Lyme disease that isn’t treated long enough (or at all due to misdiagnosis) can turn into chronic Lyme, also know as Late Stage Lyme. The longer the Lyme bacteria stay around and reproduce, the more serious the complications, including immune system breakdown, additional infections, hormonal imbalance, and more.
Under these circumstances, getting rid of chronic Lyme Disease becomes longer (1-4 years or more). Treatment is often more aggressive and hence more time-consuming and expensive. Quality of life decreases, making normal living difficult.
Mind you, not everyone agrees that’s there IS such a thing as chronic Lyme. Doctors following the guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) treat Lyme with an antibiotic for a short period of time. if symptoms persist beyond 6 months, they say the person has Post-Lyme Syndrome, the result of an overactive immune system that hasn’t returned to normal after the Lyme is gone and the person is considered “cured.”
Here’s exactly what the IDSA guidelines say (link below):
There is no convincing biologic evidence for the existence of symptomatic chronic B. burgdorferi infection among patients after receipt of recommended treatment regimens for Lyme disease. Antibiotic therapy has not proven to be useful and is not recommended for patients with chronic (>6 months) subjective symptoms after recommended treatment regimens for Lyme disease.
Therapeutic modalities not recommended. Because of a lack of biologic plausibility, lack of efficacy, absence of supporting data, or the potential for harm to the patient, the following are not recommended for treatment of patients with any manifestation of Lyme disease: first-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, carbapenems, vancomycin, metronidazole, tinidazole, amantadine, ketolides, isoniazid, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, fluconazole, benzathine penicillin G, combinations of antimicrobials, pulsed-dosing (i.e., dosing onsome days but not others), long-term antibiotic therapy, anti-Bartonella therapies, hyperbaric oxygen, ozone, fever therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin, cholestyramine, intravenous hydrogen peroxide, specific nutritional supplements, and others.
You can download the IDSA Guidlines here.
On the other hand, so-called Lyme-literate physicians (LLMDs) agree that Lyme can persist far beyond 6 months. They tend to follow the guidelines of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. Click here for the ILADS Guidelines.
You can also download a free PDF of a research article by Daniel Cameron, MD, a respected LLMD from the Department of Medicine, Northern Westchester Hospital, Mt. Kisco, NY titled Proof That Chronic Lyme Exists.
People with chronic Lyme, including me, will tell you that our symptoms are not psychosomatic. Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) is a master at hiding out in the body to survive, going from adult spirochete to cell-wall deficient form to cyst and back. For those who also have one or more of the common Lyme co-infections (Babesia, Bartonella, and Ehrlichia), treatment gets trickier. In addition, along the way Borrelia disrupts the immune system and body metabolism, allowing other normally dormant microorganisms like herpes viruses, parasites, and fungi (yeasts and molds) to activate and also cause symptoms.
No two chronic Lyme patients have the same symptoms. Nor do they follow the same course of treatment. For those reasons, and the fact that I am not a medical doctor, this is not the space to discuss the specifics of chronic Lyme treatment beyond what has already been explained in my prior post Gettng Rid of Lyme.
Suffice it to say getting well from this infectious onslaught is often a roller coaster ride of improvement and relapse. Still not well understood, the complex of diseases continues to prove a challenge for both patients and doctors.
©2010-2011 LymeDiseaseBlog.com. All rights reserved. You may send this to your friends and family, but please do not republish it in any form, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from us.
Related posts:
4. February 2012 at 1:18 pm
Are there any Lyme Disease MD’s in Oregon? I reside near Portland. I have had most of these symptoms for years and diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. However I have always suspected something else was involved–perhaps I have had chronic Lyme. I sure would like to see a medical professional and find out! Thanks so much!
5. February 2012 at 12:42 pm
Margaret, OR Lyme info is on the way. Thanks for asking.
31. January 2012 at 10:18 am
I am looking for a Lyme literate doctor for my 15 year old daughter. We are in NYC.
Thank you!
31. January 2012 at 12:08 pm
NYC Lyme info is on the way, Abby. Thanks for asking.
26. January 2012 at 11:09 pm
We need a doctor to diagnosis and treat lyme disease in Tennessee. My husband has been in the hospital for seven days, they did every test they could think of and can’t find what is wrong. thanks
27. January 2012 at 5:24 pm
So sorry you husband is having such a time of it, S. I’m sending TN Lyme info so he can consult a Lyme specialist. Thanks for asking.
25. January 2012 at 10:23 am
I would like to find a good lyme specialist. I live in Birmingham, AL. I was bitten by a tick last summer, but thought nothing of it since I did not get a rash. Now I’m having some unsual symptoms that have yet to be resolved by normal doctors. Could you send me any info you have for AL?
25. January 2012 at 2:02 pm
AL Lyme info coming up, Katherine. Thanks for asking.
24. January 2012 at 12:09 am
Was wondering if you could send me a lyme friendly dr for missouri, preferably the Ozarks region. Thank you.
24. January 2012 at 4:44 pm
Mo Lyme info coming up, Linda. Your best bet. Thanks for asking.
23. January 2012 at 2:39 pm
Pam.
I was infected in 1993 [at age 33] This July will be 20 years since my body, mind and spirit was attacked by LD.
I suffered [needlessly] for 4 years before a process of elimination and my own persistence convinced my primary doctor that I had LD. All my tests were negative. It wasn’t until we did a deep tissue test [a bicep biopsy] that was sent to California that we finally got a diagnosis of LD, Babesia, Bartonella and Ehrlichia [I think that was in 1998] It took 5 years with ONLY my symptoms being treated [NOT the disease] before I saw a gradual improvement. ALL of my body systems were affected, most notably my large joints and neurological system.
At age 45 I had a rare stage 3 cancer which I believe was the direct result of a non-existent immune system and cell mutation. At age 50 I had total double knee replacement surgery due to severe lyme arthritis. I still have arthritis, constant headaches, neuropathy, vision problems, and old symptoms crop up at random if I get sick [last year I had pneumonia and neuro symptoms reappeared].
It saddens me greatly when naysayers try to convince the world that CHRONIC LD does not exist. I am a living example, as I understand you are as well. If their wife or their child was infected and not treated they’d be the first to lead the charge to eradicate lyme worldwide. Sadly, for us, that is not the case and we have but a few real CHAMPIONS helping us fight our battle.
I wish you strength and good health.
~Sharon [Cape Cod]
23. January 2012 at 5:34 pm
Thanks for sharing your story, Sharon. It is disheartening to see so many people chronically ill with Lyme and associated diseases with little official acknowledgement that their problems are real and constitute a serious public health issue. Wishful revenge is a natural reaction for all of us who’ve been told our illness is in our heads or that two weeks of Doxycycline is all we need to get well. Strength and healing to you, too.
12. January 2012 at 1:03 pm
Could you please send me information on LLMD’s in upstate NY area? There is a good chance my wife might have it, and we have a hard time finding a knowledgeable doctor.
Thanks in advance.
12. January 2012 at 1:27 pm
NY state Lyme is being sent shorty, Vladimir. Thanks for asking.
13. January 2012 at 3:02 pm
Pam – many thanks for your writing. Although my symptoms are not as severe as some, I have some strange neurological symptoms with “buzzing” feet and some eye issues over the past 6 months. Therefore, could you also send me the LLMD’s in NC? Thank you in advance.
13. January 2012 at 7:57 pm
NC Lyme info coming up shortly, Brian. Thanks for asking.
12. January 2012 at 12:44 pm
I was diagnosed with Lymes in August. I was put on a 4 week course of antibotics that made me very ill. The only problem I am currently haveing is joint pain especially in my knees that prevent me from sleeping! I am miserablle to say the least, and can not find a DR. in Michigan that is willing to treat chronic Lymes.
12. January 2012 at 1:25 pm
Shannon, it sounds like you weren’t tested for the co-infections that often come with Lyme – Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis. I’ve got sore knees with Babesia. MI Lyme info is on the way so you can find a Lyme specialist. There are some, so don’t give up hope. Thanks for asking.
11. January 2012 at 6:50 am
Hi Pam, I live in Lexington, KY. I need a LLMD or someone similar in this area, because I cannot travel. Thank you for all your hard work on the site, take care.
11. January 2012 at 7:07 pm
Erin, I’m sending you KY Lyme info. Hopefully you can find a doctor near you to diagnose you correctly and treat you appropriately if you have Lyme. I can’t advise what you should do if you absolutely can’t travel. Sorry. Thanks for asking.
3. January 2012 at 1:14 pm
could you please send me info on Drs. (LLMD) in northern IL or WI? I have been on antibiotics for bartonella and my husband has been thru a bettery of tests lupus, MS RA ETc. because our regular Dr. has had his license suspended in WI for treating chronic lymes we are relly without a Dr with knowledge of chronic Lyme which we both have. I cannot refill my prescriptions and my husband is not getting any treatment but has muscle/joint pain that travels from hips to shoulders to thighs etc. and is so bad he can barely move. When he mentions his bouts with lyme, they just shake their heads and try another test.
Thanks for any info you can provide
3. January 2012 at 6:01 pm
Arlene, I’m sending you IL/WI Lyme info. So sorry your regular doctor has had his medical license suspended for treating people with chronic Lyme. It feels like we Lymies are back in the Dark Ages, no? Thanks for asking and good luck to both you and your husband.
30. December 2011 at 4:01 pm
pam, we are getting the same run-around as everyone else. my husband has been tested for ms, had emg, is scheduled tuesday for mri of leg(ins will only test 1 leg???) and if that shown nothing they want to do a muscle biopsy…we have suspected lyme for several months but they say they have to rule everything else out! We are feeling frustrated…could you pass on lyme dr’s in the central pa area?
30. December 2011 at 6:14 pm
PA Lyme info is on its way, Lori. ruling out Lyme first before doing a host of other tests makes much more sense to me. Sorry you also are caught in the craziness of Lyme misdiagnosis, if indeed that’s what your husband has. Thanks for asking.
29. December 2011 at 3:05 pm
My boyfriend has chronic Lyme disease and was diagnosed 3 years ago. It is so difficult to watch him suffer through it – he was an active person and the disease is debilitating. And his current doctor does not know how to deal with his ongoing symptoms and issues.
I am now looking for a doctor in New York state who has experience and knowledge in treating chronic Lyme disease. If there is any information out there, would be helpful.
I also read that many good doctors are not accepting insurance for these types of patients because insurance is unwilling to pay for long term medical treatment, this is very concerning and feels that proper care is out of reach for us.
30. December 2011 at 3:52 pm
I’m sending you NY Lyme info, Loann. Lyme is a much more complex illness than most regular doctors realize. Finding an LLMD for your boyfriend is important. Yes, many doctors who treat Lyme no longer take insurance, not only because the insurance companies won’t pay for long-term antibiotic treatment but also because some insurance companies are reporting the doctors to their state medical boards. Having to pay hefty fines and maybe lose their medical licenses are understandably risks that Lyme doctors are unwilling to take. Thanks for asking.
28. December 2011 at 5:27 pm
I just found out I have Lyme. Can you recommend some doctors in union county NewJersey? Thanks so much.
28. December 2011 at 8:54 pm
NJ Lyme info is on its way. Thanks for asking, Michelle.
22. December 2011 at 11:14 am
I have been sick for 18 months now; need lyme dr Cinn oh area. Thank you
22. December 2011 at 12:24 pm
Pam, OH Lyme info is on its way. Thanks for asking.
19. December 2011 at 3:40 am
I have a good friend who has had chronic Lyme Disease for years. Can you give me Lyme info for Colorado?
Thank you.
20. December 2011 at 9:12 pm
CO Lyme info is on its way, Sandra. Thanks for asking, and for being a good friend.
15. December 2011 at 2:27 pm
Has anyone ever actually been CURED of chronic Lyme disease? I just seem to keep running into people that have “Chronic Lyme” and have been treated for years with antibiotics, yet they’re no better.
15. December 2011 at 9:04 pm
Yes, people with chronic Lyme are cured. They don’t usually hang around Lyme websites. Thanks for asking, Dr.isin.
11. December 2011 at 11:14 pm
I have severe Chronic Lyme, I’ve had it for they believe a few years undiagnosed..I’m twenty one years old..I’m losing everything I have because of this disease..no more college, no more work, no more friends..It’s taking away all my physical capabilities as well. I don’t know of many support groups in the Southern NH area.. I strongly believe knowing someone else fighting this disease could help me a great deal mentally. Thank you.
12. December 2011 at 10:59 am
I’m sending you NH Lyme info, Kayla. There are support groups in your state. Thanks for asking.
22. December 2011 at 3:47 am
Kayla,
I know exactly what you are going through. I contracted Lyme Disease when I was only 12 years old but because all the doctors I saw over the years could not be bothered to do their jobs I was not correctly diagnosed until just a few years ago. It was not until the test results came back and I saw photos of the typical target shaped rash that I remembered having the exact same rash as a child, right before the symptoms first started. Anyway unfortunately I learned that the longer you have the disease the harder it is to get rid of and I have had it longer than any one I know of. For most of my life I have suffered from severe fatigue, a constant severe headache, an inability to concentrate, and a myriad or other debilitating symptoms. From the moment I would wake up in the morning until I fell asleep at night I felt completely mentally and physically exhausted. In fact, despite the fact that I have a very strong work ethic and a very high IQ I was not even able to graduate high school due to my illness. It is only because I have the drive and determination of 50 normal people that I was able to work and take care of myself all these years (since age 18). I always thought that at least it couldn’t possibly get any worse but evidentially I was wrong. After I started treatment things got much much worse and now I’m sometimes virtually bedridden for months on end. Because of this I had to stop work and move in with a relative. I have leg and joint pain so severe at times that even the high doses of percoset I take daily barely makes a dent in it. And nothing helps the headaches, which are always present and only vary in severity. At their worst they are as or more severe than a migraine, only instead of going away after an hour or two they can last at this level for months on end. I have tried every kind of medication known to man for the headaches, as well as for the nausea, but nothing has even made the slightest difference. On top of all this for about a year I suffered from severe neurological problems, but luckily I think those are finally gone for good. By the way, I have been on the Marshal Protocol for the past 2 years (following two other protocols for 6 moths each) but it’s too soon for me to be recommending it to anyone yet.
Anyway, although I have never felt the need to join a support group myself I can certainly understand why some people would want to. This disease can take a huge psychological and emotional toll on those who suffer from it. I really hope you are able to find one that’s helpful to you. And although I cannot provide in person moral support as I’m from California I would be glad to give some online moral support if you’d like. That is at least on days that I’m up for it. And assuming of course that the moderator is willing to forward my e-mail address to you. In the meantime, hang in there. Things WILL get better.
4. December 2011 at 8:14 pm
I’m going to echo so many of the other comments: I’ve been dealing on and off with symptoms like extreme fatigue, headaches, backaches, memory issues, severe anxiety and mood swings, difficulty coming up with words (not good for an English professor!), and this all began after I had what I have since realized was the classic bullseye rash on my ankle in June 2003. I didn’t go to the doctor when I had the rash because I felt OK. I wish I had taken a picture of it… I’ve been “tested” (I’m not sure with what tests exactly) twice for lyme, both negative, but I want to be sure–it’s hard to live like this! Can you please send me information about Lyme specialists in NC?
4. December 2011 at 8:40 pm
NC info is being sent ASAP, Wendy. Thanks for asking.
21. December 2011 at 7:33 am
I am also in need of NC Lyme specialists.
21. December 2011 at 9:33 am
NC Lyme info is on its way shortly, Wren. Thanks for asking.
21. December 2011 at 12:19 pm
Wren, the email I sent you came back undeliverable “because the recipient is only accepting mail from specific email addresses.” Let me know how I can reach you.
5. December 2011 at 1:58 am
Thought it was important to note, I have a daughter, recently turned 23. A week into her 20′s, she was rushed to hospital with severe stomach pains and chronic non stop vomiting. After several months in various hospitals throughout AZ, she was diagnosed with everything but Lyme. After nearly 18 months and more tests (many at our request) our daughter was diagnosed work Lyme. It has now been a very long 4 years watching my daughter slowly deteriorate right before our eyes, still vomiting up to 20-30 times a day, mostly stomach acid. She is now into her third week of antibiotics administered directly into her port, and she also has developed a serious staph infection around the port and there is wheezing in all lobes of her lungs (biggest fear at this point is pneumonia, my husband and I are scared to death. We have been watching our daughter fight with everything she’s got for just under four years, every doctor has a different opinion and a different protocol, my daughter is losing faith and strength . If any one has some suggestions with good results and the facts to back them we would really like to hear them before it’s too late.
A desperate mother who wants to save her daughter! My daughter has been declared 100% disabled with full body edema, she has had broken ribs from the extreme coughing, also many blood clots, Cassie wants very much to live, just not over a toliet. We need help, and hopefully help from people who know what there doing, we’ve already met all the ones that either don’t believe in Lyme or choose to ignore it, and even some that mean well, but haven’t got a clue, time’s running out, for no one can endure what Cassie’s going through, and just one bad day after another, never getting good news, my husband and I are getting on in age, we are scared to death that we won’t get her well before our time is up! Pls help!
Gail
5. December 2011 at 10:31 am
Gail, I’m so sorry for your daughter’s tough experiences with Lyme. I applaud your valiant efforts to help her. Cassie unfortunately has to go through more tough times with a port since Lyme treatment usually makes symptoms worse before they get better. I’m sending you AZ Lyme info in case you want to look for another Lyme doctor. Thanks for asking. Best wishes!
4. December 2011 at 9:13 am
I have not considered lyme disease until recently. My husband an avid hunter has recently found a couple of ticks on him which were removed and treated as one would treat an open wound. He recently went for a physical and asked the doctor about lyme disease and was tested for it. We have not gotten any results assuming that the test was negative. He had a round tick-like rash about a yr ago as well.This is where it gets complicated. I have had these bites a yr ago and then just recently. I passed them off as spider bites but I am beginning to wonder. Both of us experience tiredness, joint pain, etc., recently i have been on occasion waking w/ body pain and headaches. The pain seems to move around and at times there is muscle pain and spasms. I get leg pains and foot pain at times I have been depressed and lethargic. I could go on and on but you get the picture. I love my physician but am not sure of their experience with this disease. We live in northern, ny. Do you know of any doctors in this area that are well versed in this disease.
4. December 2011 at 12:32 pm
Donna, what you and your husband are experiencing could be Lyme and/or another tick-borne illness. Lyme symptoms tend to move around and come and go. I’m sending you NY Lyme info shortly so you can find a Lyme specialist. Also, I’d call your doctor’s office and get the results of his test, if they’re back. Expect to hear that the test was negative if your doctor used the CDC ELISA or Western Blot tests. They’re famous for reporting false negatives. Thanks for asking.
3. December 2011 at 5:45 pm
Hi….new to site and am looking for more answers. My daughter has been diagnosed with a mycoplasma infection (IgG abs 479) but the Igenex western blot does not indicate Lyme. Ammonia slightly elevated, sed rate slightly elevated and all other bloodwork, which has been extensive, was normal. Bilateral weakness in thighs, then months later, in both upper arms. MRI’s all normal. LP normal. Had a strange rash on hands and lower arms after 2 months on doxycycline. Biopsied…nothing conclusive (drs were looking for Lupus). Nerve conduction studies normal; EMG’s normal. Continues to have weakness in legs and upper arms. Began epsom salt and baking soda baths and LLMD increased dose of doxy to 200 mg BID. She is having headaches each day following a bath. Not sure if the headaches are related to perhaps chronic Lyme, increased dose of doxy, mycoplasma or the new detox “meds” recommended (Burbur and Cumanda). Has also been tested for mitochondrial diseases (carntinie, lactic and pyruvic acid – all normal).
Any ideas? Any thoughts? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. This has been going on since April and my daughter is an athlete so this is driving her crazy, especially not being able to participate in her sport. Not seeing any light at the end of the tunnel. Extremely frustrated, especially after seeing some of the best neuro-muscular physicians in the Phila area.
Thank you.
4. December 2011 at 12:14 pm
Karen, I’m not a doctor. Even if I were, I wouldn’t be able to give you advice without seeing your daughter. However, from my own experience I can make several general observations.
It is possible to have Lyme and not have it show up even on an IGeneX test if one’s immune system is so compromised that it isn’t producing antibodies to Lyme, which is what the test measures. Your daughter’s headaches could be part of a Herxheimer reaction, typical with antibiotic treatment for Lyme. I have Mycoplasma too (most people with Lyme have it) and haven’t experienced the kinds of symptoms/reactions your daughter is having. The Epsom salt baths could also be contributing to a Herxheimer reaction; she may be detoxing faster than her body can handle it. Detox meds can help but may not be enough. I’m assuming your daughter is also taking a probiotic to replace good gut bacteria. Re: neuromuscular physicians in Philly, I also saw the best at Thomas Jefferson Hospital back in the 1983. They never considered Lyme for why I’d suddenly lost the use of my left hand. It wasn’t until 2005 that I was finally diagnosed with Lyme. One would expect in the intervening years that those kinds of doctors would’ve learned a thing or two about lyme, but sadly it doesn’t seem to be the case from the considerable number of requests I get on this website from people who’ve been misdiagnosed by rheumatologists and neurologists.
I’m sending you Philly Lyme info in case you want to consult with another LLMD. Glad you asked. Good luck!
28. November 2011 at 6:15 pm
I’ve been sick on and off for three years now, and my local Doc has diagnosed me with mononucleosis three separate times, which from my understanding is not possible. I seem to have a lot of the symptoms listed on your site, Mainly stiff neck and chronic fatigue that is made much worse by exercise (a really tough thing to deal with for an athelete!!!!). I have also got a TON of floaters in my eyes that are persistent. This latest “flair up” of symptoms has lasted 4 very miserable months. Could you please point me towards an LLMD in the Louisville or Central/Southern Indiana area???
29. November 2011 at 10:18 am
Rick, with Lyme, any dormant herpes viruses in your body get activated, including Epstein Barr (mono). You probably had mono the first time years ago. Now you have chronic Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). I’m sending you KY Lyme info so you can find someone who knows how to diagnose and treat Lyme adequately. Thanks for asking.
22. December 2011 at 11:24 am
Rick, my name is Pam. your story is mine! I am in cin oh. Have you found a Dr yet?
28. November 2011 at 12:10 am
Pam,
I am looking for a LLMD in or around Columbus Ohio.
I don’t think I can go on much longer with what ever is going on with me.
28. November 2011 at 10:14 am
I’m sending OH Lyme info shortly, Dale. Hang on. There is help. Thanks for asking.
24. November 2011 at 12:55 am
Hello Pam,
I’ve had a long road. Dx’ed w MS, took MS drugs and steroids, then lost 40 pounds d/t allergy to MS drugs…fatigue, rash, etc. etc, immune system shot, lymphocytes messed up, platelets short, IGG, IGA low, heart racing or slow, pain in legs, pain in bones, pain in eyes, blah blah blah, foggy thinking, deteriorating, loss of appetite, rashes everywhere, sores not healing, feet hurting, red skin, low bp, have gone to llmd in mn for 1 year. she says i scare her because i am so sensitive to abx. i don’t really blame her. she uses herbs too. she is kind. but i think she is at the end of the road w me. have had oral abx. got reinfected w lyme, have bartonella and erlichiosis, return all. she says chronic lyme. who do you recommend in mn? she may say she doesn’t know what to do w me next week. she did say something of the sort on last phone call. thank you in advance. sorry if this is disjointed.
25. November 2011 at 2:23 pm
I’m sending you MN Lyme info, Candy, so you can find another LLMD. Thanks for asking.
18. November 2011 at 6:59 pm
I have been tested twice but have many of the symptoms of Lyme – low grade fever 6 months now, sore joints, severe fatigue, and did have a rash with the bullseye but my doctors keep saying I don’t have Lyme. I even took a picture of the round rash but it came out lighter pink than it really was. What do yo recommend? I just had a CT scan today for sinustis (sp?).
18. November 2011 at 7:50 pm
Joan, I’d recommend seeing a Lyme specialist. A bull’s-eye rash means you have Lyme. The Lyme test that regular doctors use is unreliable, famous for reporting false negatives. If you tell me where you live, I’ll send you info on how to find a Lyme doctor in your area. Thanks for asking.
22. November 2011 at 11:20 am
Hi Pam,
I just found this site on the internet after yet another round of blood work as my doctor tries to figure out what all my symptoms could be. I’m getting really sick and tired of being so sick and tired all the time. Would you possibly know of any Lyme doctors in central Florida – Lake County/Orlando area? Thanks for your help!
22. November 2011 at 12:36 pm
Juanita, I’m sending you FL Lyme info ASAP. I hear you on the sick and tired of being sick and tired. Hopefully you can get help soon. Thanks for asking.
4. December 2011 at 8:34 am
I live in Walker, MN.56484 (CassCounty, MN)
4. December 2011 at 12:26 pm
MN Lyme info coming up, Helen. Thanks for asking.
17. November 2011 at 3:33 pm
My daughter-in-law was just diagnosed with chronic lyme disease . She has been ill for 7 months. Can you refer her to a specialist in the Boise, ID area?? We are anxious to have her back to normal. Thank you.
17. November 2011 at 5:24 pm
Carole, I’m sending you ID Lyme info. Keep in mind that chronic Lyme takes longer to treat than most people expect. Your daughter-in-law will appreciate your support and understanding, no matter how long it takes for her to feel normal again.
1. December 2011 at 8:56 pm
My mother-in-law has tested positive for Lyme disease. She starts the IV treatment Monday. She started feeling yucky all over then in a short few weeks she became depressed and has anxiety that is cripling her. She is always anxious and has melt downs and cries. She said she feels like she is in the land of the living dead. (that’s how bad the anxiety and depression have become.) Her docs are treating as best they can the anxiety and depression. Can Lyme disease do this to her and could the antibiotics help her out of this anxiety and depression that she is feeling? Three months ago she seemed like a normal healthy 72 year old. She’s also lost 12 pounds on her small 4’11 frame. Her diabetes spun our of control too but they have steadied that now. Again..could all of this be the result of the Lyme and could the antibiotics help all of these symptoms?
2. December 2011 at 4:00 pm
Definitely, Lisa. Anxiety and depression are hallmarks of Lyme for many people. Antibiotics could help immensely, but expect it to take longer that you, or she, would like, with periods of gains and seeming losses. Healing from Lyme is a roller coaster for most people. Also make sure she has been tested for the common Lyme-co-infections Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis. They also need to be treated, although not all at once. Glad you asked.
31. December 2011 at 1:39 am
Pam my name is Pam as well looking for LLMD in Cin oh area to sick to travel far. So far its just the run around gives me such a bad attitude. Is there really any help at all???
31. December 2011 at 8:49 am
There is help, Pam. Unfortunately it’s not all uniformly distributed, so many people have to travel to get diagnosed correctly and treated adequately. OH Lyme info is on its way. Thanks for asking.
P.S. Pam, I sent you info on Dec. 22. Check your spam folder.
19. December 2011 at 9:18 am
I am also looking for someone in Boise. Payette Idaho area to treat Lymes Disease and or Rocky Mountain Spotted fever. Is so hard to get a doctor to take you serious when you tell them symptoms, you have need to be checked for tick related diseases. I was in hospital unable to walk on my own and told it could not be from ticks by two emergency room doctors. This was after being to my doctor 3 weeks prior and told the same same thing. My Doctor finally gave me Doxycycline following hospitol visits.
Very Important if you suspect tick related disease. Get on internet and research symptoms. If I had done this sooner, I would have been prepared to explain how I was feeling better. I was having a lot of symptoms I did not realize were related. aching joints, muscles,feet burning. Being treated for anxiety and depression feeling sooo tired, ect, rash at the site of 3 tick bites on my back. Now since spring. And this is Dec. Horible itching that wont go away. Dr,s in Emergency have ran all kinds of heart tests. at least I know what is not wrong! Still not diagnosed but working on it. Have been refered to a different Dr. I See him today. Thanks to those of you that have written in. Good to not feel alone in this. Hope this helps someone. Also if you have a Bulls eye rash, Take a picture of it to show Dr. My daughter did of mine, but did not keep it on her camera. Would have really helped right now.!!!!! Good Luck
20. December 2011 at 9:23 pm
Thanks for commenting, Linda. So sorry you’re getting the run-around with your problems. I’m sending you Idaho Lyme info so you can find a Lyme specialist to get tested.