-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
A 'Cure' That Does Harm
By The Day New London, CT
Published on 6/17/2009
Most people diagnosed with Lyme disease are completely cured after less than a couple weeks of antibiotics, but those who complain of lingering symptoms ranging from aches and fatigue to memory loss sometimes are prescribed a lengthier but controversial regimen to treat the tick-borne illness.
State legislation that would in effect allow physicians to administer long-term antibiotics to patients they've diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease was approved by the General Assembly in early June and now awaits Gov. M. Jodi Rell's signature.
While we sympathize with those who put their faith in such treatment, there not only is scant medical research to support its efficacy but there is ample evidence that overuse of antibiotics is a dangerous practice because it makes the drugs less effective against bacterial diseases and infections.
Therefore we urge Gov. Rell to veto or delay signing the measure, and encourage legislators and doctors to come up with a better strategy for dealing with an emotionally charged medical challenge.
In an attempt to reconcile sharp differences in the medical community about Lyme disease treatment, the bill did manage to gain the support of some warring factions.
The measure does not actually suggest that long-term antibiotics should be used to treat chronic Lyme disease, but it would protect doctors who prescribed such a regimen from state sanctions. In our view such penalties should remain in place.
Before deciding whether to sign the bill the governor should at least wait until July 30, when the Infectious Disease Society of America holds hearings on the issue.
The organization has in the past advised doctors against chronic Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment, suggesting that symptoms may be due in fact to other factors such as an autoimmune disorder. But now, under pressure, it is considering revising its guidelines.
Some of that pressure has come from Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who has challenged the society's findings and negotiated an agreement that calls for an outside arbiter to help draw up new guidelines.
Mr. Blumenthal, who supports the state bill, contends that the guidelines unfairly limit doctors and favor insurance companies that restrict coverage for various Lyme disease treatments.
While we agree that doctors should be free to make diagnoses, they should not be authorized to administer unproven treatments that put their patients and the rest of society at risk.
At the same time, in this region that has the ill fortune to be considered the birthplace and epicenter of Lyme disease, we must recognize that many who contracted the affliction believe they suffer long-term consequences. More research is needed to provide them with better diagnoses and more effective treatment of their maladies.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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Leelee
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19112
posted
I can not think of anything to say that everyone else on Lymenet is not already is thinking.
The person who wrote this editorial is woefully misguided.
Why do they so passionately care about us in such an adverse way?
-------------------- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King,Jr Posts: 1573 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2009
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
EVERYONE,
please email a feedback letter to this NOT LYME LITERATE writer!!
HOG WASH!!
EDITING: i see many of you have written and especially our CANADIAN LYME FRIENDS!! THANK YOU ALL!
unfortunately, i can NOT read a thing since it doesn't allow you to double space between paragraphs ... so it is CONTINUOUS !!
i just emailed the editor about that situation asking they promptly change their format for this article & others they do.
i won't hold my breath that they will email me since i had to provide my email; we'll see!
i was going to write; but i can't in that format!! i would not be able to comprehend as i type .... so your letters will have to do.
also you CONN. FOLKS...ADVISE THEM YOU ARE CANCELING YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TO THEIR NEWSPAPER ... they can feel the PINCH that way!! *********************************************************
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
grandma, please read my post about WORMSER ATTACKING ME PERSONALLY IN WRITING!
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posted
"While we agree that doctors should be free to make diagnoses, they should not be authorized to administer unproven treatments that put their patients and the rest of society at risk."
I said this in another post and will say it again. So now not only is long term antibiotic treatment putting us at risk, but all of society as well. They are really grasping at straws...Things must be getting bad.
-------------------- If you keep doing nothing...nothing changes!
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HOG WASH!!
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