How Lyme Disease Affects the Immune System

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September 8, 2010

Getting Lyme

How Lyme Disease Affects the Immune System

Lyme disease is like no other bacterial infection. With most bacterial infections, you expect to take an antibiotic and be over the infection within a week to 10 days. Despite treatment, however, many people with Lyme disease often end up with more serious, widespread infection.

Borrelia burgdorferi: An odd bacterium

The Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete causes most Lyme disease in the United States. At least two other Borrelia species lead to Lyme in the rest of the world. Borrelia burgdorferi is a parasite transmitted by infected ticks from deer, mice, and other small rodents that harbor the spirochete. These animals can have huge numbers of the bacteria and not show any symptoms of disease. Yet when these same spirochetes are transmitted to humans, they cause problems in many organ systems.

Why does the Lyme bacterium affect humans and not the infected animals?

The primary difference is the way the spirochete is transmitted and the way the human immune system reacts to this invader. In humans, the Lyme organism has learned to survive brilliantly.

Evasion starts with invasion

Starting as early as the tick bite itself, Borrelia burgdorferi can evade the best efforts of the immune system in several ways. The tick has certain factors in its saliva that coat the invading spirochetes, protecting them as they enter the body through the skin. This prevents the immune system from “seeing” them. For weeks after a tick bite the immune system of someone infected with Borrelia burgdorferi may not produce antibodies against the bacterium.

Structure is important for evasion

Then there’s the unique feature of Borrelia itself, its flagellum. The flagellum gives the spirochete the ability to cause profound disease. A flagellum is typically an outside tail a bacterium uses to propel itself from place to place. In the Borrelia corkscrew-shaped spirochete, however, the flagellum is located inside the bacteria’s body, somewhat like the skeleton of a snake. The flagellum helps the bacterium invade tissues and thick mucus that would stop most bacteria in their tracks. The flagellum also excites the immune system.  Although the immune system can now see the bacterium, it can’t effectively attack it. Instead it launches a massive inflammatory response that ends up damaging surrounding human tissue rather than killing the bug.

Evasion continues with metamorphosis

Once inside the body, the saliva-protected spirochete also starts to change the proteins on its outer cell wall. The immune system typically uses cell wall proteins to detect a foreign invader, develop specific antibodies to fight it, and mount a coordinated immune attack. But the Borrelia spirochete is like a spy who changes his disguise to blend into the crowd. The police have an initial description of the spy, but it’s no longer accurate.

Lyme symptoms and the immune system

The prolonged immune response, trying to fight Borrelia burgdorferi infection, causes most of the symptoms of Lyme disease, including joint inflammation, skin changes, and neurological problems.

Another aspect of Borrelia burgdorferi is that its changing outer proteins further stimulate the immune system. To return to our spy analogy, it’s as if the police know the spy is disguised and somewhere in the crowd. But because they can’t mount a focused attack, they send all available officers to the scene to destroy everything in the environment. In our analogy, Borrelia burgdorferi is the spy and the officers are immune system cells. The environment, unfortunately, is the tissues of the body.

Immune cells that try to fight the invaders include neutrophils, monocytes, macro-phages, and dendritic cells. None are very effective at clearing the infection, but they do wreak havoc when they are in places like joints. Massive numbers of immune cells that invade the joint tissue take up space and release toxic compounds in an attempt to destroy the spirochetes. These cells (particularly neutrophils) release proteins and small molecules such as cytokines, which further stoke inflammation. The result of all this immune activity is joint pain, inflammation, and persistent arthritis. The same principle operates in virtually all organs affected by Lyme disease.

Borrelia burgdorferi in the brain

In the central nervous system, the story is slightly different. The brain doesn’t have the same immune cells that most other body tissues have. In the brain and spinal cord, the de facto immune system is cells such as astroctyes and microglia. These cells are bad at detecting and eradicating infections. Moreover, they release substances (like quinolinic acid) that can be directly or indirectly toxic to nerves. Similar to elsewhere in the body, they kill human tissue in an effort to kill the spirochete. The infection persists and the brain is damaged as a result of the failed attack.

The unique way that the human immune system responds to the Borrelia spirochete infection causes more problems than it solves. The more that scientists discover about the human immune system and Lyme disease, the better equipped they’ll be to develop treatments that can modulate these painful immune system effects. The ultimate goal of course is reducing or getting rid of Lyme disease altogether.

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186 Responses to “How Lyme Disease Affects the Immune System”

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  1. Deb B Says:

    In June 2011 I was in New York and received a tick bite. I went home to Dallas TX and then noticed a bulls eye on my arm with all of the systems of lymes disease. I called around to find a n infectious disease dr with no result. I went to my local dr and was diagnosed with lymes with the blood test. The doctor put me on Doxycycline for 40 days. I am now having systems again. Is there any LLDR in the Dallas area? If not, I could go back to the Dutchess county area of NY to be treated but would need a Dr for that area also. Any help would be appreciated

    Reply

  2. Erin J Says:

    Can someone recommend a lyme doctor near Virginia Beach or anywhere in the area? My symptoms, case history of tick bites, and a low cd57 score suggest lyme. My western blot was negative, but I know how inaccurate those tests can be. Need to find a Lyme literate doctor!!

    Reply

  3. Sunny Says:

    Hello,

    I have been having a rough year and have been tested for all kinds of diseases. I am 29 years old and have been in horrible pain with my joints and all I ever want to do is sleep. I also have a stimulator implant for IC. I finally asked my doctor if they could test me for Lyme. I just got my results back and the doctor called me and told me he wants me to have a western blot test done because my other test came back a low postive. I’m not sure what that means. Could you tell me if any Lyme disease doctors in Texas exist. Thank you,
    Sunny

    Reply

  4. lisa f Says:

    Hi Pam, I have just returned from the ER because I have been having a lot of joint pain and major brain confusion, I had 20/20 vision and now my sight is getting bad very quickly. I woke up in the middle of the night with my fingers bent and had trouble fix them, I then woke up and was in the shower and noticed my veins popped out on my legs and my arms and legs felt like needles and pins. I have major mood swings, neck pain and migranes. The ER Doctor says he is testing me for Lupus and Lyme . I know there is something wrong because I am getting worse and this has been going on for about year. I am afraid of brain damage, if there is damgage is it permanent? I just want to be my old self again.I also want to say I have been prescribed vitamin D recently. I am so thankful the ER Doctor wants to check for everything possible.I live in Rochester, NY can you refer a DR. To me.

    Reply

    • Pam Dodd Says:

      NY Lyme info coming up, Lisa. Brain issues with Lyme are not usually permanent if you get appropriate care. Be forewarned that the Lyme test you just had is most likely the CDC test, which returns a lot of false negatives. A Lyme specialist will know how to diagnose Lyme correctly and treat it adequately if you have it. Thanks for asking.

      Reply

  5. Linda J. Says:

    Hi Pam…just stumbled on your site. I am wondering if you could have fibromyalgia symptoms and have it be Lyme? As kids in rural California we had unfiltered water as our primary water source.(Especially bathing, we would sometimes haul water to drink from a kindly neighbor) Our water came right out of an irrigation canal, which animals fell into and died, etc. I know, disgusting!

    I now live in the Spokane, WAshington area and would appreciate the name of a good Dr. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Pam Dodd Says:

      Linda, there are lots of infections you can get from tainted water. Lyme isn’t one of them. However lots of folks diagnosed with Fibromyalgia do have Lyme. I’m sending WA info so you can find a Lyme specialist to see what’s up with you. Thanks for stumbling by!

      Reply

  6. Dawn Says:

    I was dx with Lyme and put on dox for 3 wks I have a lot of symptoms and not sure how long I have had Lyme can you give me a Dr in Philadelphia .. After reading all the comments it’s really scary..

    Reply

  7. Derek Says:

    I am just now learning about Lyme and wanted to thank you for this info. I was bit and infected when I was about 7. Too young to remember and I lost contact with my family, only person who knew was my father. All my life I’ve been sluggish, unmotivated, neck pains, fevers, fake fevers, depression, but I always worked through it. At the end of 2011 is when I talked to my father (after several years) and he said that I got Lyme as a kid and the treatment the doctor gave me was 2 days of antibiotics.

    I’m 27 now and tired of being tired. I’ve been to the doctors (before I found out) and the could never figure out what was wrong with me. Now I know and don’t have health insurance, but that’s ok, I’ll find a way. I live in PA and plan on seeing a LLMD here, {doctor’s name removed]. I heard good thing about him.

    Fighting this for 20 years I think has helped me get a good idea on what it does to a person and once I am on the right track of getting treatment, I plan on helping raise awareness for Lyme as well.

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Pam Dodd Says:

      Glad you’re finally getting competent help, Derek. I had to remove your doctor’s name because it’s a convention online not to name Lyme doctors to protect them from being harassed by their state medical boards for the “unorthodox” treatment of Lyme. Some have been fined and lost their medical licenses. Good luck! If you ever want info on how to find other Lyme doctors in PA, let me know. Thanks for commenting.

      Reply

  8. Cheri Says:

    Yesterday I got results from Western Blot with positive IgG Ab 23, IgM Ab 39 and IgM Ab 41. My doc started me on 3 week Rx of Doxycycline. I’ve been dealing with many problems starting with a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2003. I also was just diagnosed with adrenal fatigue (high cortisol across the board during saliva test), low progesterone, and Vit D deficiency. I’ve also had muscle aches all over, but mostly in my back, that come an go. Major brain fog, etc. I would like to know of docs in Louisiana. I’m freaking out a little bit, because it looks like people are on so many medications! Does anyone ever kick this bacteria? My fiance is like, oh good, you’ll be better after the doxycycline. :(

    Reply

    • Pam Dodd Says:

      You probably will feel better on the Doxycycline, Cheri, but if you have Lyme and any of the co-infections that typically come with it (Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis), you won’t feel better for long. People do kick these infections, but it does take months, if not years. Different Lyme doctors have different protocols. And each person with Lyme is different and reacts differently to treatment. Hang in. You can handle this. It just takes patience and perseverance.

      I’m sending you LA Lyme info. Travel if you must to see a competent Lyme doctor. Thanks for asking.

      Reply

  9. Marc Says:

    I think I may have Lyme and would love some info on lyme doctors in San Luis Obispo, CA area. Also, do you know of any connections between lyme and panic attacks? Thanks

    Reply

    • Pam Dodd Says:

      CA Lyme info is on its way. Thanks for asking, Marc.

      Reply

    • Chispa Says:

      Re panic attacks. Lyme is known to cause “emotional lability” – which basically means fast changes of emotional state without obvious reasons. Another tick-borne disease (TBD) that many people also have and got from the same tick as the one that transmitted Lyme, is Babesiosis. This is known to cause people to have rages – just pop out with a rage and no trigger. I also would check into Bartonella, also a TBD altho there is another species one gets from cat poop (cat-scratch fever, I guess the name is because cat’s bury their poop, get Bartonella on their paws, then scratch a human and infect them). I think Bart is also associated with some heightened emotions. All these could be seen as “panic attacks”. You ou can get a list of Lyme-literate doctors in your zip code area from Turn the Corner foundation.
      Best wishes, Marc

      Reply

      • Pam Dodd Says:

        Thanks for the info, Chispa. In addition, Lyme is known for imitating all the psychiatric disorders. And Turn the Corner is one of several other good resources for finding the names of LLMD.

        The advantage of the info I send out is that you get recommendations from people with Lyme running local support groups who know the plusses and minuses of the Lyme doctors in their area. Also, except for the US Northeast, MidAtlantic, Upper Midwest, and West Coast, there are not a lot of Lyme doctors to choose from. Some people have to travel hours to see someone competent to treat Lyme. We also provide info on how to find Lyme help to people outside the US.

  10. Susan Says:

    Pam, I need info on LLMD in North Carolina. Thanks

    Reply

  11. lisa f Says:

    ive been sick for at least a yr. misdiagnosed many times, ie: fibromyalgia, back n neck pain, seizure, lack energy, sleeping for last 4 mths, n many other symptoms. dr calld me yesterday n informed me i have inflamation in body and was pos for lymes. which means ive had this for approx 6 or more years. everyone i thought loved me stoppd being my friend long time ago leavn me to deal w everything by myself. it got so bad i nolonger wanted to live. thought i was losing my mind cause seemed like every day had new symptom. pain meds dont even take my pain away. im concerned because having it all these years what permanant damage was caused and how do i find out what kind dr should i see. my primary care dr found it. do i stick with him or see specialist? please help me

    god bless

    Reply

    • Pam Dodd Says:

      Lisa, I’m sorry you’ve had Lyme for so long and nobody could help you. I’m also sorry you’ve been abandoned by your friends and family. That’s unfortunately what happens to many of us with Lyme. If you tell me where you live (city/state), I’ll send you info on how to find a Lyme specialist.

      If it helps, I had Lyme for probably over 40 years before it was diagnosed. It’s not easy to get rid of it quickly when you’ve had it for a long time, but it can be done. Please see someone who knows how to treat Lyme adequately. Lyme is NOT just one disease; most of us with Lyme also have at least one other tick-borne co-infection that came with it. You need to be tested for these too. Thanks for asking.

      Reply

  12. zonia Says:

    Pam, soy zonia peraita otra vez, estoy muy angustiada porque hace 2 anos me habian dicho los medicos que no tenia Lyme, a pesar de tener 2 bandas la 23 y 41, positivas.

    Yo me informe bastante y sabia que los sintomas eran de Lyme y segui insistiendo, hasta que hace unos dias un dr reumatologo, me dijo que si tenia Lyme cronico.
    Me mando 14 dias de Doxi , 100 mgs diarios…he leido que eesto no es nada para la borrelia, pero lo estoy tomando porque hace dos anos no tenia ningun tratamiento.
    Despues de haber comprobado que tengo la infeccion y conocer como se trasmite, tengo mucha angustia porque, al no saber esto, mis nietos han compartido conmigo y temo que se hayan podido contagiar.

    Les gusta acostarse en mi cama de vez en cuando y han dormido en mi habitacion cuando vienen a quedarse conmigo, tengo miedo porque uno de ellos de 7 anos debuto con deficiencias con la glandula tiroides, han tenido gripe, fatiga, y no se si es que estoy muy asustada pero me siento temerosa por ellos.

    Se podran infectar los ninos por el contacto de las manos, las lagrimas, la orina, saliva?
    cuanto puede vivir la infeccion fuera de nuestro cuerpo, si asi fuera/
    Podria estar la infeccion en el ambientee de las habitacionees donde dormimos dia a dia?

    Necesito ayuda e informacion sobre todo esto, por favor.

    Reply

    • Pam Dodd Says:

      Zonia, no se puede pasar de Lyme de las manos, las lágrimas, la orina o la saliva. También la infección no puede vivir fuera del cuerpo o que viven en la atmósfera de su habitación. Sin embargo, de Lyme puede ser transmitida de la madre al feto si se ha de Lyme. También se puede transmitir por transfusión de sangre.

      No creo que usted necesita preocuparse colindan con sus nietos que de Lyme a menos que hayan sido mordido por una garrapata infectada. Espero que esto le ayuda a dejar de preocuparse. Gracias por preguntar.

      Reply

      • zonia peraita Says:

        Pam he sido informada que puede contagiarse por los fluidos del cuerpo los mosquitos, y otros insectos, por eso me preocupa el contagio…feliz ano y muchas gracias por su ayuda muy apreciable.

      • Pam Dodd Says:

        Sí, Zonia, algunas personas creen de Lyme puede ser transmitida por otros insectos como mosquitos, moscas, ácaros y pulgas, a pesar de que se vea nada oficial sobre esto. Feliz año nuevo para ti también.

  13. Crystal Says:

    This is Crystal again, in all my rambling forgot to mention I live on Long Island NY,and I have never had or seen a rash, but after reviewing in my mind the original timeline…I visited NC but not Rocky MTN and I believe more that I was bit by a deer tick on Long Island a few weeks later. Also if you have any support group info,I could use someone to talk to…my circle seems to thinkits all in my head.Thanks again

    Reply

    • Pam Dodd Says:

      Ah, sorry. Didn’t see this comment before I replied to your first one. LI Lyme info is on its way. LI is a hot bed of Lyme, but then you probably already knew that. Good luck, Crystal. Keep us posted on what you find out.

      Reply

  14. Crystal Says:

    Greetings, I am an African american female who in 2005 started having flu like symptoms, primarily fatigue,fever and muscle aches in my legs only. After several emergency room visits within 2 weeks and several misdiagnosis…I was hospitalized with same symptoms but weak to the point I couldnt walk and riddled with fever. After a negative spinal tap and many other invasive diagnostic test,massive doses of pain medication; which only made me sleep with naseau and what turned into a 2 week hospital stay,in which I waited 5 days before I was given a possible diagnosis…I had been bit by a tick which by now was long gone they said and I had Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. I was treated with 3 strong antibiotics at one time DOXY, VANCO, and I believe CLINDamycin for the rest of my stay and was discharged and sent home on these IV antibiotics for next 3 weeks.I was also told that the tick has caused an infection around the lining of my heart…Endocarditis..Miserabley depressed to say the least. After many weeks; I follow up with infectious disease…I was told RMSF was not a definitive diagnosis…I eventually started to feel better or at least I thought I was…Approxiametely 3 years later I started to and continue to this day to have almost disabling joint pain and weakness and severe muscle pain in my legs; poor concentration,weight gain gastro-abdominal issues, sexual disinterest and fatigue. After going to many doctors for many different diagnosis, and long time Ibuprofen use to no avail, I started seeing an alternative holistic Dr. who specializes in Kinesis. I am currently under his treatment and have been since 6/2011 for LYME Disease and was also noted to have severe liver toxicity. wheat/gluten allergy,which I never had before.I also have severe anemia,constipation,concentration and depression problems along with the crippling joint pain and muscle aches…to boot my fiance is about to be my EX…I must admit that the latter treatment has been a little effective, I can actually say I have had good days where I thought I was on my way to healing…but the bad days outweigh the good…I am simply crying for HELP and hoping this info may help someone else…I am a Nurse who can barely do my job anymore, I have no health insurance and have spent thousands of dollars to try and get well. I am 46 years old,but walk and feel like I am 99 years old..someone 99yrs old may actually look or feel better than I do. Any info you can provide would greatly be appreciated…I am starting to think I have some permanent nerve damage and will have to suffer the rest of my life, although I am being told it took some time to become this way and it will take some time to reverse it…I dont know what to believe anymore.

    Reply

    • Pam Dodd Says:

      So sorry for all your long-term health problems, Crystal. Lyme and associated tick-borne co-infections could account for them all. If you tell me where you live (city/state), I’ll send you info on how to find a Lyme doctor. You need to see someone who knows how to diagnose Lyme correctly and treat it adequately. All hope is not lost if you get competent help. Thanks for asking.

      Reply

  15. Anita Says:

    Hello,

    I was diagnosed with severe UC and primary biliary cirrhosis in 2010. Also, had an unexplained rash on my torso. I have lasting pain and stiffness in my back and rib area. I’ve been going to physical therapy but that does not seem to be helping. I also suffer from chronic fatigue. I have some good days few and far between. I am wondering if anyone else with Lyme disease has been diagnosed with similar autoimmune issues? Any Lyme doctors in Central Maryland?

    This website is very helpful!

    Thank you!

    Thank you

    Reply

    • Pam Dodd Says:

      Anita, I’m sending you MD Lyme info so you can find a Lyme specialist. The ribs are a favorite place for Lyme to hang out. Thanks for your kind words and for asking.

      Reply

  16. Hannah Says:

    Hello Pam,
    Can you send me the list of Lyme doctors in Brooklyn Manhattan SI Queens NY?
    Thank you!

    Reply

  17. Andrew Says:

    Hello Pam,
    Can you send me the list of Lyme doctors in South Florida?
    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Pam Dodd Says:

      FL Lyme info is on its way, Andrew. Thanks for asking.

      Reply

    • zonia Says:

      Me puede decir, por favor donde puedo encontrar un especialista Lyme, cerca o en Miami, que acepte medicaid?
      O si habra algun programa de atencion y apoyo gratuito para personas de tercera edad y de bajos recursos, soy residente de Miami, 69 anos.
      Por favor lo necesito urgentemente, me dieron una Dra en Broward en ILADS, pero cobra 4mil dls y no puedo.
      Muchas gracias y bendiciones. Zonia.

      Reply

      • Pam Dodd Says:

        Lo siento mucho, Zonia, no conozco a ningún médico de Lyme o cualquier clínicas de Lyme en Miami que aceptan Medicaid.

  18. Mike C. Says:

    I have been having symptoms (too many to list) of what seems to be MS for 4 years now. An MRI showed white spots on my brain but all tests came back negative for everything. I know the symptoms of Lyme and MS are similar. All my neurologist can say is we don’t know what is causing the white spots or your many other symptoms. I can’t live like this. I’d like to find a Lyme doctor in Central NC if possible. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Pam Dodd Says:

      NC Lyme info coming up, Mike. Travel if you must to see someone who knows how to diagnose and treat Lyme correctly. Thanks for asking.

      Reply

  19. Lesly Says:

    I have been told by my doctor that I have lyme disease. My legs are the body part most affected but I also suffer from swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion and not to mention, moodiness. I would appreciate information on how to find a Lyme doctor near me. If my doctor’s diagnosis is correct, I have had Lyme for 3 years.

    Reply

  20. William Says:

    I got lymes for the first time last spring. I ended up spending 5 days in the hospital. Ever since, I have had problems with my knees and back hurting severely. Is there a vitamin or natural herb that I can take to help with the pain? I did finish a four week cycle of dox and the lymes was caught within a month of getting it. Please let me know what you think. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Pam Dodd Says:

      William, sorry to have to tell you that one month of an antibiotic is rarely enough to get rid of Lyme. Plus you don’t say if you were also tested for the co-infections that commonly come with Lyme – Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis. Most people with Lyme have at least one of these; they also need to be treated. If you tell me where you live, I’ll send you info on how to find a Lyme doctor near you. Most regular doctors don’t know how to test for it properly and treat it adequately. Thanks for asking.

      Reply

  21. sandra Says:

    Omg! I was diagnosed with arthiritis 2 years ago at the age of 28. I remember going to Tennessee and having ticks removed as a child. Now I have flu-like symptons that I have had for about 6 weeks. Went to doctors yesterday and he is doing some labwork. but all of these symptons I can relate to at one time or another, and when I went to seek medical attention nothing was found. Any doctors near Cleveland Ohio?

    Reply

    • Pam Dodd Says:

      Sandra, I’m sending OH Lyme info. Thanks for asking.

      Reply

      • cara Says:

        hey, i just found out i have lyme disease. ive probably had it for close to 3 years. my doctor has never treated anyone with it and gave me 15 days of doxy. The antibiotics are making me miserable, it seems like they are just making the symptoms worse. is this common? the only thing i can think about doing is sleeping. i also get super dizzy and have some aweful migranes in adition to vomiting all the time. its making finals week really hard. i was wondering if there were any lyme specialists in Idaho? this website has been so helpful.

      • Pam Dodd Says:

        First, congratulations on your Lyme diagnosis, Cara. What you’re experiencing with the Doxy is normal. The nausea is probably from taking it on an empty stomach. Many of us have to take it with food (just not dairy). See if that helps. Your worsening symptoms is called the Herxheimer reaction, common with Lyme. Make sure you’re taking a good probiotic (just don’t take it within 2 hours of the Doxy). Herbs for your liver, gallbladder, and kidneys help too. With time, the herxing subsides as your Lyme load goes down.

        If you’ve had Lyme for three years, it’s chronic. 15 days of Doxy will most likely not be enough to get rid of it. Plus you don’t say if you were tested for the co-infections that can come with Lyme, Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis. Most people with Lyme have at least one. All the more reason to find a doctor who knows how to treat Lyme. It’s a complex illness that most regular doctors know little about. Being a guinea pig for your doctor while he learns is NOT a good idea. I’m sending you ID Lyme info. Thanks for asking.

  22. Janet D Says:

    Thank you for all the information. I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease probably after having it for two months. I was told to take an antibiotic for three weeks. No relief; went to another Dr. put me on another antibiotic in addition to Doxy. So happy to have found a Dr. that treats this awful disease aggressively. I am finally without joint pain. Please keep spreading the word re: 2 meds for more than three weeks.

    Reply

    • carla from florida Says:

      responce to Janet D or anyone else that can give me advice, I also have been diagnosed with Lyme Disease, was giving Doxy but no relief, the Doctor says I have had it for many years, In one week I will be going to Center for Disease Control.My question is Who was the Doctor and what is the other antibiotic that He/She gave and just in case Janet doesn’t respond to me, Is there anyone else that can give me advice. My Doctor is talking to me about Brain damage and said I needed test done on my brain and Bones, I’m really scared. Don’t have a lot of faith in Doctors in this area and acording to my conversations with My Doctor apparently he doesn’t either. Can anyone help with my fears

      Reply

      • Pam Dodd Says:

        Carla, there are Lyme doctors in Florida who know how to treat Lyme correctly. I’m sending you info so you can find one. I’d do that before going down any other paths that require expensive testing and treatment for other suspected diseases/illnesses. Glad you asked.

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