MY PERSONAL JOURNEY WITH ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER (RMSF)
@terminallyill presents.......
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER
WHAT IS ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER (RMSF) ?
Let's get to the question of the hour. What is RMSF?. Simply put, RMSF is an infectious bacterial disease spread through the bite of a tick, typically the American Dog Tick, that has been recognized as a threat since around 1920. Despite the misleading name, this disease can be found across the United States, Central America, Canada and other places. Diagnosis is more common in areas of the United States such as the midwest (Missouri) and southern US (North Carolina). RMSF is highly treatable is caught in the first week or two and becomes significantly less treatable as it has time to grow and infect more of the host's body. If left untreated this disease can prove to be fatal or cause permanent damage to the host.
This disease is a member of the rickettsia fever group, a combination of other forms of spotted fevers caused by the rickettsia bacteria. Of the group of four, RMSF is the most severe and threatening, despite the fact that they all share similar symptoms. As stated, this disease is spread through the bite of a tick, which typically needs to be latched on its host for 6 to 8 hours before the disease can be transferred. Once the disease has spread to the host, RMSF typically has an incubation period of as little as 24 hours and up to a few days or more. Once it has incubated, the host will typically begin show signs of contracting the illness.
I personally had no idea what RMSF was until I was diagnosed with it, which is why I am so adamant on writing this post and sharing it with the community. I, like many others, have heard and become familiar with the cousin of RMSF, Lyme Disease. I personally watched it destroy a family member who was once very active and in reasonable health. When I received the phone call that I was to begin taking Doxy-Cycline immediately, I of course had to ask why. Then I was advised of my condition and what they knew at the time, which is that I had RMSF. I was told my blood was going out for further testing.
What I can say about RMSF is that I do not wish it on anybody, not even my worst enemy. One thing that is interesting however is that I am going to be seeing a series of disease specialists. This news came in today actually, that I will be seeing people who study this stuff for the CDC and other organizations because I am lucky enough to have gotten what doctors believe is an evolved form of the disease. Typically, symptoms occur within a few days, but judging by my blood palette testing, I have had this disease for over a year, untreated and completely unaware of it's existence. The doctor I spoke to on the phone said that this, among other factors, makes me a medical anomaly. So I guess I am going to be a guinea pig for the medical field to some extent. Maybe my body carries some natural defense that prolonged it's incubation or spreading in my body, maybe I have an incredibly dormant variation of the disease, I have no idea. I just know I hate this shit and cannot wait for it to be over. You'll understand why in just a few minutes.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF RMSF
RMSF can become difficult to diagnose in early stages because the symptoms of RMSF are very similar to several other illnesses in the known world. The most common symptoms of having RMSF are fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, stomach pain, lack of appetite and a rash. With such symptoms, RMSF is often confused with the flu or other more frequent illnesses, making it not identifiable until later stages when the rash begins. Typically, the host will receive a fever before anything else, which is either in combination with other symptoms or with other symptoms following after.
The most typical visual symptom of RMSF is the infamous spotted rash, pictured above. This rash can come in several variations of shapes and sized, color and density, but one factor remains the same, the spotted design of the rash. In most cases the rash will begin on the ankles or the wrists and not necessarily where the infection was brought into the body (the site of the tick bite). The rash is a sign that the disease is progressing into further stages and typically follows a few days after the fever begins. If left untreated, the rash will spread from the above mentioned areas to the rest of the body, covering the entirety of the host's body if left untreated.
In the later stages of the disease, the host can receive irreversible neurological damage, mental disability, hearing loss or partial deafness, full or partial paralysis, nerve damage, blood vessel damage resulting in amputations and even death. These symptoms typically indicate that the disease has hit it's peak and is no longer able to be treated. In most cases, damage can not be undone, only prolonged. It is important to have this disease diagnosed before it reaches the final stages, otherwise your life or quality of life could be at risk.
For whatever reason my higher power deemed it necessary, it would seem I have an evolved form of this illness or the immune system of a demi-god. In my personal experience, the RMSF had displayed minimal symptoms at first, or at least to my knowledge. Being I have always had headaches and issues with my appetite, I may have displayed symptoms and was completely unaware. I did not suffer from fevers the way that people typically do, but I have had battles with extreme fatigue and changes in mood and such, which the doctors said comes with the territory. Here comes the real kicker though.
I personally did not receive the rash that this disease displays until what the doctor estimated to be at least a year from contraction. Typically, the rash is one of the first symptoms to appear, within a few days of contraction from a tick bite. I also am suffering from some form of (topical?)nerve damage, as my hands are continuously going in and out of numbness, day in and day out, for the past 10 days or so. The worst of it is that my left leg, where the bite was (on my ankle), has taken the brunt of the damage. I have lost feeling in over 80% of my left foot, over 80% of the feeling in my left ankle and the issue is travelling up my leg, with 1/3 of my lower left leg being numb as well. This has caused difficulty in walking and performing regular tasks, from taking care of my child to working.
The crazy thing is that I have witnessed this thing spread. It had began about a month ago, maybe a little more, with a small patch maybe 5" x 5" on the top left of my left foot stretching up to my anklebone being numb and not having any feeling. I was freaked out after it didn't go away for a few days and went to what is called Urgent Care, where I had advised them I had a tick bite on my ankle that swelled up a while ago and one not too long ago that I didn't believe was in there too long. They told me I was over-reacting and sent me out. Go figure!
A couple weeks later, it had gotten significantly worse, spreading to the bulk of my foot and working up my ankle into my leg. What really had caught my attention was the fact my left hand was experiencing off and on numbness, namely in my fingers. That is what prompted me to go to the Emergency Room. In the ER, doctors had taken blood samples after inspecting my leg and foot, acknowledging the issues with my nerves but saying I probably had a general rash and topical cream would clear it up as well as the numbness. Well, it did not, and the issues had gotten worse. I was about to make the decision to go back to the ER when I received a call from them, which led to my diagnosis and beginning of treatment. So, needless to say, my experience has not been pleasant, nor has it been the "norm" in terms of RMSF.
RMSF PREVENTION AND INFORMATION
The most important thing to do in order to prevent contraction of this disease, as well as others of relation, is to use repellent that will deter ticks from biting you, other members of your household and your pets. Typical bug spray from the store can prove to be useful, however, in Sporting Goods stores or sections, you can expect to find higher rated sprays for the purpose of protection campers, travelers and more. Be diligent in applying these sprays per the instructions on the packaging, also spraying your clothing, namely access areas such as shoes, pant legs, waistlines and shirt sleeves with additional repellent. This is the first and most important thing you can do.
Spraying your home and property regularly during warm seasons is another great way to not only remove ticks, but keep them from biting anyone or anything on your property. Some other methods include the purchasing and keeping of animals that prey on ticks such as Guineas and other poultry. Spraying your perimeter, especially near wooded areas, is probably the wisest decision in treating your home, followed by other measure, as I can assure you, ticks are a serious threat.
Some more tips are found on the pictures in this article. Feel free to click on them to be directed to their original site for further information.
In the event you, a pet or a loved one are bitten by a tick, please follow the instructions in the photo below for safe and efficient removal. After removal, treat the site accordingly and properly as well as keep a close eye on it. As always, if something doesn't look or feel right, do not waste time or risk it, go to the local Emergency Room or doctor to seek medical attention and have tests done. It is better to be safe than be sorry!
First off, let me stress the importance of prevention and education when it comes to tick borne diseases. I myself have always been one of those live life to the fullest and brush everything off types of people. I never really payed attention to insects, let alone ticks, unless I was bitten, at which point I would simply pull them off and kill them. I also never really did much in terms of prevention. I never sprayed myself with bug spray, I never sprayed my property, I honestly took no preventative measures. This was an incredible mistake on my behalf, just learn from my example.
I strongly encourage anyone bitten by a tick to not only remove it properly, but take measures to kill any that may be in your area. Keep a good eye on the bite area and how you feel physically. the slightest thing could be a sign or symptom. I myself confused the symptoms with other medical issues (headache, stomach pain) and confused the muscle pain and fatigue with working, etc. Due to my ignorance to the situation at hand, I contracted this disease some time ago and let it develop into further stages, causing what will likely be permanent damage to my body. It will take a great deal of getting used to, but such is life. The point is, you do not have to suffer this kind of fate, and you shouldn't. Do what you need to do to not only learn about the carriers and the disease, but your own body so you can catch symptoms early.
Below will be the link to the CDC which contains a tremendous amount of information. A plethora of further information can be found online or by asking your doctor. One thing is for sure, it is your duty to protect yourself, your loved ones and if you have them, your children. RMSF, Lymes and others CAN be fatal and/or cause many life changing complications. The more you know, the more you grow, so learn what you can and stay ahead of the pack!
VISIT THE CDC WEBSITE ON RMSF BY CLICKING HERE
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That's some pretty scary stuff in my opinion. Sorry to hear you're going through that. Another example of why I wouldn't want to live with pets, I've found the majority of infectious disease comes from animals, so.. In addition to my belief that animals should just live free, now this is another reminder of why living with an animal could be the last thing you ever do. Or rather, the.. Cause of your life ending, or your loved ones as well.
If I ever had kids I pondered having pets cause they can help children learn, though.. I don't think it's worth the risk really. They can learn about companionship with other humans.
Hope you heal up good! And thanks for sharing this with the community, hopefully it helps educate others as well to the potential risks.
I appreciate it @apolymask. Oddly, it wasn't the pets that provided the tick that got me, it was me tromping around unprotected while working and not giving a damn about preventative measures LOL. Such is life when you walk around thinking you are Conan The Barbarian haha.
I have NEVER had issues with pets as far as illnesses or anything of the sort. If you take care of them and provide them the proper diet, medical care, etc., then you honestly have nothing to worry about. I can understand the deterrence in owning one, but personally, I couldn't see living a day without a canine companion or one of my lizards.
I do firmly believe that companionship with animals is something that every child should experience. It not only teaches them about companionship, but can teach responsibility, compassion, understanding, respect and most importantly, what unconditional love is. The unconditional love part I feel is most important because that is something you will NEVER find with any human being unless it is your parent, and even then for some, it can be an iffy situation. I/E, hypothetically, you say something mean to a person or yell at them, chances are depending on what you say, they may come to resent, dislike or even hate you. Now, say the same thing to a dog. They may be upset (because they do feel emotion just like humans) but they will love you unconditionally and always be there for you as a companion and member of your family. Just my two cents on that one.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and take in some of the information. I feel it is important for people to know this stuff. Maybe my example can help someone else because honestly, I do not wish this on anyone. Thank you for the well wishes and support my friend!
I don't think you can say pets are totally safe the way you did, most infectious diseases if not all of them.. Come from living with animals. Countless people die every year for living with animals. People get vaccines for illnesses they wouldn't have if they didn't live with animals.
I mean.. Clearly nature is telling us, stop living with the animals or I'm going to make a bunch of you sick and countless will die.
It's not worth it for me. Those animals deserve to live their natural lives and not be enslaved by humans for whatever reason, and maybe if people treated animals with more respect, people would be kinder to each other as well.
Enslaving and in the case of most people, killing and eating another being just because it looks different and can't speak our language or defend itself is not right. That's not the message to teach children in my opinion. That might = right and that we can enslave and kill others just cause they look different or can't speak our language or defend themselves.
I've been vegan for years, my shoes aren't made out of animals, I avoid harming them at every opportunity. Animals are not just a commodity to buy and sell and trade for human pleasure, they are their own beings and they deserve to live their own lives, and if we didn't live with them, we would be a lot healthier and less diseased and less people would die.
I'm sure you love your pets, though I hope some day we love animals enough to stop eating them and owning them, and that they can live their natural lives without being a commodity of humans. Then maybe people will love each other more too, cause if you won't even kill an animal for food or enslave it for your enjoyment.. How could you do that to another human being? How could we drop bombs on innocent people overseas if the majority of people respect the rights and freedom of even the most defenseless and powerless among us...?
I don't think people will start loving each other more, until they respect the animals more and stop murdering them and enslaving them by the trillions to the point it endangers our very own species survival.
Sorry if those opinions conflict with yours, I sort of doubt we're going to agree.. And hopefully this doesn't turn into a long argument cause I don't have the time.
But.. I think an animals right to live it's natural life is more important than someone's taste pleasure, or need for entertainment or company.
It's the golden rule. Treat others how you would like to be treated. If you wouldn't want to be enslaved for someone elses entertainment/company or eaten for food unnecessarily.. Don't do it to others.
You're welcome for the well wishes and support. Hopefully some day we can all live in better harmony with each other and care about each other more.
meep
Hey @ionlysaymeep, if you are gonna "meep" my post, can you at least upvote it as well? Typically you'd be flagged into oblivion, but here's your shot LOL.
I don't think you can say pets are totally safe the way you did, most infectious diseases if not all of them.. Come from living with animals. Countless people die every year for living with animals. People get vaccines for illnesses they wouldn't have if they didn't live with animals.
I mean.. Clearly nature is telling us, stop living with the animals or I'm going to make a bunch of you sick and countless will die.
It's not worth it for me. Those animals deserve to live their natural lives and not be enslaved by humans whatever reason, and maybe if people treated animals with more respect, people would be kinder to each other as well.
Enslaving and in the case of most people, killing and eating another being just because it looks different and can't speak our language or defend itself is not right. That's not the message to teach children in my opinion. That might = right and that we can enslave and kill others just cause they look different or can't speak our language or defend themselves.
I've been vegan for years, my shoes aren't made out of animals, I avoid harming them at every opportunity. Animals are not just a commodity to buy and sell and trade for human pleasure, they are their own beings and they deserve to live their own lives, and if we didn't live with them, we would be a lot healthier and less diseased and less people would die.
I'm sure you love your pets, though I hope some day we love animals enough to stop eating them and owning them, and that they can live their natural lives without being a commodity of humans. Then maybe people will love each other more too, cause if you won't even kill an animal for food or enslave it for your enjoyment.. How could you do that to another human being? How could we drop bombs on innocent people overseas if the majority of people respect the rights and freedom of even the most defenseless and powerless among us...?
I don't think people will start loving each other more, until they respect the animals more and stop murdering them and enslaving them by the trillions to the point it endangers our very own species survival.
Sorry if those opinions conflict with yours, I sort of doubt we're going to agree.. And hopefully this doesn't turn into a long argument cause I don't have the time.
But.. I think an animals right to live it's natural life is more important than someone's taste pleasure, or need for entertainment or company.
You're welcome for the well wishes and support. Hopefully some day we can all live in better harmony with each other and care about each other more.
@apolymask, I will never be angry at someone for having conflicting ideals or anything with me. I respect your perspective and honestly feel the same way about some bits and pieces of it, though not all of it. Either way, I very much appreciate your response, it not only showed me the character you contain, which I personally admire and respect, but showed your morals and views. As I said, you have no worries with me finding your comments or opinions conflicting. I am always eager to not only learn someone else's point of view but learn more about them in general. Thanks my friend!
I appreciate your civil and respectful response. :)
Usually when I express such opinions I get a lot of flak back from people who want to try to justify their ways of living. And.. It's usually not fun. Most people get really defensive and it usually ends up in arguing and such, so.. Truly.. I appreciate your civility and your ability to respect someone who has differing opinions.
I also appreciate the nice words, and I feel very similar about you even more so after surprising me in such ways. Cheers man. :)
I am so sorry to hear that you are dealing with this disease. I hope that you will be well soon. Are you dealing with another condition as well? Just wondering because of your name...
Speedy healing to you.
@mariannewest, thank you for that. I am hoping that I can get over this stuff soon, but honestly it is looking like I will be taking medication to eradicate it for a while. Hopefully some of the damage can be undone or reversed, but only time will tell.
No, I am actually not terminal or anything, though the name is pretty misleading and I wish I could change it, hassle free. It is actually the name of a business entity I am involved with in the music business. When I had joined Steemit, it was initially to use it as a platform to promote my music and build as a musician. That of course changed over a short period of time and I found my true calling as well as direction in the community that I was called to. Things happen for a reason, and I am sure glad that they did.
I honestly appreciate your concern :) Hope all is well with you!
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Everyone should read this. I take a couple of lessons away: watch out for rashes, keep pets protected from parasites, and treat the yard. Oh, one more. Forget about urgent care. Just doesn't cut it for me. Thanks for an important message.
@agmoore thank you for taking the opportunity to read this and for taking valuable information from it that may help you in your journey. Everything in this article is very important, especially if you work outdoors and are around potential risks. IF you happen to live in one of the high risk areas, you would do yourself and your family a tremendous favor to try preventative measures such as treating your property, etc. I am consulting with a specialist on Thursday regarding such things and will gladly give you any information regarding products, methods, etc. if you are interested.
Urgent Care.....seriously is a damn joke. Good for immediate attention to certain things that are "in your face" obvious, but I would NEVER give a recommendation for someone to visit them for an insect bite or something more difficult to diagnose than broken bones or the flu. Just a way to scam insurance companies and take money from the hospitals in my opinion. They have forever lost my business!
Anyway, I hope that this article helps you and many others. Let me know if you'd like some follow up information on preventative measures and such. Thanks again for taking the time to read my work and for commenting!
I think a follow-up post on yard preparation, etc. would be helpful. My family tries to avoid toxic chemicals, but sometimes they are unavoidable. As for urgent care--a misdiagnosis just gets in the way of proper care--delays treatment.
Thanks for the comprehensive reply. Be well.
I will definitely put one together, as well as update everyone on how I do with the bloodwork and studies they do. Thanks again!
good info, thank you for sharing and hoping that you remain a medical anomaly and beat that shit
@corpsvalues, you are welcome my friend. I hope that some of this information comes of use to you at some time. Knowledge is power my friend!
Thank you for the well wishes as well. I can only hope that I manage to pull a 360 and get back to my normal routine. Surprisingly I have survived worse shit such as meningitis and melanoma, but that means nothing when it comes to RMSF. It's all in one's will to push through I honestly believe, and I am already over this shit and ready to get better, so let's see what happens!
Hopefully the doctor from John Hopkins was right and I carry some form of something in my blood that can help them form a vaccine of some sort. It blew their mind that I have had it for so long and have such high levels, yet am not a vegetable, mentally handicapped or dead. Weird stuff man, but fingers crossed!
Thanks again!
Don't go double dying on a mo fo.
@paulmoon410 bro I almost feel like dying would be a bit of relief for real. Sad to say but I can't tell what's worse, the medication or the illness. It's some rough shit. I appreciate you keeping up with me man.
I heard Josh dried up, is that the truth? If so man, that's some awesome news! How are you doing by the way? Get the back injury figured out?
My back stays messed up. I just have to exercise the core. Josh sober I assume, I’m not around all the time. I can’t even begin to sympathize because I have no clue, I’m a google it.
Yea man it's not very cool at all. Check out the info in this article and online. Especially with me having some crazy variation of it.....shit sucks.
You around this weekend? Studio is coming with me.....
I’m not sure I’m thinking I’m going to start having my boys on the weekends, flip flopping schedules.
Well let me know. I'm going to be taking a little vacation Aug 3rd for a little bit, so if you want in before then Ima need to hear from ya.
Vacation?.... State?
County
I looked it up, shit can be brutal, gosh darn.
Yea man it isn't anything to play around with for sure. Not something I was expecting or wanting, for sure.
Yak! I hate tick's from the bottem of my heart:))
Wow, that sounds terrible! Glad you're feeling better!
Oh no! Sounds so painful! Praying for you!
That's crazy how you had it for so long before you were able to know what it was!. Thankful it didn't go a different route from what I'm reading an understanding. And hopefully you'll feel some sort of relief soon.
Thank you @squirrellyma! It is an insane situation all the way around, but I am thankful that I am alive and able to be here with my family, because statistically I should be dead or close to it. I hate my daughter seeing me go through this, which is the worst part, aside from having issues walking. Falling and stuff when you are used to being agile, it really sucks and is frustrating. Just hoping it will pass or I can find a way to work around it. The medicine itself is some rough stuff, Doxy-Cyclene......ughhhhh. It is death in pill form itself LOL.
Thank you for your prayers! It means a great deal to me!
Oh yes! Falling would be a pain! I mean you're already in enough pain and falling just doesn't help.. adds to the list. I can see your frustrations!
Pills.. ick! lol They all make me gag! lol! They need that magic pill that kicks it overnight lol. One and done.
Hopefully your day will get better. Take it easy!
LOL a one stop shop for pills would be awesome. I am not a fan either. Like a one fix for all would be a God send haha.
Thanks for the love and prayers! I hope all is well on your end!
oh man.. I feel you!
I had a tick on my face years ago.. thought it was a mole till it fell off.. it was a baby i think... I haven't had any weird symptoms since... and praying not to.
Hope you can fully recover from this!!