What you need to know about Lyme disease and how to raise funds for its treatment

Lyme disease is an infectious disease that is caused by at least four different species of bacteria belonging to the genus Borrelia. The main causative agent of the disease in North America is Borrelia burgdorferi, while Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia spielmanii and others cause most cases in Europe and Asia. Despite their relatively slow rate of division, bacteria of the genus Borrelia have successfully mutated and recently new species have been discovered, as well as different strains of those already known to us.

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. Cases have been reported, and confirmed serologically, of transmission of Lyme disease by fleas, certain species of flies and mosquitoes.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

Early symptoms include fever and chills, headache, prostration, depression and quite often a characteristic pathognomonic symptom called erythema migrans. Left untreated, signs of the disease progress by manifesting in the joints, heart, lymphatic system and central nervous system. In more cases (about 80%) the symptoms disappear with adequate antibiotic treatment as long as a timely and correct diagnosis is made. Inadequate treatment can lead to serious and difficult to treat or incurable consequences.

Different phases and when does it become chronic?

The incubation, early-localised period of the disease (from first contact with the causative agent to the onset of the first symptoms) varies from 3 days to 30 days, but is most commonly 7 days to 14 days. Some people get a small local red bump (like after a mosquito bite) on the tick-bitten area, which disappears after a day or two. This in itself is not evidence of infection with the disease.

Without treatment, Lyme disease proceeds in three phases with periods of lulls, exacerbations and different clinical manifestations in each. The transition from one phase to another is usually smooth, but sometimes there are symptoms that are characteristic of several phases simultaneously.

First phase of Lyme disease: develops immediately after the bite. It may proceed without complaints and go unnoticed. In 70% - 80% of infected persons, redness with the characteristic mouse-like shape is observed around the site of the tick bite and is called erythema migrans. The manifestation of the migratory rash may be delayed from 3 days to 30 days. During this phase of infection, patients complain of flu-like symptoms such as general malaise, rapid fatigue, fever with chills, photophobia - sensitivity to light, etc.

Second phase of Lyme disease: covers a period of several weeks to several months after the bite. At this time, palpitations, new spots with a mouse-like rash, severe dizziness or vertigo, tinnitus, severe headaches, swelling, muscle and joint pain, and problems with insomnia may be observed. Many of these complaints can also subside without treatment. Neurological complaints are seen in 15% - 20% of untreated patients and symptoms may remain chronic in over 10% of patients. Among the more serious symptoms is paresis of the facial nerve (CN VII) or other cranial nerves. There is predominantly unilateral (rarely bilateral) facial nerve palsy. Headache is explained by meningeal irritability, neck rigidity and photophobia may also be observed.

Third phase of Lyme disease: this is the phase of late persistent symptomatology, which spans from several months to several years after the bite. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the causes of symptoms during this late phase are not fully understood. Despite numerous studies that prove otherwise, the CDC denies the possibility of ongoing infection with Borrelia burgdorferi. A contrary view is expressed by the International Lyme And Associated Diseases Society. Various complaints are classified as "post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome" (PTSD). Some studies suggest that continued antibiotic therapy is not recommended. Other studies refute this theory and define this phase as chronic Lyme disease (chronic borreliosis) and support the need for continued antibiotic courses.

Can chronic Lyme disease be treated?

Yes, chronic Lyme disease can be treated. However, treatment is often challenging because of the unique characteristics of the disease and the different symptoms that can occur in individual patients.

The main approach to treating chronic Lyme disease involves a combination of antibiotics and other therapies to manage symptoms. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response. Oral antibiotics are often used and in some cases intravenous antibiotics may also be used. In addition to antibiotics, other treatments may include:

1. Symptomatic treatment: this may include medications to address pain, fatigue, and cognitive problems that are associated with the disease. For example - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve pain, while anti-anxiety or depression medications can help manage emotional symptoms.

2. Physical therapy: regular physical activity can help improve overall health and well-being, as well as reduce muscle pain and stiffness that are common in chronic Lyme disease.

3. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: this form of psychological treatment can be helpful for people with chronic Lyme disease as it helps to manage the changes in mood, memory and thinking that can result from the disease.

4. Alternative therapies. It is essential to consult a health professional before starting any complementary treatments as they may interact with conventional treatments or have side effects.

It is important to remember that treatment outcomes can vary greatly from patient to patient and some people may continue to experience symptoms despite treatment. If you have concerns about your treatment or if your symptoms persist, discuss this with a health expert immediately.

Crowdfunding as a source of funding for Lyme disease treatment

Crowdfunding can play a significant role in helping to treat Lyme disease, providing both financial support and an emotional connection for those struggling with the disease. Setting up a crowdfunding campaign also has a number of benefits.

Start a campaign on PavelAndreev.ORG.

Financial help: treating Lyme disease can be expensive, especially when it comes to long-term care. Medical bills, including doctor visits, lab tests and antibiotic treatment, can quickly outweigh the savings. Crowdfunding campaigns allow anyone to raise funds directly from the community by helping them meet these financial challenges.

Access to alternative treatments: traditional medical treatments for Lyme disease may not work for everyone. Crowdfunding campaigns enable patients to raise additional funds to explore alternative treatments, such as holistic therapies or experimental treatments, that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Education and awareness: many people still do not fully understand Lyme disease, its symptoms and the challenges patients face. Crowdfunding campaigns can serve as educational tools, raising awareness of the disease and encouraging empathy and support among donors.

Community support: Lyme disease can lead to emotional and physical isolation. Crowdfunding campaigns can connect patients with a supportive community that understands their struggles and helps them progress. Community support can play a significant role in improving overall well-being.

Launch a campaign through the PavelAndreev.ORG platform

You can set up a campaign to raise funds for Lyme disease treatment through PavelAndreev.ORG, a dedicated crowdfunding platform . The platform has a long history, a positive reputation and has built a community that is constantly growing. The community includes campaign creators, donors and a host of supporters. Thanks to it, you will quickly and easily reach potential supporters and donors who would support your campaign.

Create a campaign by clicking on the "Start Campaign" button. It will guide you through all the steps of the process. Fill in the required information. Once you are done, the campaign will be reviewed by an administrator.

When a campaign becomes active, you can also take advantage of the platform's features. By doing so, you increase your chances of raising all the funds you need. Create updates to keep the platform community informed about everything that is happening with the campaign. In addition, this is how you build more engagement and trust. Since the campaign is created on a separate page, you can post an unlimited number of updates. Share the campaign online on social media like Facebook, Messenger, TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram to reach a larger audience.

Convince yourself of the effectiveness of crowdfunding by launching a campaign to raise funds for Lyme disease treatment using PavelAndreev.ORG.