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Rocky mountain spotted fever

Started by yukon cornelius, July 11, 2018, 02:33:05 PM

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yukon cornelius

I had been feeling bad for a while and finally broke down and got an appointment. It took a month to get in and they drew blood. They called the next day and said all was fine. I kept getting worse and could barely function. We were able to go online and read the lab results for the blood test ourselves. We saw RMSF positive HGG  H. Not knowing what that was we looked it up. It turns out it meant Rocky mountain spotted fever tested positive high numbers. We called and they had mixed me up witwithh someone else who had already had it and was treated. They immediately got me on antibiotics. I have been very sick. I have now lost 20 lbs since June 25th due to not being able to eat. I lost 9 of those from July 5th until yesterday. I am very ready to be feeling better.
It seems I am a coarse thread bolt in a world of fine threaded nuts!

Making a living with a manual mill can be done!

Magicman

I was wondering about you so thanks for the update.  Hopefully I will see you in three weeks.  8)
Knothole Sawmill, LLC     '98 Wood-Mizer LT40SuperHydraulic   WM Million BF Club Member   WM Pro Sawyer Network

It's Weird being the Same Age as Old People

Never allow your "need" to make money to exceed your "desire" to provide quality service.....The Magicman

DPatton

Hope the treatment gets you well soon.
TimberKing 1600, 30' gooseneck trailer, Chevy HD2500, Echo Chainsaw, 60" Logrite.

Work isn't so bad when you enjoy what your doing.
D & S Sawmill Services

Bruno of NH

Lt 40 wide with 38hp gas and command controls , F350 4x4 dump and lot of contracting tools

YellowHammer

I am very sorry to hear you have it. I had it, and as you are well aware it's mean.  Not to scare you, but I lost 30 lbs in a couple weeks, was paralyzed for 3 days, turned bright purple from internal bleeding under my skin (hence the name spotted fever), had other significant complications and stayed in the hostpital 10 days.  Simple Tetracycline/Doxycycline in massive IV doses cured it for me.   

Are you improving?  Have you developed the rash yet? Are you under the close care of a medical professional?  I very much hope you are and certainly will follow this closely.  I hope you get to feeling better!
YellowHammerisms:

Take steps to save steps.

If it won't roll, its not a log; it's still a tree.  Sawmills cut logs, not trees.

Kiln drying wood: When the cookies are burned, they're burned, and you can't fix them.

Sawing is fun for the first couple million boards.

Be smarter than the sawdust

thecfarm

Good luck to you. Good thing you looked at your test.
Model 6020-20hp Manual Thomas bandsaw,TC40A 4wd 40 hp New Holland tractor, 450 Norse Winch, Heatmor 400 OWB,YCC 1978-79

yukon cornelius

Thanks everyone. Well, I actually feel very dismissed by both doctors and the emergency room. They have all just sent me on the way patting the first doctor on the back for a "good diagnosis" in my opinion he diagnosed nothing . I had to fight for the care I have gotten. It is very painful, stressful and emotional. I was pretty certain i was going to die.  I am feeling stronger at times. I cannot drive because I get very confused and lost. I feel often i am going to pass out. I have a large swollen place on my left upper abdomen that looks like a deep bruise but under the muscle. It is hot and had sharp shooting pains. Headaches, body aches, fever, nausea, weakness, blurry vision, diahrea. this is nothing to mess with. 
It seems I am a coarse thread bolt in a world of fine threaded nuts!

Making a living with a manual mill can be done!

YellowHammer

You are right, this is NOTHING to mess with.  It was at one time called black measles, and had a very high death rate.  There were a couple books written about it, and the history of the disease, and the initial attempts to control it are fascinating.  

There were two of us in town that contracted the disease the year I had it, the other guy died.  These days, the mortality rate is relatively low, but the complications can be severe including major organ failure (my heart swelled up three times normal), gangrene, and other long term issues as the disease attacks pretty much everything in your body.  A quick look at Web MD will tell more than you want to know.

If you are not getting the medical care you feel you need, get it, somewhere, somehow. 
I would strongly suggest you see a doctor who knows these things in detail, and I was assigned an extremely skillful "Infectious Disease Specialist" who knew what he was doing.  

Good luck to you, please keep us posted.  
YellowHammerisms:

Take steps to save steps.

If it won't roll, its not a log; it's still a tree.  Sawmills cut logs, not trees.

Kiln drying wood: When the cookies are burned, they're burned, and you can't fix them.

Sawing is fun for the first couple million boards.

Be smarter than the sawdust

Ed_K

 Now a day you have to be aggressive when you talk with medical doctors and staff. I've had problems with medical staff not relaying information and when confronted they out right lied to upper staff saying they gave us the information needed. That's why Rita goes with me on every appointment. I may miss things because of my sickness but I know Rita won't.
Ed K

IMERC



Adamant and tenacious works better...
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish.... Here fishy fishy....

yukon cornelius

I have been back to the emergency room with severe abdominal and kidney pain and was told to" suck it up " The physician read me the description of RMSF and side effects off his phone and then asked "what do you want me to do about it? I tried to explain that I don't go to the doctor or emergency room for just anything and that I had never felt so sick before. He just shrugged and walked out. He came back asked what would make us happy so I said I want someone to check me and help me find out if I am actually ok or not. he never looked at it touched either area. He sent us on our way.

This was On Saturday. I still feel terrible and have times of feeling really terrible. But, maybe I am starting to get stronger. 

I have decided to stop going to the doctor. God will either heal me or take me home. I am ready for either. 
It seems I am a coarse thread bolt in a world of fine threaded nuts!

Making a living with a manual mill can be done!

YellowHammer

Don't give in. It's your health, pain and suffering, not his. Go find another doctor next big town over. Then go find a good lawyer.  
YellowHammerisms:

Take steps to save steps.

If it won't roll, its not a log; it's still a tree.  Sawmills cut logs, not trees.

Kiln drying wood: When the cookies are burned, they're burned, and you can't fix them.

Sawing is fun for the first couple million boards.

Be smarter than the sawdust

Magicman

I agree with YH.  You need to be making a trip to Kansas City, maybe even instead of to the Pig Roast.  Right now your health is your most important priority.
Knothole Sawmill, LLC     '98 Wood-Mizer LT40SuperHydraulic   WM Million BF Club Member   WM Pro Sawyer Network

It's Weird being the Same Age as Old People

Never allow your "need" to make money to exceed your "desire" to provide quality service.....The Magicman

gspren

YC, You are much too valuable to your family and us to give up. Find a doctor that has experience with this and try again.
Stihl 041, 044 & 261, Kubota 400 RTV, Kubota BX 2670, Ferris Zero turn

yukon cornelius

I received a name for someone who specializes in tick diseases. I am going to check into that. I have times when I feel fine but weak and then an hour later I am feeling horrible again. Going out in the heat really sets it off. God is good and will take care of me. That is certain! 
It seems I am a coarse thread bolt in a world of fine threaded nuts!

Making a living with a manual mill can be done!

YellowHammer

That's great news. Keep fighting!
YellowHammerisms:

Take steps to save steps.

If it won't roll, its not a log; it's still a tree.  Sawmills cut logs, not trees.

Kiln drying wood: When the cookies are burned, they're burned, and you can't fix them.

Sawing is fun for the first couple million boards.

Be smarter than the sawdust

doctorb

That is a positive development.  Take the time and effort and see an Infectious Disease expert.  The ER will not be a place that can help you in this instance.  Best of Luck.
My father once said, "This is my son who wanted to grow up and become a doctor.  So far, he's only become a doctor."

East ky logging

Hope you're feeling better that is some bad stuff. Sounds like several members here has had rmsf and I would like to ask their opinion on something. I had it about 35 years ago when I was 12 and it was undiagnosed until I was almost over it. I almost died with it and Finally my kidneys started shutting down and whatever they was giving me for that helped me recover.
  My question is does anyone that has had it experience severe arthritis years later. I have been getting arthritis for at least 10 years and it's almost in every joint and almost disabling. I've asked the orthopedic doctor about that he he said he hasn't heard about that happening but anything could be possible.
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty or safety- Benjamin Franklin

DPatton

Yukon, 

 Please take YH, doctorb's, and others advice to find a Dr. who specializes in this type of infection. I understand just how very frustrating it is when a person pays through the nose for treatment and isn't receiving satisfactory results. But sometimes you gotta pay up and bring in a second opinion to get adaquate treatment. It's time for that second opinion. Best of luck to you with this desease and please Keep us posted about the second opinion.
TimberKing 1600, 30' gooseneck trailer, Chevy HD2500, Echo Chainsaw, 60" Logrite.

Work isn't so bad when you enjoy what your doing.
D & S Sawmill Services

YellowHammer

East Ky, I am 53 years old and have left over side effects I sometimes attribute to the disease.  I did have mild arthritis onset at a relatively young age but I don't know if it's directly related.  I needed a hip replacement at 52.  My eyes were immediately affected, and I lost some visual acuity.  My skin burned and peeled off like a snake, which was pretty cool to see.  My immune system was whacked hard, and not right for years.  The RMSF is a really devastating disease, as evidenced by your experience.  It's like being hit by a train, but only on the inside.  

Although there are rare joint inflammatory disorders that can be triggered by RMSF, such as Adult Onset Still's Disease, (AOSD) most times severe joint pain due to tick bite is a fundamental symptom of Lyme disease, and can manifest years after being bitten.  

I would consult with an infectious disease specialist, a tick doctor, and get his thoughts and opinions.  

Ticks are nasty critters.  


YellowHammerisms:

Take steps to save steps.

If it won't roll, its not a log; it's still a tree.  Sawmills cut logs, not trees.

Kiln drying wood: When the cookies are burned, they're burned, and you can't fix them.

Sawing is fun for the first couple million boards.

Be smarter than the sawdust

yukon cornelius

I have an appointment with a highly recommended tick specialist in September. I have had a CT scan and a colonoscopy. The first doctor wants me to have exploratory surgery to find out why I have so much kidney and abdominal pain. I think not! I had a couple good days and then it was back with fury for a couple days. I went to a new doctor. She was very knowledgeable of this and I believe she is going to help me. She gave me something to get my GI tract lined out and something to help me sleep. I haven't slept much still but I was back in my feet today. She did not sugar coat it and tells me this may take a long time to get over. She said at least she could make me more comfortable while I am healing.

God is good and healing is in his hands. 

Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement. 
It seems I am a coarse thread bolt in a world of fine threaded nuts!

Making a living with a manual mill can be done!

Magicman

Thank you for the update.  My Prayers for you are for Healing Grace.
Knothole Sawmill, LLC     '98 Wood-Mizer LT40SuperHydraulic   WM Million BF Club Member   WM Pro Sawyer Network

It's Weird being the Same Age as Old People

Never allow your "need" to make money to exceed your "desire" to provide quality service.....The Magicman

YellowHammer

Good for you.  I'm glad to hear you are being pro active.  
YellowHammerisms:

Take steps to save steps.

If it won't roll, its not a log; it's still a tree.  Sawmills cut logs, not trees.

Kiln drying wood: When the cookies are burned, they're burned, and you can't fix them.

Sawing is fun for the first couple million boards.

Be smarter than the sawdust

Bruno of NH

I'm glad you found a Dr who will help you.
Prayers sent
Lt 40 wide with 38hp gas and command controls , F350 4x4 dump and lot of contracting tools

Ron Scott

Yes, a specialist in tick diseases is definitely needed.
~Ron

yukon cornelius

I was lucky enough to get my appointment moved up to yesterday morning due to a cancellation. I had had a few really good days and then ended up sick on the way home from Michigan Michigan and been sub-par ever since. This specialist was very thorough. He spent over 3 hours with me. Prior to going in he had mailed us a thick questionnaire. We went over it and checking things as we went. He thought it was clear the Doxycycline did not work. He feels it could be a Lyme disease strain along with RMSF . He drew blood for it to send for a different type of blood test. A Blot test. I had read prior that test was more reliable. He also feels i got Candida, a yeast i nfection, in my digestive system from the antibiotics. That explains the bloating and some pain. I am also being checkups heavy metals which is common in tick borne illness. I understand it makes it more difficult to expel them and they build up. He wants me to see a cardiologist because my 12 lead shows I had an inferior infarct. there is a lot of more information he gave us and told us. He has a nurse in the room taking notes through the visit because there so much covered. We get a copy of them to help us understand and remember. I am glad to get in to him. I believe he can get me back in my feet.
It seems I am a coarse thread bolt in a world of fine threaded nuts!

Making a living with a manual mill can be done!

thecfarm

Model 6020-20hp Manual Thomas bandsaw,TC40A 4wd 40 hp New Holland tractor, 450 Norse Winch, Heatmor 400 OWB,YCC 1978-79

Magicman

It was so good to read that you got to see the Dr. earlier than expected and Thank You Larry for the report.  I am looking forward to reading that you have succeeded in beating this beast.

My Prayer is for Healing Grace.
Knothole Sawmill, LLC     '98 Wood-Mizer LT40SuperHydraulic   WM Million BF Club Member   WM Pro Sawyer Network

It's Weird being the Same Age as Old People

Never allow your "need" to make money to exceed your "desire" to provide quality service.....The Magicman

Bruno of NH

I'm happy you got in with the specialist. 
I hope they find a quick diagnoses. 
Lt 40 wide with 38hp gas and command controls , F350 4x4 dump and lot of contracting tools

YellowHammer

These multiple diagnosis make a lot of sense to me.  I'm glad you got to somebody who can help. 
   
YellowHammerisms:

Take steps to save steps.

If it won't roll, its not a log; it's still a tree.  Sawmills cut logs, not trees.

Kiln drying wood: When the cookies are burned, they're burned, and you can't fix them.

Sawing is fun for the first couple million boards.

Be smarter than the sawdust

yukon cornelius

So much has happened since the last post here. I got the tick blood test back. I was positive for two masters disease. That is Missouri Lyme disease strand. Also a heat resistant strand, a biofilm  strand and one other i cannot remember. I was tested for heavy metals and I am highly toxic with lead and mercury. I start 3-6 months of IV chelation for that soon. I tested very low for testosterone so starting medication for that. I saw the cardiologist today and they are scheduling a chemical stress test. He seemed a little concerned. Also today I had blood drawn to test me for lupus.

I have had a few good days and several i could not function. For a couple weeks i was not able to dress myself or get up the stairs to the bedroom. I have bouts of horrible shuddering and tremors. I had been falling a lot and unable to get up on my own. Then it cleared up for a while. A few nights ago it came back.  I needed help getting my clothes changed and ended up in the floor. My wife got me up and then I fell of f the toilet trying to get up. I had to have help up. Since then I am getting strength back slowly. I just stumble around like I am drunk. 

This is pretty tough to handle. I have always been very self sufficient. I will get past it i know and I know God has a plan for it. 
It seems I am a coarse thread bolt in a world of fine threaded nuts!

Making a living with a manual mill can be done!

IMERC

YIKES!!!
here's pulling for you and yours....

but I gotta ask...
why the presence of heavy metals?
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish.... Here fishy fishy....

thecfarm

I sure do hope the DR, can found something that will help you out.
Model 6020-20hp Manual Thomas bandsaw,TC40A 4wd 40 hp New Holland tractor, 450 Norse Winch, Heatmor 400 OWB,YCC 1978-79

Peter Drouin

Get the rest of the family tested for the lead and mercury.
And find the source.
A&P saw Mill LLC.
45' of Wood Mizer, cutting since 1987.
License NH softwood grader.

YellowHammer

Cripes!  Heavy metal poisoning! What Peter said, you need to find the source faster than ASAP.

I'm surprised your Dr. hasn't alerted the local health department, and they start an investigation to find out how you are exposed, and if it is work related related or if you are getting exposed somewhere and somehow, elsewhere.
YellowHammerisms:

Take steps to save steps.

If it won't roll, its not a log; it's still a tree.  Sawmills cut logs, not trees.

Kiln drying wood: When the cookies are burned, they're burned, and you can't fix them.

Sawing is fun for the first couple million boards.

Be smarter than the sawdust

Magicman

It's alarming to hear/read your above reply Larry.  Our Prayers will continue for your source investigation, diagnosis, and recovery. 
Knothole Sawmill, LLC     '98 Wood-Mizer LT40SuperHydraulic   WM Million BF Club Member   WM Pro Sawyer Network

It's Weird being the Same Age as Old People

Never allow your "need" to make money to exceed your "desire" to provide quality service.....The Magicman

yukon cornelius

We are in lead country. There were several lead mines around our area. We are getting that tested. Not sure if it could come from cedar dust. I need to research that. Next is a real possibility. I have been a firefighter since 1996. Could have came from that. 

The whole family is getting tested. It is a bit scary. 

The specialist who ordered the test says that lyme disease causes my to retain metals and not eliminate them as a normal person. He has been right with everything he has suspected so far. 

For starters we installed a heavy metals filter on our faucet. We only drink and cook with filtered water. 
It seems I am a coarse thread bolt in a world of fine threaded nuts!

Making a living with a manual mill can be done!

LeeB

Chelation will clear your arteries too. 
'98 LT40HDD/Lombardini, Case 580L, Cat D4C, JD 3032 tractor, JD 5410 tractor, Husky 346, 372 and 562XP's. Stihl MS180 and MS361, 1998 and 2006 3/4 Ton 5.9 Cummins 4x4's, 1989 Dodge D100 w/ 318, and a 1966 Chevy C60 w/ dump bed.

bwstout

Sure hope all works out ok in our prayers.
home built mill

Ron Scott

Not good for sure! Hope its figured out soon. 
~Ron

Bruno of NH

Lt 40 wide with 38hp gas and command controls , F350 4x4 dump and lot of contracting tools

Lko67

Prayers to you I've been down the Lyme road. Had Lyme,Rocky mtn spotted fever and q fever. Took 3 years until it was figured out and my lyme doctor said I had 6 to 8 weeks to live. Couldn't walk 20 yards without stopping to catch my breath. Q fever was attacking my heart and lungs. You are your best advocate and know your body. Getting a good doctor is half the battle.

yukon cornelius

Update, chemical stress test came back on with only minor mitral valve insufficiency. I am still having issues. My primary physician sent me to another doctor for a consult. He sent me to a neurologist. I had a MRI on my brain today. This coming week i go see a rheumatologist. He also wants me to see an infectious disease doctor, and a urologist. I see the tick specialist towards the end of the month. I could use prayers. 
It seems I am a coarse thread bolt in a world of fine threaded nuts!

Making a living with a manual mill can be done!

Magicman

Thank You for the update Larry.  My prayer is for Healing Grace.
Knothole Sawmill, LLC     '98 Wood-Mizer LT40SuperHydraulic   WM Million BF Club Member   WM Pro Sawyer Network

It's Weird being the Same Age as Old People

Never allow your "need" to make money to exceed your "desire" to provide quality service.....The Magicman

LeeB

Been thinking about you a lot lately. My neighbor is going through the same thing. I'm pretty sure she is seeing the same specialist.
'98 LT40HDD/Lombardini, Case 580L, Cat D4C, JD 3032 tractor, JD 5410 tractor, Husky 346, 372 and 562XP's. Stihl MS180 and MS361, 1998 and 2006 3/4 Ton 5.9 Cummins 4x4's, 1989 Dodge D100 w/ 318, and a 1966 Chevy C60 w/ dump bed.

thecfarm

You're going to be busy seeing all them Doctors. :o   But something needs to be done and get some answers and get you on the feeling better list.
Model 6020-20hp Manual Thomas bandsaw,TC40A 4wd 40 hp New Holland tractor, 450 Norse Winch, Heatmor 400 OWB,YCC 1978-79

Bruno of NH

Lt 40 wide with 38hp gas and command controls , F350 4x4 dump and lot of contracting tools

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