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Good news/bad news: The good news is that living in CT, your friend has a better chance of finding a doctor who has a clue and can hopefully (appropriately) rule out these vector-borne nasties. The bad news is that living in CT, your friend has a better chance of being infected with the classic L/E/B (Lyme, Ehrlichiosis/Babesiosis) "Stump the Doctor" symptoms that can be devastating.
I grew up in Dutchess County, and everyone who lives on that road (I was born in CT, so I'm right on the NY/CT border - when I'm there, that is) has suffered serious illness from tick-borne infection - some requiring surgery, some bedridden, one nearly died (Mom). Prior to her final diagnosis (She's been infected with all three) that nearly cost her her life, she was one of those "mystery" symptom patients - that the doctors eventually took seriously after her 4th heart attack (she's not supposed to have these - she's fit, has an indecently healthy diet, is agile and mobile for her age, but the heart attacks are only one of her many problems.
At present time, both my brother and uncle are being evaluated for long-term undiagnosed Lyme,etc., as they (we) all have what I've come to recognize as the most significant clue for these diseases - physician confusion. This is followed by delay, frustration, and a multitude of "there's nothing wrong, all your tests came back negative." Another key that it could be the tick's fault, not "all in your head" - another favorite explanation.
Having lived in the epicenter of the infestation of these diseases - sadly before anyone was aware how seriously to take it (strike that - it's still a taboo/invisible problem for some reason that consensus seems to just want to say, "not my problem", and the answer "I don't know" from one's doctor is license for him/her to drop the issue/investigation/treatment or capacity to perhaps pick up a journal or two.
Luckily, my brother and uncle live in states where this problem is at least recognized, and sometimes taken seriously. I, unfortunately, do not - and the mention of Lyme disease is met with a subtle frown, loss of eye contact, shaking of head, all of which translates as writing the suggestion off.
The bulls-eye rash as a requirement for diagnosis is nothing short of bull. My mother never had one, and the one tick I was "fortunate" enough to find - unfortunately engorged, though, was on my scalp. Having thick dark hair, what's the likelihood of my noticing a bulls-eye?
Sorry for the diatribe, but having seen my mother nearly die, have years of subsequent, serious health problems, half my family members (those who ever spent time at/near our house) as well as the few but unilaterally compromised neighbors - I get scared when I hear someone describe "mystery symptoms" in someone who resides in epidemic (and worse) areas.
Mice, not deer, are the more dangerous host... how often do you find deer droppings in your silverware drawer or have your cat present you with a "gift" of half a doe under your comforter.... Deer don't nest in your basement or creep around your cupboards. Ticks have a 2 year cycle - winter isn't tick-proof.
I hope your friend is okay - and I hope beyond hope that his doctors figure out what's wrong - and that it is anything but infection from a tick.
Obviously, my opinions are just that - but I've come to have them from years of historical eye-witness data and experience that is very different with the aid of hindsight, as well as dogged, mind-numbing amounts of research initially begun to help my mother live, but offered me a sense of what a pesky quagmire these vector-borne devils are and how insane the divergent experts and studies are... I would bet my right arm that the notion of untreated infection is not curable. Period. "Your Lyme test is negative today, Mrs. _____, so your debilitating symptoms are not my concern. I'm sure you're just over-stressed, you've GOT to stop having those heart attacks - you're bringing them on yourself.... I know you've been admitted to the ICU and ED many times, but really, there's nothing wrong with you - certainly not L/E/B - you tested negative this time! Why don't I give you an anti-anxiety... that will help you take "control" of your physical symptoms very well."
I can only wonder the number of people who've been saddled with psychological diagnoses, cardiac disease, neurological disorders, myriad arthritic diseases, pain, what have you ---- yet those darn, persnickety "mystery symptoms" that come and go (which is not playing by the medical book rules, and therefore _wrong_ or psychosomatic... when the massive study, attention, research and acknowledgment of this debilitating epidemic should have been a champion cause of alert doctors... maybe it wouldn't be getting exponentially worse and exponentially invisible.
It ruins one's ability to enjoy the tickle of grass under bare feet. Or picking daffodils. Or teaching your daughter to fish. Or seeing some deer or a mouse and cringing reflexively.
I know people are tiring of my adamant rants on this, but in my view, it's no different that playgrounds and schools full of fluffy asbestos and poisons that we love having our children romp around on and play, only to have mystified doctors develop a "vaccine" or standard of care that is neither curative or helpful but a temporary masking of greater problems - and they know it.
I probably shouldn't post this, but - having just looked at my macro images of the tick I removed from my mother's shoulder recently (that her Infectious Disease doctor informed her was NOT a deer tick - while not telling her what sort of tick it WAS, then) and comparing my magnified images to every single image I can find - there is only one tick this monster could be, unless it's one of those "unidentified" ticks that look exactly like deer ticks but - even though they're identical and live in epidemic regions, are somehow not a threat... I feel like the Fugitive or something.... it's insane!
A doctor should never dismiss a tick in Duchess County, The Hudson Valley, Western CT, Eastern NY, actually any tick within the cluster of states in the northeast. If the tick is identical to a deer tick, is fully attached and found on someone who lives at Ground Zero of this plague - its a big deal. So I'm a little irritated. I'd be happy to post my close-up of this monster if any entomologists (or bug enthusiasts) want to take a crack at identifying it (sans microscope, I know... I know....)
Please just ask your friend if tick-borne disease has been thoroughly (and adequately) ruled out. For his sake, I sure hope so.....
please accept my apologies. The whole issue and what it's done to my family is extremely frustrating.
Take care.
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