education is power

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Lyme disease, caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, is one of the  most misunderstood illnesses in the world.  This page was created to help you better understand tick bites, testing, symptoms, co-infections, and related conditions to empower you to become your own advocate.

Don't panic. Knowing what to do in the first few hours and days can make all the difference. In this podcast episode, I'm joined by Dr Myriah Hinchey who walks us through practical next steps, common mistakes to avoid, and important information to help you make informed decisions after a tick bite. 

For step-by-step visuals on tick removal and cleaning the bite, scroll to the bottom of this page to view the informational graphics.

Navigating a Tick Bite Episode: Listen Here

If possible, consider having the tick tested. A comprehensive tick panel can identify the pathogens the tick is carrying, providing valuable information as you make decision about next steps. And if the results come back clear, that can offer tremendous peace of mind.

It's also important to know that tick testing does not test for Alpha-Gal syndrome, as it is an allergy to a sugar molecule found in mammalian products rather than a bacterial infection.  Unlike Lyme disease testing, alpha-gal can typically be evaluated through a simple blood test ordered by your healthcare provider. 

TickReport.com: Visit Site

These are the labs I personally trust and recommend for testing. While there are many testing options available, these are the ones I consistently recommend based on my experience and research:

• IGeneX

• Armin Labs

• Galaxy Diagnostics

• At-home testing - Jivora Health (no practitioner required)   Available in My Toolbox

• At-home screening - Lyme + coinfections, no practitioner required  AcuDart

• RealTime Laboratory (Mycotoxin & Heavy metal Testing for Your Body)

• Respirare Labs (Home Mold Test) Available in My Toolbox

If you're interested in learning more about at-home testing, listen to my conversation with Dr Cory from Jivora Health 

At-Home Testing:  Listen Here

If you're interested in learning more about Galaxy Diagnostics, listen to my conversation with Nicole Bell, CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics. Nicole also shares her family's deeply personal journey and how it ultimately led her to become an advocate for better testing and diagnostics.

Galaxy Diagnostics:  Listen Here 

Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections can oftentimes be overlooked in people given other diagnoses. Many of these diagnoses share overlapping symptoms, making proper testing and evaluation crucial.

• ALS

• MS

• Parkinson's Disease

Don't rule out Lyme disease and tick-borne infections without proper testing.

Don't settle for a hopeless diagnosis.

ALS Misdiagnosis & Recovery:  Listen Here 

ALS Misdiagnosis Journey:  Listen Here

ALS Misdiagnosis Journey:  Listen Here

Healing isn't just about testing and treating. Explore topics that can help make sense of the healing journey, including herxing, biofilms, detox pathways, muscle testing, and why healing isn't linear.

Wondering which brands I personally recommend? Some of the tools mentioned in this section can be found in My Toolbox.

Understanding Your Journey:  Explore

Lyme, Not "Lymes"

Many of us take notice when practitioners call it "Lymes".  It may be worth asking about their experience treating Lyme disease.

Bullseye Rash

A classic bullseye rash is a telltale sign of Lyme Disease, but unfortunately, very few of us get one.  Please know there is a very small window to treat and eradicate it before it becomes chronic.

Blood & Organ Donation

If you have Lyme disease or are in remission, never donate blood or organs.

Remission or Cured?

I believe chronic Lyme goes into remission because spirochetes can remain hidden.  But you can remain 100%  symptom-free,  just as many of my podcast guests and I have.

Insurance

Unfortunately practitioners that specialize in Lyme don't accept insurance.  Be prepared that much if not all of this journey may be cash pay.

More Than Just Ticks

While ticks are the most well-known carriers, it's important to know that any biting vector has the potential to transmit infections.

New Bite or Infection

If you choose antibiotics, a minimum of 6-8 weeks is necessary. Anything less risks leaving the infection inadequately treated.

Order Your Own Routine Lab Tests

You can order many standard lab tests directly through Quest Health without seeing your own doctor first. Tests are generally self-pay, and availability varies by state.

Shop Quest Health Lab Tests

More tips coming soon

Below you'll find a collection of educational graphics I've created over the years to help people better understand the journey.  Feel free to save and share any graphics you find helpful, and consider sharing them with others who may benefit from the information.