Hello,
I am new to the forum. My three year old son was bitten by a tick a week ago. The tick was embedded for anywhere from 30-48 hours, I'm not sure exactly when he picked it up. The tick was sent to the lab and tested positive for carrying lyme.
So far my son shows no symptoms. I am getting very vague info from my pediatrician. They say there are differing views within their own practice, but my pedi says don't give antibiotics until there are symptoms. She thinks treatment would be equally effective weeks or months or even a year from now. This doesn't seem to be in keeping with what I know for adults. But, I am having a lot of trouble finding an answer about whether to treat my young son with antibiotics before he has symptoms, knowing that the tick was carrying lyme.
Is there a critical time-period in which antibiotics would help? Will I miss my chance if I wait? Is it better to give possibly unnecessary antibiotics than to risk lyme going untreated?
I would appreciate any info you can offer.
Thank you,
Vanessa

Hi Vanessa
the only thing I know about Lyme disease is the sooner one treats the better in terms of future problems. Many people are suffering because of belated treatment

it may be wise to get a 2nd opinion from a specialist in vector borne diseases

Here's a link (from the sticky above) that might help you with some answers to your questions.

http://www.canlyme.com/

I guess the biggest question right now is does your son have a rash or the bullseye? Those are two identifiers that she may very well have Lyme.

I agree with Chemar, the sooner the treatment begins, the better.

The sticky above has lots of information. I hope you get some answers quickly.

IF THE TICK TESTED POSITIVE THE SOONER TREATMENT STARTS THE LESS DAMAGE THE DISEASE CAN DO TO THE BODY.ops caps sorry but when i hear story's like this it floors me... bleeeeeep doctors!...SOUNDS AS IF YOUR CHILD DOCTOR is not Lyme Educated. Find ANOTHER DOCTOR S.A.P,THAT HAS TREATED LYME. Medication should have started as soon as the test came back positive. Doctor such as this only add to people suffering and the problems Lyme Survivors deal with daily. Look up FDA guidelines for treatment, and hand him a copy. Its to late once the signs set in, some may improve with treatment, but many never recover to their full selfs.
here some links to help you out:

http://www.tickedoffandfedup.com

http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/

http://www.lyme.org/

they all are filled with lots of helpful information.

also Brochures

Below are brochures recently published by the International Lyme And Associated Diseases Society.
These may be read online, or downloaded and printed.
http://www.ilads.org/brochures.html

Hi Vanessa,

I can hear the concern and frustration in your post. Illness is hard when its us, but when it effects the lil ones it is just so nerve wracking!

My family, including myself have had a lot of experience with lyme.
5 of us have had it. I am on my 3 treatment plan.

If it helps you at all, my sister and her 2 small children all tested positive a few years ago. The children were put on meds that same day. Sooner truly is better. They have all recovered nicely

I too suggest you see a new doctor. I was bitten 3 weeks ago, and had a blistery rash. My doctor didn't even wait for the test results, he started me on meds right away.

I hope you find the answers and help you are looking for. Nikki