I.M.120 Helping you to BE YOUR BEST SELF

With the coming of spring our thoughts turn to the pleasures of summer. Unfortunately, with the greening of the landscape comes  a horde of Ticks ready to make us miserable.  

Here are some facts worth knowing about regarding tick-borne disease. 

1.  Lyme should be considered in any "flu like" illness that occurs in the spring or summer. Fever, chills and headache should be considered possibly Lyme in origin

2. Only one half of Lyme disease cases have a history of a tick being removed.  This is because the disease can be passed while the Tick is in the nymph stage of it's lifespan, too small to be easily seen by the naked eye.

3. "Bull's-eye rash" can herald the onset of Lyme disease before the blood test turns positive.  Any unexplained red rash is worthy of physician evaluation to rule out Lyme. 

4.  Lyme should be considered if anybody has a single, swollen joint without other explanation.

5. Even if the disease is appropriately treated, some individuals will have lingering symptoms.  While the diagnosis of "chronic Lyme disease" remains controversial, there is clearly something that affects the health and well being of some patients for months, sometimes years after an acute infection.

The best advice is to inspect your body daily after a day outdoors.  Use a good Tick repellent when needed.  Be alert to the symptoms of this disease and get yourself evaluated at the first signs thereof. 

Also, if you feel you are suffering from chronic Lyme disease, be sure to get at least a couple of opinions regarding the best approach to treatment.  Extended antibiotic regimens are not always the best approach.  Intelligent use of functional medicine can often reverse symptoms of chronic Lyme.