anglnwu says
Lyme disease normally starts with an infection from a spiral-shaped bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. Often this bacteria is carried by ticks, notably deer ticks. A tick infected with this bacteria can then passed it on to the poor victim. Not all tick bite will result in Lyme disease but chances improved greatly if the tick remained on your body unnoticed for 36 hours or more.
Lyme disease is curable with early detection but if the disease goes undetected, it can cause chronic symptoms like chronic arthritis, neurological problems, even heart-related complications.
For more information, read my hub:
5 Things You Should Know About Lyme Disease and Some Ugly Truths.
cmany says
I had to give this some thought. Because it is not an easy question to answer...
To try and put it simply, chronic Lyme is an infection that has been permitted to persist. Time wise - well that is different for each person. Genetic makeup plays a role here, as the disease will infect us where we are weakest first...
Many will say that Lyme begins with a rash and swollen knees...but that simply is not the case for all. There are those who are genetically more susceptible to inflammation, sure will present with pain and inflammation, but those who are not, may present with psychological issues instead.
The number of illnesses and conditions in which Lyme can present itself, are more then 300. From mental to organ issues.
Many chronic patients will experience horrific pain, throughout their bodies, with no reason for it to be found.
Testing lacks incredibly for so many reasons...but in many cases, because patients were not diagnosed from the beginning, their bodies simply are not able to even detect the infection. And often they are infected with multiple diseases, such as Bartonella and Babesia, which are the top 2...but there are quite a few more. And what I have seen in just the last year, more are testing for some of the more rare co-infections.
Additionally, because this illness is able to suppress the immune system, many will also have reactivated viruses in their bodies. These are viruses that we have all had exposure to as small children. And they can cause more pain, and doctors dont even look for them. This risk is increased in anyone who receives steroid treatments as well...
But to get back to the question...Chronic Lyme - is a Borrelia infection that has not been properly treated. Proper treatment can be either Natural or Conventional or a combination of both. It should also consist of Dietary changes, and supplements. It is vital for patients to boost their immune systems and support their adrenals.
Treatment should continue for a minimum of 2-3 months after ALL symptoms cease. And for more difficult cases, longer. People do not realize that this disease can kill. But it is often a long and painful process...one where not only do we have to fight what is happening in our bodies, but we have to fight family, friends, and the medical community. And because of this, Suicide, is high among Lyme sufferers, because they just cannot live in so much pain...
Obviously, there is MUCH more to this...but I think this covers it loosely.
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