Chronic Lyme disease can be particularly troublesome. You may have already been through antibiotic therapy but you still experience symptoms, or you may have just been diagnosed. Living with Lyme disease becomes about how to best deal with the symptoms you may experience. There are some simple tips to help you maintain a reasonable expectation of a normal life and get closer to long-term remission.
Sun sensitivity is very common. It is often a side effect of the medications being used to treat the disease, not the actual disease itself. The hours during the middle of the day can cause the most damage, resulting in becoming burned or blistered much easier. During this time of day, try to stay indoors. If outdoor exposure is unavoidable, be sure to wear clothing and accessories to block the UV rays.
Probiotics can be very beneficial, especially while taking antibiotics. While you are taking antibiotics, the bacteria in your intestines are killed. Probiotics help to perform the job the bacteria would normally do. The probiotics can work to prevent certain digestive conditions, such as clostrium difficile infection, and help maintain a better digestive cycle.
Co-infections are more likely in sufferers with this disease. These infections tend to occur along with Lyme disease and must be treated in addition to the standard disease treatment course. A variety of infections can occur such as Rickettsia. The immune system is weakened and does not have the ability to defend against these infections.
While taking antibiotics and for a period after, you should pay close attention to your diet. In particular, you should be avoiding sugars and foods that contain high sugar content. Since the antibiotics are killing a substantial amount of good and bad bacteria in the digestive system, the remaining bad bacteria will thrive off the sugars and continue to grow out of control, ultimately causing digestive troubles.
For patients who have a severe case or cannot tolerate oral treatments, an IV catheter port may be used to aid in proper delivery of medications. Dressing changes should be done weekly and only by a qualified professional. Watch for signs of clotting which include a purple, gray, or blue color of the arm. Also, watch for signs of possible infection such as a fever or abnormal redness at the site.
Take time to seek out individuals and create a support network. Choose family and friends that you know will help you get through both the good and bad days. It may also be helpful to join a support group. Regardless of how you choose to go, you need people that will help you through every step, including treatment and remission.
The ultimate goal is to prevent a reduction in your quality of life. Some days will be easier than others. Keep doing everything you can to ensure you stay in remission and follow your doctor's advice. Try to prevent unnecessary stress on your immune system by avoiding people who are sick or who have recently been sick.
Sun sensitivity is very common. It is often a side effect of the medications being used to treat the disease, not the actual disease itself. The hours during the middle of the day can cause the most damage, resulting in becoming burned or blistered much easier. During this time of day, try to stay indoors. If outdoor exposure is unavoidable, be sure to wear clothing and accessories to block the UV rays.
Probiotics can be very beneficial, especially while taking antibiotics. While you are taking antibiotics, the bacteria in your intestines are killed. Probiotics help to perform the job the bacteria would normally do. The probiotics can work to prevent certain digestive conditions, such as clostrium difficile infection, and help maintain a better digestive cycle.
Co-infections are more likely in sufferers with this disease. These infections tend to occur along with Lyme disease and must be treated in addition to the standard disease treatment course. A variety of infections can occur such as Rickettsia. The immune system is weakened and does not have the ability to defend against these infections.
While taking antibiotics and for a period after, you should pay close attention to your diet. In particular, you should be avoiding sugars and foods that contain high sugar content. Since the antibiotics are killing a substantial amount of good and bad bacteria in the digestive system, the remaining bad bacteria will thrive off the sugars and continue to grow out of control, ultimately causing digestive troubles.
For patients who have a severe case or cannot tolerate oral treatments, an IV catheter port may be used to aid in proper delivery of medications. Dressing changes should be done weekly and only by a qualified professional. Watch for signs of clotting which include a purple, gray, or blue color of the arm. Also, watch for signs of possible infection such as a fever or abnormal redness at the site.
Take time to seek out individuals and create a support network. Choose family and friends that you know will help you get through both the good and bad days. It may also be helpful to join a support group. Regardless of how you choose to go, you need people that will help you through every step, including treatment and remission.
The ultimate goal is to prevent a reduction in your quality of life. Some days will be easier than others. Keep doing everything you can to ensure you stay in remission and follow your doctor's advice. Try to prevent unnecessary stress on your immune system by avoiding people who are sick or who have recently been sick.