Can Lyme Disease Have Long-Term Effects?

Understanding Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome and Chronic Lyme

You followed your doctor’s orders. You took the antibiotics. You rested. But the symptoms didn’t go away.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many patients with Lyme disease continue to suffer even after conventional treatment ends. This is often referred to as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS)—and it’s a real, frustrating, and often misunderstood condition.

What Is PTLDS?

PTLDS is a term used to describe persistent symptoms following treatment for Lyme disease. According to the CDC, 10-20% of patients continue to experience fatigue, joint pain, cognitive difficulties, and neurological symptoms for six months or more after antibiotic therapy ends.

Why Do Symptoms Persist?

There are several reasons why Lyme can linger:

• Immune system dysregulation: Even after the infection is treated, the immune system may remain inflamed.
  
  
• Residual damage: The infection can leave behind neurological or tissue damage that takes time to heal—or may not fully resolve.
  
  
• Biofilms: Some experts believe Borrelia can hide in biofilms, making it difficult for antibiotics to reach them.
  
  
• Undetected co-infections: Babesia, Bartonella, and other infections may still be active, requiring different treatments.
  
  

Chronic Lyme: Fact or Fiction?

The term “chronic Lyme” is controversial in conventional medicine. However, for thousands of patients experiencing years-long symptoms, the suffering is real—whether or not it fits a textbook diagnosis.

At Princeton Integrative Health, we recognize that healing isn’t always linear. Our approach is to look at the whole person: the pathogens, the immune response, the detox pathways, gut health, mitochondrial health, and more.

Common Long-Term Symptoms We See

• Lingering fatigue
  
  
• Chronic pain, especially in joints and muscles
  
  
• Ongoing neurological symptoms
  
  
• Cognitive dysfunction
  
  
• Digestive issues and food sensitivities
  
  
• Mood changes and mental health struggles
  
  

Functional Medicine: A Different Path Forward

Rather than masking symptoms, we investigate:

• Immune imbalances and chronic inflammation
  
  
• Toxin load (including mold, heavy metals, and environmental stressors)
  
  
• Nutritional deficiencies
  
  
• Hormonal imbalances triggered by infection or chronic stress
  
  

Treatment may involve herbal antimicrobials, detox protocols, mitochondrial support, IV nutrient therapy, ozone therapy, and more.

Your Next Step

If you're living with persistent symptoms and haven't felt heard or validated by your providers, it’s time to explore deeper healing. At PIH, we believe that chronic Lyme and PTLDS deserve attention, compassion, and customized care.

Start healing today with our free Health Assessment!