Clinical Exams and Diagnostic Tests for Lyme Disease
by Kamau Kokayi, MD
In order to gauge your current state of health, we 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. Testing to identify co-infections or autoimmune illnesses that mimic Lyme may be performed as well.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Initial office visits typically last 45–60 minutes. Your physician 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, and dietary and lifestyle recommendations.
First Visit: Blood Test
The blood test assesses and identifies any issues with your kidneys, liver, and blood sugar, as well as other key factors such as blood cholesterols. The results are explained to you so that you will have a fuller understanding of your blood chemistry and be able to take control.
First Visit: Urine Analysis
A urine analysis establishes how the kidneys are functioning, as well as the presence or absence of factors used in diagnosing infection. You will be required to collect urine over a period of 24 hours. This should be as near the date of the blood test as possible. For example, if your appointment is at 10:00 a.m. Friday, urine collection should start Thursday, 8:00 a.m. and continue until Friday, 8:00 a.m. The first urine of the day should be excluded. All subsequent urine for the next 24 hours should be collected in clean plastic containers. Avoid contaminating the sample by urinating before defecating, and by not putting any foreign objects (e.g., toilet paper) in the container. The specimen should be kept refrigerated during the 24-hour collection period. Containers should be clearly labeled with your name and brought to the clinic at the time of your appointment. You are encouraged to drink fluids during the 24 hours.
First Visit: Resting ECG for Physician's Report
An electrocardiograph (ECG) determines the condition of the heart and measures its actions and the pulse. If heart problems, such as an arrhythmia, are suspected this test may be included in the testing protocol to get as complete a picture as possible of the patient's condition.
The physician in charge reports any findings in his/her medical notes.
Specific Lyme Disease Testing
At Patients Medical we do not routinely order conventional Lyme disease testing but rather carefully evaluate patients on a case by case basis to determine the most appropriate diagnostic methods. Please see our section on the Alternative Approach to Lyme Disease Treatment to learn more about our unique Patients Medical approach to Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment.
Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment for Lyme Disease and Common Co-infections
Once your comprehensive review is completed, 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 we will explore your goals and discuss your treatment plan options. Your integrative treatment plan can be implemented using a range of conventional and alternative modalities such as medications, hormones, diet, supplements, behavior and lifestyle changes, and bodywork therapies. Our doctors will prescribe a preventative and comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and fits your lifestyle.
The Personalized Approach to Lyme Disease at Patients Medical
Your doctors and support team at Patients Medical will regularly monitor your progress and track the efficacy of your treatment program, making adjustments as necessary. Our goal is to provide you with support, optimize your quality of life, and advise you every step of the way.
We collaborate in your care 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 at our center is prevention and early detection of disease.
Begin Your Journey to Wellness with Patients Medical
The effects of chronic Lyme disease can significantly affect your health, livelihood, and overall well-being. Conventional antibiotic therapy may provide an initial sense of relief, but if your symptoms should return, continue, or worsen in spite of conventional therapy, as they do in many Lyme sufferers, broadening your therapeutic options is a worthwhile step toward restoring both your health and your sense of well-being.
At Patients Medical we draw upon both modern and ancient healing arts to tackle the oft-times bewildering problems chronic Lyme disease presents in our patients. Our team of Lyme experts can develop a personalized, integrative treatment protocol designed to optimize your long-term health and support you in countering the symptoms and detrimental effects of Lyme disease.
Begin Your Healing with Patients Medical
Date of Publication: 09/05/2005
Article Last Updated: 11/17/2011