WHAT IS LYME DISEASE?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is normally transmitted by ticks. It is caused by a spirochete, which is corkscrew-shaped bacterium called Borrelia Burgdorferi. Lyme disease is also classified as a zoonosis because it is transmitted to humans by ticks who carry the disease. There are over 13 known types of Borrelia (Lyme disease). Unfortunately, we only have the testing capabilities for one.
HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?
Lyme disease is normally transmitted to humans via nymphal stage ticks. Before biting a human, a tick which carries Lyme disease will have fed off a deer or other animal which is carrying the Lyme virus-like mice, rodents, horses, dogs, or sometimes cows. Due to their size – about the size of a poppy seed – these ticks are able to feed off a host (person) for a long period of time and frequently go unnoticed.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS?
Acute, or early, Lyme disease may include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, sweats, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, and joint pain. About 50% of the time symptoms are accompanied by a bulls-eye shaped rash. Other rashes around bite areas can also be possible with Lyme disease, it does not always follow a typical bulls-eye rash pattern.
If a person is correctly diagnosed at this time, Lyme disease can be treated much easier with a course of antibiotics.
However, if incorrectly diagnosed or left untreated, acute Lyme disease can progress into chronic, or long-term Lyme disease. Symptoms of chronic Lyme disease vary and often mimic other ailments, leading to common misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments.
The list of symptoms is extensive and can include:
- Fatigue
- Achy, stiff, or swollen joints
- Night sweats and sleep disturbances
- Cognitive decline
- Sensitivity to light and vision changes
- Other neurological problems
- Skin outbreaks
- Heart problems
- Mood problems
Chronic Lyme disease can be misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, lupus, ALS, and many others. The risk of misdiagnosis is why it is so vital that patients are treated by an LLMD (Lyme-literate medical doctor) in a patient-specific manner.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE LYME DISEASE?
Referred to as the “great imitator”, Lyme disease can look like many other illnesses. Many patients have been diagnosed with other illnesses, only to later discover that they have Lyme disease that could have been treated sooner. Because of this, we suggest that you receive treatment from an LLMD, especially if you feel as if your current treatment is ineffective.
HOW IS LYME DISEASE TREATED, AND WHERE CAN I RECEIVE THIS CARE?
The treatment of Lyme disease is a controversial topic; what has worked for one patient does not always help other patients. This has made the ability to define standards of care very difficult for our government and community. The differences between acute and chronic Lyme disease varies greatly as well, making it difficult to effectively treat. Treatment is best determined between the patient and physician. We emphasize patient-centered, person-specific care. We are LLMD and want to assist you in your diagnosis and long-term care.
BYRON WHITE FORMULA
Here at Ocala Infectious Disease and Wound Center, we believe in the use of Byron White Formulas to ease and treat the symptoms of Lyme disease. Byron White Formulas are powerful, immune system provoking agents that have found to be effective in treating Lyme disease.
At Ocala Infectious Disease and Wound Center, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for you. Our desire is to educate and assist those affected by Lyme disease. We want to help you get back to living your life to the fullest.