Intravenous (IV) Therapy At Patients Medical we can create an IV therapy protocol to specifically address your medical and lifestyle needs, from nutrition supplementation and treatment of migraines, to respiratory ailments, chronic conditions, and many more.
Anti-Aging and Longevity Treatments Remember when you were in college and stayed up all night drinking beer, eating pizza, and partying; yet you still were able to attend class in the morning? How many of you could do that now?
Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, and early treatment is important to prevent complications. To prevent tick bites, it is recommended to wear protective clothing and use tick repellent when spending time in wooded or grassy areas.
The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary and may develop in stages.
Early symptoms, which usually appear within a few days to a few weeks after a tick bite, include:
If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause additional symptoms such as:
Symptoms of chronic Lyme disease can include persistent fatigue, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and cognitive defects, such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating.
It is important to note that not all people who are infected with Lyme disease will develop all of these symptoms, and some may not develop any symptoms at all.
The most common sign of early Lyme disease is a rash called erythema migrans (EM). The rash typically appears at the site of the tick bite within a few days to a few weeks after the bite. It is usually a red, circular rash that can expand over time and reach up to several inches in diameter. The center of the rash may clear as it expands, giving it a "bull's-eye" appearance. The rash may feel warm to the touch, but it is not usually itchy or painful. In some cases, multiple rashes may appear on different parts of the body.
It's important to note that not everyone who has Lyme disease will develop the EM rash. Some people may not develop any rash at all, or may have a rash that is not typical of EM. In such cases, other symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches should be considered as possible indicators of Lyme disease.
It's also important to note that other tick-borne diseases can cause similar rashes, so it's not always a definitive sign of Lyme disease. It is always a good idea to check with a doctor if you suspect you have been bitten by a tick and have any of these symptoms.
Lyme disease testing is used to determine if an individual has been infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. There are several tests available for Lyme disease, including:
It's important to note that testing for Lyme disease can be complex and results can be ambiguous. The testing is not always reliable and a negative test does not rule out the disease. In such cases, doctors may rely on a patient's symptoms and medical history to make a diagnosis.
Also, It's important to keep in mind that early treatment is important for preventing complications, so if you have symptoms of Lyme disease, it's a good idea to consult a doctor even if test results are negative.
Lyme disease is typically treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic and the length of treatment depend on the stage of the disease and the individual patient's condition.
It's important to note that the treatment of Lyme disease is not always straightforward and may require close monitoring by a healthcare provider. Some patients may not respond to initial treatment, or may experience a recurrence of symptoms after treatment.
In addition to antibiotics, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to reduce fever and relieve pain and inflammation. Rest and fluids can also help to relieve symptoms.
It's also important to note that there are alternative treatments that have been proposed, but they have not been proven to be effective and can be dangerous. Therefore, it's always best to consult a doctor and follow the treatment they recommend.
Chronic Lyme disease (CLD), also known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), is a condition in which symptoms persist or recur after treatment for acute Lyme disease. The cause of CLD is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to ongoing inflammation or immune dysfunction.
Symptoms of CLD can include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, cognitive defects such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbance and headaches. Some people with CLD also experience neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or shooting pains in the arms or legs.
The diagnosis of CLD can be challenging because symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions and because laboratory tests for Lyme disease may not be reliable in this stage of the disease.
Treatment for CLD is typically more complex than treatment for acute Lyme disease and may involve a combination of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other medications to manage symptoms. The treatment can be prolonged, and the response to treatment may be inconsistent.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of prolonged antibiotic treatment for CLD is controversial, and there is no scientific evidence to support the use of long-term antibiotics in the treatment of CLD.
Physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other therapies may be helpful in managing symptoms of CLD.
It's always best to consult a doctor if you suspect you may have CLD and work together to find the best treatment plan for you.
Our job at Patients Medical is to connect the dots between a patient's medical history, symptoms, and their underlying causes. Patients Medical is a superb place for people to secure integrative and holistic health care from providers who give personalized care, partner with the patient to focus on the root cause of their illness, support their recovery, and help them maintain good health.
For those that can make the journey, we are happy to welcome new patients to our medical center in New York City. Fill out the form at the top of this page, or call us at 1-212-794-8800. We are here to listen and to help.
We are located at: Patients Medical PC, 1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128.