Lyme Disease & Tick-Borne Illness Care in Florida

A Personalized, Advanced Approach to Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a complex, often misunderstood condition that can affect multiple systems in the body. At Florida Integrative Medical Center (FLIMC), we take a comprehensive, personalized approach to identifying and managing Lyme disease and its associated co-infections.

Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been struggling with chronic, unresolved symptoms, our goal is to uncover root causes and develop a targeted care plan tailored specifically to you.

Lyme Disease Expertise at FLIMC

Florida Integrative Medical Center is led by Dr. John Monhollon, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician with more than 25 years of clinical experience and advanced training in Lyme disease and tick-borne illness management.

Dr. Monhollon completed advanced physician training through the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) and has served as a physician mentor for other healthcare providers pursuing advanced Lyme-focused education. His experience includes evaluating patients with Lyme disease, co-infections such as Babesia and Bartonella, chronic fatigue, immune system challenges, and complex chronic health concerns.

Patients travel to FLIMC from throughout Florida and beyond seeking a personalized, comprehensive approach to Lyme disease evaluation and wellness support.

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused primarily by Borrelia species, transmitted through tick bites. While early treatment can be effective, many patients experience persistent or chronic symptoms due to:

Delayed diagnosis
Co-infections (Babesia, Bartonella)
Immune dysfunction
Biofilm formation and bacterial persistence

At FLIMC, we recognize that Lyme disease is rarely a simple infection—it is often a multi-layered, systemic condition requiring advanced diagnostics and individualized care.

Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease and its co-infections can affect nearly every system in the body. Symptoms may come and go, evolve over time, or mimic other conditions.

Neurological Symptoms

Brain fog, memory loss, difficulty concentrating
Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness
Numbness, tingling, burning sensations
Speech difficulty or word-finding issues
Poor balance or coordination

Musculoskeletal Symptoms

Joint pain and swelling (arthritis-like)
Muscle aches, weakness, impaired coordination
Back pain

Cardiovascular Symptoms

Heart palpitations
Chest discomfort
Shortness of breath

Vision & Hearing

Blurred vision, floaters, light sensitivity
Ringing in ears (tinnitus), hearing issues

Gastrointestinal

Chronic stomach upset
Changes in bowel habits

Psychiatric & Cognitive

Anxiety, depression, mood swings
Panic attacks
Cognitive decline or confusion

I chose Florida Integrative Medical Center and Dr. Monhollon for this breakthrough therapy SOT. I received my first SOT for Borrelia Burgdorferi in June 2020, and my second in March 2021.

Four months post-SOT, I tested negative for Borrelia and all my symptoms disappeared. I'm now powerwalking, going to the gym, enjoying the sun, sleeping well, and reconnecting with friends. I also had floaters removed via vitreolysis, and my vision is now 20/20.

Thank you, FLIMC and Dr. Monhollon, for giving me my life back!

Lori B, Former Lyme Warrior

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Co-Infection Symptoms

Many Lyme patients also experience co-infections such as Babesia and Bartonella, which can significantly intensify symptoms:

Babesia (Parasite-like infection)

Night sweats, chills, air hunger
High fever (early stages)
Fatigue and weakness
Headaches (especially back of head/neck)
Anxiety or depression

Bartonella

Burning nerve pain, foot pain, shin pain
Red streak-like rashes or skin changes
Irritability, agitation, anxiety
Sleep disturbances
Eye and neurological symptoms

Patients are encouraged to review and track symptoms using our Lyme symptom checklist

Babesia is a microscopic, malaria-like parasite that infects red blood cells and is commonly transmitted through the same tick bites that spread Lyme disease. Often referred to as a Lyme co-infection, Babesia can occur alongside Borrelia infections and may significantly intensify symptoms, particularly fatigue, night sweats, shortness of breath (air hunger), and flu-like illness. Because it affects oxygen delivery in the body, Babesia can contribute to more severe and persistent symptoms in Lyme patients, making accurate identification and targeted treatment an important part of comprehensive Lyme disease care.

Bartonella is a bacterial infection that can also be transmitted by ticks and is frequently found in patients with Lyme disease as a co-infection. It is known for its ability to affect the nervous system, blood vessels, and skin, often causing symptoms such as nerve pain, anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, and distinctive skin changes like streaked rashes. In the context of Lyme disease, Bartonella can complicate diagnosis and prolong recovery, which is why advanced testing and a personalized treatment approach are essential to effectively address both the primary infection and its co-infections.

Advanced Lyme Testing at FLIMC

Accurate diagnosis is critical—and standard testing often falls short.

We utilize advanced specialty labs to identify Lyme and co-infections with greater precision:

Vibrant Wellness
IGeneX
T-Lab
Galaxy Diagnostics
Medical Diagnostic Laboratories (MDL)
RGCC (including advanced immune and pathogen testing such as Prime Spot, Paldispot, and pathogen panels)

SOT-Compatible Pathogen Testing

Through advanced testing, we can identify specific strains of:

Borrelia (Lyme bacteria)
Babesia species
Bartonella species

This allows for highly targeted therapeutic strategies, including advanced immune-based approaches.

Personalized Lyme Therapy Plans

At FLIMC, there is no one-size-fits-all protocol. Each patient receives a customized care plan based on testing, symptoms, and overall health status.

Therapies May Include:

1. Supportive & Immune-Focused Therapies

IV nutrient therapy (immune support, mitochondrial support)
Anti-inflammatory protocols
Detoxification support

2. Ozone & Advanced Blood Therapies

Ozone therapies to support oxygenation and immune response
EBOO (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation)
5-Pass Ozone Therapy

3. Precision Therapies (When Appropriate)

Q-Restrain (known formerly as SOT-Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy) targeting specific pathogens
Personalized protocols based on advanced lab findings

4. Whole-Body Functional Medicine Approach

Gut health restoration
Hormonal balance
Nervous system support
Chronic inflammation reduction

Florida Integrative Medical Center gave me my life back.

Before I came to FLIMC and got SOT (Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy), I was nearly bedridden. I couldn’t function and was suffering terribly from Lyme and co-infections.

Now, as the SOT is starting to really take effect, I’m starting to rise from the pit I fought to get out of for so long and couldn’t. I feel better than I have in YEARS. I’m functioning again. And I owe it all to FLIMC!

Courtney H

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Why Patients Choose FLIMC for Lyme Disease Care

Patients choose Florida Integrative Medical Center because of our commitment to personalized care and our experience working with complex Lyme disease and tick-borne illness cases.

Reasons patients seek care at FLIMC include:

• Leadership by Dr. John Monhollon, MD, an ILADS-trained physician and physician mentor in Lyme disease education

• Advanced specialty testing for Lyme disease, Babesia, Bartonella, and other potential co-infections

• Individualized evaluations based on symptoms, medical history, laboratory findings, and wellness goals

• Integrative care plans that may incorporate immune support, IV nutrient therapies, ozone-based therapies, functional medicine strategies, and other supportive services when clinically appropriate

• A whole-person approach that considers immune function, inflammation, gut health, hormone balance, nutrition, and lifestyle factors

• Ongoing patient education, communication, and long-term wellness support

Our goal is to help patients better understand the factors contributing to their symptoms and create personalized strategies that support improved health and quality of life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is chronic Lyme disease?

Chronic Lyme disease refers to persistent symptoms that continue after initial infection. These may result from ongoing immune dysfunction, co-infections, or inflammatory responses, requiring a more comprehensive care approach.

How is Lyme disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation and advanced lab testing. Standard tests may miss infections, which is why specialty labs are often used for more accurate detection.

What are Lyme co-infections?

Co-infections such as Babesia and Bartonella are commonly transmitted alongside Lyme disease. They can worsen symptoms and require separate identification and care strategies.

Can Lyme disease affect the brain?

Yes. Lyme disease can impact the central nervous system, causing symptoms like brain fog, memory issues, mood changes, and neurological dysfunction.

What is SOT therapy?

SOT (Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy) is a targeted therapy designed to support the body’s response to specific pathogens identified through advanced testing.

How long does Lyme treatment take?

Care duration varies based on severity, co-infections, and individual health factors. Some patients improve within months, while others require longer-term support.

Is Lyme disease curable?

Early-stage Lyme disease can often be managed effectively. Chronic cases may require ongoing management to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Why do patients seek out Dr. Monhollon for Lyme disease evaluation?

Dr. Monhollon is a board-certified family medicine physician who completed advanced ILADS Lyme disease training and has served as a physician mentor for other clinicians pursuing Lyme-focused education. His approach combines comprehensive evaluation, advanced testing, and personalized care planning for patients experiencing Lyme disease and related chronic health concerns.