Lyme Disease Evaluation & Treatment in Los Gatos

Staff at YNC (4)

Lyme disease can cause different symptoms depending on the stage of infection and may affect the skin, nervous system, heart, and joints. A careful clinical evaluation is important because these symptoms can overlap with other conditions.

It can be frustrating when persistent symptoms remain unexplained. Fatigue labeled as stress. Joint pain was brushed off as aging. Brain fog that you’re told to ignore. Standard care follows a script; we follow the symptoms until we find the root cause.

When clinically indicated, we use validated testing to evaluate Lyme disease and recognized tickborne co-infections based on the patient’s symptoms, exposure history, geography, and examination findings.

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Disease Testing and Diagnosis

Plenty of people never notice the tick or the rash. The tick size can vary; the most dangerous ones are about the size of a pin (nymphs). It bites, and most folks never know it happened. Most people will get ticks on their body from their pets, meaning even those of you who spend most of your time inside, if you have a pet or a family or friend with a pet, you are still at risk. The symptoms simply start, and they often don’t let go.

CDC recommends a two-step antibody-testing process using FDA-cleared assays. Testing can produce a false-negative result during the first four to six weeks after infection because antibodies may not yet be detectable. An erythema migrans rash occurs in approximately 70% to 80% of infected people, but it does not always have a classic bull’s-eye appearance.

That’s why we don’t hang everything on a single result. We look for markers such as:

  • Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium) and both the viral and bacterial co-infection testing for infections that slip past basic panels.
  • Inflammatory markers known as cytokines, T-cell and Natural Killer Profiles to measure what your immune system is still fighting.
  • Immune and metabolic assessment to find exactly where your body needs support to heal from Lyme disease.
  • Test for other environmental factors such as mold or mycoplasma toxicity, heavy metal exposure, plastics, MTBE, Styrene and any other things your history may indicate as problematic.

Your labs by themselves don’t tell the whole story. We line them up against your symptoms and history so the picture finally makes sense.

How Care at YNC Works

If initial results do not explain the symptoms, the clinician may consider other medically appropriate causes and next steps.

Initial Consultation

Our doctors go through your symptoms, your history, and your prior testing, including the pieces nobody ever connected for you.

Advanced Testing

We test for what your patterns point toward. That can include Lyme and co-infections, inflammation markers, or metabolic markers if needed.

Personalized Plan

There’s no fixed path at YNC. Your plan depends on what your body is showing us, which is then adjusted along the way to see how you respond.

When Lyme disease is diagnosed, treatment generally involves an appropriate course of antibiotics selected by the prescribing clinician. Any supportive care is based on separately identified clinical needs and does not replace recommended antibiotic treatment.

Most patients use a combination of antibiotics, herbal and supplemental products, Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy, and advanced IV therapy.

Treatment for Lyme Disease

Persistent symptoms require a careful evaluation for other possible causes, reinfection, treatment complications, or objective evidence of ongoing disease activity. In fact, as many as 20% of patients still carry symptoms even after antibiotic treatment.

Treating the Infection

First things first, we go after the Lyme itself. For many people, that means antibiotics, the standard front-line approach, and we’ll use them when they’re the right call.

Others need more, especially when co-infections are part of the picture or symptoms have dragged on. In those cases, we may layer in antimicrobial and herbal protocols, immune support, and steps to calm the inflammation Lyme leaves behind. The goal is simple: hit the infection and the damage it caused, not just one or the other.

Targeted Support for Your Recovery

Knocking out the infection is half the job. Your body still has to rebuild. We use in-clinic therapies to restore your energy, recovery, and day-to-day function:

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Areas People Often Seek Support For

We focus on the problems that are getting in your way day to day:

  • Exhaustion that caffeine quit fixing a long time ago.
  • Brain fog that turns simple tasks into a struggle.
  • Joint and muscle pain waved off as stress or aging.
  • Sleep that breaks easily and leaves you no better in the morning.
  • Unexplained cardiovascular issues.
  • Neurological problems such as tremors, loss of motor control, paraesthesias (numbness and tingling), Bell’s palsy that has lasted and is actually Lyme facial paralysis, as well as ticks and motor irregularities.

If that’s where you are right now, we start by hunting down the cause, not just the symptoms.

 

Man looks pensive due to insomnia

 

What are the early signs vs the late signs of Lyme Disease?

Early-stage Lyme disease (3-30 days after a bite) typically presents with generalized, flu-like discomfort and a distinctive skin reaction.

  • Erythema Migrans (EM) Rash: The hallmark sign affecting (70 %) to (80%\) of patients. It expands gradually, can feel warm, and varies in shape, size, and color.
    • “Bullseye” Pattern: Often features a red outer ring with a clear center, though it can appear as a solid red patch.
    • Darker Skin Tones: The rash may resemble a bruise rather than a classic red circle.
  • Flu-like Indicators: Fever, chills, headache, extreme fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle or joint pain.

If early Lyme disease is unrecognized or untreated, the infection can spread, and months later it can lead to severe and debilitating health problems. This is often where we see patients.

  • Neurological Issues: Severe headaches, neck stiffness, facial palsy (drooping muscles), and shooting pains or numbness in the limbs.
  • Joint Pain: Migrating joint pain and severe swelling, particularly in the knees.
  • Cardiac Symptoms: Irregular heartbeat or palpitations (Lyme carditis).

Although rare, untreated late-stage Lyme disease can result in life-threatening complications

Why Patients Trust YNC for Lyme Disease

Many people who visit us are tired of the run-around. More doctors. More tests. Same answer: everything looks fine.

Here’s how it’s different with us:

  • One Doctor, One Plan: You’re not passed from hand to hand. Your doctor owns your case from day one.
  • We Look for Answers: We don’t stop at Lyme. We track down the co-infections and triggers keeping your system stuck.
  • Holistic Approach: Our doctors combine medical care with targeted supportive therapies to support your well-being.
  • Results Over Protocols: If something isn’t working, we change it. We don’t stick with a plan just because it’s the standard.

Fun Fact: Dr. Young grew up in Connecticut and spent her summers on the beautiful New England beaches in Lyme, Connecticut. She has experienced treating Lyme & tick-borne diseases throughout her medical training!

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Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

 

FAQs

Is Lyme Disease Found in California?
Yes. The old myth that California has no Lyme just isn’t true. Lyme disease occurs in California, including parts of Northern California, but the risk varies by location, habitat, season, and travel history. California also reports cases acquired during travel outside the state.

You don’t have to be deep in the woods to get bitten.

Is Lyme Disease Treatable If I’ve Had It For a Long Time?
Yes. Long-term symptoms don’t close any doors. With up to 1 in 5 people still struggling after antibiotics, lingering symptoms are common, and they just mean we look harder at what’s keeping things going instead of telling you it’s something you have to live with.
Do I Need Testing Before Starting Treatment?
Testing helps, but it isn’t always the starting line. Your symptoms, history, and risk tell us which testing actually earns its keep. CDC-recommended antibody testing may be falsely negative during the first four to six weeks after infection. The timing and interpretation of testing should be discussed with a qualified clinician.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
It varies. Some people feel a shift sooner, others need more time. We adjust as we go rather than locking you into a fixed plan and hoping it fits.