Guest guest Posted February 12, 2004 Report Share Posted February 12, 2004 - ash dawn mycoplasmaforum Thursday, February 12, 2004 10:49 AM [Mycoplasmaforum] LymeTruth LYMETRUTH Douglas Dodge dedicates this site to Staunching the flow of about Lyme Disease Mouthparts of an ixodid tick © David Scharf 1994 Unless otherwise noted, all letters, comments, and articlesincluding book reviews are the work of Douglas S. Dodge.They may be disseminated in any manner,but not modified or abridged.) Issue Seven of Lymetruth 2002, November, 2002 The Last Issue of Lymetruth? I am tired of repeating the truth. You will have noticed, dear reader, that Lymetruth for over five years has been saying the same thing--through 40 issues (which are still there on www.lymetruth.org.) As an example, here is an article from the first issue in March, 1998: 1883. A German physician records the first case of what is now known as Lyme disease. It has been epidemic in Europe for the last fifty years, and has spread to six continents. Lyme disease is one of the fastest growing infections in our country. 1975. A Connecticut rheumatologist-in-training from a respected medical school claims a new clinical entity, calls it Lyme arthritis, treats it with aspirin and steroids, considers it self-limited, and sees no benefit from treatment with antibiotics. 1983. Second thoughts by the above doctor and his rheumatology colleagues who now admit that the disease is worldwide, more serious than originally thought. They start treatment with oral and intravenous antibiotics, and define three stages of Lyme disease that affect many organs including muscle, connective tissue, heart, eyes, and the brain. Their third stage is persistent, chronic infection. 1986. Another about-face. No more stages. No more chronic Lyme disease. The rheumatologists now decide that persistent Lyme disease belongs in one of several syndromes which include those of chronic fatigue, chronic pain, or post-Lyme. When, in order to reassure the patient, they "contradict a previous diagnosis of Lyme disease by another doctor," they may also substitute hypochondria, fibromyalgia, or pseudoLyme. The patient may or may not be comforted by many other alternates that Lyme mimics. These include dozens of diseases that have already shattered the quality of life for those dismissed by unsuspecting doctors. 1997. Hope for the future. The National Institutes of Health awards $4 million to Tufts University for a study of chronic Lyme disease. Enrollment is proceeding. Results by 2000. *** Given the historical background, many physicians and patients never hear these truths: 1) The federal government offers no guidelines for diagnosis or treatment, but admits to possibly more than two million actual cases of Lyme disease in the U.S.A.; that only one-tenth to one- twentieth of cases are reported. 2) Serological tests may not detect up to 60 percent of cases of Lyme disease. Inexperienced labs, working with unrealistic standards set by the government, may fail to find Lyme bacteria hidden or camouflaged by the protein chaff that foils antibody and antibiotic alike. No tests can prove that these Lyme disease spirochetes have been killed. Antibiotics may have cleared infection from the blood, but the germs may remain in sanctuary in other cells. 3) In some areas, 100 percent of deer ticks harbor Lyme disease spirochetes. More than 50 percent of infected humans never notice a rash or a bite. 4) Untold numbers of city dwellers, weekenders, day-trippers and vacationers return home from endemic areas with flu-like symptoms that they and their physicians will never connect with Lyme disease. 5) Adding to the horrendous outcomes of Lyme disease, hundreds of thousands trust in religion, or treat themselves with home-style remedies or quack treatments, leaving the Lyme bacteria in permanent residence in their bodies. 6) Many scientist-authors in medical journals play down Lyme disease, contradict themselves and confound the public with studies meant to alleviate the fear of Lyme in their rush to be published or compete for peer review. Newspapers and magazines translate the medical jargon into their own "feel good" pap. 7) Not only the academies, but tens of thousands of doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals, medical cooperatives, government agencies, and insurance companies receive and pass on disinformation from the camp that claims Lyme disease is overdiagnosed and curable. 8) Most insurance companies deny claims for treatment beyond the few weeks in which Lyme disease "should be cured," and admit that with Lyme disease patients they could be "on the hook forever." With AIDS patients, "we know they'll die." Some health insurance companies pay fees to university scientists for testimony and opinion. 9) Many doctors are threatened by colleagues for overdiagnosing and overtreating Lyme disease. Several have been accused of profiteering from unnecessary therapies. One physician's medical, bank, and insurance records were seized by local district attorneys and the FBI. All these physicians have faced revocation of their licenses. 10) Many Lyme disease patients show signs of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders ranging through Alzheimer's and other dementias, loss of short-term memory, irritability, mood swings, anxiety and panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and attention deficit disorder. Major depression may occur in 70 percent of those with chronic Lyme disease, and may result in suicide for 15 percent of them. * Many Lyme disease physicians and patients wonder if some of the above truths are being withheld deliberately. ### Did I leave anything out back there that isn't the truth today--five years later? And how about seven years before that, when I started writing articles about Lyme disease? Here are some excerpts of published articles and letters to editors: 1991 (Vineyard Gazette): "The man in the street--from Long Island to our shores--knows that Lyme disease is called the great impersonator. Lyme has been misdiagnosed in thousands of cases, including Alzheimer's disease. The last stages of Lyme disease bring persistent arthritis; crutches and wheelchairs; advanced neurological problems that can be devastating and irreversible; dementia; death." 1994 (Letter to The New York Times.) "You cite the Centers for Disease Control's numbers of 9,667 cases of Lyme disease in 1992 which bears no relationship to the estimate of 1 million cases of Lyme disease today in 49 states." 1994 (Vineyard Gazette.): "Look at the Russian Roulette that Yale-New Haven Hospital triggered for IBM's Richard Gerstner by their original misdiagnosis; then treatment with 'steroids that depress the immune system and can make infections even worse' [Wall Street Journal 08/02/93]. Then Gerstner's four years of drifting through doctors' offices, hospitals, operating rooms; in and out of parlors of podiarists, biofeedback practioners, pain managers and accupunturists--before diagnosis and treatment of his Lyme disease." 1994 (Private letter): "His (Steere's) arrogance is typical of the insecurity and immaturity of many academicians who will not admit that they don't know everything" 1995 (New Haven Register): "Those who play down the seriousness of Lyme disease try to con us into thinking that at any stage of the disease almost everybody gets cured. There is no definitive cure, only treatment. No tests indicate that the bacteria have been killed." 1996 (Vineyard Gazette): "Dr. Quinn has reported on my review of Polly Murray's book--a book that he admitted he hadn't read. If he had, he would learn that Dr. Allen C. Steere, who he considers "the acknowledged leading authority in the field," might be considered one of the "charlatans who gave them bogus diagnoses" by some of the many thousands who have been misdiagnosed or discarded by him and his colleagues." 1997 (New Haven Register): "Dr. Robert T. Schoen of Yale is quoted as saying that when he contradicts a previous diagnosis of Lyme disease by another doctor, his intention is to reassure the patient. This remark ranks, in silliness if not stupidity, with the statement by his colleague, Eugene Shapiro, that 'there are probably better ways to spend health care dollars than on research for a Lyme disease vaccine.'" 1997 (TIME magazine.): "Rather than the 16,000 cases of Lyme disease your chart showed, there are more than half a million, and perhaps even as many as 2 million Americans who are infected with the disease, but not all of them are aware of it." 1998 (New Haven Register): "The Yale School of Medicine, which boasts of Nobel winners in many medical disciplines, should be leading us to the truth about Lyme disease, but Yale doesn't yet appear to be getting its money's worth out of the neophyte dean, Dr. David A. Kessler." *** I am frustrated by the conneries (politely translated as "imbecilities, absurdities, stupidities") from most "experts" on Lyme disease who qualify for the root word. The "120 Infamous Statements" listed in the December, 1999 Issue 22 of Lymetruth represent only a fraction of these dishonest and greedy persons who are still threatened or paid by government and academia to disinform. Today, the hundreds of support groups, the foundations, alliances, societies, and caucuses are without leadership. They are left to their own devices of dithering, whining, and swapping medications and therapies. All those "Voices of Lyme" are without a conductor. Inconceivably, they continue, even as of yesterday, their non-thinking parroting of government numbers and academic decrees. *** Lymetruth and I need some time out. What might bring us back from the sidelines would be 1) a break in the facades of deceit of the National Institutes of Health and Yale University, and 2) a concerted attack by the media to expose the real numbers of those who will die never knowing what hit them. Yea, it would be triumph for us, and for those who will have taken over when we're gone; for the millions whose lives might still be affected. I am well aware of the suffering of those millions, and those to come, but charity begins at home. I am 82 years old, and no longer have the time to: "wait for the the scientific and political foot-draggers to die before funding for research and treatment of this potent disease is made a priority." (1) (1) Excerpted from closing paragraph of Denise Lang's Coping With Lyme Disease. ### For more straight talk about Lyme Disease, click below: 50 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS~Courtesy of "Tincup"Thanks Tincup! This information is also published on Lymenet-http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/013670.html1. Is Lyme disease caused by a virus, bacteria, or a parasite?Lyme disease is caused by a spirochetal bacteria.2. Who is the doctor that identified the spirochete that causes Lyme disease?Dr. Willie Burgdorfer identified the spirocheteresponsible for Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi)in the early 1980s.3. How long after a person is in contact with an infected source will Lyme disease symptoms appear?Lyme disease symptoms may appear days, to weeks, to months, to years after the initial infection.4. How many species of ticks carry the Lyme disease spirochetes? List three species of ticks found. Approximately how many species of fleas, mites, mosquitoes, or flies how been found to carry the Lyme disease spirochete?At least nine species of ticks, six species of mosquitoes, 13 species of mites, 15 species of flies, two species offleas, and numerous wild and domestic mammals including rabbits, rodents, and birds have been found to carry thespirochete that causes Lyme disease.5. Does a 'bulls-eye' rash go away without treatment?A Lyme rash (EM -or- ECM) will often disappear on its own without treatment, but it may linger for quite some time. It may reappear later as a single rash, or emerge lateras multiple rashes, or it may appear in a differentlocation on the body.6. Does a Lyme rash occur at the site of the biteor elsewhere?The ECM rash may appear at the site of the tick bite or elsewhere on the body. Not everyone will get a rash and some will have multiple rashes.7. If prescribing doxycycline for a tick bite, what precautions should be advised while taking the medication?Patients should be advised that taking doxycycline may cause sun sensitivity. Doxycycline should not be taken with milk or other dairy products since these products may inhibit absorption of the antibiotic. Doxycycline is not recommended for children since it may cause discoloration of their teeth. Doxycycline may also promote yeast and fungal overgrowths whichshould be addressed. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrheaare some of the possible side effects of Doxycycline.Birth control pills may not be as effective while taking Doxycycline and additional precautions to prevent pregnancy may be necessary. Doxycycline should not betaken with antacids or supplements that contain calcium, iron, magnesium, or sodium bicarbonate. Doxycycline use may cause liver problems or bruising. People taking Doxycycline should be advised that severe allergic reactions may occur and if there are any problems while taking Doxycycline, they should be reported to the doctor.8. List five tick borne diseases that can be passed to humans by a tick.Lyme Borreliosis, Babesia Microti, Bartonella Henslea, Bartonella Quintana, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Brucellosis, Ehrlichia HGE, Ehrlichia HME, SouthernTick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI), Tularemia(rabbit fever)- and possibly Leptospirosis are some of the tick borne illnesses that may be passed toanimals or humans.9. If a patient has previously had Lyme disease andis bitten by another infected tick, are they immuneto Lyme disease?No, they are not immune. In fact, Multiple bites may expose people to a number of other tick borne diseases in addition to new strains of Lyme disease.10. Is a lumbar puncture required to confirm neuro-Lyme? Why?No. Lyme disease, as stated by the CDC, is a 'clinical diagnosis'. Research indicates that less than 20 percent of those with Lyme disease have showna positive reading in the spinal fluid.11. List five of the most common diseases that are often mistaken for Lyme disease.There are many different diseases or conditions thatare found in patients with Lyme disease. All too often Borrelia organisms are not being considered as the cause for patients complaints, signs, and symptoms. Forexample, an Ophthalmologist may diagnose any ofthe following conditions: conjunctivitis, ocular myalgias,keratitis, episcleritis, optic neuritis, pars planitis, uveitis, iritis, transient or permanent blindness, iritis, photophobia, temporal arteritis, vitritis, Horner's syndrome, ocularmyasthenia gravis, or Argyll-Robertson pupil. All of theconditions listed have been documented in Lyme disease patients and many of these diseases or conditions improve with proper antibiotic therapy. Urologists, for example, may not realize that recurring bladder infections or swollentesticles are being caused by spirochetal organisms. Infectious disease specialists often dismiss patients concerned about Lyme disease because many are under the assumption that Lyme disease is very 'rare', and/or they are not familiar with the various signs and symptoms of Lyme disease.Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed as:Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease,Lupus, Lou Gehrigs (ALS) disease, Guillian-Barre Syndrome, Polymyositis, Hepatitis, Cardiac Disorders, Fibromyalgia, TMJ, Ringworm, Tullio Phenomenon, Encephalitis, ADD, ADHD, Meningitis, Depression, Panic Disorders, Bells Palsy, Candidiasis, Chronic Mononucleosis, Hypoglycemia, Scleroderma, Epstein Barr Virus, Heart Disorders, Autoimmune diseases, Bannwarths Syndrome, Cancers, Kidney disease, Raynauds Syndrome, Stress-related Illness, Sleep Disorders, Thyroid problems, Vasculitis, Anorexia, Agoraphobia, Cerebrovascular Disorders, Arthritis, Connective Tissue diseases, Hearing Disorders, Crohns disease, Purpura, Pseudotumor, Sjogrens Syndrome, Stroke, and Respiratory Insufficiency.12. If a person has an EM rash and a negative ELISA test, should they be treated? How?Yes. An ECM rash is diagnostic for Lyme disease. Current guidelines approved by ILADS (International Lyme and Associated diseases Society) recommends oral therapy for at least 6 weeks for both adults and children when a rash is present. Lyme patients who are pregnant have special guidelines to help protect themselves and their unborn child. According to the CDC, Lyme disease is a 'clinical diagnosis' and negative tests arenot to be used to rule out the disease.13. List the studies you have read by any of the worlds leading Lyme disease experts. Where can a patient go to be enrolled in a current Lyme study?There are over 15,000 published medical studies, abstracts, videos, and general brochures concerningLyme and other tick borne illnesses. Physicians mayrequest assistance and information from ILADS, the International Lyme and Associated diseases Society. There are a number of ongoing Lyme disease studies,such as the four year study being conducted Dr. B. Fallon, which is being funded by the NIH. The results of the chronic Lyme disease study by Dr. Samuel Donta were recently released. 14. How many different strains of the spirochetesthat cause Lyme disease have been identified todate in the United States and world wide?Eight different species and over three hundred strains of spirochetes that cause Lyme disease symptoms have been identified world wide. To date, more than 100different strains have been identified in the United States. 15. What is STARI?STARI is a strain of spirochete that was 'discovered'in the southeastern sections of the United States within the past few years. It causes Lyme-like symptoms but is not normally detected by the current standard Lyme tests. STARI (Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness)16. What is WA-1?WA-1 is a newly identified strain of Babesiosis which hasbeen found in a number of people who are also infected with Lyme disease. There have been new tests developed to identify this specific strain in humans but the tests are not performed at all labs. To test for this strainof Babesiosis, physicians should have blood sent to specialty labs, such as Igenex Lab in CA.17. Approximately how many Lyme disease patientsare co-infected with Babesiosis (in Maryland, USA?) What is the most effective treatment for Babesiosis?Estimates from labs, support group leaders, and doctorsoffices indicate that approximately 25-50 percent ofpatients with Lyme disease in Maryland are also are co-infected with Babesiosis. Unfortunately, many patientsare never tested so the numbers may be even higher. A combination of Atovaquone (Mepron-750 mg. 2x daily) and Azithromyacin (Zithromax- 250 mg day) is considered to be the best treatment for Babesiosis. Some patients whowere untreated for long periods may need extended treatment or may need to be retreated if symptoms return. This treatmentprotocol is less toxic than the quinine sulfate and clindamycincombination that was once used and there arefewer side effects reported.18. What percentage of people with Lyme disease rememberhaving a rash or remember being bitten by a tick?Various studies show that anywhere from 20-80 percentof seropositive Lyme disease patients with active symptomsdo not recall a rash. Less than 50 percent of Lyme disease patients remember being bitten by a tick.19. After a person is bitten by a tick, how soon is it before the spirochete can be found in the spinal fluid?Reports indicate spirochetes can disseminate quickly throughout the system (in as little as 6 hours in some cases). In addition, spirochetes are able to change forms and remain undetected in the spinal fluid. The old 'wait and see' if symptoms appear before treating theory allows the organismto go unchecked, causing multiple problems and decreasingthe patients chance for a full recovery.20. What signs and symptoms would lead a doctor tosuspect a Babesia infection in a patient? How many strains of Babesiosis have been identified and how many are commonly tested for in commercial labs?The following signs/symptoms may be present in those infected with Babesiosis: Fatigue * Arthralgias* Myalgia* Drenching sweats* Headaches* Emotional lability* Depression* Dark urine* Splenomegaly* Dizziness* Nausea and vomiting* Cough* Dyspnea* Fever* Chills* Hepatosplenomegaly* Jaundice* Malaise* Shortness of breath* Bleeding tendencies, bruising* Thrombocytopenia* Hemoglobinuria* Hyperesthesia* Pulmonary edema* Encephalopathy* Low to normal rangeleukocyte counts* Possible elevated levels of dehydrogenase,bilirubin, transaminase* Anorexia* Approximately 25%- 66% of Babesia patients are known to be co-infected with Lyme disease. These symptoms may continue for long periods of time, decrease, then return.A low Babesiosis titer (IgG) often indicates a chronic infection. An acute or current infection may show a higher reading on the IgM test initially. There are over 100 species of Babesia in the United States butonly ONE or TWO species are currently checked bycommercial labs.21. Describe the rash seen in patients with Lyme disease and two of the most common variations of that rash.There is no 'typical rash' that all patients get wheninfected with Lyme disease. Many people do not remembera rash or even a tick bite. If a rash does appear, it may be anywhere from a light pink color to blazing red, to blue, to purple depending on the skin color, the type of rash, and possible co-infections. The ECM rash canbe as small as a quarter, be present in several locations, or be large enough to cover the entire back of an adult. The rash may be mistaken for an insect bite reaction oreven ringworm. It may be hot, it may flake or swell. Itmay be well formed and expanding or have uneven or raised edges. It may disappear and return later andit may be slightly itchy in some individuals. Borrelial lymphocytoma may appear on the earlobe, the scrotum, or on the nipple of the breast. It may be bright red toa bluish color and may disappear and return later. The ACA rash (acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans) may have the appearance of a scleroderma rash and is oftennoticed on the feet and ankles and/or the hands. It may appear elsewhere on the body and may affect organs. 22. Describe the rash seen in patients with Babesiosis.Many patients infected with the Babesia organism do notpresent with a rash, however, they may appear jaundiced and some may have a petechial rash. 23. Describe the rash seen in patients with Bartonella.The rash/lesion that is typically associated with Bartonellamay not be present in patients or may not be noticed. Ifthere is a rash/lesion, it may appear to be a small reddishbrown lesion (often mistaken for an insect bite). It may heal without intervention. The patient exposed to Bartonella may have urticaria, vesiculopapular lesions, or erythema nodosums. Many Bartonella patients have swollen and/or tender lymph nodes which may become infected.24. How do you test for and treat (which drugs) the 'cyst' form or 'L' form of the Lyme disease?Specific tests have been developed to identify some of thevarious forms of spirochetes using dark field microscopes. Flagyl, which has been shown to burst the cell walls of thecyst form, is currently being prescribed to patients. Normallyit is prescribed along with other antibiotics, since Flagyl aloneis not effective on the intact spirochetes.25. What has the CDC determined to be the proper testingprocedure for confirming that a patient does or does nothave Lyme disease?TRICK question- The CDC states emphatically that Lyme tests are NOT to be used to exclude a diagnosis of Lyme disease. A negative test is NOT to be considered absoluteby any means... nor is it to be used to indicate a cure.As the CDC states, Lyme disease is a 'clinical diagnosis'. No test has been developed that can confirm a patientis 'cured' of Lyme disease.26. What is the two tier testing procedure set up by the CDC for testing patients suspected of having Lyme diseaseand what are the most common problems with this procedure?Doctors have been instructed (CDC guidelines) to obtainan ELISA (titer) first, which, under the best circumstances, only identifies 40-50 percent of those who actually have Lyme disease. An ELISA should NOT be used as a screening test due to the unreliable results. The guidelines state, if the ELISA is positive, physicians are to perform a WesternBlot test which, under the best circumstances, only identifies 70-80 percent of those who have been exposed. Most labsdo not report specific bands on the Western Blot tests, hindering the experienced physician and the diagnosis even further. This procedure allows many cases of Lyme disease to be missed, therefore, patients are not being identified or properly treated. The CDC guidelines also state which specific bands on a Western Blot are to be usedto consider a test positive. When the list was developed, certain bands specific for Lyme disease, were not included. When these bands are positive, it confirms exposure, but it is mistakenly reported to the doctor and patient as a 'negative test'. Many 'borderline tests' are reportedto patients, by the physician, as being negative and many positive tests are reported to be 'false-positive' becausephysicians are not familiar with reading test results, norwith the multiple symptoms that can occur in a personwith Lyme disease, and the connection between the twois missed. Many patients who have chronic Lyme disease will have low titers or seronegative results.27. Which bands normally show up first on a WesternBlot test? Which bands are specific for Lyme disease? Which bands normally appear after the patient has had Lyme for at least one year?The first Western Blot band to show positive is normallythe 41KD band followed intermittently by the 23KD band. Bands 18KD, 23-25KD, 31KD, 34KD, 37KD, 39KD, 83KD and 93KD are specific for indicating Bb exposure. The problem is they may not show up early in the infectiousstages or may not appear for a year or more, or theymay not show up at all. The ILADS 2002 Guidelines state that the presence of the 41KD band along with one of the specific bands listed above indicates a person has been exposed to Lyme disease.28. List reasons why a Lyme test may not be accurate.1. Antibiotic use prior to testing2. Patient has been on steroids or cancer drugs3. Antibodies are bound by bacteria4. Immunosupression5. The bacteria has shifted forms6. Lab standards for cut off are too high7. The test was performed too early or before antibodies had a chance to form8. Bands checked are for reporting purposes,not for clinical diagnosis9. Poor lab used that does not specialize in tick borne illnesses10. Contamination of specimen11. Various strains are not identifiedusing standard tests29. Can bismuth be used for Lyme patients?Studies have shown that bismuth will penetrate Borrelia cyst walls. Intestinal problems are especially common in children with Lyme disease and bismuth compounds may eventually prove to beeffective in treating the cyst form of the bacteriain the intestines. 30. What are the symptoms of Bartonella,what is the standard treatment for Bartonella, and how long should a person be treated?Common symptoms of Bartonella include fatigue, swollenlymph nodes, encephalopathy, headaches, cognitive dysfunction, rash/lesions, vision problems, numbness,and tingling. Reports indicate Doxycycline may be effective in treating Bartonella. Rifampin has also been used in combination with Doxy, but is not assuccessful alone. Several other antibiotics have been reported to be successful in Bartonella treatment. Antibiotics have occasionally been used for over a year to attempt to eradicate the persistent bacteria.31. If a patient is infected with Lyme, Babesiosis, and/or Ehrlichiosis, which infection should be treated first?In co-infected patients, treating Babesia first has been proven to be more effective, however, in acute situations, treatment for all infections should be considered.32. Where would you send blood and tissue samples to have the best available tests done on Lyme patients?Igenex Lab in California performs a variety of tests for tick borne diseases (PCR, urine tests- DOT, RWB- Reverse Western Blots, Lyme, Babesia, Ehrlichia, and Bartonella). Igenex reports all WB bands, providing more factual results in the clinical setting. Bowen Lab in Florida is licensed to perform tests in which spirochetesin various forms can be detected and photographed from tissue and blood samples. They are also able to identify several strains of Babesia and Ehrlichiosis. MDL Lab in NJ is also used by many physicians treating Lyme patients.33. What is a 'Lyme Dot'?Lyme Dot is a urine test performed by Igenex Lab which detects spirochete residue in urine samples.34. What is an ACA?ACA (acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans) is a skin rash normally seen in patients with late stage Lyme disease which is usually attributed to Borrelia afzelii. It is sometimes mistaken for scleroderma. The ACA rash indicates ongoing chronic infection.35. What is a Herxheimer reaction?Jarisch-Herxheimer's reactions often occur during antibiotic therapy for spirochetal infections and may be fatal in some cases. A 'herx' occurs when the spirochetes die off and produce toxins. Symptoms may become much worse during the reaction. Due to the replication cycle of the spirochete, treatment for Lyme should continue for several months after all Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions have ceased and all symptoms have cleared or the patient is likely to relapse.36. How does prednizone help the Lyme patient?Trick question- NEVER take steroids if Lyme disease is even suspected! Steroids suppress the immune system which allows the spirochetes a non challenged place to multiply. Many peoplewho now suffer with chronic cases of Lyme disease weregiven steroids and are now chronically ill, disabled, or have died.37. Approximately how many Lyme and Babesia cases are reported (in Maryland, USA)? At this time, Babesia cases are not reportable in Maryland. Maryland ranks sixth in the nation for the most cases of Lyme disease. There were over 4,000 cases reported in Maryland in the 1990's. It is estimated that this figure should be at least ten times higher, therefore, about 40,000 cases are suspected. Consequently, over 30,000 cases were missed. Since some Lyme patients are treated 'clinically', blood tests are not always ordered. This reduces the actual number of reported Lyme disease cases.38. Since Lyme is a multi-systemic disease, list 20 of the over 150 documented signs, symptoms, or indications that someone may have Lyme disease?Lyme disease can have a wide range of symptoms, which can go dormant (sometimes for years), can migrate, return, disappear, or change day by day. Symptoms can be aggravated by stress, medications, weather, and other outside influences. Symptoms may tend to worsen on afour week peaking cycle. SOME of the symptoms that may be found in those with Lyme disease include: Flu-like symptoms, headaches (mild to severe), recurring low grade fevers or fevers up to 104.5 degrees. Usuallyin the first few weeks of Lyme disease fevers tend to be higher. (Patients with Lyme disease often tend to have a"normal temperature" below 98.6 degrees, therefore, aslight rise in temperature may be all that is noted.) Often patients exhibit fatigue (mild to extreme), joint pain (withor without swelling), muscle pain, connective tissue pain, recurring sore throat (sometimes only on one side of the throat), swollen glands (come and go), varying shades ofred on ear lobes and pinna, malar rash, cold hands and feet in a warm environment, weakness, lightheadedness,eczema and psoriasis, painful or itching skin, flushing, night or day sweats, inordinate amounts of sweating, anhydrosis (inability to sweat), or dermatitis (acrodermatitis chronica). There may be a rash, but it isn't noticed ordoes not appear in all cases. The rash may be basically circular with outward spreading, however, other varietiesare seen. The rash may be singular or multiple, at the site of a bug bite, or in another location, warm to touch, or slightly raised with distinct borders. In dark skinned individuals the rash may appear to be a bruise. Numbness, sleep disturbances, vertigo, hearing loss, feelings of being off-balance, unexplained weight gainor loss, and feeling "infected" are also problems associatedwith Lyme disease. Symptoms may develop that include: panic attacks, anxiety, depression, mild to severe cognitivedifficulties, mood swings, coma, seizures, dementia, mania, bipolar disorders, vivid nightmares, stammering speech, confusion, memory loss (short or long term), "brain fog",vibrating feeling in head, topographical disorientation, andenvironmental agnosia. Some patients have problems with numbers and sequencing, disorganization of thoughts, rambling on in great detail while talking, frequent errorsin word selection or pronunciation, changes in personality, short attention span, Tourette manifestations, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), raging emotions, andcranial nerve palsies. Patients have reported bladderdisfunction (neurogenic bladder with either hesitancy, frequency, loss of bladder awareness, urinary retention, incontinence or symptoms of UTI, and chronic pyelonephritis). Intersitial cystitis, irregular or severe menstrual cycles withdecreased or increased bleeding, early menopause, a newonset of P.M.S. symptoms, or disturbed estrogen and progesterone levels are documented in many cases. Other problems include altered pregnancy outcomes, severe symptoms during pregnancy, abdominal bloating, irritablebowel syndrome, abdominal pain and cramping (may appear to be ulcers), loss of sex drive, testicular or pelvic pain,breast pain, and fibrocystic breast disease. Diarrhea(which can come and go or last for months with no explanation), constipation (which can be severe enoughto cause blockage), irritable bowel syndrome, spasticcolon, nausea, stomach acid reflux, gastritis, abdominalmyositis, and indigestion are some of the gastrointestinaldisorders reported. In addition, patients demonstrate ahigher occurrence of various types of cysts (liver, breast,bone, ovary, skin, pineal gland and kidney). Some Lymepatients are diagnosed by their eye care professionals and have been documented as suffering from one or more of the following disorders: conjunctivitis, ocular myalgias,keratitis, episcleritis, optic neuritis, pars planitis, uveitis, iritis, transient or permanent blindness, iritis, photophobia,temporal arteritis, vitritis, Horner's syndrome, ocular myasthenia gravis, and Argyll-Robertson pupil. Often eye problems require a changing of prescription glassesmore often than normal. Heart-related problems areassociated with Lyme disease and can include: mitral valve prolapse, irregular heart beat, myocarditis, pericarditis, enlarged heart, inflammation of muscle or membrane, shortness of breath, strokes, and chest pain. Twitching of facial muscles,Bell's palsy, tingling of the nose, cheek or face are reported. In addition, there may be chest pain or soreness, enlarged spleen, liver function disorders, tremors, extreme sensitivity to beingtouched or bumped, burning sensations, stiff neck, meningitis,and encephalitis. Patients may experience continual or recurring infections (sinus, kidney and urinary tract are most common).Patients may suffer from a weakened immune system, the development of new allergies, recurring upper respiratory tractinfections (causing, or worsening of pre-existing sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, otitis, mastoiditis), and allergic or chemical hypersensitivity's. Other noted problems include: T.M.J., difficulty swallowing or chewing, tooth grinding, arthritis (in small joints of fingers and larger, weight bearing joints), Osgood-Schlatter's Syndrome (water on the knee), bone pain,gout-like pain in toe, muscle spasms to the point of dislocatingjoints and tearing muscle tissue, leg and hip pain, "drawing up" of arms, "growing pains" in children, tendonitis, heel pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and paravertebral lumbosacral muscle strain/spasm. Some patients tend to suffer from a monthly"flare-up" of symptoms as the spirochetes reproduce and/or die off.39. When testing by EEG and MRI, what are the resultsthat may indicate Lyme disease could be a problem?Some EEG's have been abnormal showing bilateral sharp wavesand some slowing. CAT Scans have usually been normal. A numberof MRI's have been abnormal showing evidence of increased signal in the white matter which may resemble what is seenin patients with MS.40. What are the symptoms and signs in a patient with Ehrlichiosis?Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis may include: fever, chills, muscle pain, headaches, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and a few patients have a rash.41. Is Babesia a bacteria, protozoan, virus, or parasite?Babesiosis is caused by a protozal parasite which is treatedwith antiviral medication and an antibiotic. Antibiotics aloneare not effective for treating Babesiosis.42. Is HGE or HME more common (in Maryland, USA)?Both HGE and HME have been responsible for infecting animals and humans in Maryland. Serology tests for both should beperformed if Ehrlichiosis is suspected.43. Approximately how many late cases of sero-negativeLyme patients will become sero-positive after successful treatment?It has been reported that increasing numbers of seronegative patients who were diagnosed clinically and treated for Lymedisease, converted to seropositive after the completion ofantibiotic therapy. Unfortunately, physicians unfamiliar withLyme disease are refusing treatment to seronegative patients even when they have active symptoms. The CDC states Lymedisease is a clinical diagnosis and negative tests should not be used to rule out diagnosis.44. Why do some patients respond to certain antibiotics and others not respond?Certain gene types, spirochetal loads, various strains, co-infections, previous health issues, delays in treatment, immune system activity, and many other factors contributeto the success or failure of antibiotic therapy. One sizedoes not fit all. Each patients history and clinical picture should be considered by experienced physicians prior to treatment.45. How high of a dose of doxycycline or tetracycline is needed for adults to allow the medications to be bactericidalinstead of bacteriostatic?The 'typical' doses (100 mg 2 X day) of Doxycycline thatwere prescribed by many doctors were not high enough to be considered bacteriostatic for Lyme disease. To enhanceantibiotic action several other agents are now being prescribed along with the antibiotics in order to increase effectiveness.In addition, the recommendations for doxycycline doses nowrange from 300-600 mg a day. If necessary, doxycycline can be administered by IV to keep blood levels high.46. What are the two most common medications prescribedto remove Lyme disease neurotoxins from the body?Welchol and Questran are the most commonly prescribedmedications ordered to remove toxins.47. Should a patient with Lyme disease be restrictedfrom donating blood?Anyone who has Lyme disease or any of the co-infectionsoften found in Lyme patients should not donate blood or organs.48. What special precautions should be taken withpregnant women who contract Lyme disease?There are special guidelines for treating pregnantwomen infected with Lyme and other tick borne illnesses. Physicians are advised to contact the International Lyme and Associated diseases Society (ILADS) for specific treatment guidelines and precautions. All pregnant patients should be tested for co-infections and shouldbe aware that breast milk may also pass the infectionto children. Newborns should have cord samples and tissue sent for PCR testing to check for Lyme disease.49. What are the symptoms of Brucellosis?Fever, chills, headaches, excessive sweating, fatigue, back pain, and joint pain are some of the symptoms that may be present in a person infected with Brucellosis. 50. How do you properly remove a tick? Where can the tick be sent for testing and what are the costs? How do you package the tick for shipment? Does the tick need to be alive for testing?To remove an attached tick- Do not touch the tick withyour fingers or squeeze the tick. Use fine point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull the tick out in the opposite direction from the way itentered, with a smooth motion. Do not twist or crushthe tick. Clean the wound with alcohol to help preventa secondary infection. Place the tick, dead or alive, in a plastic baggy with a cotton ball that is slightly damp. Contact your local health department or a lab that performs tick testing, such as Igenex Lab, to determinethe current shipping methods and prices for tick testing. The current (04/03) cost to test an individual tick (or up to 20 ticks together) is approximately $50.00 for each tick borne disease.This information is also published on Lymenet-http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/013670.htmlVisit Lymnet forum. Http://www.msfraud.org New Photos - easier uploading and sharing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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