Q: My wife is on disability due to chronic Lyme disease, which was misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome for 15 years before it was correctly diagnosed. I had it in 1989, was diagnosed and treated, but the treatment was inadequate. When a second set of symptoms developed 10 months later, it was also misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome. After correct diagnosis and several years of antibiotics, my symptoms have disappeared, but my wife's have not. Since this is an infectious disease, would it be wise to take fish oil to reduce inflammation, since we need an inflammatory response to fight the Lyme bacteria?
A: The fact that your wife’s symptoms have not decreased after antibiotics would indicate some long-term neurological damage. High levels of EPA and DHA (approximately 10 grams per day) combined with aerobic exercise will help produce new neurological connections that should reduce her current disability.