05-24-2004, 12:32 AM
Evan Wrote:the "bulls eye" that it is known for is actually only representative of 40% of the cases. The distinguishing marks are a circular rash. The scab/scratch in the middle is when I first got it I scratched it really hard. There was a tiny black tick that I barely noticed at the center. (deer tick nymph - most common carrier of lyme)
VA along with PA and all mid-atlantic states are at the highest risk for lymes
It did take me a week to realize something is up and go to a doctor to be diagnosed, so I hope thats not too late. THe books say 36-48hrs is ideal.
Jess got bit by a tick last summer, and didn't have get the rash at all. 6 months later, she could barely open/close her hands. Diagnosis: Lyme disease. Things are better now (after a month's worth of heavy anti-biotics), but her hands/fingers still have some pain. And of course the Lyme disease didn't help her immune system with the spate of sicknesses that teachers are exposed to during the school year... Stupid fucking tick.
My two feet.