We know that Lyme Disease is an inflammatory bacterial infection that can live not only in the bloodstream but can burrow deep in muscle tissue and organs as well.
We know it can cause a variety of migratory symptoms which can make diagnosing difficult for some physicians. We know that testing can be fallible and that the regulatory treatment protocol is not a guarantee of a cure or full recovery.
Lyme Disease does not discriminate. It infests our children and our pets, our spouses and our neighbors, our co-workers and our community at large, at home, at work and at play.
The protocol for an adult patient who presents with an attached tick but no obvious symptoms is normally a prophylactic 2-pill dose of Doxycycline. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend Doxycycline for children under the age of eight as it can damage the enamel on their teeth, however, other age appropriate antibiotics can be given.
It can take several weeks for the bacteria to show up on a blood test so for many this is a precautionary step. If further symptoms develop (fever, aches and rash), then a Lyme test may be given along with a 21-day dose of Doxycycline. According to the CDC studies, this single dose is enough to kill the borrelia bacteria that is present, however, there is currently no test that proves the bacteria has been eradicated.
According to Lyme researchers, there are two methods of treatments: the prophylactic dose for those cases caught early (2-pills or 21-days) and the long-term dose for the cases not caught early.
Most advocacy groups are fighting for better diagnostic testing and for better treatment protocols. Forty percent of short term treatment courses have resulted in upwards of a 40 percent relapse rate (higher if treatment has been delayed).
This disease needs to be caught early and treated early in order to reduce not only the community case numbers but also the chances of contracting a life long, debilitating illness.
There are many different treatment protocols for Lyme Disease and other tick-borne co infections. Conventional treatments include antibiotics but Lyme can also be treated with naturopathic and holistic protocols. Changing your diet is also crucial.
A Lyme literate doctor has full range knowledge of most protocols not to mention a vast network to other Lyme literate doctors. The importance of seeking out a Lyme literate doctor would be same if you were seeking an orthopedic doctor or a cancer doctor.
These doctors understand the intricate details of the matter in which you are presenting with and have the knowledge and experience in which to treat you properly. There is some debate on whether Lyme is a curable disease or if a person is “reinfected” if symptoms flare up. At this time, it remains a question as there is no test to determine if the bacteria has been fully eradicated.
Because of the high levels of Lyme disease and other tick-borne cases in Lincoln County, Lincoln County Lyme Disease Awareness was formed to bring about awareness and education to the community.
This Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m there will be a sidewalk event at the Maine Coast Book Store & Cafe (inside if it rains) with lots of information available as well as representation from the Maine CDC, a local veterinarian addressing Lyme and pets and preventative and treatment products.
For more information about Lyme Disease and support efforts within the community, please go to our website.
(Ed note: May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month.)
