As a "Lyme Disease survivor" I share information on this page that I have gathered during, after and as I continue my battle with Lyme Disease.
The information below is my "Non-Doctor/two-cents worth" opinion that CAN NOT and definitely IS NOT TO BE considered as Medical Advice as I am NOT a physician or medical practicioner.
Lyme Disease may be one of the most under-diagnosed diseases in America.
It is far more widespread than has been reported and we continue to hear that hundreds of thousands of people are needlessly suffering due to misdiagnoses and the treatment prejudices of many doctors, the government and the insurance industry! This is certainly one case where you don't want to suffer needlessly or die prematurely from a lack of FACTUAL information. YOU need to be fully aware of just how serious the problem is and exactly what steps YOU can take to protect yourself and your family today.Lyme disease is our century's "great impostor." It is caused by a spirochete or corkscrew-shaped bacteria borne by ticks and also fleas, mites and mosquitoes. Studies show that it is also transferrable by human-to-human contact via sexual activity.
Unlike many other bacteria, Lyme often isn't cured with a simple dosing (or sometimes even massive doses) of Doxycyclene. The spirochetes of Lyme can worm their way into muscles, tendons and practically every organ in the body. Once imbedeed, they can quickly begin to wreak havoc. Doctors and Researchers have said that Lyme symptoms can imitate more than 350 other diseases, from Parkinson's to IBS. Immunologists privately estimate that 20 million people may be infected with Lyme but there is no reliable test and not many solutions. (Cell Wall Deficient Forms; Stealth Pathogens by Lida Mattman)
The only reliable way the author knows of to definitely identify Lyme disease and associated sub-infections in YOUR body, is through a Lyme DNA test. Ask your physician about this. Many of us who have Lyme have NEVER tested positive using the Western Blot test which is the typical test administered due to its low cost. YES! Even with a Bulls-Eye Rash on the body, the Western Blot test does not always show Positive for Lyme. Your insurance may balk at paying for the Lyme DNA test as it is NOT cheap!
It is not recommended to treat yourself for Lyme. However, you should share with your doctor information about effective natural alternatives that have been shown to help eliminate the Lyme spirochete when used alone or in conjunction with antibiotics or anti-protozoal medications.
* Work With a Doctor Who Knows Lyme. Having the guidance of a doctor who is familiar with the disease can also be essential. Those treating Lyme on a daily basis are better able to include new knowledge about Lyme in their treatment recommendations. And those who see more patients with Lyme will be more experienced in tailoring the treatment to the individual and monitoring results. To find a doctor in your area who is "Lyme Literate" visit the Lyme Disease Association's Website at www.lymediseaseassociation.org or call them at 888-366-6611. For more websites see the list below.