What are the long-term symptoms of Lyme disease?
What are the long-term symptoms of Lyme disease?
Don’t ignore the signs! Understand what long-term effects Lyme Disease may cause, so that you can detect and treat it in time and avoid lasting symptoms.
Despite some skepticism in the medical community, chronic Lyme disease is a growing epidemic in the U.S. This stems partly from the shortcomings of many of the officially recommended Lyme disease tests, which leave too many patients with untreated infections that then become persistent and debilitating.
Lyme Disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through tick bites. While it can be effectively treated if diagnosed in time, those who don’t diagnose it soon enough may experience long-term effects due to continuing infection with the potentially serious symptoms of chronic Lyme Disease.
One of the most common symptoms of Lyme Disease that may persist long-term is fatigue. In addition to tiredness and exhaustion, some people experience difficulty sleeping or insomnia. This, in turn, could have a negative effect on the patient’s overall health and physical well-being, as they may struggle to perform daily activities or maintain a regular schedule.
Pain may also be experienced in some patients who have Lyme Disease long-term. The pain could be located in a specific body area, such as on the joints or muscles, or it may move throughout different parts of the body. (Migrating pain) As with fatigue, this can make it difficult to lead an active lifestyle or participate in normal activities. Some neurological symptoms, such as memory problems and inability to concentrate can also occur due to prolonged Lyme Disease. In general, if any of these symptoms are noticed for more than six months after treatment for Lyme Disease has been completed, further medical attention is advised.
Even after antibiotic treatment, some patients report feeling exhausted or having an overall lack of energy. Similarly, many people experience difficulty sleeping due to physical pain or mental fog that can be associated with chronic Lyme Disease. To help manage symptoms of fatigue and insomnia, it is important to establish good sleep schedule and practice relaxation techniques. Additionally, certain lifestyle modifications may need to be made in order to cope with tiredness or lack of sleep as a result of long-term Lyme Disease.
Proper rest and relaxation are key components to maintaining good health while living with long-term Lyme Disease. To combat fatigue and insomnia it is important to get enough sleep by controlling exposure to artificial light and limiting activities that could disrupt your sleep schedule. Additionally, getting regular exercise can also help improve sleep quality as well as reduce stress and anxiety which are often linked to difficulty sleeping.
And not all exercise is created equally. Do not overdo it!! Something as simple as walking is all that is needed in most cases.
Eating a balanced diet and healthy snacks can also act as an energy booster throughout the day. Taking time for yourself through yoga or creative outlets can help reduce feelings of stress, allowing for more restful evenings.
Unfortunately, as with many chronic illnesses, fatigue and insomnia can be difficult conditions to manage. It is important to have conversations with a practitioner and explore different lifestyle changes such as natural supplements, diet and stress reduction or guided meditation for example. Additionally, speaking to a psychiatrist or psychologist may help you understand your condition and support coping skills that can lead to improved sleep patterns. Restful sleep and relaxation are critical in helping the body address various Lyme symptoms while also warding off secondary health issues associated with chronic fatigue disorder.
If you have been experiencing mystery symptoms, and have been to many doctors only to be told it is all in your head or that your labs look “normal” keep digging. The answers are out there.
Check out my last blog post on this topic as well
Don’t just focus on treatment either. So much healing and magic can happen when lifestyle changes are made. Do not underestimate the power of lifestyle changes.
There are Functional Practitioners like myself that specialize in lifestyle and mindset changes. Start there while you are working with a Lyme-literate Doctor. It is a beautiful combination that will rlong-termlong term health benefits for you and those around you.
If you would like to learn more about changing your lifestyle and building better health on a strong foundation. Contact me for a free consultation. Let’s see if what I do is a fit for you. Let’s start the new year healthy, and happy. Find hope in healing.
