Treatment of Tick Borne Illness
We live in an era of rapid environmental change, and tick-borne illnesses are on the rise as a result. With humility, I approach these illnesses as a complex infectious-neuroimmune phenomenon.
“Illnesses from mosquito, tick, and flea bites have tripled in the U.S., with more than 640,000 cases reported during the 13 years from 2004 through 2016. Nine new germs spread by mosquitoes and ticks were discovered or introduced into the United States during this time.
The number of reported tickborne diseases more than doubled in 13 years and accounted for more than 60 percent of all reported mosquito-borne, tickborne, and fleaborne disease cases. Diseases from ticks vary from region to region across the U.S. and those regions are expanding.”
Illnesses from Mosquito, Tick, and Flea Bites Increasing in the US from the CDC
The conventional approach to a tick bite or suspected case of Lyme disease is often inadequate, with clients being told that they will not be treated unless and until the two-step lab test for Lyme is positive, despite evidence that early testing is unreliable.
Lyme and tick borne co-infections are complex organisms, and, testing for Lyme is not very sensitive or specific. Our clinic has expanded testing options available. I see clients with acute and long-standing tick borne diseases, and treat them with Integrative Medicine strategies (herbs, nutraceuticals), and antibiotics as needed. I am also skilled in the use of Disulfiram, Dapsone and Methylene Blue for treating tick-borne illness. I follow the Guidelines of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS).
Acute Lyme Appointments
The best way to prevent chronic or disseminated Lyme disease is by assertively treating people after a tick bite. However, many practitioners are reluctant to prescribe adequate courses of antibiotics unless clients have a bulls-eye rash and a positive Lyme test. Since many people don't see the tick that bit them, and only about 30% of people get a rash after a tick bite, this approach can miss people. Incubation and positive testing can take up to 6 weeks after a bite, so many people have negative testing in the beginning of their illness.
If you suspect a tick bite and are experiencing a localized or disseminated rash, headache, fever or joint pain that may be due to Borrelia (Lyme) infection, or if you have been treated by your PCP for a few weeks but are still having symptoms, I can add you into my schedule as quickly as possible.
What Does a Consultation Include?
1. A thorough history and careful listening to your story
2. A physical exam and vital signs
3. Developing a plan of care that aligns with your values and hopes for treatment
What Do I Bring to My Appointment?
Relevant lab results and records
Your partner or support person, if desired
Your list of questions and concerns
Pricing (starting October 1, 2024)
$400/hr
What If I've Been Bitten by a Tick?
An option is to take this “What do you do if you get a tick bite?” information and see your healthcare provider. Hopefully, the evidence for more aggressive treatment will convince them to treat you appropriately. If not, please call, and I'll work you into my schedule quickly if needed.
If you are interested in treating using Integrative Medicine, see Stephan Buhner's herbal protocols here: Healing Lyme, Natural Healing of Lyme Borreliosis and the Coinfections Chlamydia and Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis, 2nd Edition
Keep in mind that acute appointments are NOT appropriate for someone who has had symptoms for longer than a few weeks.
Resources
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Screening Form to Determine if You May Have Lyme Disease
The Horowitz Questionnaire is a helpful tool that can be taken and reviewed by your health care practitioner.
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International Lyme and Associated Diseases (ILADs) site
ILADS is a nonprofit, international, multi-disciplinary medical society, dedicated to the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of Lyme and its associated diseases.
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Stephan Buhner’s Books about Herbs for Lyme
Stephen Buhner is the author of many books on herbal medicine and other topics, including the acclaimed book Healing Lyme: Natural Healing & Prevention of Lyme Borreliosis & Its Co-infections.
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Minnesota Lyme Association
A non-profit organization that seeks to provide a supportive environment for people affected by Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and to educate the public and health professionals in the prevention, diagnosis, and effective treatment of these diseases.