Our Lyme Disease Treatment
Due to the vast range of symptomatology seen in cases of Lyme disease, patients
are oftentimes misdiagnosed, and may ricochet from one health care practitioner
to another. Conditions confused with Lyme include but are not limited to fibromyalgia,
chronic fatigue syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, diabetes mellitus, lupus, multiple
sclerosis, depression, or even arthritis. Moreover, in those patients who concomitant
suffer Lyme disease with any of the above diseases, the Lyme infection will frequently
be overlooked. In addition, there is not one diagnostic test for the condition,
further complicating diagnosis and proper treatment.
At Clinic XXX we use a three-pronged approach to treat Lyme disease. Our focus is
to treat the underlying dysfunctions brought about by infection, such as immune
system deregulation and body toxicity, rather than masking symptoms with pharmaceuticals.
First and foremost is the time we spend with the patient to ensure definitive diagnosis.
As noted above, patients are often misdiagnosed due to the array of symptoms with
which Lyme disease patients can present and wide overlap with other conditions.
We spend the time and provide the range of tests required to correctly diagnosis
the individual, and to create an appropriate program/regimen for their treatment.
The second prong of our Lyme disease solution is hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT).
Treatments with hyperbaric oxygen infuse the body tissues with oxygen, increasing
their O2 levels by up to 1000 percent. The bacterium that causes Lyme is considered
to be a microaerophilic organism, which means it requires lower amounts of oxygen
than what is present in earth’s atmosphere to survive (~20 percent), but is intolerant
of an abundance of oxygen. Hyperbaric oxygen also acts as an immune system modulator,
allowing the patient’s organ and gland functionality to normalize and reducing many
debilitating Lyme symptoms. The hyperbaric chamber also pressurizes the atmosphere,
and hyperbaric oxygen thus acts as a detoxifier as well. Gently forcing oxygen into
the tissues through this pressurization displaces toxins, chemicals and other impurities.
Emerging clinical research showing the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy now
offers hope to patients suffering from chronic Lyme disease. Dr. William Fife at
Texas A&M University has published impressive research demonstrating profound
improvements in chronic Lyme disease patients treated with HBOT. Among those noted
improvements are pain reduction, returned mental clarity, reduction of depression,
and frequently the ability to discontinue antibiotics.
The third prong of our Lyme disease solution is recommended supplements and dietary
obligations along with scheduled doctor’s supervision. We provide testing and intravenous
treatments (IV therapy) with antibiotics and drugs in our offices for Lyme disease.
These treatments incorporate protocol recommendations from the NIH and are customized
for each patient. Many of our patients also benefit from IV vitamin support like
vitamin C, to help bolster their immune system.
Supplements for Lyme Disease
Transfer Factor LymPlus ™
Under a physician’s direction, Transfer Factor LymPlus™ may have special dietary
usefulness for individuals diagnosed with Borrelia burgdorferi (cell-wall deficient
Lyme), as well as other infectious diseases such as Babesia, Ehrlichia, Bartonella,
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), HHV 6B, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Chlamydia pneumoniae.
Transfer Factor LymPlus™ provides our physicians with a targeted formula developed
to support the body’s immune system. This uniquely formulated transfer factor is
derived from chicken-based transfer factor.
Transfer Factor Multi-Immune™
Transfer Factor Multi Immune™ is helpful for patients with a weak immune system.
Regular use under a doctor’s supervision is found to be effective. Transfer Factor
Multi-Immune™ is a daily-use immune support product. For healthy people it promotes
healthy NK (natural killer) cell levels, keeping bugs at bay. For immune-compromised
individuals, it assists the body in bringing NK cell levels to where they need to
be for optimal health. As Transfer Factor works at the cellular immunity level (as
opposed to humoral immunity), it does not stimulate the immune system. Transfer
factors act as chemical messengers to alert the body’s naïve T-cells to recognize
any foreign bodies that may be found in the body.
Lyme Disease Testing Overview
In order to gauge your current state of health, our clinic will often request copies
of your last two years of medical testing, and will often recommend further testing
as needed. Our clinic does request some testing that is not commonly performed in
more "mainstream" medical clinics. For example, 24-hour heavy metal testing with
provoking agent, neurotransmitter analysis, food sensitivity testing, comprehensive
stool testing and Candida antigen testing are commonly recommended by our medical
staff. Some of these are discussed in detail in the links in this section.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Initial office visits typically last 45–60 minutes. Your doctor will review your
intake form with you and gather a detailed medical history. A partial physical exam
is usually performed, and medical records are often requested from your primary
care physician and/or other health care providers. Specialty laboratory testing
may be recommended. Most clients are offered an initial protocol consisting of nutritional
supplementation, dietary and lifestyle recommendations.
First Visit: Blood Test
The purpose of blood testing is to assess and identify kidney, liver, blood sugar
and other key factors such as blood cholesterols. The results are explained to the
patient, giving him/her a fuller understanding of the blood chemistry, so that they
may take control.
Patients are required to fast for 14 hours before the test. Water may be drunk freely,
but not tea, coffee, juices or other beverages. Appointments are normally arranged
for mid-morning so that food and drink can be consumed up to 8:00 p.m. the prior
evening. On the day of the appointment, any prescribed medication should be taken
with water as normal.
Patients are recommended to bring food to eat after the blood sample has been taken.
Diabetics should advise the clinic, so separate arrangements will be made.
First Visit: Urine Analysis
Urinalysis is to establish exactly how the kidneys are functioning. Patients are
required to collect urine over a period of 24 hours. This should take place as near
to the date of the blood test as possible, but must not include the 14-hour fasting
period prior to the appointment. The recommended timetable excludes the first urine
of the day, then all subsequent urine for the next 24 hours is collected in clean
plastic containers. (If collection starts at 8:00 a.m., this process must be followed
until 8:00 a.m. the following day. E.g., if appointment is 10:00 a.m. Friday, fasting
commences Thursday at 8:00 p.m. Urine collection starts Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. and
proceeds through Thursday 8:00 a.m.
Containers should be clearly labeled with the patient’s full name and brought to
the clinic at the time of their appointment.
First Visit: Resting ECG for Doctor’s Report
The electrocardiograph (ECG) determines the condition of the heart and measures
its actions and the pulse. The doctor in charge reports any findings in his medical
notes.
Specific Lyme Disease Testing
(Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) Test for Lyme Disease
What is the ELISA test for Lyme disease?
An ELISA test determines titers of IgM and IgG antibodies in the blood against the
B. burgdorferi bacteria. This is done through drawing blood from a vein in your
arm.
What are the indications and contraindications for ELISA testing?
This test is for those who are exhibiting symptoms of Lyme disease. Symptoms include:
- Red rash known as erythema migrans (EM)
- Small red spot at the site of the tick bite that expands over time, forming a circular
or oval-shaped rash
- Accompanying symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, body aches, and fatigue
- Recurrent attacks of painful and swollen joints, most commonly in the knees
- Bell’s palsy
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
How does one prepare for the ELISA test for Lyme disease?
There are no special preparations required for this test.
How does it feel? How long will it take?
An ELISA test is a painless procedure that usually lasts about three minutes or
less. Some patients may feel a slight stinging pain while the needle is being inserted
to draw blood. After the test, a small amount of throbbing may occur at the site.
What are the expected aftereffects of the test?
There are no risks or complications associated with undergoing an ELISA test. Patients
may feel a little sore, and slight bleeding may occur at the site. Bruising or swelling
may occur.
Are there any special instructions to follow after the test?
After drawing blood, the needle site is covered with a pressure wrap or a bandage.
Interpretation of ELISA results
Normal findings:
- Negative — Low titers of IgM and IgG antibodies; no Lyme disease bacteria
in the DNA.
- In some cases, a false-negative result may occur. This may be because it is too
early to detect the antibodies or because antibody levels are too low to be identified.
Abnormal findings:
- Presence of antibodies to Lyme disease (you may have active Lyme disease).
- A positive result also occurs when you have had Lyme disease in the past but you
no longer have the active disease.
- A positive result may be due to antibodies other than Lyme-induced, such as those
against HIV or syphilis.
Notes:
- To help in your physician’s diagnosis of a Lyme disease, a Western blot test may
be recommended following an ELISA test.
- If you have another viral or bacterial infection such as HIV, the results of this
test will not be useful.
Lyme Disease (IgM and IgG) Western Blot Test
What is the Lyme disease (IgM and IgG) Western blot test?
A Western blot test for Lyme disease provides for more accurate detection of the
antibodies IgM and IgG for Lyme disease. It is an immunoassay test method that may
be used independently or following an ELISA test to confirm the presence of specific
antibodies.
What are the indications and contraindications for the Western blot test?
The Lyme disease Western blot test is required for patients who test positive for
the antibodies IgG and IgM on ELISA testing. Patients who test negative for IgG
and IgM are also advised to undergo a Western blot test, however, to confirm the
accuracy of the result.
How does one prepare for the Lyme disease Western blot test?
There are no special preparations required for this test.
How does it feel? How long will it take?
The Lyme disease Western blot test is a painless procedure that usually lasts for
about three minutes or less. Some patients may feel a slight stinging pain while
the needle is being inserted to draw blood. After the test, a small amount of throbbing
may occur on the needle site.
What are the expected aftereffects of the test?
There are no risks or complications associated with undergoing a Western blot test
for Lyme disease. Patients may feel a little sore, and slight bleeding may occur
at the site. Bruising or swelling may occur.
Are there any special instructions to follow after the test?
After the blood is drawn, the needle site is covered with a pressure wrap or a bandage.
Interpretation of Western blot test results
Normal findings:
- Negative — Low titers of IgM and IgG antibodies (no Lyme disease bacteria
in the DNA).
Abnormal findings:
- Presence of antibodies IgG and IgM, indicative of Lyme disease in the body.
Notes:
- A Western Blot test is usually done to confirm the results of an ELISA test.
- A positive result can also mean that you do not have active Lyme disease but were
infected n the past.
The Right Diagnosis and Treatment for Lyme Disease
Once the comprehensive review is completed for each patient, our doctors and team
of medical professionals will evaluate your diagnosis. At this point, our doctors
will spend one-on-one time with you to interpret and explain your results. Together
you will explore your goals and discuss your treatment plan options. These treatment
plans can be implemented using multiple modalities such as medications, hormones,
diet, supplements, behavior and lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies. Our
doctors will prescribe a preventative and comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored
to your needs and fits your lifestyle.
Clinic XXX’s Personalized Approach to Lyme Disease
Our doctors and support team at Clinic XXX will regularly monitor your progress
and track the effectiveness of your program, making adjustments as necessary. Our
goal is to support you and advise you every step of the way.
We work in conjunction with your existing doctors. Any gaps between specialists
are filled to ensure we support your overall health and well-being. While we treat
serious and chronic medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, Parkinson’s
disease, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, depression, and heart disease, the primary
objective of our staff is prevention and early detection of disease.
References:
1 Steere, A., et al. 1977. Lyme arthritis: an epidemic of oligoarticular arthritis in children and adults in three Connecticut communities. Arthritis Rheum., 20, 7-17.
2 Lyme disease introduction. URL:
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/lymeDisease/understanding/intro.htm (accessed August 2, 2009).
3 DVBID: Treatment | CDC Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease Treatment and Prognosis. URL:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/LYME/ld_humandisease_treatment.htm (accessed August 2, 2009).
Next Steps:
Poor health can significantly affect your life. Improve your life by changing to good health. Call our patient coordinator at 1-212-679-9667 or click on Request an Appointment to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors for evaluation and testing.
We are located at: Patients Medical PC, 800 Second Avenue, Suite 900 (Between 42nd & 43rd Street), Manhattan, NYC, New York, NY 10017.
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Article Last Updated: 08/24/2009