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
When Lyme Disease Looks Like Juvenile Arthritis Read More »
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 »
When a Doctor Dismissed Lyme Disease Sometimes the hardest part of Lyme disease isn’t the infection itself — it’s what happens when a doctor dismisses Lyme disease before the patient truly recovers. This is one patient’s story. But it echoes thousands I’ve heard in my practice. He sat across from me, eyes tired but steady
His Doctor Gave Up on His Lyme Disease — But He Didn’t Read More »
A Common Question After Recovery After treatment for Lyme disease, many patients ask: Can I donate blood if I’ve had Lyme disease? The short answer: Lyme disease is not known to spread through blood transfusions. However, blood donation centers recommend waiting until you’ve finished treatment and remain symptom-free for a recovery period before donating. Why
Can I Donate Blood After Lyme? Read More »
“I used to lead meetings. Now I forget why I walked into a room.” This isn’t burnout or aging — it’s brain inflammation from Lyme disease, and it’s one of the most dismissed symptoms I see in practice. Patients often describe brain fog as “thinking through mud” or “watching my own thoughts disappear.” It can
Brain Fog and Lyme Disease: The Overlooked Symptom Read More »
She came to my office exhausted after six months of fevers, sweats, and crushing fatigue. Her initial testing for Babesia was negative. It wasn’t confirmed until much later, after PCR and antibody testing was positive. But by then, treatment was delayed, and her recovery was harder. Babesia testing is essential for timely diagnosis. Ordering the
Babesia Testing Errors Can Delay Treatment Read More »
