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There are only two places i know of that treat Lyme, GP's are extremely reluctant to even diagnose let alone treat due to pressure from the GMC
One thing op didn't mention was whether he was in a tick area and if any other ticks have been seen there. Not all farms and areas are affected would be worth asking or checking whether the animals there actually have ticks. Ticks can be tiny and get knocked off but in my experience once on they hold on tight and don't just fall off. They like to stay on for days if possible. Obviously the elbow is an exposed part and could be knocked. Generally ticks climb upwards trying to reach the neck or less easily accessible parts to avoid removal by the animal. They like the back of the neck or ears. The bite on your elbow could just be a mosquito.
When we lived in the US in 1989 the locals there too Lyme disease VERY seriously. More than one of our neighbours took the time to call in at our house and tell us about it and advise us not to let the kids play in the garden barefooted. When I was out biking in Hampshire last week I noticed quite a few Lyme warning / be aware posters around the bridleways and farm tracks
But Radioman, just where are the tick areas?
@slowoldgit
That's where local knowledge helps. If you go to a new area and are unsure ask local riders. It's wrong to assume the whole country is flooded with them . They are found in specific habitats. They can often be found in bracken and damp woods and long grass especially if deer are around. Near sheep is another one. However local knowledge is key. Where I ride I know some parts with loads but others where ticks are very rare. Take appropriate precautions in the way you dress and repellent plus where you ride.
One thing op didn't mention was whether he was in a tick area
Yes, Berkshire. We went to a deer park/petting zoo place last week, and fed deer close-up.
The bite on your elbow could just be a mosquito.
Yep, indeed. Not chancing it though - will at least do the antibiotic course
I'm not sure there are any [i]no tick areas[/i] now. Not that I'd bet my health on. There was a time when LD was assumed to be a risk only in the New Forest. A GP told me that, too bad about Northern Scotland and the places I'd worked abroad.
With ticks carried by migrating birds, small mammals, deer, and many other animals, who's to say. Even Richmond and Bushey parks, in outer London, may hold the risk...
They don't bother doing tests up our way now as it's assumed you've been previously exposed which results in a positive result anyway.
flipiddy - Member
I had undiagnosed Lyme for about 4 years. It was shit. Really really shit.In the end I went private. 1 year of antibiotics sorted it. Then I developed gut dysbiosis as a result of the crazy amounts of ABX. That was shit too (pun intended). Back to 'normal' now, it has been a long journey though and there are no cast-iron guarantees of full recovery.
flipiddy
Can you tell me what treatment you had for dysbiosis?
I'm struggling with gut and skin problems too after a long antibiotics course. I can't seem to find much reliable info on what to do about it
@flipdaddy glad you are better. It's stories like this which aggravate me when people argue we have the "best" or a even "world class" free health service