Diagnosis and Treatment

Who can diagnose and treat me | What to expect | Four weeks of treatment is not enough | Other treatment options | Associated health conditions |

See also Tick Bite First-Aid, Symptom Checklists and Labs and Testing.

It is extremely important that a patient with early or suspected Lyme and other tick-borne diseases be treated as soon as possible to avoid chronic illness. Treatment for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases is complex and should be customised for each patient by a Lyme-aware practitioner. We also recommend urgent naturopathic care alongside medical care to strengthen the body’s natural defences and to offer additional antimicrobial support.

Be Prepared

Australian doctors are trained according to Government policy to believe that there is not enough evidence of the Lyme bacteria being present in Australian ticks. Hence, patients are often told, “We do not have Lyme in Australia”.

If a patient raises the possibility of Lyme disease, there is a high likelihood of condescension, disbelief, suggestions that “it’s all in your head” and/or misdiagnosis from medical staff.

Most Australian doctors are not “Lyme-aware” and have little training in, or knowledge of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. In theory, they are required to follow the Government’s official tick-borne illness guideline, Debilitating Symptom Complex Attributable to Ticks (DSCATT) Clinical Pathway, though most are unaware of it. The Clinical Pathway blocks and delays diagnosis and treatment.

Before you visit a GP, get to know Your Healthcare Rights.

So who can diagnose and treat me?

Lyme patients should acquire a diagnosis and receive treatment from a Lyme-aware GP, specialist and/or a naturopath. Contact us – we’ll help you find a suitable practitioner. (We are not able to make this information public).

Some patients investigate self-managing treatment.

What to Expect

Lyme treatment guidelines around the world are varied and controversial, with a lack of universal acceptance of any one document or protocol. Treatment will likely vary depending on whether the illness is acute or chronic.

Things to keep in mind:

• Treatment should continue until symptoms abate, and may need to be continued for a length of time thereafter.
• Co-infections should be considered.
• Multiple kinds of antibiotics may be required.
• Some patients avoid antibiotics altogether.
• Ideally, treatment should be customised for each patient.

Lyme-aware Practitioners
Lyme-aware practitioners may use their own protocols, follow established protocols, or refer to international guidelines.

They will usually follow an integrated approach that includes antibiotics and/or herbal antimicrobials and immune support. Chronic patient protocols commonly involve nutrition and detox programs, and the management of a range of related health issues (see Associated Health Conditions, below).

For detailed information about the various aspects of treatment and the kinds of prescriptions and supplements commonly used, refer to the protocols and information listed on the Self-managed Treatment Pathways page.

Four weeks of treatment is not enough

In the absence of a Lyme-aware practitioner, a patient with acute, early-stage Lyme disease is likely to be prescribed only one type of antibiotic for just 2 to 4 weeks, with the expectation of complete recovery.

This is inadequate, as we know that patients have progressed into chronic Lyme after limited antibiotic treatment in the early stage.

Multiple types of antibiotics may be required due to Lyme’s three different forms, and to tackle co-infections.

NB. The LDAA does NOT condone the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Guideline

Other treatment options

Due to the lack of Lyme-aware practitioners in Australia, limitations placed on GPs, and the cost of medical appointments and treatment, patients may investigate other treatment pathways. These include:

• consulting online with Lyme-literate practitioners overseas,
• travelling to chronic illness or tick-borne-disease-specific clinics overseas,
• self-managing treatment.

Associated health conditions

Patients may also have to address commonly associated illnesses such as PTSD, depression and anxiety, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) or mould toxicity/Biotoxin Illness/Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses may trigger or exacerbate other physical and mental health conditions.

Mould illness is emerging as an important factor for many Lyme patients, and must be addressed before the body is able to properly heal from Lyme and other pathogens.

Important

The information and links on this page are provided for information purposes only. Please discuss treatment options with your Lyme practitioner.

See also our Lyme Resources page.

Copyright Lyme Disease Association of Australia