This is a new page that I just started in 2009.  I get many questions with similar themes and so decided I would start putting them together here in an FAQ. 

Disclaimer: All items discussed here are simply my opinion.  All treatment decisions should be made solely by a medical professional.

Q: Do you believe in the use of antibiotics for treating Lyme disease?

A: Yes, and no.  This is a difficult question with no easy answer.  The shortest answer would be that I support the use of antibiotics as part of a well-planned treatment protocol that includes a heavy focus on detoxification, supporting organs such as thyroid and adrenals, removal of heavy metals, and a number of other often necessary treatments. 

I do not believe that antibiotics alone are a solution for chronic Lyme disease nor do I believe that they result in long-term positive outcomes for most people.  Generally speaking, when one stops antibiotic treatment for chronic Lyme, the relapse rate is observed to be quite high - some argue as high as 99%.  That said, it seems very likely that antibiotics suppress the infection and reduce symptoms possibly by pushing Lyme into a less-active cystic form which generally re-emerges when the coast is clear.  Thus, many people require antibiotic treatment for life.

I personally incorporated antibiotics into my treatment of Lyme disease for over three years until I stopped fully in October 2008.  Back in 2005 when I was first diagnosed, I did not understand what I do now about Lyme disease and antibiotics.  That said, even if I had, I likely still would have opted to pursue antibiotics given that I was so severely impacted by the disease at that stage. 

I think the decision to use or not use antibiotics in the treatment of Lyme disease is a very personal one.  No one except you and your doctor can say what is likely the best option for your unique situation.  I think much of the decision may be based on how severely impacted you are by the disease.  If your symptoms are severe, then incorporating antibiotics into your treatment protocol may be the very best option.  Several LLMDs consider the entire body and create a treatment plan that focuses on anti-microbials (antibiotics or natural options), detoxification, and supporting the body.  These are the treatment programs that I have observed having some of the better outcomes.

Q: Do you believe in a "cure" for Lyme disease?

A: The word "cure" is used to mean different things to different people.  If by "cure" one means an absence of symptoms, then yes, I do think that is attainable over time.  If by "cure" one means complete eradication of the offending organisms and no chance of relapse in the future, I do not believe this is possible with today's treatment options for Lyme disease.

This sounds quite discouraging and yet, it really is not.  If you think about getting Chicken Pox as a child, the virus lives within your body for the rest of your life.  It does not generally cause any symptoms and yet as an adult, under a period of stress, one may find themselves having a bout with shingles.  Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox.  I see Lyme similarly.  We can become much improved or even symptom free, but we have to continue to support our body's proper functioning and avoid stress in order to minimize the possibility of a relapse. 

I had very severe symptoms from 1997 to 2000, then an improved phase from 2000-2004, followed by a relapse in 2004 that was almost as bad as the initial illness.  That said, we didn't know it was Lyme disease until 2005 so the relapse may have ultimately saved my life and been a guide to getting proper treatment.