Question 1

What is Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS)?

Accepted Answer

Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) is a condition where patients continue experiencing fatigue, pain, joint aches, and muscle aches after completing antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease. It is caused by persistent immune system activation following Borrelia burgdorferi infection, affecting approximately 10-20% of treated Lyme patients. The Lyme Disease Antibody with Reflex to Antibodies IgG & IgM Blot is the most important test for PTLDS because it detects lingering antibodies that help healthcare providers understand the relationship between ongoing symptoms and previous infection.

Question 2

What causes Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome is caused by persistent immune system activation following an infection with Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, the organism responsible for Lyme disease. Even after appropriate antibiotic treatment successfully eliminates the active infection, some patients experience continued inflammation and immune responses. The exact mechanism remains under investigation, but researchers believe residual bacterial components, autoimmune reactions, or tissue damage from the original infection may trigger ongoing symptoms like chronic fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, and cognitive difficulties that can last months or years after treatment.

Question 3

What is the best test for Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The Lyme Disease Antibody with Reflex to Antibodies IgG & IgM Blot is the most important test for Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome because it detects persistent antibodies that remain in your blood even after successful treatment. This comprehensive test measures both IgG and IgM antibodies, providing a complete picture of your immune system's response to the previous Borrelia burgdorferi infection. While positive antibody results do not indicate active infection or the need for more antibiotics, they help your healthcare provider understand the connection between your ongoing symptoms and your Lyme disease history, allowing for better management of fatigue, pain, and other persistent symptoms.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you continue experiencing symptoms like severe fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, or cognitive problems for more than six months after completing antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease. Testing is especially important if your symptoms are interfering with daily activities, work, or quality of life, or if you need documentation to help your healthcare provider develop an appropriate symptom management plan. Early testing can help distinguish PTLDS from other conditions that may cause similar symptoms and guide your healthcare team toward the most effective supportive care strategies.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome symptoms include persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest, widespread muscle aches and joint pain, cognitive difficulties often described as brain fog, memory problems, and trouble concentrating. Many people also experience sleep disturbances, headaches, nerve pain or tingling sensations, and mood changes including depression or anxiety. These symptoms can fluctuate in intensity and may significantly impact your ability to work, exercise, or perform daily activities, often persisting for months or even years after completing Lyme disease treatment.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who has been treated for Lyme disease faces a 10-20% risk of developing PTLDS, but certain factors may increase susceptibility. People who experienced delayed diagnosis or treatment of their initial Lyme infection appear to be at higher risk, as are those who had severe symptoms or disseminated disease involving multiple body systems. Some research suggests that genetic factors affecting immune system function may influence who develops persistent symptoms after treatment. The condition can affect people of all ages, though it is most commonly diagnosed in adults who live or recreate in endemic areas with high rates of tick-borne infections.

Question 7

What happens if Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome is not properly managed, chronic symptoms can severely diminish your quality of life for months or years. Persistent fatigue and pain can lead to decreased physical activity, muscle deconditioning, and weight gain. Ongoing cognitive difficulties may affect job performance, relationships, and mental health, potentially leading to anxiety and depression. Without appropriate symptom management and supportive care, many people experience social isolation, financial stress from reduced work capacity, and a cycle of worsening physical and emotional health. Early recognition and comprehensive symptom management can help prevent these complications and improve long-term outcomes.

Question 8

Can Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome cannot be diagnosed with a single blood test, but antibody testing plays an important role in confirming your history of Lyme disease and ruling out other conditions. The Lyme Disease Antibody test detects IgG and IgM antibodies that often persist after successful treatment, helping your healthcare provider understand your immune response. PTLDS is diagnosed clinically based on your symptom pattern, treatment history, and the exclusion of other medical conditions that could explain your symptoms. Blood tests help support the diagnosis by documenting previous Lyme infection and ensuring that persistent symptoms are not caused by active infection, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, or other treatable conditions.

Question 9

How is Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome is managed through symptom-focused supportive care rather than additional antibiotics, as the infection has already been successfully treated. Treatment approaches include pain management with over-the-counter or prescription medications, physical therapy to improve mobility and reduce joint stiffness, cognitive behavioral therapy to address sleep problems and manage chronic symptoms, and gradual exercise programs tailored to your energy levels. Your healthcare provider may recommend treatments for specific symptoms like sleep aids for insomnia or medications for nerve pain. Many patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach involving primary care physicians, pain specialists, physical therapists, and mental health professionals working together to improve overall function and quality of life.

Question 10

How can I prevent Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent PTLDS after Lyme disease infection, early detection and prompt treatment of Lyme disease may reduce your risk of developing persistent symptoms. The best prevention strategy is avoiding tick bites by using insect repellent containing DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded areas, performing thorough tick checks after outdoor activities, and promptly removing any attached ticks. If you develop symptoms of Lyme disease such as a bulls-eye rash, fever, or joint pain after a tick bite, seek medical attention immediately for antibiotic treatment. Starting antibiotics within the first few weeks of infection appears to lower the risk of complications including PTLDS.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can manage PTLDS symptoms through pacing activities to avoid overexertion, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, and staying hydrated. Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can help maintain muscle strength without triggering symptom flares. Stress reduction techniques including meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices may help manage pain and fatigue. Keeping a symptom diary can help you identify triggers and patterns, allowing you to adjust activities accordingly. Many people find support groups helpful for coping with chronic symptoms, and ensuring adequate vitamin D levels through sunlight exposure or supplementation may support immune function and overall well-being.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome Blood Test

What is Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS)?

What causes Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome?

What is the best test for Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome?

When should I get tested for Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome?

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