Top Twelve Questions Asked About Lyme Disease
Oct 1, 2004 -
© Sue Vogan
Q - Can you only get Lyme Disease from the bite of a tick? And what do the ticks look like? A - According to the buzz, Lyme Disease has been found in other vectors (another word for an insect that transmits a pathogen). As to date, I have seen no confirming data to show that Lyme Disease can be found in mosquitoes, flies, or other such insects. It is noteworthy that the disease may be passed from human to human, according to some physicians. Q - How many stages are there of Lyme Disease? A - Three. 1-early 2-acute 3-chronic Q-How do I know what stage I have? A - Stage One symptoms: fatigue, chills/fevers, headaches, muscle/joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, Erythemia Rash (EM or Bulls Eye rash). Stage Two symptoms: numbness/pain in arms/legs, paralysis of facial muscles (usually one side), fevers, stiff neck, headaches, abnormal heart beats. Stage Three symptoms: pain/swelling in joints, impaired cognitive skills, sleep disorders, can affect the brain, heart, eyes, skin, liver, lungs, muscles, stomach, intestines, and spleen. Q - Will my doctor know about and treat Lyme Disease? A - Possibly, but I would not count on it. There is currently a great deal of controversy over Lyme Disease treatment. There are "Lyme Literate Medical Doctors" or LLMDs, for short. They can be reached a number of ways, but for immediate attention, I suggest contacting The Lyme Disease Foundation (LDF) or The Lyme Disease Association (LDA) for a list of LLMDs in your area. Don't be surprised if you must travel out of your state to see an LLMD. There are few LLMDs, but it is well worth the effort to see one. Q - Where can I get tested? A - Bowen Research & Training Institute - MDL - IGENEX Q - Are there any support groups or Lyme Disease sites? A - Yes! The Lyme Disease Foundation and The Lyme Disease Association may advise you on support in your area. There are also "online" support groups. Search Yahoo for one that appeals to you and your needs. And, you now have Suite 101 to assist you with articles. Q - Is Lyme Disease curable? A - This is where the pudding becomes sticky. A handful of doctors believe it is curable. Most LLMDs disagree. However, during my research, I have come to the conclusion that if treated early enough (1-28 days after infection), the symptoms rarely return. Cured? I don't believe anyone really knows. Re-infection can occur at any given time should you be infected from another vector.
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