Check out 2 of Nashua's wooden railroad bridges, they wont be around much longer... Also there is a nice view of the Nashua river from the cache location...
Lyme's Many Symptoms
Does Everyone Get the Telltale Rash? No.
A certain kind of rash, called erythema migrans, is a telltale symptom of Lyme disease, and if you have it call your doctor immediately.
The chart below illustrates several of the forms these rashes might take.
But not everyone who has Lyme exhibits a rash, much less the "bull's-eye" rash so often associated with Lyme disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that as many as 70% may exhibit the erythema migrans, but this can vary by region. For example, a 2010 study showed that in the state of Maine only 43% of Lyme patients exhibited this particular type of rash.
There are a range of symptoms and it is critical that you are alert to all of them.
Don't Be Fooled
Lyme disease is often referred to as the great imitator because so many of its symptoms resemble those of other diseases.
This makes it harder to diagnose properly, especially when there is no telltale bull’s-eye rash.
Below is a list of just some of diseases that many people have initially been diagnosed with, only to receive a Lyme diagnosis later.
- Arthritis - pain, swelling, redness, heat, and limitation of movement
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis - a childhood disease that causes joint inflammation and swelling
- Fibromyalgia – widespread muscle and soft tissue pain
- Chronic fatigue syndrome – severe and debilitating fatigue
- Multiple sclerosis – problems with muscle control and strength, vision, balance, sensation and mental functions
- Lupus - joint pain, swelling, may affect kidneys, brain and other organs
Even if you do not recall being bitten but you think you may have Lyme, try to recall where and when you might have been exposed to infected ticks, and discuss this with you doctor.
Of course, looking like a fool helps. Tuck long pants into socks. Tuck shirts into pants. Check for ticks often. Use light colored clothing so you can see them.
An ideal would be to make a light colored uniform that you wear out in tick country. (gardening clothes, work clothes, play clothes)
Check for ticks when you go inside. Check for tick outside as well. Check out that crawling sensation on your skin right away.
The best place to check your body for ticks in your house is NOT your bedroom. An ideal location would be somewhere where you could easily see those little creatures as they scuttle across a white floor. Don’t keep your dirty outdoor clothes near your bed either. Ticks walk. Make it a very long walk.
A dryer does kill ticks but washing machines don’t. Ticks don’t drown. It’s the same reason you shouldn’t flush a live tick. They can just walk back out. Instead, a high heat dryer can kill them.