5 Signs You May Have Chronic Lyme Disease
Chronic Lyme disease isn’t always easy to spot. It’s not just a tick bite or the classic bullseye rash. For many people, Lyme shows up as months—or even years—of unexplained fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog. If you’ve been struggling with mysterious symptoms that doctors can’t explain, chronic Lyme disease could be the cause.
In this guide, you’ll learn the top 5 signs of chronic Lyme disease, why it often goes undiagnosed, and the treatment options that may finally bring you lasting relief.
Understanding Lyme Disease
Causes
Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which spreads through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. In many cases, early treatment with antibiotics clears the infection. But for some people, symptoms linger long after treatment. This ongoing struggle is known as chronic Lyme disease.
Acute vs. Chronic Lyme Disease
Acute Lyme occurs shortly after a tick bite and often includes fever, rash, and flu-like symptoms.
Chronic Lyme (also known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome) is more elusive. Symptoms can be mild, confusing, or misdiagnosed—and they can last for months or even years.
5 Telltale Signs You May Have Chronic Lyme Disease
1. Lingering Fatigue That Won’t Go Away
This isn’t the usual “I stayed up too late” kind of tired. Chronic Lyme disease fatigue is deep, ongoing exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest. If simple daily tasks suddenly feel overwhelming and you need frequent naps just to get through the day, it may be a sign of chronic Lyme.
2. Chronic Joint or Muscle Pain
Chronic Lyme disease often causes joint stiffness, sharp muscle pain, and migrating aches (pain that moves from one area to another). These symptoms are often mistaken for arthritis or fibromyalgia. But if you’re younger, active, and the pain doesn’t make sense, chronic Lyme disease could be the underlying cause.
3. Brain Fog, Memory Loss, or Trouble Focusing
Can’t remember why you walked into a room? Losing your train of thought mid-sentence? Many people with Lyme report cognitive decline, also known as “Lyme brain.” It feels like mental quicksand.
4. Mood Swings, Anxiety, or Depression
Lyme can wreak havoc on your nervous system, triggering anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, or even depression. If your mood has shifted without clear cause, it may not be “just stress.”
5. Sleep Disturbances or Insomnia
Chronic Lyme often disrupts sleep cycles. Whether you’re waking up every few hours, dealing with insomnia, or feeling unrefreshed even after sleeping 8+ hours, this could be more than just poor sleep hygiene.
Why Chronic Lyme Is So Hard to Diagnose
Symptoms That Mimic Other Conditions
Chronic Lyme is a master of disguise. Its symptoms overlap with:
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Multiple sclerosis
Depression or anxiety
Hormonal imbalances
This leads to years of misdiagnoses for many patients.
False Negatives and Testing Challenges
Lyme testing isn’t always reliable. Standard blood tests may miss the infection, especially if you’re past the early stage. A negative test doesn’t always mean you’re in the clear.
Lyme Disease Treatment Options That Work
Antibiotics: When They Work and When They Don’t
Antibiotics are effective in the early stages, but for chronic Lyme, they may not be enough. Long-term use can come with side effects, and the infection may have already caused deeper systemic issues.
Integrative & Holistic Approaches to Healing
More and more patients are turning to wellness centers for Lyme disease treatment, where the focus is on full-body healing, not just killing bacteria.
HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy)
Oxygen-rich environments help the body repair damaged tissues, boost immune response, and may even target lingering bacterial activity.
Infrared Sauna & Red Light Therapy
These therapies help detox the body, reduce inflammation, and support circulation—vital for people battling chronic Lyme symptoms.
Nutrition, Detox, and Immune Support
Healing from Lyme requires immune balance and gut health. Anti-inflammatory diets, supplements, and detox strategies can be game changers.
How The Other 23 Wellness Center Supports Lyme Disease Care
Wellness Center Lyme Care in Camp Hill, PA
At The Other 23 Wellness Centre, located in Camp Hill, PA, we provide holistic support for those struggling with Lyme. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been fighting symptoms for years, our integrated approach aims to reboot your body and mind.
Personalized Recovery Plans with Cutting-Edge Therapies
Our team blends modern and holistic treatments to create individualized Lyme care programs using:
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Red Light & Infrared Sauna Therapy
Cryotherapy
Massage Therapy & Compression Therapy
Nutrition Guidance & Functional Testing
When to Seek Help
Don’t Wait for a Diagnosis
If you suspect Lyme but aren’t getting clear answers from standard tests, seek out a Lyme-literate provider or wellness center that understands the nuances of chronic Lyme symptoms.
Your Next Steps for Getting Relief
Document your symptoms and medical history
Schedule a consultation at a wellness center like The Other 23 (Book Now)
Explore a mix of traditional and holistic Lyme disease treatments
Take your recovery one day at a time—you’re not alone in this
Conclusion: Hope and Healing Are Possible
Chronic Lyme disease can feel like an uphill battle, especially when symptoms aren’t visible to others. The good news is there’s hope. By recognizing the signs, getting the right care, and using advanced treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy and infrared therapy, you can take back control of your health and energy.
At The Other 23 Wellness Center in Camp Hill, PA, we specialize in supporting your Lyme disease recovery with proven, science-driven therapies. Book a free consultation today and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
Frequently Asked Question
Left untreated, Lyme disease can progress into chronic symptoms lasting months or years. Early detection and treatment are crucial.
Yes. Some people experience a recurrence of symptoms due to lingering infection or immune system issues.
Yes. At The Other 23, we use non-invasive, science-backed treatments designed to complement traditional care safely.
Acute symptoms appear soon after infection and often include rash and fever. Chronic Lyme presents with fatigue, pain, brain fog, and other long-term symptoms.
HBOT may reduce symptoms by enhancing tissue oxygenation, supporting the immune system, and accelerating cellular repair.
Get in touch
Whether you’re focused on weight loss and shedding pounds, recovering from sports injuries, achieving a youthful glow, or enhancing overall wellness, we’re dedicated to helping you reach your goals. Let us partner with you on your journey to a healthier, happier you!