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Guide To Living With Lyme Disease

By Beryl Dalton


If you suffer from Lyme disease, you know just how much suffering it can cause. Living with Lyme disease can be hard, but it is possible. You do not have to live completely shut in your home all the time. There are things you can do to help prevent a decline in your quality of life and increase the number of days your symptoms are in 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.

While taking antibiotics, consuming probiotic supplements or foods containing probiotics can be quite helpful. Antibiotics kill all bacteria in the intestine, good and bad, resulting in difficulties with digestion. Probiotics can help do the work of the missing bacteria and make digestion much easier to handle.

Be aware that people with Lyme disease are more likely to suffer from co-infections. A co-infection occurs in conjunction with this disease. These infections must be addressed and properly treated. If they are not, the immune system can be further depressed and not be able to effectively use the medications. The body may also suffer from permanent damage if a co-infection is not dealt with properly.

Whether you are receiving treatment or your treatment course has been completed, it is important to pay attention to your diet and avoid certain foods. Sugar is one thing that should be avoided, particularly during antibiotic therapy. Due to how the antibiotics kill bacteria in the intestines, there will likely be more bad bacteria than good. The bad bacteria thrive and quickly multiply with the aid of sugary foods. To avoid complications, try to stay clear of anything with high sugar content.

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.

A crucial part of being able to live with this disease is in understanding that although you may be feeling better, you must ensure you are taking the steps needed to prevent a return of your symptoms. Remember to avoid putting your immune system under stress by staying away from sick people. Avoid anything that can weaken your immune system, including smoking, drinking excessively, and drinking a lot of caffeinated products.




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