LYME DISEASE
What is Lyme Disease?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets. Platelets contain healing properties, which can accelerate the healing of tendons and ligaments in the musculoskeletal system.
Background
The primary cause of Lyme Disease is the transmission of the bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi through tick bites. However, many patients do not remember being bit by a tick yet have positive tests and clinical symptoms of Lyme Disease and/or Co-Infections. Therefore, many question whether there are other ways of acquiring Lyme Disease and Co-Infections.
Lyme Disease & Co-Infection Testing
For various reasons, the standard testing for Lyme Disease has a very low sensitivity. This means that if you have Lyme Disease, you could have a 51% chance of being told you don’t have Lyme Disease. Clinically, it has been observed that the longer Lyme Disease and/or Co-Infections are present, the less likely it will appear as a positive test. At The AIM Clinic, we offer testing which increases the likelihood of a true positive result compared to conventional screening tests. This is because the Immunochip used for our testing is made from recombinant proteins of several species of Borrelia whereas many other western blot tests just are testing for B31. Additionally, our testing looks for other common Co-Infections from ticks including Bartonella, Babesia, Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF), Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia.
The AIM Approach
The two organizations that give recommendations regarding Lyme Disease treatment are IDSA and ILADS. One of the distinctive differences between these organizations is that the IDSA does not advise anti-infective treatments for Chronic Lyme Disease however ILADS allows for individualized anti-infective treatment plans. The AIM Clinic follows an ILADS approach and has found combining integrative medicine with anti-infective therapies to be the best treatment plan for most Chronic Lyme Disease and Co-Infection patients.
Keys To Treatments:
The cornerstone of successful Lyme Disease and Co-Infection treatment begins with a detailed history and comprehensive testing to determine the best and safest treatment options. Sometimes patients respond very well to very simple treatment protocols. However, many patients need more innovative and comprehensive approaches. Some of the key points in complex cases include:
- Biofilms Treatment:
Chronic infections can hide within “biofilms.” Using therapies that can help penetrate biofilms is often key. This includes HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy), Liposomal anti-infectives, IV Therapy, and PEMF.
- Co-Infection Treatment::
Lyme Disease is only one type of chronic infection that can occur from tick bites. Identifying and treating these infections is often essential to recovery.
- Individualized Approach:
Comprehensive testing of the individual including nutrients, hormones, adrenal markers, thyroid function, EBV levels, Candida levels, gallbladder function, microbiome status, immune levels, and inflammation markers are important to determine if there are other contributing factors to the patient’s symptoms. When these factors are properly addressed, the efficacy of anti-infective treatment improves.
- Pulsed Treatment:
By taking strategic pauses in treatment, the eradication of “bacterial persister cells” is possible. Bacterial persister cells are one of the reasons why symptoms can return even after patients have been consistently on antibiotics for years.
Treatment Options Include:
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT):
HBOT is our most recommended therapy especially if patients are not fully responding to oral therapeutics. HBOT is anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and healing. HBOT works by driving oxygen and circulation deep into the tissue to kill infections and allow for regeneration of damaged tissue. HBOT also allows oral and IV therapeutics to penetrate deeper into the tissue which can increase treatment efficacy. Furthermore, HBOT has been researched as a strong Biofilm treatment for chronic infections: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7798444/ For more information on HBOT: https://www.theaimclinic.com/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-hbot/
- Oral Anti-Infective Therapies:
There are various Pharmaceutical, Herbal, and Nutraceutical options that can be individualized depending on patient history, labs, and symptoms. We often recommend Liposomal oral delivery which helps enhance absorption and biofilm penetrance.
- IV Anti-Infective Therapy:
Our most common IV Therapy recommendation for Lyme Disease is IV Ozone Therapy (MAH, 10-Pass, and/or EBO2). However, we have many other anti-infective IV therapies options including UVBI, IV Laser, High Dose Vitamin C, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Antibiotics.
- Detox Support:
Many patients need detox therapies to help them tolerate the anti-infective treatment. A sign of this is when Jarisch Herxheimer reaction (JHR) does not lessen at all with ongoing treatment. A key aspect of detoxification is gallbladder function which can be assessed in office. Common detox support include herbals, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, CVAC™, HBOT, Normatec, Infrared Sauna Therapy, and IV Therapy. Our Detox Support IV therapies include Glutathione, Fluids, and Phosphatidyl Choline (Plaquex®).
- Immune Support:
Often times, the immune system is weakened by Lyme Disease and/or Co-Infections so supporting the immune system can be just as important as anti-infective treatment. Signs of this include low WBC, low CD57, and elevated EBV levels. Treatment options include treatment of nutrient deficiencies, HBOT, IV Nutrient Therapies, NovoTHOR®, Nutraceuticals, Herbal Therapy, Peptide Therapies, and LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone).
- Nutrition Support:
An anti-inflammatory diet can be very beneficial for successful Lyme Disease treatment. Food Sensitivity Testing is offered in office to help determine which foods may be causing the most inflammation. Your AIM Clinic provider will discuss any questions you have regarding diet. We also offer nutritionist referrals for additional dietary support.
- Regenerative Support:
Lyme Disease and Co-Infections can wreak havoc on the body and brain. Even after successful anti-infective treatment is complete, lingering symptoms can still occur due to damage already done. Our regenerative support options include HBOT, IV NAD+, IV MSM, CVAC™, Umbilical Cord Extract, Ozone Injections, Laser Therapy, Shockwave Therapy, NovoTHOR®, PRP Injections, and Peptide Therapies.
