Pretty good Lyme disease overview

[Slider]

We bikers can't be too careful, and Lyme disease really sucks. Here's a pretty good overview. Might have to cut and paste the link...

http://www.patriotledger.com/articles/2004/07/27/life/life01.txt

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[E-Rich]

i'm glad he's out biking, i hope he changes some laws, doubtfull, but if he did that'd be cool

[MissJean]

Those damned ticks can be tiny so do a very thorough check. You can overlook them easily. I've found them on me even after I scrubbed with a loofa in the shower.

[nhiker]

i'm glad he's out biking, i hope he changes some laws, doubtfull, but if he did that'd be cool


Jeese' now this Politico crap is infecting the other strings!
What happened here?

[nhiker]

Thanks for the imfo. Slider and the warning. I had it last year and have been through the treatment. I am rigorous about avoiding it now.
Harry

[MTBME]

"Jeese' now this Politico crap is infecting the other strings!
What happened here? "

It's like a virus spreading out of control. Must be those friggin ticks!

[Slider]

I got a case last Sept, and never want to go there again.

I ALWAYS do a tick check after rides, and usually a few times during them. In my case, it was my cats that brought the little suckers to me, I think. I think my wife and I overlooked the exposure there since we only take them into the yard, while we watch over them. Since my illness, they get their Frontline dose regularly. I don't really like the stuff, but Lyme really scares me now.

I suspect the politics spillover was a mistake, by a newbie. We all make mistakes, especially anyone who votes for Bush. Sorry - couldn't resist. ;D

Slider

[mtbtom]

So... maybe this is a dumb question but how did you guys know you contracted Lyme disease? Routine test ? Symptoms?

Don't think I've ever been bit by a deer tick which is amazing given the amount of time I spend in the woods. I have pulled the larger ones off me though a few times.

[steve_b]

So... maybe this is a dumb question but how did you guys know you contracted Lyme disease? Routine test ? Symptoms?

Aches and pains in joints, (legs/knees), and a bullseye mark where the tick attached itself.

I saw the one that effected me 2 years ago by accident. I had been feeling lousy, and went to the doctor. Luckily, it was caught early on. I took antibiotics for a couple weeks, and most of the aches/pains subsided.

Also, in most cases, the big ticks you can see easily aren't the ones that carry Lyme. The small deer ticks are usually the carriers. They all suck, though.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/

[Slider]

There's a blood test that looks for antibodies, but presence of the other symptoms (fever, headache, joint pain, extreme fatigue, etc.) usually means they put you on the antibiotics before they even see the results.

The sooner the better as far as the antibiotic treatment goes. But the very potent antibiotics they use have the downside of killing pretty much everything in your system, including beneficial intestinal fauna. I take acidopholus regularly anyway, but it is especially important after treatment like that.

Slider

[Luckybikes]

Yes slider i agree with u i hate ticks i wet out once and came back and found one on my but cheeck OUCH!

[E-Rich]

yeah sorry bout that political stuff, wrong forum...