June 16, 2026

Lyme Disease part 2

Lyme Disease part 2

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

In the first part of our conversation on Lyme disease, we focused on the tick behind Lyme disease. We also did a review of all the most common symptoms of Lyme. Today we will delve even deeper into the confusing world of Lyme disease. Let us get into it, shall we?

Let us start with the tests that are done to determine if you have Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be diagnosed by looking at several factors. To start, your doctor will look over your symptoms, the risk of you being exposed to an infected blacklegged tick and the results of certain lab tests. The doctor will also rule out any conditions that can also cause symptoms. (1, 2). Names for Lyme tests include Lyme antibodies detection, Borrelia Burgdorferi antibodies test, and Borrelia DNA detection, IgM/IgG by western blot, CSF, and Borrelia antibodies. The tests for Lyme disease check for antibodies that your immune system makes when your body encounters the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. This is where things can get difficult. When it comes to Lyme disease the faster you get diagnosed the better the outcome. However, if you do the test too soon your body may not have had time to make the antibodies. This means that you will get a “false negative.” What does this mean? Well, it means that the test is negative, but you do in fact have the bacteria. (3) In my experience if you do get a negative test result and you are fairly sure you have been exposed to a tick or you have all the symptoms of Lyme disease it is important to get a second test done a bit later. I have also found that some doctors will treat them based on symptoms and not just test results. But this is based on you and your doctor. This is known as preventative antibiotic use and is normally done if the following conditions are met: the biting tick is known to be a deer tick, and it was attached for 36 hours or more and you live or recently visited an area where Lyme disease is common. (1) Do not forget you can always get a second opinion if you feel uncomfortable with the diagnosis of your first doctor.

False negatives are not the only reason that Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose. There is also the fact that the symptoms can often resemble other conditions. There is a reason that it is called the “great mimicker.” This misdiagnosis is much more of a problem than you may expect. In fact, Lyme disease is misdiagnosed in up to 30-50% of all cases. There are a number of autoimmune diseases that those with Lyme are commonly incorrectly diagnosed as having. For example, the most common autoimmune conditions that those with Lyme are misdiagnosed as having include Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Polymyalgia rheumatic, and Thyroid disease. Other conditions that those with Lyme disease are incorrectly diagnosed with can include Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia and Chronic fatigue syndrome. (4)

I bet I know what you are thinking. I know it is important to get a correct diagnosis BUT why is this point being so heavily emphasized? I am emphasizing correct and fast diagnosis because any delay in treating Lyme disease can have dangerous complications. If treatment is delayed the infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. This can lead to headaches, neck stiffness, facial palsy, and arthritis, pain in the tendons, muscles, joints, bones and even nerve pain. It can also affect your heart by causing conditions such as palpitations and irregular heartbeats. There may be episodes of dizziness or shortness of breath. On your skin you may start to develop a rash. Even the brain and spinal cord can become inflamed. (2) The longer the delay the higher the risk of the infection spread to the joints, heat and nervous system.

In part 3 of our conversation on Lyme, we will focus on what is meant by the common phrase Chronic Lyme? And what supplements can you use if you have been recently diagnosed with Lyme? What should you do if you have Chronic Lyme or if you find yourself with complications from Lyme disease?

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