Late Stage Lyme Disease

Kyle Said:

HLAB-27, Lyme Disease, Chlamydia Pneumonia, technical question

We Answered:

Your question needs to be answered by a Lyme specialist who really understands the interplay of all of these conditions. Have you been tested for other co-infections? A large percentage of people with Lyme turn out to have other things like babesia, bartonella, erlichia, etc. All can complicate treatment.

Good sources of info about Lyme disease:
http://www.lymedisease.org
http://www.canlyme.com
http://www.lymenet.org
http://www.lymeinfo.net
http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org
http://www.ilads.org
http://www.betterhealthguy.com
http://www.publichealthalert.com

Rosemary Said:

Can late stage Lyme disease cause nail discoloration?

We Answered:

I don't know specifically about nail discoloration. But chronic Lyme disease trashes the immune system, opening the gate for fungus, parasites, yeast, viruses, you name it. So, even if the Lyme didn't "cause" the discoloration, it may well have contributed to body conditions which allowed it to happen.

Good sources of info about Lyme disease:
http://www.lymedisease.org
http://www.ilads.org
http://www.canlyme.com
http://www.lymenet.org
http://www.lymeinfo.net
http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org
http://www.lymedoctor.com
http://www.touchedbylyme.org
http://www.facebook.com/lymedisease.org

Charlie Said:

Serious question about late stage Lyme Disease!! Please open to save a life. Help.?

We Answered:

You did not say what particular lyme related problem was going to cause the death. A second opinion from a board certified doctor in infectious diseases or the area of damage may help.

When it comes to predicting when a person will die its usually not that accurate, the exception being when they stop feeding a patient that is clinging to life in a hospital .

The Merck Manual link below provides some information you can trust:

http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec14/ch174/ch… disease&alt=sh

If it were me, I would want another course of antibiotics. This late, I would pick doxycycline for two reasons: It has a broader spectrum and it is fairly cheap. The one drawback to this antibiotic is it does not get into the brain very well, but in general if there is inflammation that improves distribution to the brain. Some cephalosporin antibiotics are used to treat lyme disease but the kind that gets into the brain are very expensive and have to be given by IV. Don't mix doxycycline and cephalosporins at the same time they will cancel each other out, I would give a week at least between taking either one.

Two other things I want to mention:

When the vaccine for lyme disease came out, people who got the vaccine often then came down with lyme disease. It seems immunity to the bacteria actually causes autoimmune disease which then causes the damage. I don't know much immunology, but continued inflammation is an important factor in the disease process of some (all?) people.

From the Merck Manual link you can learn the approved and usual drugs to treat the disease. I have my own suggestion for add on therapy which is not listed, that is antihistamines like generic benadryl and/or claritin. They would address the inflammation issue if histamine is playing a role, and my guess is it is. Anyway they are fairly cheap and do not require a prescription, and are usually safe for most people.

Bobby Said:

I have a serious question about Lyme Disease!!! Late stage. Please open, to save someone's life?

We Answered:

Hey blahh..

First of all, what is Lyme disease?? Lyme disease or Lyme borreliosis is a multisystem inflammatory condition which is caused by a spirochete Borellia burgdorgeri and transmitted to man from mammals by ticks

The late stage of this disease consists of chronic neurological manifestations and/or arthritis, etc..
How to diagnose?? It can be easily diagnosed in patients who come from endemic areas with fever, rash, malaise, etc.. Laboratory diagnosis is by IgM and IgG titres..

What to do in your friend's mom case?? Your friend's mom's condition is absolutely treatable. She should be given Intravenous antibiotics as soon as possible such as Benzylpenicillin, cephalosporins etc.. Regarding the other disease she has please be specific about it!!!

How to prevent Lyme's Disease: Well, it's simple, avoid ticks by repellents and keep your house clean and avoid tick infested animals

Lisa Said:

Is it possible to return to "normal" life after treatment of very late stage lyme disease?

We Answered:

There are people who return to relatively normal level of functioning, though there may be some lingering issues. (Even when well, you have to really take care of yourself, eat well, rest adequately, don't overdue it, don't get too stressed out.) In my opinion, you need the following things to help you get well: a good Lyme-literate medical doctor, an effective detoxification program, appropriate nutritional supplements, a good support system (friends and family) and personal courage and strength to keep moving forward. Oh, and lots of information, like that available at the following websites. Best of luck to you.


Good sources of info about Lyme disease:
http://www.canlyme.com
http://www.lymeinfo.net
http://www.lymenet.org
http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org
http://www.ilads.org
http://www.betterhealthguy.com
http://www.publichealthalert.com
http://www.freewebs.com/teenswithlyme
http://www.lymetimes.org

Connie Said:

Lyme Disease Questions - please help!?

We Answered:

Contrary to what some answers are saying, Lyme disease is treatable and curable. It is just a bacterial infection. Doxycycline is a common antibiotic for it, sometimes extended for months. Intravenous antibiotics would be the next resort.

The horror stories come from those who do delay getting treatment. Then the bacteria invades reservoirs in the body that make it hard to get rid of. If it is not treated soon enough, it ruins their lives.

Likely you are completely cured, but pay special attention if you have prolonged tiredness anytime in the future. Get to a doctor immediately if symptoms recur. You should be fine.

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