Expert: David Olson, MD - 11/1/2009

Question
Dear Dr. Olson. I wrote back on 10/18 about my son's health decline. Well, we have an answer. He tested positive for lyme disease via a western blot test. We think he has had it for at least 18 months. In all my reading and talking to others, the standard protocol of 21-28 days of doxycycline that is normally prescribed is not effective for chronic cases, only new bites. My son goes in tomorrow to review labs. I don't know what to ask for. Some sites say IV antibiotics are best to kick the chronic lyme. Others say to use a combo of antibiotics. I tested positive for lyme this past June and have been on doxy for 16 weeks but still test positive for lyme. I want to treat this right for him the first time. He is having cognitive issues, confusion and memory issues and I worry about grades. How do I know what he needs? Any help is appreciated.

Answer
Hi, angela,

Thanks for the feedback.  We live in a part of the country where Lyme is rare.  I am not familiar with the details of treatment for the chronic condition.  I would have to put my child in the hands of a pediatric infectious disease expert, or at least a well versed adult ID expert.  They would have access to the latest evidence based information so that you do it right the first time.  I suspect that it will involve IV meds, but I just am not too familiar with the treatment protocols.  Send me some followup, OK?

Thanks and hope he is well eventually, Dr. Olson