antibiotics.

ive had Lyme

They are doxycycline.

Or just follow the advice from the doctor … which is what she was told.

As I said upthread, I’m taking the full course even if the blood tests come back negative.

If it ruptured inside you then I would take them if it was me. Lyme can be life long. And the NHS often gives false negatives. Do your own research on this but I've heard it many times and most people I know with Lyme had to get a private test done.

I had a nasty tick bite over the Summer and became unwell. I took the 3 weeks of doxycycline to start breaking the toxins down. My GP didn’t bother with a blood test as I had classic symptoms and you need to start it as quickly as possible. I had 3 weeks of nausea on the tablets, but better than getting full blown Lymes.

@citygirl77 thanks hope you’re feeling better now.

Did you avoid dairy when taking doxycycline? Unsure whether to have tea with milk soon after taking pill in the morning.

100% for completing the doxycycline course, have had to do this a few times over last 30 years. Knowing a couple of people who have needed later treatment just didn't take risks. I'd always be alert for a thrush outbreak after the course even if you are not normally prone, as this took me 6 months to clear after the strong antibiotics last time. If it gets a hold can be a bugger to clear.