Diagnosis and Testing: Chronic Lyme Receiving a positive blood test result


for Lyme can be difficult, however is more likely when the infection has been pres- ent in your body for at least three to eight weeks. The test results are dependent on the presence of antibodies created by the body to fight infection. Mounting that de- fense takes time.


Despite clinical advances in testing


sensitivity and specificity, testing limita- tions create chances for false negative, and rarely, false positive, results. That being said, we support the use of the testing options and recommendations described in our ebook, as they are the most current way we have to detect this elusive disease and support a clinical diagnosis. I am glad I was personally tested as it allowed us to confirm a diagnosis and make a treatment plan targeting the underlying cause. Hav- ing this confirmation is helpful, but if you are struggling to find answers, do not take a negative test as the “be all and end all” and forego pursuing treatment. Often one of the best options is to pursue a treatment trial while monitoring your symptoms.


Treatment Options and Immune Support for Chronic Lyme Treatment of persistent Lyme disease is an ongoing process that takes time, diligence, and a knowledgeable team of “Lyme literate” practitioners. However, pre- ferred treatment options may vary greatly among Lyme specialists. Some practitioners believe that multiple rounds of antibiotics are the only way to treat chronic Lyme. Some favor natural herbs and nutrients. Other practitioners prefer homeopathy. And some will even say you need a combina- tion of all of the above.


If anything, we have learned they are


all right! Whatever works for you, works for you. If you have been diagnosed with Lyme, you should do anything and every- thing to pursue the treatment options that help you. The perfect treatment for you may be different from your neighbor, your family member or even, in our case, your practitioner. What allows us to custom- ize the plan for you is a combination of testing, presenting symptoms, your genet- ics, lifestyle, goals, research findings and clinical experience. Lyme treatment is not a one size fits all approach but a one size fits YOU approach.


There are four key areas that we address through our proprietary Precision Health process:


1. Decreasing the total inflammatory load is a critical part of treatment. Inflamma- tory compounds, such as cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-a, IFN-y), are released from im- mune cells in areas of injury. The load of these inflammatory compounds can cre- ate sickness syndrome, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, mood disorders, and neuropsychiatric disorders. These inflam- matory compounds create free radicals that perpetuate the inflammatory process and lead to additional damage. Decreas- ing inflammation involves removing offending agents, repairing injured cells and introducing compounds that help put out the inflammatory “fire” such as curcumin with piperine, antioxidants, fish oil, glutathione and its precursors, proteolytic enzymes, CoQ10, B-vitamins, amino-acids and minerals.


2. Providing symptomatic relief from the many devastating effects of chronic Lyme is essential for healing and often requires multiple modalities. Medica- tions, herbs, nutrients, meditation or manual therapies such as chiropractic, acupuncture, or massage therapy may all improve symptoms.


3. Using targeted antimicrobial agents to eradicate the Borrelia burgdorferi spiro- chete and other diagnosed co-infections can be a very difficult task. The Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete has advanced capabilities that evade detection from the immune system and resist treatment. These antibiotic regimens can be an effective treatment option, but they may also have troublesome side effects due to the duration of treatment and the combi- nation of multiple medications. Fortu- nately, there are several other options for targeted antimicrobial therapy that are safe and effective such as antimicrobial herbs, homeopathic treatments, transfer factors, CBD oil, silver hydrosol, intrave- nous nutrients, and other therapies.


4. Supporting the natural systems of the body is key to achieving the best treat- ment outcomes when dealing with any chronic condition, including ongoing infection. It is not adequate to simply prescribe an antimicrobial regimen and expect the body to recover. The body must be addressed in a holistic manner, recognizing that the immune system, mi-


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