posted
No one knows what causes MS, and there is no definitive test. The authorities say MS is autoimmune, but they also say that about chronic lyme disease, which may have autoimmune markers but is still infectious.
I don't think anyone knows how much MS is really lyme, so it would not hurt to mention the possibility of lyme. But some people will listen and some will not. I tried this with someone who had a house in Nantucket, which is really infested with lyme carrying ticks, and he brushed it off. If people believe everything doctors say and are not looking for answers themselves, they will not pay attention to helpful friends with suggestions.
So, it is worth a try but don't expect too much. Might approach it with the information that some people diagnosed with MS have been found to have lyme instead and get better with treatment. Then have some lyme literature, sources if she/he wants to know more. It really does take a lot of motivation on the part of a patient to undertake treatment for late stage lyme, because it will be hard to find doctors, expensive, full of insurance troubles, take a long time. You can't give someone else enough motivation, they have to find it in themselves.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
Thanks Lou, I agree with the "you can't give someone else motivation.." I am the only one of seven people w/motivation in my family.
I have suggested the Poss of Lyme only to be shrugged and laughed at. So, I guess I should expect the same. My husband says it's none of my business. Maybe I'll leave it at that.
It's frustrating becauseI'm that type of personality that can be Very Voicetrous. I'll think about this for awahile or at least until I think I can deal w/ a possible negative response.
posted
Your husband is right that it is not your business, but who can stand by and watch suffering and not want to help?
I am still trying, inspite of the brushoff I got.
It does not have to be the full load at first, just a hint. If they follow up, OK then give them more, if they don't, you have tried to be helpful.
Am wondering why more people do not take any initiative when it comes to their own health. Is it because we have been brainwashed to be passive and unquestioning about medicine?
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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Since MS has no cure and the prognosis isn't hopeful, you may be able to convince them by using the why-not-rule-it-out strategy.
There is nothing to lose by having it checked out. If it's not lyme, then nothing changes. If it is lyme, then the prog is much more hopeful. The problem may be convincing them to lay out the $$ for a LLMD.
But if they don't want to go, that's all you can do. Maybe they'll change their tune as they get worse.
Good Luck,
James
Posts: 872 | From New York City | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
i was "aytypical MS" since spinal tap was clean but DID have the whole laundry list, including the electic shocks, still get em. cymbalta helps keep taht in check - until recently
anyway--- i was very, very blessed to get in with new neuro to our area, moved here from NY.
he tested for lyme as "last ditch" to find the problem. all MS symptoms but testing for MS was negative. he was thinking was bc was "initial attack"...western blot was +. he was confused as to why only IgM and no IgG. now i have taught him!!
so- MS is supportive treatment and try to delay attacks. more attacks, worse you get.
they know there is a "trigger" and believe is infective or bodys way of dealing with postinfective assault.
so, what if , for her--- that infection is identifiable??? if start to treat infection then can delay futher damage.
that said- have been treating for yr and recently my neruo stuff kicked back up just as bad as when the neruo stuff "hit" me yr ago.
-------------------- i am not a Dr. any info is only for education, suggestion or to think/research. please do not mis-intuprest as diagnostic or prescriptive, only trying to help. **
dx in 08:lyme, rmsf, bart, babs, and m.pneumonia. Posts: 422 | From TX | Registered: Oct 2008
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Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
Have you got a copy of UOS they can watch. I think that may be the best mind changing thing you could do.
-------------------- 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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posted
I think our society contributes to passiveness. In a lot of ways our Medicine is advances compard to over 100 or even 100 yrs ago.
Lou, as a child, you are seen by the Dr, he gives you meds that work almost 100% of the time. It goes that way until you are an adult and have children and the process repeats.
In the last 20 years, MS ALS CFS and slew of other autoimmune diseases have popped up. The Dr always knew what was wrong with us before, why wouldn't he know now?
Surely he knows more after 8 yrs of schooling than my neighbor who claims that it could be TBD or a congenital case.
My mother is a Prime example. I've explained to her many times how and why, but as soon as she gets sick, she runs to the Dr. Her symptoms scream of Lyme and bartonella.
She has sisters who have issues as well and their children's children do also. My mother would be embarassed if tried to contact them and tell them about the remote possibility of lyme.
Because it's not possible, thats just too many people for that to happen.
James, good point. Pinelady, I do have a copy of UOS, but it's not mine it's actually Oceans.
Posts: 262 | From ohio | Registered: Jul 2008
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posted
There is some indications that MS is caused by the Polio vaccines given between 1956 and 1963. Could be so...
Also, MS generally presents with lesions on the brain that show up in an MRI.
Almost ALL MS patients have positive Bb, almost no Bb or Lyme patients present with MS. Cheers, *BugBit*
Posts: 116 | From Bisbee, AZ USA | Registered: Sep 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
found this in my links:
MS AND LYME: The DVD about lyme and MS at www.unh-lyme.org may be of interest to you.
It's $15, and proceeds go to support Dr. S's research. Timaca BELOW IS SAME DVD!
if you google ART DOUGHERTY's name, he did massive lyme links, etc. and even broke it down comparing lyme to the 300 OTHER illnesses it mimicks including MS!
so look for his link about 300 other illnesses and he had medical documentation too; done 5-10 yrs. ago. good luck
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Dekrator48
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18239
posted
Hi,
Here is a presentation by Steven Harris, MD....on pages 48-50 he compares Lyme and MS...
-------------------- The fibromyalgia I've had for 32 years was an undiagnosed Lyme symptom.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29:11 Posts: 6076 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Nov 2008
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Ocean
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3496
posted
C3mom,
Let her borrow my UOS. I really don't mind at all! I know watching that is what broke the camel's back so to speak with the lady with the 'Atypical Parkinson's' that I've told you about. I think after watching that, she realized it could be Lyme (which it turns out it is) and that's when she decided to see an LLMD. Plus if she wants to see an LLMD, you have info for her of ones you have personally seen.
Good luck, I know how hard it is to bring up the subject. You will do great and if she decides not to pursue it, at least you tried and that is all we can do.
ps...before giving her to the DVD, can you please write my real name and telephone number on the top of the DVD? I've been meaning to for months now, but just kept forgetting
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