Greencastle, IN
A 52-year-old female asked:
I was diagnosed with lyme disease in june of 2012. i had an antibiotic treatment and now i've noticed arthritic symptoms. can i still have the disease?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Wishnewanswered
Wound care 44 years experience
Lyme disease: It is possible that you are still infected or have been reinfected. Certainly, post=lyme joint-pain is not unknown. Even after the infection is controlled, there are sometimes sequallae that remain. You may need to see an infectious disease specialist, who is the expert in detecting and then treating some of the more difficult maladies.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Wallace Tayloranswered
Environmental Health 45 years experience
Yes: So-called Post-treatment Lyme disease is controversial. Some say germ is gone and disease is "autoimmune" residual. Others say the germ persists and can cause varied symptoms due to direct toxins or immune response generating collateral tissue injury and symptoms. Recent science suggests the causative spirochete has ways to persist in biofilms, spore-like round bodies and within cells.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
230 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 7, 2019
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.