I've read many articles about Lyme disease and have even struggled through writing a few myself, trying to get the word out to the public before they, too, fall victim to the fastest-growing infectious disease in the country.
Unfortunately, as Lyme disease spreads throughout the country, many doctors and health departments are not recognizing the problems caused by tick-borne infections until many have been seriously affected.
The Free Lance-Star's article will truly help people who have unknowingly been suffering from a "tick attack," as Frances Bishopp did years ago.
It will also go a long way in educating the public about the consequences of a delayed diagnosis and improper treatment.
Name withheld
Terrific job by FLS in reporting Lyme disease
Date published: 1/12/2006
I read with appreciation your article about "Tin Cup" and her Lyme disease battle ["Ticked off," Jan. 8].
I grew up in Spotsylvania and now live in California. It was a thrill last weekend to not only see "The Free Lance-Star"--the paper I cut my teeth on--but even better to see an article on Lyme disease that was well-written and accurate.
I eluded Lyme despite many tick bites while growing up, only to move to sunny California and contract it several years ago on my wooded mountain property.
Like Tin Cup, doctors refused to consider I might have Lyme, in spite of blinding headaches, multiple brain lesions, a known bite and rash, and a host of other red flags.
A western blot was refused because the initial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was negative. A subsequent western blot was positive for Lyme.
One part of the problem is doctors' refusal to learn, and dogged reliance on dated medical texts.
They rely on the ELISA for Lyme "screening" and will not give the more sensitive western blot, despite evidence that the ELISA misses up to half of chronic Lyme cases.
Almost every doctor's standard of care includes this foolish and dangerous protocol, leading to the underreporting of Lyme and the misdiagnoses your article cites.
The typical Lyme patient is forced to educate himself far beyond what any other patient would just to get treatment.
It's a pervasive problem to which education is the answer. Your article goes a long way toward helping.
name withheld
Date published: 1/13/2006
Thanks for the great story about Frances Bishopp and Lyme disease.
It is important for people to know that this can be a serious disease and that so many people struggle daily with it.
Kudos to you for sharing her story.
Scott Forsgren San Jose, Calif.
Date published: 1/13/2006
Thank you for the excellent article about Lyme disease and helping to raise awareness ["Ticked off," Jan. 8].
Lyme disease is a devastating illness that is under-diagnosed and under-treated. Cases are increasing throughout the country, yet patients must still fight for testing and treatment.
Immediate treatment is the only way to cure it quickly. Anyone who is bit by a tick needs to start antibiotics immediately.
Name witheld
[ 13. January 2006, 07:11 AM: Message edited by: lymelady ]
Posted by lymelady (Member # 6207) on :
up, more letters, thanks and thanks
Posted by Michelle M (Member # 7200) on :
quote:Originally posted by lymelady: Date published: 1/12/2006
Date published: 1/12/2006
I read with appreciation your article about "Tin Cup" and her Lyme disease battle ["Ticked off," Jan. 8].
I grew up in Spotsylvania and now live in California. It was a thrill last weekend to not only see "The Free Lance-Star"--the paper I cut my teeth on--but even better to see an article on Lyme disease that was well-written and accurate.
I eluded Lyme despite many tick bites while growing up, only to move to sunny California and contract it several years ago on my wooded mountain property.
Like Tin Cup, doctors refused to consider I might have Lyme, in spite of blinding headaches, multiple brain lesions, a known bite and rash, and a host of other red flags.
A western blot was refused because the initial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was negative. A subsequent western blot was positive for Lyme.
One part of the problem is doctors' refusal to learn, and dogged reliance on dated medical texts.
They rely on the ELISA for Lyme "screening" and will not give the more sensitive western blot, despite evidence that the ELISA misses up to half of chronic Lyme cases.
Almost every doctor's standard of care includes this foolish and dangerous protocol, leading to the underreporting of Lyme and the misdiagnoses your article cites.
The typical Lyme patient is forced to educate himself far beyond what any other patient would just to get treatment.
It's a pervasive problem to which education is the answer. Your article goes a long way toward helping.
name withheld
HEY!!!! That's MY letter!!! They printed it?? WAY COOL! And I did NOT withhold my name - wonder why they didn't put my name? Nevertheless, excellent!!!
![[woohoo]](graemlins/woohoo.gif)