tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85903200351353052182024-03-13T03:58:19.005-07:00Bells Palsy / Lyme DiseaseBirgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-44241809690932484152018-04-15T10:00:00.001-07:002018-04-15T10:00:08.418-07:00Still time to join Rocks Sand & Sea Glass, starts today<br /><br />
<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1523810367915_19018" style="color: #47505e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 700;">Rocks Sand & Sea Glass April 15 - May 27 </span><span style="color: #974806; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Starts today</span></span><br /><br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1523810367915_19020" style="color: #47505e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 1.3em; padding: 0px 40px;">6 Week Premium Interactive course<br />Easy to follow step-by-step lessons designed just for you, paint realistic Rocks, Sand and Sea Glass. Learn how to float leaves and place rocks underwater. Learn how paint with to paint with confidence while having fun, then easily apply these techniques into your own paintings. All Level</div><ul id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1523810367915_19027" style="color: #47505e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.7; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 2px 0px 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><li id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1523810367915_19026" style="list-style-position: inside; margin-left: 50px;"><span style="color: #974806;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #953734;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Save 25%</span></span></span></span></li>
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</ul>Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-39755416912081895512018-04-14T15:51:00.003-07:002018-04-14T15:51:51.916-07:00Live Webinar April 18 Dr. Rawls Q&A<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I don't know about this doctor, but may be a good resource for those of you with questions about Lyme disease. For instance today I was contacted by someone who's girlfriend had bell palsy 9 months ago and was suffering from shear exhaustion, stuttering and had cognitive problems, part of my response to him was for her to get tested for Lyme... .it is spring...so watch out for those nasty creatures.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://rawlsmd.com/webinars/ask-dr-rawls/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=webinar-19&utm_content=ul-video-3" target="_blank">Live Webinar April 18 Dr. Rawls Q&A</a></span>Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-27658907878449498152016-05-11T07:48:00.001-07:002016-05-11T07:48:49.371-07:00Lyme Awareness MonthPretty much sums it up<br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YdJoEQcHhpI" width="480"></iframe>Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-70831847412375563622014-09-18T08:41:00.002-07:002014-09-18T08:41:36.052-07:00I don't know how much things can get better but I am one that always keeps keeps a positive attitude and keeps trying. I know that there is only so much we can do, but my thought is since it is now 7 years later I would try acupuncture with electrical stimulation again. The difference this time is that it is a little painful when I get the needles, due to many of my nerves have finally come back to life (which is good) but the muscles on the left side of my face have atrophied a bit, with the electrical stimulation we are trying to exercise the muscles.<br />
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This time I have a different doctor, Dr. Wang and he is using pretty big needles (not baby needles as he calls it), baby needles won't do anything. I have had positive response from people that have seen me, which does surprise me that they can even notice, it is so subtle.<br />
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I still feel pulling but it also helps me to be aware when I try to isolate muscles. I try to smile or pucker and relax my eye instead of everything pulling, a lot of work but why not give it a try.<br />
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Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-4571515320831438572014-09-10T06:16:00.001-07:002017-03-31T19:10:06.416-07:00Bells Palsy 10 years later<div style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light; font-size: 15px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
In 2007 I got Bells Palsy, my diagnosis, I would never recover. </div>
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Most people recover within 2-4 weeks, at three weeks I was just starting to get a tiny hit of movement in my lip. When I would see people and children looked at my face with shock and I would always explain what happened. Men that had known me cried, and I couldn't understand why (not much for self-esteem) I thought I "MUST" look like a monster. But now, I think more then that, they cried because they were afraid it would affect my personality, I am always so upbeat, happy, smiling and now one side of my face was frozen with my left eye wide open.</div>
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I always knew I had character but ...really...did I need more?</div>
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From 2007 - 2010, I went through periods of acupuncture, physical therapy, macro electrical stimulation and</div>
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things greatly improved, but it was an extremely slow, slow process, I would say that I about 80 - 85% recovery. </div>
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Due to the expense of the Lyme treatment and my concern that the over stimulation sometimes caused spasms, such as a "jokers smile", (which horrified me) I would take breaks from the electrical stimulating of the muscles and nerves and knowing that the nerves grew so slow I decided that I needed to give up treatment on my face and focus on the treatment of the Lyme disease. </div>
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Now 7 years later, I feel that I have given my nerves time to grow and am now starting acupuncture again to see what happens.</div>
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Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-68246635288336640422014-06-02T20:02:00.002-07:002014-06-02T20:02:29.719-07:00Ticks in Alaska<span style="line-height: 20px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the past three years, Beckmen has found at least two other types of ticks that have taken up residence in the Last Frontier and appear to be here to stay: the American dog tick and brown dog tick. Both ticks have been found on dogs or cats that have never left the state, a sign the parasitic arachnids can — and are — surviving in Alaska.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 20px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wildlife disease specialists also say the establishment of new ticks in Alaska poses a risk to all sorts of wildlife, from caribou to coyote to fox to moose to Sitka black-tailed deer to wolves.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Everybody needs to stop being in denial,” Beckmen said. “Ticks are spreading north. There is transmission going on in Alaska.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beckmen rattled off a list of diseases that could be introduced in Alaska as a result of ticks. They included Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, canine ehrlichiosis, canine babesiosis, anaplasmosis, tick paralysis and tick fever.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/fairbanks-incident-serves-as-reminder-that-ticks-live-in-alaska/article_245d85cc-c860-11e3-9fbd-0017a43b2370.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read Full Article</span></a></div>
Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-84414009696726705142014-06-02T19:53:00.004-07:002014-06-02T20:05:40.047-07:00Lyme in Alaska <div style="font-size: 15px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There have been several cases of <i>imported</i> Lyme disease in Alaska. The most recent involved an eight year old white male who visited Fauquier County, Virginia on June 23, 1991. He spent the day playing in the woods and afterwards was noted by his mother to have four ticks, including one which was engorged, on his body. The ticks were identified by a local resident as "deer ticks", likely <i>Ixodes damini</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Approximately 10 days later his mother noticed a raised, red, circular area near the sight of one of the tick bites on the nape of his neck. This grew to a maximum diameter of 8 cm. and then faded over several weeks. There was no central clearing of the lesion. On returning to Alaska near the end of July, the child was described as being more moody, particularly more fussy and depressed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 15px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On August 9, the child was brought to a local physician for a draining ear which was treated with a topical antibiotic. After hearing the history of an annular skin lesion, moodiness, and recent tick exposure, <a href="http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/fairbanks-incident-serves-as-reminder-that-ticks-live-in-alaska/article_245d85cc-c860-11e3-9fbd-0017a43b2370.html" target="_blank">See More</a></span></span><br />
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Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-78199644999251622502013-06-27T14:20:00.003-07:002013-06-27T14:20:54.211-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Do you have questions? Need help? Have medical billing problems? Check out these services. Not free, but maybe worth it for you </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">.</span><img height="142" src="http://www.healthcareadvocates.com/images/homepage_content.jpg" width="200" /><br />
To view link <a href="http://www.healthcareadvocates.com/">http://www.healthcareadvocates.com/</a>Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-33081696906352914322013-06-27T06:50:00.002-07:002013-06-27T06:50:42.818-07:00UNF Researchers Make Big Discovery About Lyme Disease<br />
The belief that only black-legged “deer ticks” can transmit Lyme disease has been widely publicized for decades. Lyme disease risk has been calculated largely based upon the prevalence and infection rate of these “deer ticks. Clark’s findings, together with past studies implicating lone star ticks associated with Lyme disease, suggest otherwise.<br />
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<a href="http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/wjct/files/styles/card_280/public/201306/index_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="pi_assets-image" src="http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/wjct/files/styles/card_280/public/201306/index_0.jpg" /></a>View article<br />
<a href="http://news.wjct.org/post/unf-researchers-make-big-discovery-about-lyme-disease">http://news.wjct.org/post/unf-researchers-make-big-discovery-about-lyme-disease</a><br />
Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-80486939030995870182012-11-12T18:24:00.002-08:002012-11-12T18:24:44.204-08:00List of Diseases Spread by Deer Tick Grows<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"></span><br />
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Information on a List of Diseases Spread by Deer Tick Grows, Including Malaria-Like Problems and Potentially Fatal Encephalitis</h1>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 19px;"><span class="date" style="color: #666666; font-style: italic;">ScienceDaily (Nov. 12, 2012)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 19px;">— An emerging tick-borne disease that causes symptoms similar to malaria is expanding its range in areas of the northeast where it has become well-established, according to new research presented November 12 at the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112135510.htm" target="_blank">More information </a></span></div>
Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-77281090386673459892012-09-08T10:57:00.002-07:002012-09-08T11:00:40.777-07:00JOSEPH J. BURRASCANO JR., M.D. DIAGNOSTIC HINTS AND TREATMENT GUIDELINES FOR LYME<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">My doctor followed the JOSEPH J. BURRASCANO guildelines and I feel blessed that he did. I feel great, have a full schedule and no current Lyme symtpoms it will be almost 3 years in remission in October. For information on Dr. Burrascano guidelines follow the link below.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">DIAGNOSTIC HINTS AND TREATMENT</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">GUIDELINES FOR LYME AND OTHER</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">TICK BORNE ILLNESSES</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Sixteenth Edition</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Copyright October, 2008</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">JOSEPH J. BURRASCANO JR., M.D.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Link</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/images/NewDirectory/GuidelinesControversy/BurrGuide200810.pdf">http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/images/NewDirectory/GuidelinesControversy/BurrGuide200810.pdf</a></div>
Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-86913817376924534752012-09-02T07:18:00.001-07:002012-09-02T07:18:38.098-07:00LOOKING AT LYME DISEASE - MSIDS<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25px;">Mis diagnosed as ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, Poly Myalgia Rheumatica significantly improved when treated for Lyme Disease. Perhaps more aptly described as Multi-Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome - MSIDS.</span><br />
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POLY MYALGIA RHEUMATICA</h3>
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<a href="http://ard.bmj.com/content/49/7/521.abstract" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">http://ard.bmj.com/content/49/7/521.abstract</a><br /><br />Ann Rheum Dis 1990<br />Research Article<br />A seasonal pattern in the onset of polymyalgia rheumatica.<br /><a class="name-search" href="http://ard.bmj.com/search?author1=M+A+Cimmino&sortspec=date&submit=Submit" jquery1268935993544="52" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">M A Cimmino</a>,<br /><a class="name-search" href="http://ard.bmj.com/search?author1=R+Caporali&sortspec=date&submit=Submit" jquery1268935993544="53" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">R Caporali</a>,<br /><a class="name-search" href="http://ard.bmj.com/search?author1=C+M+Montecucco&sortspec=date&submit=Submit" jquery1268935993544="54" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">C M Montecucco</a>,<br /><a class="name-search" href="http://ard.bmj.com/search?author1=S+Rovida&sortspec=date&submit=Submit" jquery1268935993544="55" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">S Rovida</a>,<br /><a class="name-search" href="http://ard.bmj.com/search?author1=E+Baratelli&sortspec=date&submit=Submit" jquery1268935993544="56" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">E Baratelli</a>,<br /><a class="name-search" href="http://ard.bmj.com/search?author1=M+Broggini&sortspec=date&submit=Submit" jquery1268935993544="57" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">M Broggini</a><br /><a class="view-more" href="http://ard.bmj.com/content/49/7/521.abstract#" jquery1268935993544="155" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">+</a> Author Affiliations<br /><a href="" id="aff-1" jquery1268935993544="58" name="aff-1"></a><br />Department of Rheumatology, Genoa University, Italy.<br />Abstract<br />The seasonal distribution in the onset of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) was determined in 58 patients with the disease and compared with that in 44 patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis of elderly onset (EORA). Thirty six (62%) cases of PMR developed during May to August; by contrast, only 14 (31%) cases of EORA developed in the same months, this latter disease failing to show any seasonal clustering. The monthly distribution of PMR correlated with outside temperature and hours of sunshine. These data suggest that PMR might be triggered by such factors as actinic damage of superficial vessels or infective agents with a seasonal cycle. Finally, the summer clustering of PMR may be helpful in the differential diagnosis from EORA.<br /><br />Hmm! May to August isn't that prime tick sequesting time?</div>
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What a thought provoking piece of research shame they didn't consider other epidemiological possibilities. My own illness which was diagnosed as Poly Myalgia Rheumatica turned out to be Lyme Disease. In fact reading about Lyme Disease and knowing the many problems with the vascular system I have to question the Giant Cell Arteritis? But then hey perhaps that is just me adding two and two and making five, what would I know about medicine.<br /><br />I am just glad that my GP finally realised after 4 years of illness with Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, arthritis and muscle weakness leading to a Poly Myalgia Rheumatica diagnosis that it was possibly Lyme Disease some months later a specialist confirmed her suspicions. I was treated on long term antibiotics in line with ILADS Guidelines and eventually recovered my health.<br /><br />I wonder how many patients suffering with Poly Myalgia Rheumatica are properly assessed for Lyme disease especially with the testing being so unreliable.</div>
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Read more about it, contact information and comments</div>
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<a href="http://lookingatlyme.blogspot.com/2010/03/poly-myalgia-rheumatica.html">http://lookingatlyme.blogspot.com/2010/03/poly-myalgia-rheumatica.html</a></div>
Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-89083887406085355392012-04-25T16:00:00.004-07:002012-04-25T16:00:57.189-07:00Steroids and Lyme Disease a recipe of disaster<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Steroids and Lyme Disease a recipe of disaster </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">A must read article regarding Lyme and steroids</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">: </span><a href="http://www.lymenet.de/literatur/steroids.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">http://www.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">lymenet</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">de</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">/</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">literatur</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">/steroids.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">htm</span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">"Steroid Disaster"</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Corticosteroids suppress the immune system, the last thing a Lyme patient needs is to lower immunity. Can you imagine, your body trying hard to fight off the spirochete bacteria and suddenly and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">immunosuppressants</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> is introduced, "freezing" your immune system, rendering it unable to battle, giving great advantage now to the Lyme bacteria to spread and go wherever it wants and it does!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Corticosteroids can last in the body for months, usually around 6 months. With </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">LD</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> this gives many months for the bacteria to spread, possibly cause damage & according to Dr. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Burrascano</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> the prognosis can be much worse. For the full article and critical information visit </span><a href="http://www.truthaboutlymedisease.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=14"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">http://www.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">truthaboutlymedisease</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">.com/phpBB3/</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">viewtopic</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">php</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">?f=10&t=14</span></a></span></span>Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-52400779768151425282012-04-25T15:54:00.001-07:002012-04-25T15:54:48.850-07:00NO STEROIDS LYMIES!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">I received this comment on my previous post ..</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://bellspalsylymesdisease.blogspot.com/2012/04/bells-palsy-and-seven-negative-lymes.html" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Bells Palsy and SEVEN negative </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">lymes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> tests before ....</span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">- they made a very good comment which I would like to share with you.. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">NO STEROIDS </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">LYMIES</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">!!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">It is true the steroids weaken your immune system and make you more vulnerable and a breeding ground for the Lyme bacteria.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">I was diagnosed with Lyme in 2001 but it was not until approx 3 years later when a mainstream Dr gave me </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">prednisone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">, that I was suddenly stricken by Bells palsy. I learned after that Lyme patients should never receive steroids which can crush the immune system and cause new Lyme symptoms. Not only do I still have Bells but the right side of my face (bells side) pulls and aches. If you dream a line from the top of my nose down to my chin, that entire right side is effected by a pulling down and the pulling gets more intense during the evening. Sometimes the pain is so intense that I put a cream on it made up of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">lidocane</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">gabaphentin</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">. Recently I was given a script for a liquid called </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Pennsaid</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> which is a type of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">NSAID</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> and seems to be working better than the other. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">NO STEROIDS </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">LYMIES</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">!! </span><a href="http://bellspalsylymesdisease.blogspot.com/2012/04/bells-palsy-and-seven-negative-lymes.html" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">.</span></a></span>Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-51914417646313642962012-04-15T07:21:00.004-07:002012-04-15T07:22:22.848-07:00Bells Palsy and SEVEN negative lymes tests before ....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">I just recived this comment on an older post I have (January - 2009) and thought that you all should read this in case you missed it. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Why am I sharing it here? ....</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">beacuse this happens -A LOT ! If you have a child or your an adult that comes down with Bells Palsy - you need to consider Lyme disease, 60% of all BP patients really have Lyme. Bell Palsy is one of the symptopms of Lyme.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">For a more complet list on sympotoms visit this link http://bellspalsylymesdisease.blogspot.com/2009/04/lyme-symptoms.html </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">From Jessica</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had bells palsy years ago, and had SEVEN negative lymes tests before
going to a neurologist who finally found out I was in 3rd stage lymes
disease. It is such an embarrassing horrible thing. Especially at the
age of 14 when I had gotten it. But yes....CANNOT STRESS ENUF about
repetitive testing. If I didn't agree to finally get a spinal tap, would
have taken years longer or never have known and maybe died.
<br />I DID finally recover,after months of staying in the house and
hiding from my teenage friends. (I was a ballet dancer and competiton
cheerleader- neither of which I would do looking like that)
<br />I still remember going from doctor, and my mother just sitting up at
nite crying because she didn't know what was wrong with her only.
child... it got to a point where I thought I would b like that forever
and got very suicidal. (Which I an positive has something to do w lymes
also. I was a VERY positive child and all of a sudden was going from As
and Bs to Ds and Fs in school. PLEASE PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE IS
RECOVERY.... I AM 100% BETTER NOW, and a happy healthy 34year old women.
Good luck to u all and my prayers are wu </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-87861590087893253942012-04-12T06:58:00.001-07:002012-04-12T06:59:52.941-07:00Dr. Phil Show - Topic Lyme disease<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #373737; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Show to air Friday April 13</span></span><a href="http://lymedisease.org/news/lyme_disease_views/dr-phil-lyme-preview.html" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="meta-nav" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Save the date Dr. Phil show to air Friday April 13 - Topic Lyme disease -If you hike, plein air paint, or basically just go outside this mini clip on this link is a must see.</span></div>
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<a href="http://lymedisease.org/news/lyme_disease_views/dr-phil-lyme-preview.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">http://lymedisease.org/news/lyme_disease_views/dr-phil-lyme-preview.html</span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Here is a preview clip of TV newswoman/ Lyme advocate Brooke Landau being interviewed on the Dr. Phil show about her Lyme experience. Other guests on the show include two additional Lyme patients, Lyme-literate doctor Chitra Bhakta, MD, and the IDSA’s Dr. Paul Auwaerter. </span></span><a href="http://youtu.be/mPTZWk6J4co" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">You Tube Clip</span></span></a></div>
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<br />Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-41622658822147068622012-04-02T07:43:00.000-07:002012-04-02T07:43:15.671-07:00Letter from LynNine years ago I was infected. I knew I was and my doc--federal government--refused to believe me. Over the next 9 years I became sicker and sicker, and was labeled all sorts of psychiatric dx's--"no, you're not this...you must be that....no, that that, must be them", which will dx's will follow me into eternity. I test negative on Western Blot, as many other sufferers do. My doc in USA isolated a biofilm which may be caused by mosquito--some insect anyway and finally I get an antibiotic which I will take for my lifetime, and am prone to infections--I've had a week-duration flue twice since Christmas, and the 24-hour kind once. My doc, who says no one has been cured yet, has a lab and studies ticks from all over; here is the website http://www.frylabs.com/ but clinically I have 100% Lyme. Doc Fry said the antibiotic kills it too. Very slow recovery. My sis died from Lou Gerihig's at 57 and Doc Fry says that is looking like an insect-borne infection too, "maybe two". Difficult to find a doc who is sympathetico to something they cannot see--my docs 'saw' a "low level" infection which they attributed to "you arthritis". I have Osteoarthritis which is not an infection, but it was a good excuse for them.Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-69654959484285924482012-02-28T15:38:00.002-08:002012-02-28T15:42:40.422-08:00And they say there is No Lyme in Canada?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWla89e8V4Y/T01lml_oXaI/AAAAAAAAA0U/iVp3LTH2M9M/s1600/1934173c44de95cf079f99f35f3f.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 153px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWla89e8V4Y/T01lml_oXaI/AAAAAAAAA0U/iVp3LTH2M9M/s200/1934173c44de95cf079f99f35f3f.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714335215911460258" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(52, 52, 52); line-height: 21px; ">Rob Manten was camping at the Brant Park Conservation Area near Brantford when he caught a black tick biting him. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:130%;color:#343434;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(52, 52, 52); line-height: 21px; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(52, 52, 52); line-height: 21px; ">He began experiencing what he thought was a bad case of the flu. Daily migraines, fever, nausea, fatigue and a ringing in his ears (tinnitus) accompanied constant aches and pains. He suffered from dizziness and had difficulty concentrating. His family doctor diagnosed a sinus infection.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:130%;color:#343434;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:130%;color:#343434;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Over the next six months 18 doctors, internists and neurologists examined Manten as he launched a frantic effort to find out what was wrong. At one point he was told his problems were all in his head. Along the way he was tested three times for Lyme disease, an illness caused by the bacterium <em style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; ">Borrelia burgdorferi</em>, which is transmitted by certain types of ticks.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:130%;color:#343434;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:130%;color:#343434;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">But the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent serum assay) tests, the standard first-level test for Lyme in Canada, were negative. Most Canadian doctors will not order a second test, called the Western Blot, which some consider more accurate.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:130%;color:#343434;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:130%;color:#343434;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.thestar.com/article/833115--lyme-disease-on-the-rise">Read the full article</a><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(52, 52, 52); line-height: 21px; "><br /></span></div></div></div>Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-54884071636323721372012-02-20T06:57:00.004-08:002012-02-20T07:06:58.485-08:00Lyme in AustraliaI have heard about this over and over again, is that there is no Lyme in Australia... but that's funny I have spoken to quite people down under that have it. Again it is another reason why you need to be your own advocate and not completely rely on your doctors option that there is no Lyme in your area. "Where there are ticks there is the possibility of Lyme".<br /><br />I received this post from the California Lyme Association: Aussie 6-year-old tests positive for Lyme with blood samples sent to the US. Australian government says no Lyme in their country, so they won't pay for treatment....This is a typical response<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3o1G39L8xqA/T0JhGNulSMI/AAAAAAAAAuc/MiUCK73izvI/s1600/1714493.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3o1G39L8xqA/T0JhGNulSMI/AAAAAAAAAuc/MiUCK73izvI/s320/1714493.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711234036851361986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A 6-year-old Fern Bay girl is at the centre of a major medical storm over whether a debilitating tick-borne disease exists in Australia.<br /><br />A 6-YEAR–OLD Fern Bay girl is at the centre of a major medical storm over whether a debilitating tick-borne disease exists in Australia.<br />Laura France was diagnosed with Lyme disease late last year following tests done on her blood in the US.<br /><br />Her family and several doctors are convinced she has the illness, caused by a tick bite, but NSW Health disagrees.<br /><br />The department says the disease does not exist in Australia and will not fund any treatment for it.<br /><br />The family is paying $3000 a month for medication typically used to treat Lyme.<br /><br />Laura has trouble walking, struggles to catch her breath, suffers from severe headaches and is lucky to make it through a full day of school.<br /><br />Michelle France said that at night her daughter had trouble sleeping, cried and complained of constant aches and pains.<br /><br />‘‘On a daily basis it’s hard, we have had to buy a stroller to get her around, she is exhausted after walking short distances,’’ Mrs France said.<br /><br />‘‘It’s bad enough that Laura is sick, but the battle to find help has been a nightmare.’’<br /><br />Since the December diagnosis the Frances have found themselves thrust into an academic battle over Lyme disease, a bacterial infection spread by ticks that has reached epidemic proportions in the United States with up to 20,000 new cases diagnosed each year.<br /><br />Left untreated it can become crippling. <a href="http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/battle-for-laura-doctors-take-on-nsw-health-over-girls-crippling-disease/2460274.aspx?storypage=1">Read the full article </a>Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-61072936833310185452012-01-26T17:14:00.000-08:002012-01-26T17:20:30.970-08:00PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION TO REMOVE THE IDSA GUIDELINES FROM THE NGC!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EAg5T-3UIHY/TyH7XOWIraI/AAAAAAAAAr4/euvOJzpPdXU/s1600/safe_image.php.jpeg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 90px; height: 84px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EAg5T-3UIHY/TyH7XOWIraI/AAAAAAAAAr4/euvOJzpPdXU/s400/safe_image.php.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702114979634261410" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.lymedisease.org/news/lymepolicywonk/901.html">Please sign this petition</a>.It is so important to millions of people suffering from chronic Lyme disease and their caregivers.<br /><br />Most doctors have to adhere to IDSA guidelines in fear of the possibility of loosing their license US & Canada (not so much in CA)<br /><br />Insurance companies do not have to pay much if anything due to the fact that they are only suggested guidelines - leaving the patient with only enough treatment if any to make their condition chronic.<br /><br />Since some insurance companies pay only a small portion or treatment the out of pocket expense to the patient is enormous. Length of time to Diagnosis Average cost<br />Less than 6 months $ 34,000<br />7-12 months $ 68,000<br />More than 12 months $ 92,000<br /><br />Most people have no idea that they even have the disease until they are in the late stages of Lyme. It is an average of 7 doctors and 21 months before it is even suspected. I my case it was 1 1/2 years even though I suspected it and requested testing - but they doctors thought it's not here in CA or West Marin. Leaving me to get sicker and sicker and the final cost over $ 150, 000<br /><br />There are different rules of thought of how to approach treatment, it is extremely difficult to find which one is going to work the best for each patient it really pretty much depends on how long it has gone undiagnosed - the long the time, the longer the treatment<br /><br />Sometimes I think they just through the tick away - I know out here they don't even send the tick in any longer since they think that it is rare to get it.<br /><br />I met a nurse practitioner out here and of coarse I had to bring it up as to why they don’t investigate it when a person some symptoms - her response was that they are told that they do not have the nor money to deal with it - needless to say - I was not impressed and I will just leave it there.<br /><br />One thing that happens by the time you come down with any of the symptoms you may not even remembered that you were bitten – and the sequence of symptoms can happen in such a way that you would not put the two together. <a href="http://www.lymedisease.org/news/lymepolicywonk/901.html">Sign the Petition</a>Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-61798463644958449502012-01-26T17:11:00.000-08:002012-01-26T17:14:24.233-08:00Yes - there is Lyme in California<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idfEyWic46Y/TyH6QmLLZsI/AAAAAAAAArs/yjo-4eat-ZQ/s1600/51093185.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idfEyWic46Y/TyH6QmLLZsI/AAAAAAAAArs/yjo-4eat-ZQ/s400/51093185.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702113766260041410" border="0" /></a><br />PLACER COUNTY (CBS13) – Placer County health officials are warning residents to be cautious after several ticks have tested positive for Lyme Disease in the county.<br /><br />Health officials say eight tick samples have tested positive for the disease which can cause fever, headache, fatigue and a rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease can affect the joints, hearts and nervous system. Although most people associate tick and Lyme disease with summer months, there has been a population increase since the late fall in Placer County.<br /><br />“We are concerned that with the milder winter we have been experiencing, a lot of folks will be taking the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking in tick habitat, and potentially putting themselves at risk for tick-borne disease,” said Joel Buettner, General Manager of the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District.<br /><br />The District advises residents who may be working or recreating in tick habitat to exercise caution and implement the following tick-borne prevention strategies:<br />• Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Tuck pant legs into boots or socks and tuck shirts into pants.<br />• Wear light-colored clothing so ticks can be easily seen.<br />• Apply a repellent, such as DEET, registered for use against ticks. Always follow directions on the container and be careful when applying to children. Before entering tick habitat, permethrin spray may be applied to clothing to kill ticks.<br />• Stay in the middle of the trail. Avoid trail margins, brush and grassy areas.<br />• Inspect yourself frequently for ticks while in tick habitats. Once out of tick habitat, thoroughly check your entire body for ticks up to three days after being in tick areas. Parents should examine their children, especially on the scalp, hairline and skin folds.<br /><br />For more information on ticks in Placer County, contact the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District at (888) 768-2343 or visit www.placermosquito.org. <a href="http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2012/01/26/placer-county-warns-residents-about-ticks-with-lyme-disease/comment-page-1/#comment-127171">View Article<br /></a>Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-19892988955703750432012-01-26T07:06:00.000-08:002012-01-26T07:23:17.134-08:002012 UpdateTo be honest with you - it was an incredible battle to get where I am now. <br /><br />I approached it as war and not to let up, I thought I would never recover and that it was the end of my world, my life and career. My decision was to go after this full throttle and made the decision that nothing will have the best of me. When possible I was teaching even with a pic-line due to how expensive the treatment is for this disease. <br /><br /> I am in remission - but it is always on my mind and very aware, I don't forget where I have been and hope to share the journey with others in hopes that it can help just one other person. There were times where I thought -God- if I was in a accident or some other event, I just didn't have the energy to pull through it, the fighting takes it's toll. I have always tried to stay positive laughing at the craziness, and the difficulty (still lots and lots of tears and how hard ridiculously hard the fight is to get the right treatment, I even the lab tech that had me in tears because she thought the testing I was having was not necessary - you know what, that is not her job and she was only a tech not a doctor.)<br /><br />If possible you truly need an advocate but someone that truly understands the disease but how do you find one - so in reality your have to find own way through and it is not easy. <br /><br />I came to a point where I thought I am done with this disease and "I am not my disease" and not to fall into the victim role which is easy to do after fighting for so long and so hard it has been almost 2 years now and I am doing great, I am making plans for the future and making commitments years in advance and have decided if I end up wit any problems I will deal with the then and not to live in fear. <br /><br />So many people are afraid to say that they have this disease I am not sure what anyone is afraid about - being labeled what? and I think that is part of the problem because many people still think it is only an east coast problem.<br /><br />Symptoms - You name it I had it, along with the co-infection of babesia I could have easily listened to the main stream doctors and turned my life over to them and if I did I would not be where I am now.<br /><br />As far as my Bells Palsy it's going on 5 years years I still try to isolate my muscles and work with the occasionally - it's about 95% better if you didn't know me you would think that is what I always looked like - but alas it is not, I feel fortunate to have what I have and it is pretty darn good. Remember if you are only consider about your face there is always someone else that has it worse.<br /><br />Nothing about this disease is easy. I wish you all the best and I am hereBirgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-88266214806207618562011-10-07T07:45:00.000-07:002011-10-07T07:51:25.855-07:00Some of the physiological affects of LymeHere are only a few ways that Lyme can affect the brain and physiologically diminish a person abilities.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Extreme Irritability and/or Emotional Lability</span><br />Many patients reported mood and behavioral changes during the course of their illness. In our sample, 64% of patients reported increased irritability and/or emotional lability in association with symptoms suggestive of meningeal irritation: neck stiffness and headache. The mood and behavior changes are often so severe and pervasive as to constitute a personality change. Sudden, intense irritability is most often triggered by sensory stimulation in patients who are acutely sensitive to sound, touch or light but may also occur unprovoked and seemingly inexplicably. One man, acutely sensitive to sound, was so intensely bothered by the noise his three-year-old son was making that he picked him up and shook him in a sudden and unprecedented fit of violence. His wife was shocked and alarmed by this behavior, as was the patient himself. A woman, typically reserved and eager to please, became uncontrollably irritable one day at work and found herself yelling at her boss in a most uncharacteristic fashion. Others have found themselves bursting into tears, sometimes several times a day, on what seems like very little provocation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Word Reversals When Speaking and/or Letter Reversals When Writing</span><br />These odd, idiosyncratic but quite common symptoms were reported in 69% of our sample. Patients with no prior history of dyslexia have found themselves writing letters backwards, reversing numbers or routinely reversing the first and second letters of a word. One patient recalls also switching her shoes: putting the left shoe on the right foot and the right shoe on the left foot before she realized her mistake. This patient also experienced what might be understood as reversals in temporal sequencing: for instance, saying the word "tomorrow" when she meant "yesterday" and vice versa.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Spatial Disorientation</span><br />Reported in 57% of our sample. A not uncommon scenario is of a patient who, recalling no rash or flu-like symptoms, had experienced some aches and pains and/or memory problems but had not paid much attention to these symptoms until he found himself, on two consecutive days, lost in his own neighborhood, on his way home from work. Such a scenario suggests a disorder of topographic orientation and geographic memory such as may be seen among patients with parietal lobe dysfunction (45). Patients have reported other behaviors as well which seem to relate to disturbances of the body-environmental schemata. A young woman described repeatedly bumping into things on the left side of her body, dropping things from her left hand despite having no weakness in that hand and occasionally placing objects, such as a milk carton, several inches short of a table edge with the result that they would fall to the floor. These difficulties remitted completely following adequate antibiotic treatment.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fluctuations in Symptoms</span><br />This can be one of the most frustrating and perplexing aspects of the illness. A patient with late-stage Lyme disease might feel totally drained one day, the next day be able to function almost normally and the day after experience such mental confusion as to be unable to focus on even the simplest of tasks. Sometimes the fluctuations may be brought on by exertion or stress or exposure to sensory stimuli or by the initiation of antibiotic treatment, but sometimes no explanation can be found. The fluctuations make it impossible for patients to make plans, and may make it seem to friends, teachers, family members or even the patients themselves as if the symptoms were somehow under voluntary control or as if they were hysterical in origin. Of course psychological factors, too, can influence symptomatology, but fluctuations are typical regardless of mental state.<br /><br />Such vicissitudes raise a particular problem in children who may experience fluctuating cognitive impairments: short-term memory problems, word-finding difficulties, dyslexia, problems with calculations or inability to concentrate. School systems are by and large unaware of the cognitive aspects of late-stage Lyme disease and, in particular, of the ways in which cognitive impairments may fluctuate from day to day in a given child. Teachers may assume the child is just moody or uncooperative. Family dynamics, too, may be complicated by confused expectations of the sick member, and resentments may build when a person's functional status, mood and ability to participate in family life seem inexplicably erratic. Patients and family members alike find it difficult to have their hopes raised repeatedly by a transient clinical improvement, only to be slapped down again by a recrudescence of debilitating symptoms. Even with treatment, recovery from late-stage Lyme disease is most often a lengthy process involving significant fluctuations in symptoms even in the context of overall improvement.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Worsening of Symptoms During Antibiotic Treatment</span><br />Nearly half of the patients in our sample reported a transient worsening of neuropsychiatric symptoms during the first few days of antibiotic treatment. The worsening of symptoms during initiation of antibiotic treatment is thought to be a variant of the Herxheimer reaction as seen in the treatment of syphilis (33). In Lyme disease, however, this Herxheimer-like reaction can be quite prolonged-lasting a few days or longer-and can be frightening to patients who are expecting a resolution, not a worsening, of their symptoms. The reaction can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from an allergic reaction to the medicine, a distinction with obvious and crucial treatment implications. <br />This Herxheimer-like reaction may be experienced as a worsening of psychiatric symptoms: some patients in our sample experienced panic attacks for the first and only time when starting on antibiotics. Others have reported an intensification of depressive symptoms, suicidality or anxiety. Many reported an increased startle response and photophobia during the first few days of antibiotic treatment.<br /><br />For more information on this article visit the <a href="http://www.canlyme.com/psy.html">Canadian Lyme Foundation</a>Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-68288779044844064052011-07-30T07:22:00.001-07:002011-07-30T07:33:09.098-07:00Books I likeI am often asked what books I have read about Lyme or found helpful. Here are some of my favorites.<span style="font-weight:bold;">Insights in Lyme Disease Treatment</span> 13 Lyme-Literate Health Care Practitioners Share Their Healing Strategies by Connie Strasheim, Maureen Mcshane M.D. and Thirteen Lyme-Literate Doctors<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xlwzN190oQ0/TjQV9f4XO5I/AAAAAAAAAbE/A2c3j70HWbo/s1600/51WD-jH3YYL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp%252CTopRight%252C12%252C-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 99px; height: 145px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xlwzN190oQ0/TjQV9f4XO5I/AAAAAAAAAbE/A2c3j70HWbo/s200/51WD-jH3YYL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp%252CTopRight%252C12%252C-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635153180021439378" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Cure Unkknown</span> Inside the Lyme Epidemic by Pamela Weintraub<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P4_kob0Hx2Y/TjQVwtWWfUI/AAAAAAAAAa8/6fBoW1tSook/s1600/51DyooLBZtL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp%252CTopRight%252C12%252C-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 95px; height: 142px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P4_kob0Hx2Y/TjQVwtWWfUI/AAAAAAAAAa8/6fBoW1tSook/s200/51DyooLBZtL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp%252CTopRight%252C12%252C-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635152960298581314" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Beating Lyme</span> Understanding and Treating This Complex and Often Misdiagnosed Disease<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_ou_MTzIXA/TjQVlfo5esI/AAAAAAAAAa0/D4msHx_UpTc/s1600/41Yp1CHhP%252BL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp%252CTopRight%252C12%252C-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 99px; height: 144px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_ou_MTzIXA/TjQVlfo5esI/AAAAAAAAAa0/D4msHx_UpTc/s200/41Yp1CHhP%252BL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp%252CTopRight%252C12%252C-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635152767639714498" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Everything you need to know</span> about Lyme Disease and other tick Bourne Diseases<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vY7eDLm7fZA/TjQVY1kh6sI/AAAAAAAAAas/yHzr_n1CuEk/s1600/51BTwztw-eL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vY7eDLm7fZA/TjQVY1kh6sI/AAAAAAAAAas/yHzr_n1CuEk/s200/51BTwztw-eL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635152550188673730" /></a>Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590320035135305218.post-20357436246506584732011-07-09T22:19:00.001-07:002011-07-09T22:54:40.052-07:00Hyperthyroid / Graves diseaseI was just thinking this evening how little I have spoken about Hyperthyroidism / Graves disease. This too was a symptom of Lyme. It is more common to have a Hypothyroid but either way your thyroid can be affected. I had the typical symptoms <br />Palpitations<br />Heat intolerance<br />Nervousness<br />Insomnia<br />Breathlessness<br />Fatigue<br />Fast heart rate<br />Trembling hands<br />Weight loss<br />Muscle weakness<br />Warm moist skin<br />Hair loss<br />..then when I went to the doctor her first response was that I should have my thyroid killed - which is permanent. I remembered what my cousin once said to me (who also had a thyroid problem -don't ever let them kill your thyroid if you can help it- since it was so difficult for them to regulate her and she still has problems) in any case I said no I wanted to try the medication first. In many cases a Hyperthyroid can go into remission and that is exactly what mine did. I was on the lowest dose possible and within a matter of weeks it was normal. They kept me on Tapozole for quite awhile even though I didn't think I needed it any longer but they wanted to be sure. <br /><br />Before I tested positive for Lyme I remember speaking to Dr. Harris and asking him if my Hyperthyroid could be a symptom of Lyme and his response was that Lyme systematically goes through your body effecting your immune system and turning things off and saw no reason why it couldn't.<br /><br />"This usually starts with the adrenal glands. No, I don't mean the thyroid, I mean the ADRENALS. Many physicians and patients start on the wrong end of things by first giving the body thyroid hormone, but this isn't usually how it should be done. <br /><br />Why? In Lyme disease and chronic illness, the thyroid often malfunctions as a result of the adrenal glands, which are pooped from having to deal with so many bugs, toxins and stress. Treating the thyroid first puts greater stress on the adrenal glands, which then exacerbates the whole endocrine problem. Not treating the thyroid, however, can also stress the adrenals, but if you sense you have adrenal fatigue, it's best to deal with this problem first. "<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wellsphere.com/lyme-disease-article/treating-the-thyroid-and-adrenal-glands-in-lyme-disease/407807">Click here for more information</a>Birgit O'Connor Watercolorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08262850475682079932noreply@blogger.com6