If you have Lyme disease or think you may have it, you need to know everything about the disorder. Lyme disease is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can affect how you function personally, professionally, and socially. It can limit your physical and mental health.
Knowledge is power, and the more you know about Lyme disease, the better you can overcome it.
You may know that seeking treatment from general practitioners for Lyme disease can sometimes be frustrating. They are limited on time, and to no fault of their own, they may not know have the latest, most advanced, information on the disease.
Below are nine key questions to ask your Lyme disease doctor, along with the correct answers you should receive.
1. Are you a Lyme disease doctor?
Some doctors consider themselves experts in Lyme disease, but in reality, they haven’t received the specialized education needed to be an expert. A Lyme disease doctor is often called a Lyme literate doctor. They have received a medical degree from an accredited university, along with achieving board certification. On top of that, Lyme disease doctors have spent extra years working and contributing to the field of Lyme disease.
They have obtained certifications, served on boards of International organizations, and conducted research in the field of Lyme disease. They also have the most advanced, modern equipment in their clinic to perform the latest Lyme disease procedures.
If your doctor does not meet these qualifications, seek one who does. You deserve the best when it comes to treating your symptoms.
2. How do you diagnose Lyme disease?
Lyme disease doctors use other methods to test for diseases than a general doctor may use. In America, there are two tests commonly used, the Eliza and the Western Blot. Both are known for giving false-negative results. A Lyme literate doctor diagnoses you based on your symptoms and will also be able to examine your blood under a microscope and perform different tests checking for Lyme bacteria.
3. What symptoms should I expect?
All doctors will tell you the primary symptoms of Lyme disease, especially in the early stage. They will mention headaches, flu-like symptoms, stiff neck, swollen lymph nodes, swelling and pain in the joints, and the red bullseye rash. A Lyme disease doctor will tell you not everyone gets a rash after being bitten by an infected tick.
They can also tell you less common Lyme disease symptoms, like facial paralysis, depression, anxiety, nervous system problems like slowing of the gastric system, or memory loss. Lyme disease doctors will know the symptoms to expect in all three stages of the disease.
4. How do you treat Lyme disease?
Every doctor’s first response to how Lyme disease is treated will focus on the use of antibiotics. When diagnosed early, antibiotics can eliminate Lyme disease in some people. Unfortunately, a large group of people is not given relief after a round or two of antibiotics. Their Lyme disease progresses from acute to chronic, and the symptoms make it hard to complete daily responsibilities.
A Lyme disease doctor will have multiple advanced treatments, with and without antibiotics, available in their office or clinic. Advanced treatments include intravenous antibiotic therapy, therapeutic apheresis for blood and plasma, biofilm eradication, hyperthermia, IV vitamin infusions, antioxidant protocols, oxidative stress reduction protocols, supplements, and much more.
5. What is the treatment process for Lyme disease?
Treatment begins with an extensive evaluation provided by your Lyme disease doctor. A complete assessment will be taken, including your medical, family, psychological, and physiological histories, to ensure the diagnosis is correct and that treatment will not be affected by any other conditions.
Your doctor may then order lab tests to analyze your blood. Once your doctor has reviewed all evidence, you will work together to create a treatment plan by discussing all procedures that will benefit you the most. Then treatment begins.
6. What should I expect during treatment?
All Lyme disease treatment procedures are supervised and administered by your Lyme literate doctor. They typically take place on an outpatient basis in the clinical setting. Most procedures last no more than a few hours.
You should expect to be treated with respect, professionalism, and care by all medical staff during any procedure. The environment in the clinic is sanitary yet also comfortable so that you can feel relaxed during any treatment.
7. What should I expect after my first treatment?
As with any treatment, results will vary for each person, based on many factors, like the following:
- Status of your Lyme disease, acute versus chronic.
- Existence of coinfections that sometimes accompany Lyme disease.
- Underlying medical conditions.
- Overall well-being.
Many people receiving modern Lyme Disease Mexico treatments report positive results. For example, at Lyme Mexico, patients report elimination of symptoms after the first session. While the elimination of symptoms can’t be guaranteed, it is likely that, at a minimum, you will see some relief of symptoms.
8. Do you collaborate with other doctors?
The right Lyme disease doctors collaborate with other doctors. For example, your Lyme doctor may practice outside the United States, like at Lyme Mexico Clinic. Traveling outside the United States for treatment must be considered. Remember, you want the best doctor, not the closest. At Lyme Mexico, you get a doctor who is a leader in the Lyme disease industry.
Your Lyme doctor also understands you cannot travel to Mexico or another location for every follow-up appointment or checkup. So, they collaborate with doctors inside the States. You get a comprehensive team of treatment providers.
9. How do I get started?
The sooner you get started, the sooner you can feel relief from Lyme symptoms. Call a Lyme disease doctor and begin the consultation process today. You deserve treatment from a top specialist, one who can get you back to living your best life soon.
If you have questions that aren’t on this list, write them down, so you don’t forget to ask them during your consultation. Don’t wait another day to seek treatment that works.