Lyme Disease Treatments—Conventional Medicine

Introduction: Why Lyme Disease Needs More Than Antibiotics

While antibiotics are often the first line of defense in Lyme disease, they are rarely enough on their own—especially in chronic or late-stage cases. At Patients Medical in NYC, we combine conventional treatment with functional and holistic medicine to identify and address underlying dysfunctions caused by Lyme and its co-infections.
We treat the whole person—not just the bacteria.

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through tick bites. If caught early, antibiotics may resolve it. But in many cases, symptoms persist, evolve, or return—leading to chronic Lyme disease, which impacts the nervous system, immune function, hormones, and more.

Conventional Treatments for Lyme Disease

Antibiotic Therapy

In the acute phase, a 2–4 week course of oral antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime) is standard. Intravenous (IV) antibiotics may be used in cases with neurological involvement.

Limitations of conventional therapy alone:

  • May not fully eradicate bacteria in chronic or biofilm-protected infections
  • Fails to address immune dysfunction, detox needs, or co-infections
  • Can lead to gut dysbiosis or side effects

 

Why Symptoms Persist After Antibiotics

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Lyme Disease?

While Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, various factors can influence the severity and persistence of symptoms. These include:

  • Delayed Diagnosis: Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms overlap with other conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Co-Infections: Ticks can carry multiple pathogens, including other bacteria (e.g., Babesia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia) that may worsen symptoms.
  • Chronic Inflammation: Prolonged infection can lead to chronic inflammation, affecting the nervous system, heart, and joints.
  • Immune System Dysfunction: Chronic Lyme disease can compromise immune function, making it harder for the body to fight off the infection.

Environmental Toxins: Chronic exposure to environmental toxins (e.g., heavy metals, mold) can weaken the immune system, exacerbating Lyme disease symptoms.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we utilize advanced diagnostics to understand the full scope of your Lyme disease infection and its impact on your health. We combine traditional testing with cutting-edge functional medicine assessments:

Lyme Disease Testing

Co-Infection Testing

Co-Infection Testing

Inflammatory Markers

Nutrient Deficiency Testing

Heavy Metal Testing

Integrative Treatments for Lyme Disease

Nutritional Therapy

  • Anti-Inflammatory Diets: Diets rich in vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein to reduce inflammation and support detoxification.
  • Supplementation for Detoxification: Including herbs and nutrients that support liver detox, like milk thistle and glutathione.
  • Gut Health Support: Probiotics and prebiotics to restore gut health, which can be compromised by both Lyme disease and its treatment.

IV Vitamin Therapy

  • High-Dose Vitamin C: To support immune function and reduce oxidative stress.
  • Magnesium and B Vitamins: To help alleviate fatigue and muscle pain.
  • Glutathione: A powerful antioxidant to help detoxify the body and support liver function.
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Herbal & Nutraceuticals

  • Andrographis: Known for its immune-boosting properties and effectiveness in treating Lyme co-infections.
  • Cat’s Claw: A potent herb shown to help fight Lyme disease and reduce inflammation.
  • Curcumin: An anti-inflammatory compound found in turmeric that helps reduce pain and improve cognitive function.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: For reducing inflammation and supporting brain health.
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Stress Reduction & Mental Health Support

  • Meditation and Mindfulness: To reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
  • Acupuncture: Helps alleviate pain and support overall immune function.
  • Adaptogenic Herbs: Such as Rhodiola and Ashwagandha to balance stress hormones and improve energy levels.

Hormone Balancing

  • Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT): To balance hormones and restore energy levels.
  • Thyroid Optimization: To support healthy thyroid function, which is often impacted by chronic infections.

Real Case Study: Sarah’s Journey with Lyme Disease

Sarah, age 45, came to us with severe fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive issues after being diagnosed with Lyme disease. She had been on antibiotics for several months but still felt unwell. After comprehensive testing, we discovered she had multiple tick-borne co-infections and nutrient deficiencies. We created a customized 4-month treatment plan that included:

  • Herbal support with Andrographis and Cat’s Claw
  • IV vitamin therapy with magnesium and vitamin C
  • Gut health restoration with probiotics
  • Cognitive therapy to address brain fog
  • Dietary changes to reduce inflammation

Three months later, Sarah reported significant improvements in her energy, cognitive function, and joint pain, and she was able to resume her normal activities.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. Co-infections from other tick-borne pathogens can complicate the disease.

Lyme disease is diagnosed through clinical evaluation and testing for Borrelia antibodies or DNA. Co-infections may require additional testing.

Yes, Lyme disease can be managed with an integrative approach that combines herbal therapies, nutritional support, detoxification, and conventional treatments.

Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, cognitive impairment (brain fog), headaches, muscle aches, and a characteristic bullseye rash (erythema migrans).

With early diagnosis and treatment, Lyme disease is often curable. Chronic Lyme disease may require a longer-term treatment approach.

Support your immune system through proper nutrition, supplements (like vitamin C, magnesium, and omega-3s), stress reduction, and IV therapy.

Co-infections are other pathogens carried by ticks, such as Babesia or Anaplasma, that can worsen symptoms and complicate treatment.

Yes, Lyme disease can lead to cognitive issues such as memory loss, brain fog, and anxiety, which can be addressed with targeted therapies.

If you suspect Lyme disease, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing long-term complications.

Long-term treatment can sometimes result in side effects such as digestive issues, herxheimer reactions (detox symptoms), and nutritional deficiencies, which can be managed with integrative care.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

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To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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