Brief Answer:

Patient approach , self care & expert advise would help you.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection carried by tic bite. In early stages treatment consists of long antibiotic course (for 14 to 21 days) which you are getting at present.

Earlier the antibiotics are given the better control of disease.

But even if the bacteria are killed with an antibiotic, in cases of late diagnosis, the symptoms of joint involvement & some neurological, heart symptoms may keep on bothering for a long time (as long as 6 months).

These symptoms cause a sort of depression & negativity - which exaggerate the symptoms.

So the psychology & patience have a definite place in managing the symptoms.

Please don't be tense, after the antibiotic course is over & bacteria are killed, there would be a halt to the progress of the disease.

Symptomatic treatment to reduce sufferings & healthy lifestyle to keep joints, nerves & heart healthy till the active phase of symptoms are gone is the way to return to normality.

So cheer up. & fight back the symptoms bravely with your doctor's guidance & your own effort would make it!

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Vasudha Jayant Athavale, General & Family Physician

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