Lyme disease is a bacterial condition that originates from tick bites. People who have Lyme disease may see a rash around the bite site and feel feverish, achy and generally unwell during the early stages of the disease. Lyme disease can become more advanced with serious consequences if it is not treated at all, or if the course of antibiotics does not fully eradicate the bacteria (see Resources). For this reason, it is important to be treated for Lyme disease as soon as possible.
Names
Advanced Lyme disease is sometimes also referred to as stage 3, or late chronic Lyme disease.
Timing
Advanced or late chronic lyme disease symptoms vary in terms of a time line. Some people feel symptoms a few weeks after they develop the disease, while others may feel the effects after several years.
Arthritis
Sufferers from advanced-stage Lyme disease may feel pain and swelling that is consistent with arthritis, even if they formerly never had joint inflammation. Knees are commonly affected.
Muscle Pain
Muscle pain that comes and goes in varying degrees can be a symptom of late chronic Lyme disease.
Sleep Difficulties
Tossing, turning and having other sleep difficulties due to pain may be a sign of stage 3 Lyme disease.
Nervous System
Your nervous system may be affected if you were not treated in the early stages of Lyme disease. Symptoms of advanced Lyme can include having trouble keeping on task and experiencing memory loss.
Tags: Lyme disease, late chronic, chronic Lyme disease, early stages, Lyme disease