posted
Oh Geneal, I was furious when I read your post.
It's sheer ignorance. I don't care who says "we
don't have lyme in this area" ... they are full
of bull. It's possible that it's everywhere.
You know how much you LOVE your children, don't
even give her the satisfaction of listening to
that. Being aware of it, is the best we can do.
AND, didn't I just read somewhere that mosquitos
can possibly pass it if they bite an infected
animal or person?? Not sure on that one, but
thought I did. I'm new to this, so yes, I do
have some ignorance about it...but am very
willing to learn about it.
Please don't take what your sister has said to
heart.
And BTW, it's not only where you live....but
where you visit! I got my ticks , 2 of em, in
my back while visiting TEXAS....isn't that where
your sister lives?
Posts: 151 | From ohio | Registered: May 2007
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Vermont_Lymie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9780
posted
Hi Geneal,
with global warming, even Alaska will probably have lyme eventually, if it does not already. There are lots of articles about the increase in lyme in northern Canada -- even far north places like New Brunswick are reporting lyme now.
Of course, if we wanted to move to a place that had no lyme, we would all live in the middle of a large desert.
Unfortunately, there would be other hazards there -- scorpions, lack of drinking water, too much sun and nothing to do!
So, you can tell your sister that it is not possible to run from lyme!
Posts: 2557 | From home | Registered: Aug 2006
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MagicAcorn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8786
posted
I'd love going to Alaska. Because I feel best in extremely cold and snowy weather.
didn't I just read somewhere that mosquitoe can possibly pass it if they bite an infected animal or person?? People say all kinds of things on here so be careful what you take away as being fact.
Mosquitoes and flies digest blood inside the intestine itself instead of within the cells in the lining of the intestine. So the chemicals and enzymes that break down the blood in the mosquito's intestine also kill the spirochetes. So this makes them very poor transmitters of lyme disease.
I'm not sure if moving would help you. I'm sure SAD would be very prevalent during the six months of darkness.
I think being very proactive with ticks is probably the best thing. Your sister seems to be in denial. They have deer in Texas and if they have deer then they have tick borne illnesses.
You build yourself a nice new home and do whatever you must to protect you and your family. Every area has something? Tornadoes, flooding, hurricanes, volcanoes, glacier melt, wild fires, mud slides, bears, snakes, or ticks? We all have something that puts us at risk. Just being alive is risky.
-------------------- Posts: 1279 | From In hiding | Registered: Feb 2006
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
It is on every continent, and yes, that includes Alaska too...sorry.
As far as other vectors...there are many, of course.
The best we can do is to be aware and protect ourselves as much as possible wherever we reside or visit.
Huge congratulations on the building contract!
Much love, Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
You're smart to ask about an llmd who can treat you all - if you are going to move, that's the best reason, not to avoid lyme (this board is proof that it's just everywhere).
If the cdc's estimations that only 1/10 cases is reported, then it's endemic in far more places than they're reporting now.
I know that Dr. C in Springfield, MO is a family practicioner, so he can treat your whole family.
Good luck.
Posts: 10 | From Knoxville, TN | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
I just checked a map. She is 54 miles from where I was Lymed 48 yrs ago. Do you think the ticks have multiplied since then???
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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lymeladyinNY
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10235
posted
Dear Geneal, I feel for you. To learn your child has Lyme and then to have an argument with your sister - how terrible!
I moved out of Lyme-endemic Maryland back to my home state of New York, where there's moderate risk. I moved to be near family who ended up not being nearly as supportive as I'd hoped or needed them to be. I was very nervous to live in Maryland after I got so sick and I kept finding ticks on my kids. I've never seen a tick where I live in New York but then again, I don't get out much. Other people say they've seen lots of ticks in my area.
As others have said, I think it's everywhere and I believe it's the hidden cause behind the increased reports of autism, ALS, etc.
Keep doing as you have been doing - you're a great mom for being so vigilant. It is ignorance and the "it can't happen to me" mentality that's keeping this epidemic flourishing.
My best to you and yours - Lymelady
-------------------- I want to be free Posts: 1170 | From Endicott, NY | Registered: Sep 2006
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Cobweb
Unregistered
posted
Hi Geneal, Your sister's reaction probably comes from fear and sense of helplessness. And the knowledge that she herself may be at risk from prior bites is probably really messing with her head,too.
How good that her big sister is setting the example of being proactive. Perhaps you can find out the name of an LLMD in her area, and when things have calmed down, you can pass it on to her-"just in case" she should become open minded to the possibility of lyme effecting her family,too.
And that's about all you can do-lead a horse to water...as they say.
It's bad enough having to alter your life to survive from day to day with an illness...
... it's bad enough having to alter your life, to get treatment and help your little ones mend and heal from the same illness...
... it's bad enough to have to pull body and mind together after Katrina...
... it's horrible to have a loved one become so frightened that they let their lack of understanding of a situation overshadow their familial bond so that they say hurtful things!
I remember my own sister (to whom I am very close) saying, "You are so tied up in your own sh*t that you don't see how it is affecting the rest of us."
You know, she's probably right, BUT when you are hanging from a cliff by your fingernails to survive you get a FREE PASS to not feel responsible to help everyone else feel okay about it!
Let me tell you what I know about you.
You have gotten over these amazing hurdles with grace: 1) you found a LLMD, 2) you are getting treatment, 3) you quickly diagnosed your babies, 4) you got a LLMD to confirm that worst fear about them; 5) you got them treatment with a LLMD; 6) you had the where-with-all to get a building contract together; 7) you survived Katrina, for Gosh Sake; 8) you found a support group; 9) you get up every morning and make your life work!
I live in an endemnic area, next to a highway, downwind from an airstream that carries the mid-states' factory pollution straight to our county, 18 miles from a damaged and limping nuclear reactor, 23 miles from the World Trade Center site.
My point: So what! My children and my husband and I also benefit from the area. We have support systems, an LLMD, good schools, close to work, friends, etc. and it is a beautiful area.
There is no protective bubble to live in. My home is not Love Canal. SO, I keep my list of worries PLUS my my list of blessings and try balance them out to reduce stress in my daily life.
...some days, panic gets the better of me. Most days I understand that we're living in a time and a world that is really fraught with negative stuff.
All this to say, Geneal, we do the best with what we've got, where we are and who we are. We can't fix the world, can't find a perfect place; we can just try to make stuff better for our families and neighbors. Maybe the good spreads further...God willing.
I think you are amazingly strong.
I'm sure your sister is panicking to the point of not seeing your life in perspective.
Let your sister's words fade to the background. Hear the love in her concern. Realize the ignorance of the details.
And appreciate yourself for all the great achievements you've managed to orchestrate... despite this very tough, very pervasive illness that all of the rest of us know is very real.
Love to you, hugs to your little ones, prayers for continued strength,
wiserforit
Posts: 508 | From Banks of the Hudson | Registered: Jul 2006
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
You guys are all too good to me...
When I read all of your responses, it brings tears to my eyes.
Thank you all for being you....
And I still thank God every day for this board and it's incredibly, wonderful members..
You all continue to be my hero's and Angels, especially in my many hours of need.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
Geneal, there is no Lyme in Antarctica.
I have been too ill to deal with family members who have no respect for me. It was a hard decision and not taken lightly, but I had to just stop communicating.
You know what? They didn't care that I stopped ... I did not hear from a single one of them, including my mother, after I was finally diagnosed with a real illness (I'll always be a hypochondriac in their eyes).
Some people aren't worth getting upset over ... family included. The most upsetting part is that we love them and have genuine concern for them, but they don't love back.
Surround yourself with people who genuinely love you ... you need it to heal.
I think part of the reason they treat us the way they do is because they have it, too. I know what it does to my mind ... no wonder I think they're a bit crazy! LOL But I think they have to treat us the way they do, or else they'd have to admit the possibility that they're sick with it, too.
I think one of the ticks known to carry Lyme is the Lone Star Tick ... wonder how it got that name? Maybe you can email your sister some information on the Lone Star Tick.
quote:Originally posted by sixgoofykids: [.... one of the ticks known to carry Lyme is the Lone Star Tick ... wonder how it got that name? Maybe you can email your sister some information on the Lone Star Tick.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
uffda geneal, you've had a heck of a 24-hours; haven't you? so sorry to read all that has transpired to you/family of another lyme victim.
i'll type more later on; don't want to wake up DH since i come on here so late for hours!
hang in there! news had on about katrina trailers with all the mold, etc. that they knew about 1 yr. ago that FEMA didn't clean up! DISGUSTING.
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
Dear Betty,
I am so sorry I haven't touched base with you lately....
I hope you continue to do well on your road to recovery from your hip surgery.
I do think of you and pray for you...
Just wanted you to know.
I sure did miss you while you were recuperating.
I guess I should be glad I didn't qualifty for one of those FEMA trailers.
They now have serious reports of sick children due to the flamadehyde (sp?) used in the boards
That make up the trailer. Lots of sick, sick children in Mississippi.
It's our government at it's finest again...
They are currently "looking" into it..
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
geneal, i'm behind in updating about myself; doing quite well. dr. okd me to drive again, discontinue OTC ascriptine, and walk more w/cane vs. walker! come back in 6 wks.
ordered PT for my bursitis in right thigh; hurts so bad; can't rest anything next to it; so much pain.
geneal, i really feel for you; you've been thru so much! not fair. you've been in my thoughts/prayers for a long time too.
may things work out and the SOONER THE BETTER for you/family.
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aklnwlf
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5960
posted
Hi Geneal,
My pseudonym is aklnwlf-Alaska Lone Wolf.
I've been down here in Alabama since 2000 and finally sold my things in Palmer, AK in 2005.
If you already have lyme I wouldn't recommend moving there for lack of treatment.
That's why I gave up my dream in Alaska.
Mosquitoes there have a longer 'probiscus'? and can bite you through your jeans, hair whatever.
So, if transferrable by mosquito not a good place to live.
Lots of first timers move up there to see what it's like and it could be passed via critters.
It's hard to even find a doctor down here in the lower 48 to treat Lyme. In Alaska they'd just laugh at you cause I sure don't remember seeing any ticks up there.
But people and their pets from the lower 48 could be transmitting it.
Anyways, this is just the advice of someone who used to live there and I'm not a doctor.
-------------------- Do not take this as medical advice. This comment is based on opinion and personal experience only.
Alaska Lone Wolf Posts: 6918 | From Columbus, GA | Registered: Jul 2004
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
I think that's neat....that you lived in Alaska.
I would like to go see the one of the "great untouched wilderness'" one day.
My other sister called today...
Wanted to know if she should have her 14 year old son tested.
I said sure...he's a boy scout. They go camping all around Spring Texas.
No she said....You slept in his bed the last time you were here.
Good grief!!!
I asked her what gave her the idea you could pass Lyme this way.
She replied that she thought I had said that my son had possibly gotten Lyme from me.
Yes, I said....in utero....maybe through breast feeding...
Let's see....I've been dx. since early October.
My caring and loving(?) family are so worried about me that
They actually look Lyme up on the Internet.
They educate themselves....They learn that Lyme is everywhere...
They glean a healthy respect for TBD's and what to do to prevent tick bites....
What to do if they do get bit by a tick.
No. I get another response of "I think I will check with my children's
Pediatrician to see if he thinks it is safe for us to come a visit you."
God must be wanting me to move spiritually in a different direction.
Away from negativity.....or should I say keep negativity away from me.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
***She replied that she thought I had said that my son had possibly gotten Lyme from me.***
Well, maybe now that you've cleared that up, your family will be relieved?????? Who knows??
Maybe they've just been a bit "confused"?
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
geneal, it reminds me when you get cancer dx, etc., people don't know what to do or say, SO THEY DON'T HAVE A THING TO DO W/YOU.
send your sister LYMEDAD'S LETTER TO FAMILY/FRIENDS AND DAR'S "TOY" STORY! they are eye-openers! best wishes.
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
Geneal, sounds like we're in the same boat with family. It hurt when I finally realized they didn't care. Sorry you're going through this, especially after everything else you've been through.
You'll be happy to know that we got one of our kids tested Monday at my LLMD ... won't know for a couple weeks, but this one is the most symptomatic so it will direct us with how to handle the others.
We may have even more problems in common soon!
Just remember that Christ suffered ... he must really love you because he's letting you share the cross.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
Dear Six,
I pray that your child is negative, but I will also pray to give
You strength to handle whatever may come.
I had a feeling that both of my babies had Lyme...
I thought I was prepared to find out the results, but boy did I cry....
Each time I got them.
I was so flustered when my son's results came in last week.
I saw the IND bands on IgM bands 31 and 41 and the + on Band 34.
Just two days ago I noticed this on his IgM.
Band 58+ and 66+.
Talk about feel like a bad mother or some kind of a dummy for not
Seeing that at all the first couple of days.
I know it doesn't change the test outcome, but knowing in my heart
That my son aquired this from me....
I am handling the info much better now that I have a plan of action and appts.
With my LLMD for both of my children.
Keep us posted on your child's test results.
I don't mind my suffering....I don't, however, want to see my children suffer.
I pray that their road to recovery be smooth and without pain.
I would gladly bear their suffering and pain if I could.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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