Forced retirement from riding

[BkerChuck]

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. I know of at least 3 of my friend here in Eastern PA with Lyme disease. Common factor for all of them is living in wooded areas. I agree with the sentiment of wanting to help put deer on the endangered species list. I hit one on my Buell a few years back and it sucked. Hope to hear of your speedy recovery.

 

[Burnspot]

Get well soon! Tick are a mega PITA.

My dog collects the damn things in my backyard on a regular basis...kinda forces me to overdress just to do some simple yard work...in 90+ heat.

 

[TomInPA]

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers from all, and A.J you don't disappoint. I had a consult with the neurologists this morning and the results of the spinal fluid are finally in. Lymes is in the spinal fluid and this lead to the mennengitis neuropathy that Chiefblueman suggested. That gives us a final diagnosis and treatment plan. I'll be released from the hospital today or tomorrow and will continue interveneous antibiotics at home with nursing care.

I'm blessed to have a strong network of friends, family and my wife of 34 years, as well as a supportive employer. Things will be fine, but it could be a very long recovery to get back to where riding is safe. This tick came from PA or WV. The doctors say the problem is huge this year. Be careful and if you see any of the symptoms, get help first and don't tqke no for an answer. I actually went to an urgent care center in June with fever, headache body ache and was given Cipro for an improperly diagnosed urinary tract infection. 2=days later returned with neurological symptoms numbness, and was sent to ER for CT scan. That was negative and I was released to deal with it until the symptos resurfaced 7/9.

Just got a midline cathater. I'll get discharged soon!

 

[wnyfjr]

The thing about Lymes is that the initial indication (rash, circular ring ior 'bullseye' around bite area) disappear after a short time and leave nothing to really identify it until it's almost too late. It is easily mis-diagnosed. My wife's cousin got it (he was bit while mountain biking) and it has been a very long battle for him, as it went way too long undetected. It sounds as if you will fare better, so that is good news.

 

[BikerGeek99]

Ah, man....

Lyme disease is nothing to trifle with, to say the least.

Take 'er easy, Tom, and focus on getting yourself up and aboot again.

I gotta wonder, though - after being covered in ticks after wadding up his last FJR, oface didn't contract Lyme disease. I wonder if he's a freak of nature - scratch, that; I already know the answer. Let me re-phrase that: I wonder if he is naturally immune to Lyme disease.

 

[russperry]

So sorry to hear of your troubles Tom. I'm hoping you get back to speed soon.

 

[Fred W]

I gotta wonder, though - after being covered in ticks after wadding up his last FJR, oface didn't contract Lyme disease. I wonder if he's a freak of nature - scratch, that; I already know the answer. Let me re-phrase that: I wonder if he is naturally immune to Lyme disease.

Of course, Oface was most likely covered in "Dog ticks", being the old dog that he is, not "Dear Ticks", since he's not all that dear.

Dog Ticks

(shown larger than actual)

Deer Ticks

(the males are smaller)

But it's the nymphs of the deer tick that are most troublesome. A non-engorged deer tick nymph is roughly the size of a poppy seed. Little ticks = big troubles.

 

[NightShine]

Wow. A hard road to ride, Tom, and a blessing that it wasn't harder still. Glad you're seeing the things in your life that are helping you work your way down that road...

 

[exskibum]

Get well soon, Tom. Lymes is bad stuff. I have a friend who got it some years ago without knowing it and in its advanced forms it's very disabling. A year ago, I got a bite rash with a ring around it and insisted on the Doxy treatment at the local urgent care facility, per his ominous advice. Sounds like you got a bad diagnosis early, which may have led to your current hospitalization. Hope you'll be back to riding before the season is out.

 

[Bugman]

Dude, Dude, Dude,

You will get well soon. I know this and I'm counting on it.

You are awesome. Keep your spirits up. This will pass. But its going to suck for a while.

 

[TomInPA]

Today I got back on the bike and got in some sMILES! Since this debacle began, I have gone from drooling and unable to eat food, and fought through double vision, pain, weakness and frustration with physical limits and poor coordination. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

I still have some core weakness, but have been getting a lot stronger at an ever increasing rate. Today, I hauled the winter pool cover up the hill from the shed, cut a small tree with the chainsaw, loaded boxes into the attic.. and rode the bike. There is nothing like it. I think I'll do a couple hundred miles tomorrow. The weather here is spectacular, and I'm feeling pretty good and safe on the bike. When this began, I wondered if that would ever happen.

 

[dcarver]

Tom, GREAT NEWS, my friend!

I'm so happy for you.

 

[Niehart]

Tom, GREAT NEWS, my friend! I'm so happy for you.

+1

 

[Redfish Hunter]

That is excellent news. I hope you continue to improve.

 

[majicmaker]

Whooooo Hoooooo! It's only going to get better from here. )

 

[Chiefblueman]

Tom, I don't know you, we've never met, but your good news has lifted my spirits at the end of a not so great day. Have a great ride tomorrow brother!

 

[HotRodZilla]

Glad your feeling better Tom. I was worried about you there for a bit.

 

[juniorfjr]

You are getting another chance. Great news indeed. Don't' blow it, live large.

 

[ahchiu]

Great news Tom, glad your recovery is heading in the right direction.

 

[gixxerjasen]

Great news, keep us up to date!