What happened to Karn Nichols from Nova Scotia?

Karn Nichols, a woman from Hubley, Nova Scotia, recovered from her second bout of Lyme disease, which she first contracted four years ago.

How did Nichols's Lyme disease diagnosis differ from her previous experience?

This time, Nichols did not have the classic bullseye rash associated with Lyme disease, making the diagnosis more difficult.

What advice does Nichols have for others dealing with Lyme disease?

Nichols encourages everyone to be diligent about checking for ticks and to advocate for themselves if they suspect Lyme disease, even if initial tests are negative.

Home / Health / Nova Scotia Woman's Recurring Lyme Disease Exposes Diagnostic Hurdles

Nova Scotia Woman's Recurring Lyme Disease Exposes Diagnostic Hurdles

16 Nov

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Summary

Woman recovers from second bout of Lyme disease after initial negative test
Experienced persistent headache and other symptoms before positive diagnosis
Encourages others to advocate for themselves and seek additional testing

Nova Scotia Woman's Recurring Lyme Disease Exposes Diagnostic Hurdles

In November 2025, a woman from Hubley, Nova Scotia is recovering from her second bout of Lyme disease, a condition she first contracted four years ago. This time, the telltale bullseye rash associated with Lyme was absent, making the diagnosis more difficult.

Karn Nichols first noticed a rash on her leg in late July and also had a lymph node infection, prompting her to seek medical attention. However, when she visited a pharmacy, they were unable to help because the rash did not present as a classic bullseye and she had not found the tick that transmitted the disease.

Nichols then saw her doctor, who was reluctant to prescribe antibiotics but ordered a Lyme disease blood test. The test came back negative two weeks later, but Nichols's health took a turn for the worse in the following weeks. She experienced a debilitating, persistent headache that radiated down her back, making it difficult to sleep.