What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks). Research has pointed to numerous other potential sources that contribute to the transmission of Lyme and the tell-tale signs of infection are subtle and often overlooked. These common misunderstandings have lead to overwhelming levels of misdiagnosis or dismissal. Despite these obstacles, conservative estimates still tell us that 2 million people across the US may be living with Lyme disease or related illnesses and we're here to help.
Key symptom progression and onset of Lyme disease:
Lyme disease presents a complex timeline of symptoms that can evolve from mild early-stage signs to more severe, chronic dysfunctions.
While not a comprehensive list, here’s what to look out for across the different stages:
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Early Localized Stage (3–30 days after tick bite):
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Erythema Migrans (EM): A characteristic rash resembling a “bullseye” may appear around the bite, though the presence of this classic tell-tale sign is reported in in only a fraction of cases.
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Flu-like Symptoms: Fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes are common at this stage.
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Early Disseminated Stage (days to weeks after tick bite):
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Multiple EM Rashes: If the bacteria spreads, more rashes may develop across the body.
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Neurological Issues: Symptoms like facial palsy (loss of muscle tone in the face) or meningitis-like inflammation may occur, alongside nerve pain. Brain Fog, loss of concentration, and an increased severity of symptoms like headaches and fatigue may occur.
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Joint Pain: Intermittent pain and/or soreness in muscles, tendons, and joints.
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Late Disseminated Stage (months to years if untreated):
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Arthritis: Persistent swelling and pain, especially in larger joints like the knees, hips, or shoulders.
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Persistent Neurological Issues: Chronic fatigue, cognitive difficulties, numbness, tingling, and even heart rhythm irregularities.
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Dormant Activation (A Hidden Threat):
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Delayed Onset: In some cases, Lyme disease may remain dormant in the body, only surfacing when triggered by an event of physical or emotional stress. This "event" can weaken the immune system, allowing dormant bacteria to become active and rapidly escalate symptoms, often resembling those seen in late-stage Lyme (chronic Lyme).
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Rapid and Severe: Once activated, a combination of early and late-stage symptoms may appear quickly, leading to debilitating effects such as severe fatigue, joint pain, cognitive dysfunction, and heart rhythm irregularities.
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Unpredictable Timeline: Unlike typical progression, the onset of symptoms in these cases doesn't follow a clear timeline related to initial infection but rather correlates with the triggering event, making diagnosis more complex and often delayed.
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Diagnosis Challenges
Diagnosing Lyme disease can be difficult. While tests like ELISA and Western blot are commonly used, they often fail to detect chronic cases or co-infections. Many symptoms overlap with other conditions, and in the early stages, Lyme bacteria may not be detectable in the blood. Clinical observation and a holistic assessment of symptoms are critical to accurate diagnosis, especially in chronic cases.
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Treatment Limitations and Our Approach
Standardized treatments, such as short-term antibiotic courses, are often effective for early-stage Lyme disease but fall short for chronic sufferers. The typical approach, focusing solely on bacterial eradication, doesn’t address biofilms or the persistent symptoms many face, such as immune dysfunction, inflammation, digestive dysfunction, and co-infections. Chronic Lyme sufferers need a more comprehensive level of care that focuses on full-body regeneration, addressing root issues, and establishing long-term success.
Prevention
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Avoiding transmission from ticks or other potential vectors by wearing protective clothing, using repellents, and conducting thorough checks.
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Support the body’s natural defense mechanisms by bolstering the immune system with targeted supplementation, detoxification strategies, and lifestyle adjustments such as improved nutrition, stress management, and reducing toxin exposure.
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What sufferers experience:
Misdiagnosed and misunderstood
Complicated and overwhelming Protocols
Appointments months apart / minimal visits and support
How we help;
Free and accurate consultation and assessment
We provide and manage every detail so you don’t need to
In your own home, on your own schedule with ongoing support as and when you need it
Contact us
Need more information? Contact us and we'll get back to you right away.
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