Could YOU Have Lyme Disease? 8 Facts You NEED to Know
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Lyme Disease seems to be everywhere these days, but it's a very confusing issue that most people (including many doctors) don't understand.
Here are some lyme disease facts that can help you understand this condition better so you are better armed with information to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Lyme Disease Symptoms
Look at the following list of symptoms. They're pretty terrible, aren't they?
– Paralysis
– widespread joint and muscle pain
– severe fatigue
– headache, rashes
– unexplained fevers
– chills
– nausea
– anxiety
– swollen glands
– heart palpitations
– depression
– bowel problems
– interstitial cystitis
– TMJ, muscle spasms
– nerve pain
– numbness
– tingling
– stiffness
– abdominal pain
– light-headedness
– tremors
– confusion
– double vision
– sensitivity to light and sound
– anxiety
– menstrual irregularity
What if I told you all of these symptoms could indicate Lyme Disease?
Ridiculous right? How could a tiny bug cause so many health problems?
Besides, it seems like everyone and their dog has Lyme Disease lately. It's just the newest catch-all fad disease right? Or is it?
I know how you feel because I've thought the same.
That list above is just a tiny sampling of all the symptoms I've experienced in varying degrees over the last 16 years of my life. I'd spent years searching for answers to the problems that plagued me every day, finding no answers beyond “fibromyalgia”.
When a friend suggested to me I could have Lyme Disease and I should watch the Under Our Skin documentary I honestly was offended.
“Ya right!,” I thought. “Seriously…how could a bug do all this to me?“
One afternoon, I sat down in front of my computer and caved in. I had to find an answer to the question, “What is Lyme Disease?” and as I found out, I was horrified.
As I watched, tears streamed down my face… I saw the playing out of my own life before my eyes. I finally understood my life and I saw Lyme Disease for what it truly is.
You see… Lyme Disease is much more sinister than most people give it credit for.
Why is Lyme so sinister?
What Is Lyme Disease, Anyway?
Let's explore together…
Dr. Richard Horowitz, a leading Lyme expert, says Lyme is “the number 1 worldwide epidemic… it's spreading, it's mimicking every disease and it's going to destroy the world's population.”
Earlier this year the CDC released new statistics for Lyme, admitting they were way off on their earlier estimations of Lyme in the United States.
The number? 300,000 Americans each year. This is 10 times more than what they had previously estimated!
Most Lyme experts still think these numbers are inaccurate, citing that many people are not reporting to the CDC, while others have been misdiagnosed with things like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, MS, Alzheimer's, or rheumatoid arthritis.
How does Lyme cause ALL those symptoms?
Not every aspect of how Lyme Disease bacteria work is fully understood.
I did a simplistic explanation of one function of the borrelia spirochete's initial action within the body here. There's a lot more going on in the body that leads to this hefty list of ailments.
Neurotoxins
One of the first jobs of the spirochete is to release neurotoxins.
As the name implies, neurotoxins release toxins into the nervous system, inhibiting communication of neurons (the cell that processes and transmits through your body's electrical system) through synapses (the means to transport these electrical signals between cells).
When your neurons don't communicate, this leads to things like memory impairment, paralysis, seizures, neuropathy (nerve pain, burning, tingling, etc.), and myopathy (muscular disease).
Notably, artificial fragrances are also neurotoxins!
Cytokines
Additionally, spirochetes cause our body to produce too many cytokines.
Cytokines are proteins who's job is to fight infection. (Sounds like a person would need lots of those to fight a Lyme Disease infection right?)
In a normal infection, cytokines would increase, do their job, and then decrease again.
However, as mentioned above, the corkscrew bacteria of Lyme Disease make their way into every organ of the body (usually with their co-bacteria friends) causing the body to produce cytokines in excess.
Excess cytokine production leads to inflammation which leads to pain and muscle wasting, immune system suppression, disturbed sleep, severe fatigue, thyroid and adrenal problems, problems with body organs, and more.
8 Not So Fun Facts About Lyme Disease and Ticks
Lyme Is Caused By More Than Just Borrelia
Lyme Disease is caused by Borrelia Burgdorferi, but there are other strains of Borrelia. I personally have 4 strains… Parkeri, Kochii, Persica, and Recurrentis. I do not have Burgdorferi and many others do not, however the symptoms and treatment are the same so most doctors will call it Lyme as well. Calling it Borreliosis is more accurate. (But for our purposes we will stick to Lyme.)
Ticks Don't Fly
Ticks do not fly, jump or blow in the wind.They come out in cool, wet weather and come out seeking carbon dioxide… i.e. your breath! They spend their time in tall grass and when you walk by, they catch a ride.
Lyme Brings Co-infection “Friends” With It
Lyme Disease rarely travels alone.
Ticks often carry co-infections as well… Mycoplasma, Babesia, Bartonella, and Ehrlichia are the most common. (Click here for a full listing.) These carry their own complicating symptoms that can be just as severe or worse than Lyme, and often require separate treatment regimens.
Bullseye Rash Myth
Only 50% of people get a bullseye rash!
The other 50% may have another form of a rash or no rash at all. And only 10% of children with Lyme Disease present with a bullseye rash.
Other Bugs Carry Lyme
Ticks are not the only bugs that carry Lyme Disease!
It once was thought that only ticks carry the disease, not only that, but only deer ticks. Sadly, this is untrue.
While deer ticks are still the number one source of Lyme Disease, lice, fleas, mosquitos, and other blood-sucking bugs have been found to contain borrelia bacteria or other bacteria associated with Lyme. Whether they can transmit it in the same way as ticks is yet to be discovered. (source and source)
Other types of ticks such as the American Dog tick have been proven to carry Lyme and co-infections as well.
Lyme Might Come from People Too
Lyme Disease can possibly be transmitted from person to person.
It is thought that it might be passed sexually, and also through saliva, organ transplant, blood transfusion (f.y.i – blood banks don't test for it!), breast milk, and through the placenta to the unborn child. (source)
You Likely Can Recover From Lyme Easily If….
If you catch Lyme Disease right away and treat it, your odds of recovery are very good, not 100%, but very good.
You Likely Can NOT Recover From Lyme Easily If…
Lyme is NOT easy to treat if you don't catch it right away.
Many mainstream doctors claim Lyme Disease, in it's later stages, is simply treated with a few rounds of antibiotic and any remaining symptoms are “post Lyme” and will not go away.
This is untrue as well. Chronic Lyme disease treatment is possible, but it can be very difficult.
Lyme Tests Are Unreliable
It's VERY hard to test for Lyme.
This information is very important. You can test for lyme and have a false negative. Some tests are better than others, but no test is perfect.
In fact, Adrienne had lyme likely for many years and didn't know it until she went to an Amish clinic just to see what they would say about her health.
She had a blood microscopy test (they looked at her blood right there in the clinic). In her blood, there were spirochetes eating her red blood cells!
Even blood microscopy isn't valid all the time since those buggers like to hide.
So, basically testing is hard. Igenix has a good test and there are others.
You can read more about lyme disease testing in this post.
Don't Panic
Now that you have answered the question, “What is Lyme Disease” and you are armed with all of this information, it's terrifying, isn't it?
I know it all sounds super scary and overwhelming but it is not my intention to incite fear. However Lyme Disease is a growing epidemic and after all, I have suffered over the years, I see it as my duty to inform others about Lyme Disease.
Be aware, but don't live in fear.
My children still go into the woods to play.
Do I worry?
Yes, but living in fear of the unknown will paralyze me so I choose daily to trust that God will protect them and I take simple steps to be proactive.
Help for Addressing Lyme Disease
More Posts About Lyme
This post on Lyme disease prevention can help in addition to this post about support for those with Lyme.
Helpful Books About Lyme Disease
The following books are some great options as well.
This book goes into more detail about what Lyme Disease is and what can be done to recover from it. It has great reviews.
The Lyme Disease Solution
The Lyme Disease Solution is a thorough guide to the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme and other tick borne infections. Dr. Kenneth Singleton, the authori, is a board certified specialist in Internal Medicine. He struggled with severe Lyme symptoms for 8 years before being accurately diagnosed and treated.
The book is full of information that's presented in an easy to read manner. Whether you have Lyme, or know someone who does, this book is sure to be a helpful resource.
Stephen Buehner is regarded as a wealth of knowledge by many who struggle with Lyme. This book on Lyme coinfections is one of many that he's authored.
The book, TOXIC, is a wealth of information for anyone dealing with the “silent illnesses” like Lyme, mold toxicity, chronic fatigue, and chemical sensitivity.
(Please note – nothing in this post or in the comments was meant to be a medical diagnosis or advice. Please consult with your physician prior to changing your diet or supplements. This information was meant for educational and entertainment purposes only.)
Have you been diagnosed with Lyme Disease—or wondered “What is Lyme Disease” or if you have this horrid disease?
Corah Webber is the original author of this post. She is a writer, artist, and mother of 2. She splits her time between homeschooling, doodling in notebooks, researching health problems, and daydreaming. Her passion for health and blogging arose out of her own 18 year struggle with a misdiagnosed health condition that turned out to be Lyme Disease. She dreams about starting an urban farm and going back to school to be a Naturopath Doctor once she is feeling better.
I had three ticks attach in rapid succession. I removed them and ended up in the hospital from 7/1-7/6 of this year. Those ticks did a number on me! I am on Doxycycline now and since I had another tick attach yesterday I will have a blood test tomorrow and will be doing another round of Doxycycline. I had an MRI today and will repeat it next week sometime just to be sure they get all the views they need.
What I would like to point out is that I live alone. I found and removed the ticks and thought nothing of it until my sister sister found me insensible and called an ambulance. Had she not checked on me the outcome would have been so much worse! I am entirely grateful she didn’t just leave me to myself then and she won’t in the future!
By the way, I was diagnosed with “suspected” Anaplasmosis and I did, indeed, have the rash!
I am so sorry! How terrible! How long were the ticks on your body? I hope you are able to get some good natural helps to get over this!
All the links to Homespun Rabble Rouser – except for the Twitter – aren’t working! any ideas what to do? Even the links from her Pinterest page which I got to through her Twitter page incidentally (the one included here doesn’t go to her page) aren’t working.
Thanks for alerting me, Kacee. The author has stopped blogging, sadly. She has gotten more ill. I went and updated the post. Thanks again. I really enjoyed her writing….so disappointing.
The following information was taken directly from the CDC page on Lyme disease transmission:
•There is no evidence that Lyme disease is transmitted from person-to-person. For example, a person cannot get infected from touching, kissing, or having sex with a person who has Lyme disease.
•Lyme disease acquired during pregnancy may lead to infection of the placenta and possible stillbirth; however, no negative effects on the fetus have been found when the mother receives appropriate antibiotic treatment. There are no reports of Lyme disease transmission from breast milk.
•Although no cases of Lyme disease have been linked to blood transfusion, scientists have found that the Lyme disease bacteria can live in blood that is stored for donation. Individuals being treated for Lyme disease with an antibiotic should not donate blood. Individuals who have completed antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease may be considered as potential blood donors. Information on the current criteria for blood donation is available on the Red Cross website.
•Although dogs and cats can get Lyme disease, there is no evidence that they spread the disease directly to their owners. However, pets can bring infected ticks into your home or yard. Consider protecting your pet, and possibly yourself, through the use of tick control products for animals.
•You will not get Lyme disease from eating venison or squirrel meat, but in keeping with general food safety principles, always cook meat thoroughly. Note that hunting and dressing deer or squirrels may bring you into close contact with infected ticks.
•There is no credible evidence that Lyme disease can be transmitted through air, food, water, or from the bites of mosquitoes, flies, fleas, or lice.
•Ticks not known to transmit Lyme disease include Lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum), the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), and the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus
Thanks. I will say that I have heard alternative docs say different things about Lyme. I guess we can only hope to know the truth someday. Thanks again.
I would just like to mention that both my sister and i contracted lyme disease. She and her husband are part of a research study that indicates that lyme is sexually transmitted. She gave it to her husband. We both acquired it 25 some years ago and it manifested 20 years later while i was living in Maryland and she was living in another province. It took me 2years to get diagnosed and 5years of treatment with antibiotics including 1 of samento and banderol. There is no one size fits all treatment for Lyme my sister and i have both had different treatments. Much of the Information on the CDC website is innacurate or just plain wrong. If you think you have it dont give up you may not test positive but drs are supposed to treat by symptoms; find one! Naturopaths in Canada and LLMD’s in the USA
Hi Sue – thank you so much for commenting. I’m fascinated by your comment. I had heard about the sexual transmission of Lyme. How are they figuring that out? Do you have more information? My son was bitten by a tick about 3 years ago and I am still concerned for him. Thank you so much.
Have you turned up anything about preventing Lyme if you have already possibly been infected?
Someone posted your blog in my lyme Facebook group…my sister is also a member and i can perhaps get her to comment on the std study she is part of. We talk about alot of things i guess prevention is about the only way i have seen. ..i certainly dont want to go through more treatment. I initially saw dr singletons partner in his Towson md office thats who treated me but after 4years i decided to move back to British Columbia Canada and am seeing a wonderful naturopath who has gotten me better.
How interesting. I would love to hear more – your sister could come and comment or could email me at wholenewmom {at} gmail {dot} com. Thanks and so glad you are feeling better!! It’s scary.
Hey, I’m Sue’s sister. I participated in a Lyme sexual transmission study here in Calgary, Ab and I’m pretty sure she found the same strain of borellia in at least one couple, indicating one got it from the other. I’m not sure how far in her study she is but borellia is a spirochaete like syphilis which is sexually transmittable so it would make sense that borellia (Lyme) could be sexually transmitted. My husband has tested positive and had no known bite or rash so he likely got it from me.
Hi Sally – thanks for taking the time to comment. Is there a possibility that the same strain could come from another source like a mosquito? Please excuse my ignorance about Lyme. I know very little about it. I have heard of numerous people getting it with no known bite or rash, however. Thank you!
How can I contact this naturopath please?
Hi there,
No I was tested for everything. I don’t have that. Thank you for the assistance! I am hoping a practitioner can help me so I can inform others and live life fully again.
Thank you again and bless your soul for responding always!
I hope so too. I am working w/ a practitioner who has helped a lot of people. I can introduce you if you like. She works long distance.
Hi can i have the name of the homeopath working with vaccine damage. I experience damage from the flu vaccine.
Yes, sure. I am emailing you.
All the information sounds scary. After I had my second child I had a blood transfusion. since then I had severe bursitis and tendonitis. I struggled for years with steriod shots, physiotherapy. Then i had a miscarriage and few months later concieved again to give birth to my third child. I had struggled taking care of her as the pain wouldnt go. I had depression, and a foggy mind. 1 year ago the pain increased and my fingers and all joints hurt and i couldnt sleep, After all the debate between unable to figure it out and meds, I went to a naturopath who said i had adrenal fatigue. He said he will keep searching and not stop. i had low CD 57(no idea why that is imp) and i had indefinate bands on the lyme test. (all this was done out of pocket) He suspects i got lyme. I have been on antibiotics every 4 months. I am better and sleeping with some pain still. He did a zyto test too. He suspects co infections. I hope everyone else is healthy at home. I am struggling and feel no reason to live. I cant work either. 🙁
I am so sorry you are having such a rough time. I have 2 friends w/ Lyme who are trying to get better. I could possibly put you in touch w/ them. I like my practitioners too. I came out of a very dark place physically – I know how you feel.
I am convinced I have Lyme disease. I was bitten by something when I was about 10. I am almost 50 now and have developed so many health issues over the years. In the past year, I have developed multiple inexplicable and undiagnosed health problems, which has led me to believe I have lyme. Now I have to find resources to determine if I am on the right track and then how to treat. I gained some valuable info from this article. Thank you.
Hi Lisa. I am so sorry. Two of my friends are dealing with this right now. I am not sure if their practitioner works long distance, but I can check for you. They are both doing quite a bit better. Or perhaps you live close enough to travel. Let me know.
Hello, would it be possible to send me the practitioners information that your friends have had success with? Thanks so much!
I think they just work locally – are you still interested?
Adrienne, where are you friends located? I am interested, thank you!
They are in Michigan.
how did you get diagnosed?
I will see if Corah can come back over to respond.
HI was diagnosed by a test called the Western Blot through a lab called Igenix. Western blots are available through other labs, but they are said to be less accurate and Elisa testing is even more unreliable. I suggest checking out the IlADS website for more information on testing. Testing is not 100% accurate and even with the most accurate test (which I had) there is much room for misinterpretation and should only be interpreted by a doctor that is Lyme Literate. There are also other tests that are often suggestive of Lyme… such as a low CD57 and tests for other co-infections like myscoplasma, bartonella, ehrlicchia. Frequent infections or re-activations of such things as HHV-6 or Epstein Barr Virus should make one suspicious as well. Ultimately though, Lyme is a clinical diagnosis. I’m not a doctor however so please check out the ILADS site and check in with them if you have any further questions.
Four docs, including a Lyme specialist have told me my son does not have Lyme. I am not convinced. My instinct tells me it is either Lyme or a related disease. He is now 23 and I have run out of avenues. I hope he is okay later in life.
A teacher from our old district went to Germany for a treatment not available here. Last I heard, he was doing well. You can Google information on treatments in Germany.
I am sorry to hear that. I am likely embarking on a new treatment this coming week. I don’t think I have Lyme but I hope to see new improvements. Blessings.
Thinking of you and thank you!
Thank you!!!
I was diagnosed with chronic lyme over a year and a half ago. This is a well written, informational article. Great job! Unfortunately, I have severe allergic or die off reactions to just about every supplement/med that’s been given to me to kill those suckers off, so I haven’t experienced much relief yet.
I am so sorry to hear that. Lyme is so difficult! Blessings as you work on wellness.
Hi, I am so glad I found this through a different post. My niece was diagnosed with lyme this past fall along with another bacteria. She has had it for I believe two years. She has truly changed her eating and everything. When I heard her story I began to wonder about the last years of having muscle pain, joint pain, headaches ( I have always been prone to those) you see 11 years ago this summer I pulled a deer tick from behind my knee. That week at work I had a high fever and nausea and if I remember right there was a ring around that area. I went to the doctor with the tick that I saved and he said my test came back negative, but we will treat you with around of antibiotics. I took these and thought I was okay. Now I am beginning to wonder. I had no idea until Kat was diagnosed that this many symptoms could come from Lyme disease. Now after reading your post and the comments, wow! I had better re-think my own body and see who my niece uses to get tested. I had my last child during this time too. Scary stuff. We live in the wooded area in middle MN ticks are very hardy here.
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
Sorry to hear about your experience and that you’re worried you have it. I hope you get some answers soon.