Babesia blood screening saved this patient from months more of misdiagnosis. A routine donation uncovered what his doctors had missed all summer. A week after his donation, a letter arrived with the words no one expects to see: Your donation has tested positive for Babesia. In that moment, he realized the blood bank had identified […]
Babesia Blood Donation: When Screening Finds Infection Read More »
A man with Lyme disease described persistent eye pain and pressure despite repeated normal eye exams. He worried that something serious was being missed, yet ophthalmologic evaluations and imaging were reassuring. The pain fluctuated and worsened with fatigue and stress. Over time, the eye pain gradually improved. This pattern is common in Lyme disease and
Pain Behind the Eyes in Lyme Disease Read More »
After 37 years treating Lyme disease, one of the most painful things a patient can hear is: “You need to see a psychiatrist.” For many living with undiagnosed Lyme disease, that sentence ends medical care when it should begin it. A young woman in her early 30s came to me after months of worsening anxiety,
🚩 Lyme Red Flag: “You Need to See a Psychiatrist” Read More »
Lyme disease in kids is rising—and it’s not just a seasonal spike or a testing artifact. Pediatric cases are becoming more frequent, more complex, and often harder to diagnose. In some children, symptoms appear younger and progress faster. Others never get a classic rash. Environmental changes, diagnostic delays, and atypical presentations create significant challenges. Understanding
Lyme disease kids rising Read More »
When we talk about Lyme treatment risks, the conversation often stops at the potential downsides of antibiotics. But in chronic Lyme disease, the greater danger may be the risks of leaving the infection only partially treated. Understanding both sides of the equation is essential to making an informed decision. Risks of Antibiotic Treatment for Lyme
Lyme Treatment Risks: Antibiotics vs. Chronic Illness Read More »
A patient came to my office in June with a bull’s-eye rash. “I checked myself after hiking,” she said, “but I never saw a tick.” She’d been bitten by a nymph — about the size of a poppy seed — but perfectly capable of transmitting Lyme disease. Her case was typical of what happens during
Deer Tick Season: When Lyme Disease Risk Peaks Read More »
Why Elderly Lyme Disease Patients Face Unique Challenges Treating elderly Lyme disease patients presents a hidden challenge. Older adults bring unique vulnerabilities—cognitive changes, multiple chronic conditions, and increased sensitivity to medications—that standard treatment guidelines don’t fully address. Lyme disease treatment in elderly patients requires individualized care that balances infection control with age-related risks. Elderly patients
Elderly Lyme Disease Patients Need Individualized Care Read More »
The topic of celebrities suffering with Lyme disease has made headlines for years. And with good reason. When Justin Bieber announced his Lyme diagnosis in January 2020, social media erupted — not with sympathy, but skepticism. Trolls accused him of making excuses for his appearance and behavior. His response? Medical records, lab results, and a
Celebrities: Shining a spotlight on Lyme Disease Read More »
It’s not juvenile arthritis. It’s Lyme disease. At 16, Emma’s rheumatologist told her she’d likely need lifelong medication for juvenile arthritis. Six months later, antibiotics cured her completely. The diagnosis was wrong from the start — because Lyme disease can mimic symptoms of juvenile arthritis more often than most doctors realize. Emma came to my
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Most people worry when they find a tick, but few realize that its size can change everything. Does a smaller tick mean lower risk — or greater danger? Yes and No. The size of the tick matters for the early detection of Lyme disease. Understanding Tick Sizes Both nymph and adult ticks can transmit Lyme
Does the Size of the Tick Matter for Lyme Disease? Read More »
