[SCA-AE] Lyme

[rdstraw54 at windstream.net]

"If anyone got bitten by a tick or noticed a rash, it would probably be a good idea for them to be checked out by their health care 
provider."

I cannot stress strongly enough that this recommendation is a good one. I have a friend who is basically terminal with Lyme and 
the co-infections that often accompany it.  According to his research, the usual tests are only effective in the first 3 weeks or so 
of the infection. After that, the phage hides in the bone marrow.

72 hours is absolutely not required for infection either, neither is the area being a "hotbed" of Lyme. My friend removed his tick 
by a poor choice of method which resulted in the tick regurgitating it's entire gut load into him.  May not be much, but he will 
never be off antibiotics, has neurological damage from co-infecctions, and is now disabled and home-bound except for doctors' 
appointments and maybe church.

Because he did not get checked at the time of his tick bite, it took years to get an accurate diagnosis after the effects of the 
disease and co-infections finally showed up. The insurance companies do not seem to like to pay for the only accurate test 
($1000) once full blown symptoms show up.  Even Cleveland Clinic failed to properly diagnose his condition.

Please take the time to get checked if you even suspect.  My friend used to love going to Pennsics. Now it's an impossibility.

Lady Meirionfa of House Drunken Badger