FAQ

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an infection caused by a spirochete (say “SPY-ROH-KEET”) that humans can get from the bite of an infected deer tick. The spirochete’s scientific name is Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is called “The Great Imitator” because its symptoms mimic many other diseases. It can affect any organ of the body, including the brain and nervous system, muscles and joints, and the heart.

How do I get infected with Lyme Disease?

People usually get Lyme disease from ticks infected with Lyme spirochetes. Most human cases are caused by the nymphal, or immature, form of the tick. Nymphs are about the size of a poppy seed. Because their bite is painless, many people do not realize they have been bitten.

Where is Lyme Disease found?

Lyme disease has been found on every continent except Antarctica. It is found all across the United States.

What are the initial symptoms of Lyme Disease?

Bullseye rash and flu like symptoms

I was bit by a tick but I did not get a bullseye rash, does that mean I am safe?

Less than 50% person patients get the bullseye rash. You should get tested to be safe.

Are bullseye rash and flu like symptoms the only symptoms I should worry about?

No. There are more than 200 symptoms of Lyme Disease, which can present itself  as different combinations of these many symptoms. To see a more detailed list of Lyme Disease Symptoms, please read my “Symptoms of Lyme” section.

What do I need to do, if I suspect I have Lyme Disease?

Please immediately search for a LLMD (Lyme Literate Doctor) to be tested. LLMDs are doctors that specializes in Lyme. They will do a better job in selecting the necessary tests based on the patient’s symptoms. Please keep in mind the most Lyme tests will produce false negative %50 of the time, so a patient cannot solely rely on test results. Diagnosis is made based on both symptoms and test results.

What is an invisible disease?

An Invisible Illness is defined as “a chronic condition that is not easily observed by the general public.” Some invisible illnesses aren’t even readily seen by medical professionals. These are illnesses that are debilitating, and prevent a person from performing traditional every day activities, but with no obvious physical symptoms to observers. Those with an invisible illness often struggle to explain their condition to others. Because invisible illnesses aren’t easily identified, a person with an invisible illness may feel judged by others, or feel as though others simply do not understand what they are going through.

What is Herxheimer Reaction?

The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction is a reaction to endotoxins released by the death of harmful organisms within the body. It occurs after starting treatment of an infection – any infection. The body experiences heavy Herxheimer reactions periodically during the treatment of Lyme and other Tick Born Diseases, since TBDs spreads anywhere in the human body. Please read my page on “Herxheimer Reaction and Detoxification.”

What is detoxification?

Detoxification is the process of removing toxic substances or qualities out of our system. There are two ways the human body disposes the toxic substances: skin and the digestive system. To learn more about how to detoxify please read my page on  “Herxheimer Reaction and Detoxification.”

Why do I need to detoxify?

Detoxification is overall important for human body – even for healthy people. It becomes even more important, when you have an illness that is caused by pathogens. As the medications attack the pathogens and the pathogens start to die in a person’s body; they become toxic. If the body cannot dispose the toxins, it will be consumed back into the system. As a result, the treatment becomes counterproductive.

Is Lyme Disease curable?

Lyme disease is “curable”. If treated early the answer would be yes. When first contracted 6-8 weeks of antibiotic treatment will most likely cure the infection. The longer it goes undetected, the harder it becomes to treat. Lyme disease can go undetected and spread all around for many, many years. By the time the diagnosis is made, the patient would have to go through years of treatment.

How do you treat Lyme Disease?

Every patient is different. Based on how long the patient has been sick and many other factors, the treatments vary. Unfortunately, there is not any standard testing or treatment protocol widely available at the moment. A lyme patient can have multiple co-infections or secondary infections and also many post infection problems. Each patient has to be assessed, tested and treated individually.

It isn’t summer. Is it still possible to get infected during other seasons?

Ticks are alive year-round.

I hear ticks do not exists in every state. Is this true?

Although tick exposure might be higher in certain areas, ticks exists anywhere.

If I get Lyme Disease and get treated, does that mean I am now immune to Lyme Disease?

No. You can get infected every time you are bit.

What is LLMD?

Lyme Literate Doctor. A doctor that specializes specifically on Tickbourne Diseases. Unfortunately, there aren’t that many LLMDs available out there. Distance and cost can be a real problem.

Why is it better to be seen by LLMD vs a regular doctor?

Many doctors aren’t educated on Lyme and/or co-infections. Many doctors are only being taught that Lyme can be treated with 2 weeks of antibiotics. LLMDs dedicate their time to do extensive research to understand this complicated disease.