Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease services offered in Buffalo, NY

What is Lyme Disease?
Caused by the bacteria Borrelia spp., Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that is transmitted by the bite of an infected black-legged deer tick (no bigger than a poppy seed) in heavily grassy and wooded areas. Although on the rise in certain parts of the U.S., not all who have a tick bite will develop Lyme disease. Even a short exposure can increase your risk of getting the disease.

Lyme Co-infections:
The same ticks frequently carry other bacteria that also cause chronic illness, babesia, and Bartonella.

Why Choose OWM Integrative Wellness for Treatment?
OWM Integrative Wellness combines its extensive knowledge of integrative and naturopathic medicine, and experience with Lyme and CIRS illness, with a large set of sophisticated treatment options to guide our clients through this complicated illness to recovery.

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What is Lyme Disease?

Caused by the bacteria Borrelia spp., Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that is transmitted by the bite of an infected black-legged deer tick (no bigger than a poppy seed) in heavily grassy and wooded areas. Although on the rise in certain parts of the U.S., not all who have a tick bite will develop Lyme disease. Even a short exposure can increase your risk of getting the disease.

What are the symptoms of Lyme Disease?

The earliest signs of a tick bite will be evident by a small, red bump, similar to a mosquito bite. Lyme disease can spread to other parts of your body over months and years after the infection, causing long term arthritis and nervous system issues.

Other signs and symptoms that can occur within a month of the bite: ∙ Rash can spread to an area 12 inches across ∙ Rash can be itchy and warm to the touch. (Note: Lyme disease can occur without this rash) ∙ Fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, neck stiffness, headache and swollen lymph nodes

∙ Rash in other areas of the body ∙ Severe joint pain and swelling (especially in the knees) ∙ Neurological problems (weeks, months or even years after infection) ∙ Numbness or weakness in limbs

∙ Impaired memory and muscle movement ∙ Meningitis ∙ Bell’s palsy ∙ Irregular heartbeat

∙ Eye inflammation ∙ Liver inflammation ∙ Severe fatigue

Although a bull’s-eye rash and flu-like symptoms are classic early signs of Lyme, many people never experience either of these. It is easy to overlook Lyme disease because it mimics other illnesses.

How likely am I to get chronic Lyme disease?

Although people suffering from chronic Lyme disease may present with classic Lyme disease symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that up to 10% of people with acute Lyme disease will go on to develop chronic Lyme disease. Many clinicians feel the rate is significantly higher.

How is Lyme Disease Diagnosed?

According to the CDC, Lyme disease is a clinical diagnosis, based on symptoms, which means a lab test alone cannot confirm the disease.

As a physician who has treated Lyme disease extensively, OWM Integrative Medicine naturopathic doctor, Dr. Kim Howes understands that a negative test does not exclude the possibility of having Lyme disease. A thorough evaluation and understanding of symptoms in conjunction with lab testing is essential to understand if the individual has been exposed to Borrelia.

How is Lyme Disease Treated?

Early detection and treatment of Lyme disease minimizes future complications. Dr. Kim Howes is a member of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ilads.org), the leading international medical society devoted to treatment of Lyme and Associated tick-borne diseases with evidence-based medicine. Her extensive knowledge with tick-borne disease and naturopathic therapies allows her to expertly address the underlying immune, autoimmune, and detoxification dysfunction caused by Lyme disease.

If you would like to learn more about how naturopathic medicine and Dr. Howes’ experience with Lyme disease can help you overcome your illness, please call 716.453.2252 or request an appointment here.

OWM combines basic laboratory work with the latest free-standing genetic and immunological tests to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. As a physician who has treated Lyme disease extensively, OWM Integrative Medicine naturopathic doctor, Dr. Kim Howes understands that a negative test does not exclude the possibility of having Lyme disease. A thorough evaluation and understanding of symptoms in conjunction with lab testing is essential to understand if the individual has been exposed to Borrelia.

Naturopathy and Integrative Medicine

Dr. Kim Howes is a member of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ilads.org), the leading international medical society devoted to the treatment of Lyme and Associated tick-borne diseases with evidence-based medicine. Her extensive knowledge of tick-borne disease and naturopathic therapies allows her to expertly address the underlying immune, autoimmune, and detoxification dysfunction caused by Lyme disease. OWM's Integrative Wellness approach combines integrative and naturopathic medicine to support the body and stimulate its innate healing mechanisms.

IV Support

IV therapy aims to improve nutritional health by administering essential amino acids, vitamins, and nutrients.

The team offers IV nutrition therapy that contains nutrients to boost your body’s ability to fight off cancer, including high-dose vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), and glutathione — powerful antioxidants.