Could a Simple Lyme Disease Test Uncover Mystery Illnesses?
Lyme disease is one of the most overlooked conditions in the US. Why? The main reason is that early Lyme disease symptoms are extremely similar to that of the common cold. This makes it very easy for doctors who are not very well versed in Lyme disease to miss it or disregard it as a cold.
Untreated Lyme disease (pharmaceutically or naturally) can continue to promote dysfunctions and chronic illness. In many cases, the only way for patients to get tested is to order a Lyme disease test themselves. I’ll show you how to do this.
Lyme Disease Symptoms
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Borrelia is transmitted to us mainly by ticks, however, it is important to know that ticks in their nymphal stage (newborn) is most likely to transmit the bacteria. They’re really small so there may not be any evidence of a tick or a tick bite.
Acute Lyme Disease Symptoms
Most people infected by Borrelia will express symptoms even though about 7% will be totally asymptomatic (no symptoms). Common acute Lyme disease symptoms include:
- A bull’s-eye looking rash surrounding the bit site. This is common but may not be bulls-eye looking at all or even absent (the reason why it’s rarely tested for); The incubation period (time between bite and symptoms) can be 3-30 days so one may not attribute the rash to a tick bite at all.
- Common cold symptoms: fever, fatigue, muscle soreness etc.
Chronic Lyme Disease Symptoms
Many cases of Lyme disease are missed because it was mistaken for another illness such as the common cold. After the symptoms of the acute infection subside, the bacteria can continue to negatively influence health. Chronic Lyme disease symptoms can vary greatly, however, some textbooks symptoms may include:
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fibromyalgia (widespread pain with unknown cause)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Arthritis
- Autoimmunity
Lyme Disease Testing
Lyme disease tests are seldom run because in many cases, the sings of the acute infection are gone by the time the doctor examines the patient. The patient may then be forced to do his/her own research and order Lyme disease tests themselves. If this is you, here’s how you order Lyme disease blood tests yourself without it ever getting reported to the insurance companies.
Lyme Disease Antibody Test
When we get exposed to foreign bacteria, our bodies produce a form of white blood cells called antibodies. These antibodies help the immune system not only effectively attack foreign bacteria but also helps it to be ready for future exposures. The Lyme disease test can give insight into whether or not you have been exposed to the Borrelia bacteria.
Confirming Lyme Disease- Western Blot Test
To minimize false negative/positives, the Lyme disease western blot test can be ordered to help confirm the presence of high borrelia bacteria antibodies.
CD57 Test- Natural Killer Cells
Natural killer cells (NK cells or CD57 cells) are white blood cells that help our bodies fight infections. Lyme disease seems to decrease the number of natural killer cells, thus keeping the Lyme diseases active. The CD57 test is extremely important because it helps monitor improvements of the natural killer cells as treatment progresses.
What Do I Do If I have Chronic Lyme Disease?
Finding the right doctor, one that is versed in Lyme disease, is extremely important. Whether if you are seeking pharmaceutical or natural treatment options, it is possible to greatly improve your health and possibly recover from Lyme disease. You can find a doctor here.
Tell us your story. Did our standard healthcare system help you or a loved one with Lyme diseases?