Chronic Lyme disease is an infection that can produce a wide range of symptoms. Unfortunately, chronic Lyme disease treatment options to take care of these symptoms are often not taken advantage of. While treatment for chronic Lyme disease is out there, you may not know about it yet.
A bite from a bacteria-infected tick is the cause of Lyme disease. If you get the disease, go through treatment, and have lingering symptoms. ( like ongoing pain and fatigue) then you may have chronic Lyme disease and need chronic Lyme disease treatment.
Symptoms Of Chronic Lyme Disease
Chronic Lyme disease is not recognized by all doctors, but the symptoms that come with the disease (after antibiotics have been used) widely are. These include
- Fatigue
- Inability to concentrate
- Problems with sleep
- Aching feeling in the joints or muscles
- pain and swelling in joints such as knees, shoulders, and elbows
- Loss of short-term memory
Chronic Lyme Disease Treatment
Chronic Lyme disease treatment can be broken into several different categories.
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy- Oxygen is essential in the process of killing bacteria and by raising oxygen levels through the body, the patient has a much better chance at health.
- Lyme treatment centers- Chronic Lyme disease can often be treated at centers that specialize in helping those with Lyme disease when medicine alone was not enough for them. They normally create an individualized plan for each individual so that they can maximize the amount of pain reduction.
- Stress reduction-Emotional stress is not good for those with Chronic Lyme Disease. You can keep your stress under control by allowing yourself enough time each day to relax. You can also manage stress by practicing mindfulness exercises such as contemplation or meditation.
- Exercise- Exercise can be a beneficial way to improve your mood and improve your sleep. Which are two aspects of life that most folks with chronic Lyme disease struggle with. Walking, stretching, jogging, yoga, swimming, and biking are all great places to start. Remember- gradually increase the level of intensity.
- Testing- many different types of testing such as nutrient testing, stool testing, and urine testing can help determine an individualized action plan for treatment.
Living With Chronic Lyme Disease
Outside of treatment options, there are several things you should be doing to ensure you can live comfortably with Lyme disease.
The first of these is ensuring that you have the correct diagnosis. Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose and may be confused with other autoimmune conditions. Other co-infections with bacteria can confuse the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. So continually speak with your doctor to make sure you have a complete diagnosis.
The second thing you need to be doing? Getting support! Living with Lyme disease is no walk in the park. It can cause large amounts of psychological distress and can put a strain on your relationships with others. Connecting with others who are experiencing the same issues may provide support. Another way is connecting with a therapist or psychiatrist. Finally, you can get support from friends and family who are willing to help!
