On this episode of the Sales Gravy Podcast, we are switching things up to take on a very important topic— Chronic Lyme Disease.

Jeb Blount (Sales Gravy) and Fred Diamond, co-founder of the Institute for Excellence in Sales (IES) discuss Fred's latest book, Love, Hope, Lyme and his personal journey supporting a loved one with Chronic Lyme Disease.

You'll learn what Lyme Disease is, the devastating effects that Chronic Lyme Disease has on hundreds of thousands of people each year, why prevention is key, and how you can support anyone in your life who is battling a chronic illness.
Living With Chronic Lyme Disease
Living with loved one who has Chronic Lyme Disease can be emotionally and mentally challenging, as the condition can cause a wide range of symptoms that can affect the person's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Your loved one may experience depression, anxiety, and irritability as a result of their condition.

Fred discusses how important it is to be supportive and understanding. It's important to keep in mind that everyone's experience with Chronic Lyme Disease is different, so it's important to be flexible and open to different approaches to treatment and care.

One of the most difficult aspects of living with someone who has Chronic Lyme Disease is dealing with the person's ongoing fatigue and pain. These symptoms can make it difficult for the person to perform daily tasks and can also affect their mood and ability to socialize.

It's important to be understanding and patient, and to offer help and support whenever possible. As Fred says, where there is love, there is hope.







What is Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. It is primarily spread through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. The black-legged tick is found in wooded, brushy, and grassy areas, and when it bites an infected person, it can transmit the bacteria to the person.

The most common symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a bull's-eye rash. The rash, called erythema migraines, usually appears at the site of the tick bite and can expand to become a large red area.
Chronic Lyme Disease
Chronic Lyme disease, also known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), is a condition that can occur after a person has been treated for an initial infection with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. People with PTLDS may continue to experience symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, and cognitive difficulties, long after the bacteria have been cleared from their body.

The cause of PTLDS is not fully understood, but it is thought that it may be related to ongoing inflammation or damage to tissues caused by the initial infection. Some researchers also believe that the bacteria may persist in the body, despite treatment, and continue to cause symptoms.

Symptoms of PTLDS can be similar to those of early Lyme disease, but they may also include:

Fatigue
Muscle and joint pain
Cognitive difficulties (such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating)
Sleep disturbances
Depression
Irritable bowel syndrome
Headaches

It is important to note that, diagnosis of PTLDS can be difficult, as there is no specific test for the condition, and symptoms are often non-specific. Due to lack of specific diagnostic criteria, treatment for PTLDS is also not well defined and can be controversial.

Treatment for PTLDS typically involves symptom management and may include medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and physical therapy to help manage joint pain. Some people may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or counseling to help cope with the emotional and psychological effects of the condition.

It is important to note that, currently, there is no evidence that prolonged antibiotic treatment is effective for PTLDS,