Chatham Chatlist Highlights

Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 08:40:52 -0500
From: Matthew Arnsberger
Subject: deer in Chatham

Simon,
Thanks for your thoughts on tick-borne diseases (TBD’s). I have been treated for TBD’s five times in the last seven years, though we are not always certain that my symptoms were from tick diseases. Sometimes my doctor put me on antibiotics without doing the tests.

I am a landscaper and work outdoors and am frequently exposed to ticks.

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Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 06:13:32 -0500
From: Karen Tiede
Subject: tick testing

Last time I got a blood test for a tick-related infection, the bill for the test itself was $700-some-odd.  Something to consider if you’re on a high-deductible or HSA insurance plan.

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Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:39:52 -0500
From: Simon Lobdell
Subject: Re: Tick Borne disease.

I have also had Lyme’s disease recently and found it to be one of the most pernicious and difficult experiences of my life.

At first it was a flu, then it was a slow degradation of my energy level and I just thought I was getting slow, old a little over done.  Next I felt sleepy all the time and there was a fog around my mind, almost like you had just woken up all the time, then the shakes and finally after all this time, I knew something was wrong.  I found a little bite mark, so small I had just ignored it and it must have been there for months.  But there is was a little teensy bullseye.

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Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:30:45 EST
From: tammy
Subject: Right On Carole….

I think Carole is right on the Tick Borne Diseases in our  area.

2 years ago, a good friend was diagnosed with RMSF…so, just to be  safe, I had my doctor run the full tick panel for me.   I too came  back positive for RMSF.   (Did I mention…I am a tick  MAGNET???)   Anyway, my husband was tested the same summer and was  treated for Lymes.   I have also had 4 other friends or acquaintances  that have been diagnosed and treated for a TBD…..so, yes…..get  tested!    And keep an eye on your pet’s as well!!!

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Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:19:23 -0500
From: Marcia Herman
Subject: Human tests for tick-borne infections

It is worth noting that for some reason, tests (such as the tick panel mentioned by a reader) for animals are better than tests for humans with tick-borne infections.

n humans, tests for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever may cross react with certain other infections.  Tests for Lyme disease while less likely to be positive due to another infection have a little to a lot less than a 100% chance of being positive in the presence of Lyme disease depending on a lot of factors.  These serology based tick disease tests may remain postive (when they do show up positive) for years after an infection.  Thus, even a positive does not always mean a person is currently sick with whatever infection was tested for.  Unfortunately, the whole testing issue is very complex in humans.

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Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:24:35 -0400
From: Karen E Tiede
Subject: doggie doctoring

I regularly mull on the costs associated with keeping my pack healthy; feeding six furry heads means there’s a semi-continual opportunity to spend money on something.  Over a number of years now, they have absorbed $400-$450 a head a year, which gives me a good number to use when I think about taking that latest stray home.

It’s pretty amazing that a dog can have a malignant tumor removed for $250.  You can’t even walk into an human-oncologist’s office for that much.  Some meds (tapeworm for cats, for example) are cheaper at the vet’s office than they are OTC.

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Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:36:16 -0400
From: Judy  G  Peele
Subject: TICK TALK!

Want to know the latest scoop on tick bites and the signs of tick diseases?  Health and Family consultant, Dr. Marcia Herman-Giddens, PA, DrPH and adjunct professor at the School of Public Health, UNC will give an informative session on  ticks, prevention and treatment options at the Pittsboro Methodist Church (beside the General Store) Thursday, July 24 at 7:30

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Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 12:41:06 -0400
From: alton justice
Subject: ticks-Sevin dust- dead honey bees

Pesticides are intended to control pests. They can also kill indiscriminately. This is extremely true of Sevin dust. Sevin dust is highly toxic to honey bees. Sevin dust is one of the most toxic insecticides to the honey bee. Sevin does not kill on contact. The bees come in contact with the Sevin dust and return to the hive exposing the hive to the toxins.

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Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 10:46:06 -0400
From: Carole Hoffman
Subject: Response to “Those pesky ticks”

Snowflake,

Thanks for the tick tip of duck tape around the ankles.  I’m going to give it a try.  As many of us do around here, I live in the woods, aka “tick central”.  What I have found that works for me as a repellent is the Repel lemon/eucalyptus formula repellent.  It is more natural then most and it really works great.  The bottle says it works for up to 6 hours.  I find I have to respray after 2 hours.

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Date: Wed, 28 May 2008 18:26:08 GMT
From: Snowflake
Subject: Those pesky ticks

I am writing after reading about “tick sticks”.  One other method of slowing the little suckers down is to wrap duct tape inside out around the ankles.  I have read that in California they drag white, light weight fabric down the foot paths to collect the ticks and then burn the fabric.

I use sevin dust around the perimeter of the house and on my paths throughout the yard.  I also spray a deet bug spray on my shoes and clothes.   Also, eat more garlic!

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