Embedded Files
Photo Credit: Anna Perez, CDC
Wikipedia says: "Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is an infectious disease caused by the Borrelia bacterium which is spread by ticks. The most common sign of infection is an expanding area of redness on the skin, known as erythema migrans, that appears at the site of the tick bite about a week after it occurred. "
My test was Positive: Congratulations!! You are one of the lucky ones who will at least be considered for antibiotic treatment. For a short while. Hopefully the 3 weeks of Doxycycline will clear your infection!
Photo Credit: Dr. Jennifer Morrow
What is Lyme?
What is Lyme?
There are 17 different organisms that we are currently aware of that cause Lyme symptoms. The tests can be somewhat unreliable and some states regulate which tests can be performed or the results that can be reported to you. Most people never noticed being bitten by a tick. There is some unfortunate research now that even suggests Lyme causing organisms can be spread by mosquitos as well as ticks.
Symptoms can range greatly and span across several systems. Most Lyme sufferers have been to multiple specialists without much success. The most common treatment that provides relief is immunosuppression. If your immune system is not able to produce a reaction in response to infection two things happen:
Reduction in short term inflammation and pain
Any infection is allowed to continue, spread and grow
Link to image source
Systems affected
Systems affected
Gastric: Chronic diarrhea caused by constant gastric irritation is the first symptom. Patients are often diagnosed as IBS or Chrons. Many feel that certain foods cause more problems than others, and most people will be tested for celiacs. Reduction in starch and sugar diets can help symptoms for awhile. Long term effects are malabsorption issues.
Arthritic: Joint stiffness and swelling. Spinal issues including vertebral microfractures, ankylosing spondylitis. Finger and toe swelling resembling a “sausage digit” often misdiagnosed as psoriatic arthritis. Knees, ankles and feet are most often affected in those with possible bite sites on the lower extremities.
Page updated
Report abuse