Tips For 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.

During treatment, the medications you are taking may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Applying sunscreen will not really help. To avoid getting painful blisters and burns, stay out of the sunlight during the middle of the day when the sun's UV rays are the strongest. If it is unavoidable, be sure to wear shirts with long sleeves, pants, a hat, and sunglasses. When possible, wear clothing that has added protection against UV rays.

Probiotics can be very beneficial, especially while taking antibiotics. While you are taking antibiotics, the bacteria in your intestines are killed. Probiotics help to perform the job the bacteria would normally do. The probiotics can work to prevent certain digestive conditions, such as clostrium difficile infection, and help maintain a better digestive cycle.

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.

While taking antibiotics and for a period after, you should pay close attention to your diet. In particular, you should be avoiding sugars and foods that contain high sugar content. Since the antibiotics are killing a substantial amount of good and bad bacteria in the digestive system, the remaining bad bacteria will thrive off the sugars and continue to grow out of control, ultimately causing digestive troubles.

If you have a severe case of the disease or you have an issue with tolerating oral medications, you may require an IV port during your treatment course. This port will allow you to get the medications you need directly through your bloodstream. Do not attempt to change the dressings on your own. An experienced professional should be changing your dressings once a week. Pay attention, however, to the site. You need to watch for clotting, which can be evident if the skin turns gray, purple, or blue. It is also important to monitor your temperature and the site for signs of infection.

The best tool in your arsenal is the support network that you create. Your network should be filled with family members and friends that will stick with you on both your worst and best days. Many sufferers have found that joining some kind of support group is a beneficial way to learn more about the disease and how to get through it.

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.




About the Author: