Treatment methods for Lyme vary greatly. Be informed, get second opinions!

Treatment

Treatment options vary

Commonly referred to as Doxy, this antibiotic is currently the most common way to treat Lyme, & what your doctor is most likely to prescribe in Nova Scotia.

Dosage will depend on how long you’ve had the infection, but will be a full 30 days for serious infections. If you have had Lyme a while, your symptoms may worsen during treatment.

This treatment is tough on your gut! A few things you can do:

  • Take pre & probiotics

  • Avoid dairy (especially within a few hours of taking your pill, this will cause major cramping if you do)

  • Wear sunscreen! (Doxy makes you more sensitive to the sun)red, long-sleeved shirts & pants. Tuck pants into tight-weave, light-coloured socks (this makes ticks more visible & keeps them off your skin longer). Stay on the trail & avoid tall grass.

❋ Doxycycline

Folks have had mixed results with alternative treatments, and so all we can give is some guidance to make the best decision for you.

Take your time, do your research & get second opinions on treatment options

A few things to be sure of:

  • Do not take medication intended for animals

  • Seek multiple professional opinions

  • Understand at what point in symptoms you should seek assistance

  • Be aware possible sideeffects & treatment

  • Be actively focused on detoxing / flushing during treatment (hydrating, hot showers/saunas, IV flushes)

❋ Alternative Treatments

Herxing (Jarisch - Herximer Reaction) is a reaction when Lyme bacteria dies off, releasing toxins into the body faster than the chosen treatment method can remove them.

This can cause a worsening of symptoms, including:

  • Intense fatigue or exhaustion

  • Headaches or migraines

  • Muscle & joint pain

  • Fever or chills, sweating, flushing

  • Nausea, digestive disturbances

  • Increased aches & pains

  • Skin rashes

  • Dizziness, brain fog or confusion

  • Anxiety, Irritability, mood swings or depression

  • Insomnia

  • Sensitivity to light, sound, smell

❋ Treatment Reactions

Many Lyme sufferers find anti-inflammatory diets helpful, especially when combined with improved focus on sleep, gentle exercise, hydration & a focus on reducing stress. Anti-inflammatory diets usually start with cutting sugar, alcohol, caffeine & avoiding processed foods. (Project Lyme)

❋ Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Resources

Sites we Recommend

We keep our site to the basics, then recommend resources to help you get more in depth!

CanLyme

Treatment

Johns Hopkins

Treatment and Prognosis

Harvard

Lyme Disease Treatment

Lyme Disease Guidelines for Health Professionals

Government of Canada