Comprehensive Guide to Treating Chronic Lyme Disease and Co-infections in Minnesota: Evidence-Based Herbal Protocols

Dr. Kyle Warren, Functional Medicine
Battling mysterious symptoms since the eighth grade, Nick thought constant pain, exhaustion, and depression were just part of growing up. Watch how he went from barely functioning, to reclaiming his life, with the help of Dr. Warren who refused to give up on his healing. Nick's story offers hope to those feeling trapped by chronic illness, left searching for answers:

In Nick's own words: 

"... the biggest thing for me was ONE-  having somebody who was going to continue to push me to find the right treatment plan and something better. And maybe not everybody's blessed to have that, but seriously continue looking for a doctor who's going to hear you out and is going to listen and TWO - understand that even though most doctors do mean well, and they're trying their best, the standard modern medicine has not caught all the way up to treating in the way that we need to for Lyme disease and the co-infections that come along with it."

Conversation between Nick and Dr. Warren on Lyme.
 Nick's personal story in his own words:

Nick: I believe I was infected about six years ago. I had a Bartonella rash, what I now know to be a Bartonella rash show up, and it got passed off as stretch marks initially by the primary care doctor that we were seeing. After that, it kind of just showed up in little ways of memory issues, joint pain, depression started setting in, and lots of brain fog.

I had a lot of, I was in eighth grade at the time, so I had a lot of trouble learning and kind of processing things, and I was under the impression that was just a standard teenage experience, that you were just supposed to get a little more confused and start hurting more, but eventually got to a point that this can't be the standard experience, so.

Dr. Kyle Warren: And that's hard as an eighth grader, knowing you're having pain, you're having brain problems, but also you don't know what normal is as an eighth grader. Yeah. Yeah.

Okay, so started to notice there was some problems, and then, you know, fast forward, how did that play out over time?

Nick: Well, it kind of was something that, again, pushed off for quite a while. A couple times we'd look into different issues and go to the primary care and say, hey, we're, you know, I was having some blood sugar issues for a little while. I was powerlifting a lot, and I was having a hard time, like, staying awake because I was feeling tired and exhausted and those sorts of things, and yeah, I got written off as either blood sugar issues.

At one point, my doctor did want to put me on, like, mental health medication, that sort of thing, and eventually we're, over the course of a few years, kept putting pieces together. I had the fortunate blessing that my mom had also had Lyme, not fortunate for her, but she had seen kind of some of those pieces, and over the course of it manifesting itself, we were able to kind of start to put those pieces together and say, hey, I think we need to start asking these questions about Lyme disease beyond the panel that the primary care doctor was running.

Dr. Kyle Warren: Yeah, if I remember right, you found another Lyme doctor before me.

Nick: Yeah, right about. It had been about four years. I went to go see the doctor that my mother had actually had, and it helped her. Unfortunately, about six months into treatment with him, three months, something like that, he passed away. He was a Lyme Literate doctor and everything, and so that kind of threw a wrench in things, and we decided, well, we're going to take the information that we do have from him and try to kind of treat from there, but he was doing a combination of prescription and more naturopathic options, and so that made it difficult to continue because I can't write my own prescriptions, and I just didn't have the knowledge or honestly energy to continue doing that, so after about a year, year and a half, we were like, okay, we're not fixing this thing at home. We started searching again.

That's when we came across you and your practice.

Dr. Kyle Warren: Yeah, and we met a little less than a year ago, right? We kind of met, and then we started, ran some tests, right, and found you still had some tick-borne things, right, so the doctor had made some progress, we kind of thought, but just you'd had to quit, you know, because of extenuating circumstances before it was all complete.

Nick: Yeah.

Dr. Kyle Warren: So how were you feeling by the time we met, which would have been, you know, January of this past year? You know, what were you feeling like? How was it affecting your life? I mean, bring us up to the kind of current picture right before we met.

Nick: Sure. Ever since my freshman year of high school, I've always been working a job of some sort during the school year. I wasn't in sports, but I did a lot of weightlifting, that sort of thing, so I was active, and my body worked.

Then by the time that it came around to coming to you, I was in my first season where I didn't, I wasn't holding a job because I just didn't feel like I could continue with it. I was just tired endlessly. There was no amount of sleep that I could get that was enough to make me feel rested.

It put in some dark places, and it was, I just, I didn't feel like myself, and people around me were starting to notice as well that, like, this is not a happy person anymore, and it, I mean, I couldn't, I couldn't go for a walk without my knees and feet and hips hurting. I couldn't pick up weight at the gym without my shoulders hurting and feeling, I would quit because my joints give out before my muscles could give out. It was, it was just a lot, and had I not had somebody to push me to find somebody else, I probably would have just given up.

Like, I was, I was beaten down at that point.

Dr. Kyle Warren: I mean, so 20 years old and, you know, obviously so much pain that a 20-year-old should not have, right? And this is, you know, why we tell people a lot of times it looks like a rheumatology thing to have a young man with that much pain, but really it's, it's Lyme, and it's coupled with these neurological problems, so you kind of have the fatigue, the nerve problems, and the, and the joint problems. You kind of have all three hitting you pretty hard, even as a very young, typically a very robust age, right?

So, run us through how you're doing now, and, you know, maybe a little bit of the, the time frame, if you can recall it.

Nick: Sure. Initially, after, after our first in-person appointment to, to kind of consult and set up, we started immediately on some, some supplements that I believe were killers, feeling it out a little bit, seeing how things would respond. I want to say we ordered a test fairly quickly as well to get some good numbers and, and to quantify what we were looking at.

Dr. Kyle Warren: Yeah, yeah, we did. Yeah, we did.

Nick: Yep. And so the initial timeline that you would give me was, you know, about three months, they'll start to, start to see some progress, hopefully. And then we were looking at, I, I believe we said anywhere from nine months to year, year and a half, something like that, before we saw significant progress.

I was very fortunate that I'm six months, maybe seven or eight months now into treatment, and I am, I'm in a different place entirely. Like I am, I'm happy and I am able to get around and do things. I can work a full day and not feel exhausted.

We are kind of, I'm not all the way in the clear yet as we're kind of entering the rebuild period and, and getting, getting a lot of the mental symptoms figured out and that sort of thing. But I appreciated having that, that explanation along the way as well, that step-by-step of here's what we're going to do. We're going to kill it.

Now we're going to support your body and that kind of that, that back and forth.

Dr. Kyle Warren: Yeah. Yeah. I think that's the analogy I use.

If you have a knife in your leg, you got to pull the knife out. That's very important, but you still have the hole in your leg. And so it's not just about, you know, killing Lyme, it's about helping your body heal and become strong again afterwards.

But yeah, I remember we talked at our last appointment and you were just excited because life, you know, just the practicality of life, it looks so different than the way it did this time. You know, last year, if we think back to how you were last Christmas before I had met you at that point, and you were just saying, man, last Christmas was, you know, it was different.

Nick: Yeah. Yeah. It was just, and my, I recently moved away from my parents and I moved into a place of my own.

So I haven't seen them as much, but when my mom, who's been the majority of the person to walk this journey with me even, she's saying over the phone that she's like, you just sound different. And she's like, I got my son back. And that was, that was the emotional, but happy thing to hear.

Dr. Kyle Warren: It's very nice. And it's exciting. These are fun times for me when I get to talk with patients and they're telling me about all the things they're doing. And, you know, because you're feeling better. So, Hey, I'm doing this job and Hey, I'm moving out and Hey, I'm doing these things. And those are, you know, big wins that, that, that maybe didn't even seem possible a year ago at this time.

Nick: Yeah. It's crazy. I'm struggling for words because it's hard to explain how doing everyday things doesn't feel possible.

And now it does, you know, prior that it didn't feel possible and it does now it's just, I don't have to think about going up the stairs and, and feel like I'm going to collapse at the top of them. And that sums it up.

Dr. Kyle Warren: Well, in closing here, thank you so much for sharing some of your story with other people. Is there, is there anything that, you know, someone who's maybe sick and kind of, you know, losing hope or feeling frustrated, like you or anything you want to tell them as they're, you know, that's, that's really who we make this for is because we find people who are sick. It, you know, that, that, that flame of hope can be, it can be very frustrating to be that sick.

And you were that sick for a while.

Nick: Yeah. I mean, the biggest thing for me was one, having somebody who was going to continue to push me to find the right treatment plan and, and something better. And maybe not everybody's blessed to have that, but seriously continue looking for a doctor who's going to hear you out and is going to listen and understand that even though most doctors do mean well, and they're trying their best, the standard, standard modern medicine has not caught all the way up to treating in the way that we need to for Lyme disease and the co-infections that come along with it. And if you find yourself watching this video, I'd encourage you to also look into Dr. Warren and, and I think you'll be pleased to find that this is someone who can help.

Dr. Kyle Warren: Thank you. That's, that's our, that's really our message is you can be better. And I firmly believe that when I talk to everyone is, you know, it's a question I get is, do you really think I can get better?

And, you know, it's because I get the benefit of talking to people like you, Nick:, who, who like, I've seen it enough times to where, you know, people go, I can't see it, Dr. Warren, I don't know if I can get better. And I go, look, I've, I've seen so many people go from where you went to, to where you are now that I go, you can, you can be better. And I hope that by, you know, people seeing your story, that's what they think, okay, if Nick: can get better, then, you know, then I can get better too.

Thank you so much for sharing with us. And I'll, I'll talk with you later. Have a wonderful day, man.

Sounds good.

Nick: Alrighty. Take care.

Key Take-aways from Nick's Story:

1. Early Symptoms Are Often Missed

Traditional medicine frequently overlooks complex Lyme symptoms. What appears as brain fog, or "normal teenage issues" could be tick-borne infections masquerading as something else. Don't just accept these explanations without deeper investigation.

2. Don't Accept the First Medical Opinion

One dismissive doctor doesn't mean your symptoms aren't real. Nick's journey demonstrates the importance of seeking specialists who understand complex tick-borne diseases and are willing to dig deeper.

3. Healing is a Multi-Stage Process

Think of treating Lyme like removing a knife from a wound. Killing the infection is crucial, but healing requires comprehensive support. It's not just about eliminating the pathogen, but rebuilding your body's strength.

4. Lyme Protocol Takes Time, But Hope is Real

When dealing with Lyme, significant improvement isn't instant. Nick saw meaningful changes around 6-8 months into treatment. Expect a journey of 9-12 months, with initial progress around 3 months. Patience and consistent treatment are key. Most patients can see significant improvements with targeted care.

5. Advocacy is Critical

If one doctor doesn't hear you, keep searching. Your persistent pursuit of the right treatment and specialist can be the difference between continued suffering and recovery.

6. Mental and Physical Symptoms are Interconnected

Lyme isn't just a physical disease. Brain fog, and emotional changes are real symptoms that need proper protocols. 

7. Having supporting advocates can really help:

Having supportive family or advocates who push you to find answers is critical. Nick's mother was instrumental in his continued search for proper treatment when he felt defeated.

The Core Message: Lyme disease is complex, but recovery is possible. Don't lose hope! 

Message from Dr. Kyle Warren

"Dear Fellow Lyme Warrior, 

I want you to know that your current struggle does not define your future. I've seen countless patients walk into my office feeling broken, exhausted and hopeless, only to emerge months later with renewed life and vitality. 

Lyme disease is complex, and traditional medicine often fails to understand its intricate nature, but that doesn't mean healing is impossible. Every patient I've treated has a unique story, and each one has the potential for significant recovery. Oftentimes, we discover many patients have at least one co-infection along with Lyme, which complicates the diagnosis and recovery.

Your journey will require patience, a comprehensive approach and most importantly, Hope. Finding the right specialist who understands the multifaceted nature of tick-borne diseases is crucial— someone who sees you as more than a set of symptoms, but as a whole person waiting to reclaim their life! 

Remember - Your body has an incredible capacity to heal when given the right support and I've witnessed this transformation time and again. Even if your struggle with symptoms has been decades-long, you've come to the right place to finally get the full picture of what your body has been fighting. I look forward to helping to restore that health and hope you once had, together!" 

Dr. Warren

Wondering about Lyme, Bartonella or other tick-borne  co-infections?
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Please understand, Dr. Warren does not accept Medical Insurance. However, HSA plans are likely eligible. Telehealth and Virtual visits are available, in U.S. only.
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This is what clients have said about the Restorative Health Solutions Team
See our testimonials...
             Having been seeing Dr. Kyle since March, he has given me a life back after being diagnosed with Lymes in 2015. He's compassionate, a true wealth of knowledge and takes a multiple step process when working with his patients. I cannot say how much he has changed my life for the better!"

-Lori Paul
             Impressive, Smart, Top Notch. I have nothing but good things to say about my experience at RHS. From my initial appt to my follow up. Dr. Kyle and Dr. Paul were great to work with and both encouraged me to better health through testing, exercises and education. Also their support staff Katie and Randi are wonderful as well. Prompt, courteous, and always available for questions! I highly recommend RHS! Cheers to better health."

-Tara Schwagmeyer
             I have been seeing Dr Warren for a few years and he has improved my health and my life greatly. I have many health issues and had been diagnosed with chronic fatigue 8 years ago, after I had to leave my career. I tried almost every traditional medical specialist and even a few naturalpathic specialist without any continued improvement in health. Most told there was nothing wrong with me. Dr. Warren has taken the time and done a vast amount of research to help me with autoimmune, thyroid, chemical sensitivities, and even my gallbladder. He truly cares, takes the time to hear you and your health challenges, and is always willing to try additional routes. I am back working and able to have a fulfilled life again! I am so thankful to have the best doctor!" 

-Erin Harty
             I arrived at Restorative Health Solutions feeling extremely fatigued, had brain fog and not a high quality of life. I was just getting through the day. After being treated I now have energy and a sense of well-being. I feel like I am now being proactive on having a healthy life. I am grateful for having found Restorative Health Solutions." 

-T Lancello
             I have been seeing Dr. Kyle and Dr. Paul for about 10 months now for Lyme disease. Prior to this, I was searching high and low for answers and getting no where. I was feeling fatigued, brain fog, stomach issues, anxiety, light sensitivity, dizziness... just a multitude of symptoms that I couldn't piece together.
The team at Rhs has been instrumental in me reaching my goals. Lyme disease has been extremely challenging and Rhs has been there every step of the way.
Lyme disease doesn't go away on it's own and it is a marathon, but Restorative Health Solutions has a process that works, follow it, be open and communicate. This is a two way street, they can't read your mind, so come in with the mentality of a partnership.
I would recommend anyone go and see them if you need to find answers on your Lyme disease journey." 

-Aaron Lindholm
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