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Boston Hospital Becomes World Leader In Lyme Disease Treatment

BOSTON (CBS Boston) – According to the CDC there are about 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease in the United States every year and some go on to develop chronic symptoms.

A hospital in Boston has become a world leader in taking care of these patients.

"I often describe my life as pre-Lyme and post-Lyme," says Julie Ambrosino, a wife and mother of two from Dover, Mass. who used to be unstoppable.

"I was a person that did crossfit four times a week. I hiked regularly with my family. We loved to travel," she explains.

But after developing Lyme disease back in 2008, Julie's life changed dramatically.

"I have brain fog," she says. "I have debilitating fatigue. I have muscle and joint pain. I get numbness and tingling. I have issues with balance and dizziness."

Julie has struggled with her symptoms for years but then went to the Dean Center for Tick Borne Illness which opened at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital last year. Nevena Zubcevik, D.O. is the co-director and treats Julie.

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"We offer deep listening to their problems and a lot of our patients visited many, many different doctors and finally they found a place where many aspects of their health can be addressed in one place," says Zubcevik. "And that's a relief for patients," she adds.

Physical therapy, mental health counseling, meditation and support groups are just a few of the services provided. Julie has been focusing on balance and coordination.

"My outlook for the future, now that I found the Dean Center is very positive," says Julie. "I really feel like they put me on a road to good health and as long as I can continue down that road, I see evidence that I will be completely better."

Zubcevik says getting a patient to feel healthy again is like putting together a puzzle but when you get the pieces all in the right place.

"It feels great," says Zubcevik. "It's what every doctor hopes for. That's why we went into medicine, right?"

The Dean Center is currently the only center of its kind in the world and gets referrals from all over. If you would like more information, you can visit their website.

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