Hi Sweet Friends,
So far, we’ve talked to my trusted pal and doctor Kenneth Bock, Integrative MD about adrenal fatigue and basic supplement recommendations.
Today, we’re chatting about Lyme Disease, which is especially important this time of year whether you live in the Catskill Mountains or Palm Beach.
Recently, I was faced with the seriousness of this condition when my dog Lola was bitten. She’s doing well now, but this scary, first hand experience woke me up to the big health implications of a tiny tick bite. I strongly suggest talking to your veterinarian asap about how you can protect your fur-kid from those little buggers.
Every time I walk through my yard or take a hike I immediately check my skin and Lola’s fur and skin for ticks (and I often find a couple on both of us!). This simple precaution prevents what could be a big health issue. And the good news is that there’s a lot we can all do to stop Lyme Disease before it starts or to treat it effectively.
So let’s get this tick-busting party started and review what we’ll be exploring in today’s video.
In this video, we’ll answer these questions:
- What is Lyme disease?
- How can you identify a tick bite?
- What are the signs of Lyme disease?
- What tests should you get if you think you have Lyme disease?
- How can you treat Lyme disease?
- What is chronic Lyme disease?
- What’s a positive long-term perspective on living with Lyme disease?
If you’d like to learn more about Lyme disease, check out Dr. Bock’s website. And to find out where ticks are most prevalent, take a look at these geographic distribution maps. You might be surprised about their abundance in your neighborhood!
Update: Additional Tick Tips & Recommendations
Thank you for sharing your Lyme disease resources and supporting each other in the comments below. I read through every one of your thoughtful words and pulled together the following tips, websites, blogs, videos and educational tools to help guide you on your journey to wellness.
(Please note that these are suggestions from my readers.)
Tick Bite Prevention
Helen’s Tips:
- Wear light-colored clothing. It makes ticks easier to see and remove before they can attach to feed.
- Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Wear closed footwear and socks. Tuck your pants into your socks.
- Put a tick and flea collar on your pet and check them for ticks periodically.
- If you frequent the areas where blacklegged ticks are established, examine yourself thoroughly for ticks. It is important to do this each day. Pay special attention to areas such as groin, scalp and armpits. Use a mirror to check the back of your body or have someone else check it.
Elisabeth’s Tips:
- For pets: In addition to checking your pet regularly, you need to use repellents, vaccine, keep hair short and avoid “at risk” places. Also, your pet can collect a tick and then give it to you.
- For humans, I recommend avoiding “at risk” places (tall grasses, bushes, forest border, for example) … Take a shower when you come back and use a fine comb on your hair (especially the neck line).
Tick removal:
Meg’s Tips:
- The best way to remove un-embedded ticks without exposing ourselves to them is to catch them with the sticky side of a piece of transparent tape and then quickly close it. Then we can look at the insect and also discard it safely. It’s easy to carry gift wrapping tape with you on a hike or to the beach.
Helen’s Tips:
- Using fine-tipped tweezers, carefully grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull it straight out, gently but firmly.
- Don’t squeeze it. Squeezing the tick can cause the Lyme disease agent to be accidentally introduced into your body.
- Don’t put anything on the tick, or try to burn the tick off.
- After the tick has been removed, place it in a screw-top bottle (like a pill vial or film canister), and take it to your doctor or local health unit … Establishing the type of tick may help to assess your risk of acquiring Lyme disease.
- It is important to remember where you most likely acquired the tick. It will help public health workers to identify areas of higher risk.
- Thoroughly cleanse the bite site with rubbing alcohol and/or soap and water.
Additional Education & Lyme Disease Resources
Education
- Lyme Disease Association
- UK National Health Service
- Ontario Canada Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care
- Canada Lyme Disease Foundation
- Books & DVDs: Lyme Disease Educational Resources
- Blog: Living Lyme
Testing
Infrared Sauna Therapy
Your turn: Have you had experience with a tick bite or Lyme disease? Share your insights and experiences in the comments.
Peace & skin/fur checks,
If you can find someone who does a dark field blood test, it will show the Lyme bacteria. The dark field blood tests are usually free, too. That is how a couple family members found out about their Lyme early.
I am so excited that you are using the “Functional and Integrative” terminology for your wonderful doctor! This type of healthcare truly is the way of the future, and the world will benefit from opening to it. I am forwarding this to my doctor and employer, Elizabeth Board, MD (Atlanta Functional Medicine) who is also a Functional/Integrative physician. She is helping to keep me well as I live with MS (diagnosed 1997), as did the late, legendary Christine Gustafson, MD (Alpharetta Integrative Medicine) before her.
Kris, as always, I’m grateful for the inspiration and validation you provide!
He talks about treating Lyme with high quality probiotics–this brings up a question for me: what IS a ‘high quality’ probiotic? what is the difference amongst aaaaaaalll the brands they sell? would love a chat and chew on this subject Kris. thanks for all the good information you give us! love ya.
Hi Siri,
Check out Kris’ Chat & Chew with Dr. Bock on supplements: https://kriscarr.com/best-of-kris-carr/nutritional-supplements-which-ones-should-i-take/
Also, check out her Gut Health blog: https://kriscarr.com/blog/how-to-improve-your-gut-health/
Hope that helps!
Corinne
Creative Director @ KrisCarr.com
My childhood friend Rosa Williams Nesmith nearly died before she was correctly diagnosed with Lyme Disease. She wrote a book about her experience and is trying to spread the word to help others.
I had Lyme disease for three years before I received my diagnosis. I had no rash or apparent tick bites, but I did suffer from frequent migraines, muscles aches, and fevers. You MUST be persistent and demand that you get tested if you suspect LYME. Now I’m battling chronic LYME for nearly 10 years and I’m looking toward more aggressive treatment combined with alternative treatment. Joint paint, fatigue, and headaches are only a few of the lasting symptoms. I can say that proper nutrition has been an amazing help in relieving symptoms.
(((hugs)))) from one fellow Lymie to another. There is hope in getting better.
http://www.livinglyme.com a wonderful website.
thanks for the link!
Nice that another Lyme doctor is on board and really gets what this disease is.. Lyme is not going away anytime soon and the numbers of sick patients are only climbing higher every year as docs turn their backs on a real disease like Lyme..
Great segment! Thank you…. After 20 years misdiagnosed, 4 years ago i had my first round of Lyme treatment for 2 years. I have always been into natural therapies so taking antibiotics IV and orally was almost against my religion. I was so dysfunctional though I would have done anything. Sadly, I did not get all the little buggers and relapse into the disease. Back to fabulous integrative MD, antibiotics, herbs and supplements. My number one management is, lifestyle… diet, exercise and brain exercises. I have learned to say no to sugar, alcohol, gluten (actually most starches), and dairy. I do have a cup of joe, juice 3xs per day, make bone broths, and eat raw deserts for a special treat! Lyme and their coinfection friends are nasty but with the proper focus and environment we can make great strides. Thanks for bringing up this topic.
So sorry to hear this…… this website was so helpful to me http://www.livinglyme.com
I also joined a online face book support group for Lyme Disease, it was so helpful and
gave great insight.
Following Kris Carr too has been a blessings in keeping my body healthy.
Blessings
How timely! Literally went to the vet this morning with concern that my baby may have gotten Lyme over the weekend. He was bitten by a tick on Thursday, started limping Friday, didn’t eat on Saturday. So, Monday at the vet. They did a physical test but believe he doesn’t have it because he’s not exhibiting multi-limb lameness, didn’t have overall pain and no fever. Otherwise, they’d have to order the test kit. It seems he may have had a coincidental incident with his foot. I’ve been told to monitor his temp and watch for signs of more pain… I hope and pray they are correct!
He should have been treated anyway. The symptoms are not always clear cut. A person might have pain in their shoulder one week and then be seeing their doctor the next week for stomach trouble. For pets, its the same thing. They won’t have as much energy as usual. They may not eat. They may limp. They just are not themselves. If they could talk, you could figure it out but they can’t.
Vicki P.
Board Member
Kentuckiana Lyme Support Group
My husband and I live in TX with our 5 felines. I have not been bit in TX that I am aware of, however, we stay in Northern CA for about 5-6 months of the year with our cats. I was bit a few years ago on my neck while in CA. . Fortunately, the tick did not bury itself, I caught it in time. We have a lot of deer coming through our property and our cats are outside with us usually 3 or 4 times a day. Because 3 of them are long hairs ( we clip their fur in the summer) it is difficult to check their skin for ticks.
Questions:
1.) Is there anything that a Vet can give them that isn’t toxic to the cats to prevent tick bites?
2.) I check myself for ticks and we keep our grass cut short but does anyone know of something non-toxic we could put on the lawn to deter ticks as well?
Wonderful Website on prevention……. even though you don’t have Lyme (thank God…I do…not fun)
http://www.livinglyme.com I also have been told Ticks do not like citrus, lavender….here is another web site.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/ticks-prevention-and-remedies.aspx#axzz2RrHXmMA3
Blessings and stay healthy
Thank you Kris,
You are a blessing!!!!
Libby Donahue
(Lyme Disease since 8/2012)
If anyone out there is suffering with Lyme Disease there is a wonderful website called
http://www.livinglyme.com
She is a wealth of information.
Blessings!
Hello!
Thank you for this! I was misdiagnosed for years…education can lead to less suffering.
In good health,
Julie
I’ve found two ticks on my skin two years ago and , luckely, I’ve not Lyme disease. But now I know a lot about this disease, sproud even here in Italy!
Great post! I most likely contracted lyme congenitally and became debilitated in 2001. It took many doctors and misdiagnoses until I was diagnosed in 2009. I was extremely ill by then. I’ve been on IV and oral antibiotics and herbs and supplements for almost 2 yrs and have been improving. This disease is horrible and is being ignored by many MDs, NDs, etc. People need to be informed about it.
Thank you so much writing about Lyme Disease, it is indeed on the rise and important for everyone to learn about this dreadful disease. If you live on a farm, consider getting Guineas, they live on insects, seeds and grasses. We have 20+ guineas on our farm and it has made a huge difference in controlling unwanted insects. They will eat a lot of insects!
Thanks again for writing this article!
Kris,
Thank you so much for discussing this very difficult and under-recognized disease. I too suffered with late-stage neurological Lyme disease and as the doctor mentions, it can take a while to recover from but it is possible. I found that a comprehensive approach involving both medication and healthy nutrition (and herbs and supplements) got me to a place of healing and in remission (3 years going). It also changed my course in life to help others with the same. I wish everyone the very best on their path towards healing and thanks again for starting this conversation.
Cherie Lester
Washington, DC
Hi Kris! Thanks so much for this post. I too had a friend (and client!) with this and it was a scary process trying to figure out what it was. Thanks for bringing attention to this.
Your videos are always such a breath of fresh air.
Sarah
I found the video very informative. Approx. 4 years ago my dog was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and had treatment. I got tested and it came back negative. But when I heard there are 2 tests and heard the symptoms I feel I need to get both tests. Can you give me the names of the 2 tests? Also do you have a list of Integrative Medicine doctors in the Washington Metropolitan area? I would appreciate any suggestions to help me.
Thanks
Pat, I’m with the Kentuckiana Lyme Support Group and the tests are very unreliable. As the doctor stated here, it is to be a clinical diagnosis. The tests can be used to confirm it but never to rule it out. The tests he is talking about is the Elisa and the Western Blot. Most doctors use Igenex lab for testing. There are a couple other good ones however. You must see a Lyme literate doctor to get well. Also, LLMD names are not given out but you can contact us on our Facebook page and private message us and I can give you some names.
Dear Vicki,
Dr. Mark Sivieri – 1(410) 312-5280
terrific Integrative MD, and extensive experience with Lyme & Adrenal Fatigue
kindly,
eileen
Dear Pat,
Dr. Mark Sivieri – 1(410) 312-5280
terrific Integrative MD, and extensive experience with Lyme & Adrenal Fatigue
kindly,
eileen
I have FINALLY met with an MD in Ontario who is convinced that the first line tests are not enough and will result in false negative for the bulk of long-term sufferers. As such, I’ve just been guided to get a CD57 blood test. Wish me luck. This is no life. Diet has only marginally helped and the cyclic symptoms have boggled me for years! For anyone in Ontario, research this test, it’s covered but needs to be analyzed at Gamma Dynacare labs.
I am a fellow Lymie……..I share web site with people I know who has Lyme.
It has been a blessing to me…….. http://www.livinglyme.com
I contratcted Lyme Disease a couple summers ago. There was no mistaking the rash and symptoms. Though I treated it by taking wheat grass, oregano oil, garlic, and possibly a few others (I don’t exactly remember), the best advice I read was to build up your body’s health meter. Although the Borrelia bacteria is very clever in the way it hides in your body, it still cannot withstand the power of healthy white blood cells to kill each and every one when they eventually come out to attack.
I live in the UK and, unfortunately, my doctor has refused to test for Lyme disease. Instead I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and told to just go away and deal with the pain myself 🙁 Does anyone know where I can get testing done in the UK other than through my GP?
Hi Ellem,
Can you see a different GP, maybe one in the same office?
Shannon,
I am so sorry.
My friend was misdiagnosed with Fibromyalgia for 7 years and just 2 years ago
she switch PCP and found out she has Chronic Lyme Disease, now with the help of her new PCP and a Lyme Literate Doctor she is on the road to recovery.
.
Don’t give up hope. I have found you have to be your own advocate and trust your instincts.
I have Lyme Disease and so do my 15 year old twins. I was diagnosed after 2 years of many test that can back negativity. I never found a bull eye rash and the symptoms were crazy, which made me think I was going crazy.
But thank God, I too am on the road to recovery. I feel so blessed to have found Kris Carr.com, changing my eating and what I put in and on my body has made my recover from this disease so much better.
Kris, if you are reading this…..you my dear are a BLESSING!
I found the following website most helpful and she has a resource to finding doctors in your area.
http://www.livinglyme.com
Stay strong.
Blessings
Libby
You can get a second opinion (although you don’t have a legal right to one sadly) or perhaps change your GP. Lyme Disease is prevalent in certain areas in the UK and is even listed on the NHS website (although they have no clue about taxonomic nomenclature as they have listed ticks as insects whereas they are part of the arachnid family!) If you have not already done so read through this: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Lyme-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx I have a relative who has been affected by LD and as a child who spent time in Europe we knew the risks of ticks – but they are most definitely here in the UK.
There is a support charity here: http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/
I know that Susun Weed has talked about the use of teasels (a herb) in managing Lyme before now (you may wish to read up more on this). Also with fibromyalgia then it is worth contacting support charities for this too e.g. http://www.fibromyalgia-associationuk.org/ I know that diet (often associated with inability to absorb iron, sunshine (often associated with low Vit D3) and myofascial release (a form of bodywork/massage) may all help with the symptoms but please read around before just doing something. I wish you well but if you do more research with support and perhaps present this to your GP he or she may just learn something new and hopefully help you.
Go and see Dr Philip Weeks; http://www.philipweeksclinic.co.uk/.
He is a natural dokter in the UK
I wish you all the best
http://lymediseaseassociation.org/ doctor referral, ask specifically for UK
This is so timely as I live in the Eastern townships in Quebec and my dogs do get bitten by ticks. So far we have been lucky (no disease) but the search for powerful, effective yet natural tick repellant is quite the quest!
Thank you for sharing this video.
XO
I’m finding lot’s of natural tick repellent for dogs on the internet but I’m wondering if anyone can recommend a good product?
Beat It is a good natural bug repellent. I believe it can be used on dogs too.
I have had some luck with the Dr. Mercola Natural Flea and Tick Defense. Not perfect, but a definite reduction in the number of ticks on my to dogs. Smells nice too!
Unfortunately, I do have Lyme Disease and so does my twins. I found the following website
extremely helpful on preventative methods.
http://www.livinglyme.com
Blessings,
Libby