6/29/2017
Hi All,
Just want to apologize for not posting or responding to emails for the past few months! I was locked out of my account but was able to get back in today! There are literally HUNDREDS of emails from people, so please bare with me while I respond......I promise I'll get back to every one of you!! Missed you all!
Just want to apologize for not posting or responding to emails for the past few months! I was locked out of my account but was able to get back in today! There are literally HUNDREDS of emails from people, so please bare with me while I respond......I promise I'll get back to every one of you!! Missed you all!
9/02/2016
Gluten Sensitivity and Lyme Disease Symptoms are Similiar By Dr. Miguel Gonzalez #lymedisease #celiac #glutensensitivity #glutenintolerance #glutenfreeliving
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by a spirochete medically known as Borrelia burgdorferi. It is acquired by humans who are bitten by an infected deer tick. The tick bite is not noticed in 85% of cases because in most cases the immature, tiny form of the tick, the nymphal, is biting and the affected person does not feel any pain and thus will not suspect any source of infection.
Lyme diseases is also called “The Great Imitator” for a reason: it causes a myriad of symptoms that mimic other diseases. One particular condition, gluten sensitivity, is frequently confused with Lyme disease because they share common symptoms.
Lyme Disease Symptoms
In the early stage, lyme disease symptoms include flu-like, non-specific symptoms such as fever, chills, sweats, muscles aches, fatigue, nausea and mild joint pain. The characteristic rash of Lyme disease, called erythema migrans, occurs in only 10% of cases, and Bell’s palsy, the paralysis of the facial nerve, is not common as well. Later on, as the disease progresses, symptoms like headache, stiff neck, light or sound sensitivity, sleeping problems, depressed or anxious mood, fatigue, arthritic pain, abdominal pain with nausea and diarrhea occur as well as memory and concentration issues and cardiac symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain and palpitations. Tingling, burning and shooting pains may manifest and are signs of nerve involvement.
In addition to the above symptoms, children may display abnormal behavior, inability to sustain attention, outbursts and mood swings.
Gluten Sensitivity and Intolerance
Celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, is a medical condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and blocks it from absorbing essential nutrients from food. The damage of the gut is due to a reaction from eating gluten which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and many ready-to-eat, processed foods.
Celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, is a medical condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and blocks it from absorbing essential nutrients from food. The damage of the gut is due to a reaction from eating gluten which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and many ready-to-eat, processed foods.
Gluten sensitivity is another condition with similar symptoms as gluten intolerance in which the patient tests negative for celiac disease (based on blood test and biopsy), yet his/her body reacts to wheat and other foods containing gluten. Roughly 1% of the population has been diagnosed with celiac disease. Yet celiac might be only the tip of the iceberg for an emerging problem that includes gluten sensitivity. Gluten sensitivity affects an estimated 10% of the population and is often undiagnosed and therefore untreated.
Similar to those individuals affected by Lyme disease, those affected by gluten sensitivity will experience flu-like symptoms, digestive complaints such as abdominal pain with nausea and diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, depression or anxiety, sleeping issues, problems with memory and concentration, muscle cramps and joint pains, tingling and numbness in their arms or legs. Like children affected by Lyme, children with gluten sensitivity may display the above symptoms as well as an irritable and fussy behavior.
Considering that these two conditions share very similar symptoms, there is no surprise they can get easily confused. In addition, Lyme disease is often treated based on clinical symptoms, before it is confirmed by laboratory studies.
If you have some of the symptoms described above, you should seek medical advice to get the correct diagnosis start the right treatment.
References:
8/22/2016
Lyme Disease and Gluten Free Living - Why It's So Important! #glutenfreeforme #lymedisease #glutenfree #celiacdiease #glutenintolerant #glutensensitivity
I'm sure almost everyone knows someone who is gluten free these days. Many people see it as a fad.......but for many of us it's about recovery and health. I remember the dread of my LLMD telling me that I needed to go gluten free. Initially, I figured if I just cut out most of it, that would have to help. I was gluten illiterate and didn't realize how even a tiny amount of gluten could keep the inflammation in my gut active.
After another long (friendly) lecture from my LLMD, I decided to jump into this new lifestyle.....no matter how hard......and 10 years ago it was much more difficult than it is today. I knew that in order to get my immune system ready to fight this disease, I had to get my gut healthy (they are one in the same). I remember the first month passing and thinking, "What a joke. this isn't even helping". But as time passed I started to notice small things - the brain fog and fatigue were lifting, my stomach didn't feel bloated every time I ate and the pain in my joints was more bearable. Could this really be working?
I continued on the gluten free diet throughout the rest of my treatment and for about a year after. I don't know why I decided to dive back into the unhealthy, American eating lifestyle, but I did........it had been such a long road of treatment and I just wanted everything back to "normal". I was fine for years but gluten intolerance symptoms began to creep back up recently - fatigue, bloating, brain fog, anxiety, poor immune system, etc. My initial thought was panic! Was my lyme back after 8 years? Please god no!!! I fought it once, but could I really do it again??
Once I settled myself down, my logical brain was able to kick back in. I began contemplating going gluten free again. Within a week my visits to the loo decreased, I wasn't as tired and no more bloating or stomach pains. So here I am......two weeks back into being gluten free and I get an email from a guy who's currently fighting lyme disease and multiple co-infections. He's had a hard time with treatment because the antibiotics and herbs upset his stomach. Of course, I began my preaching about the importance of gluten free living during lyme treatment. I could tell he was like me years ago......willing to reduce his gluten intake but not quite buying the importance of not even a little gluten. And so this post is dedicated to him. I haven't written a post on my blog in over a year and he inspired me to again talk about Lyme and what helped me. If my past suffering can help someone else, then it's the least I can do!
So to all you Lymies who aren't getting better........or are suffering through treatment.......give it a try! Even if it's only for 3 months......I know you'd give anything to be better and this just might help!
As always, keep paying lyme education forward! Email or comment with any questions :)
Sheryl
6/27/2016
Maine Center For Disease Control 2016 Annual Report On Lyme Disease and Co-Infections
Below is a link to Maine's 2016 Center for Disease Control Lyme Disease and Other Tick-borne Illnesses Report To Legislation. I'm impressed to see that Lyme Disease is FINALLY being talked about......both locally and nationwide. Keep paying the information forward :)
2016 Maine CDC Report - Lyme Disease
2016 Maine CDC Report - Lyme Disease
8/17/2015
8/03/2015
7/27/2015
Kerry Duarte Shares Her Journey / Battle With Lyme Disease #lymedisease #lymetesting
Hi All!! Thanks for taking the time to listen to Kerry Duarte's story! She's become a friend of mine through an online Lyme Disease support group on Facebook.........sending her healing vibes!!!
7/21/2015
Lyme Disease Has Surged 320% in America!! ~ Article from Time.com
This may not be news to us Lymies......but always glad to see reputable reporters/newspapers getting the real story out there. Thank you Tanya Basu!
http://time.com/3959736/lyme-disease/?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003
http://time.com/3959736/lyme-disease/?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003
7/20/2015
7/14/2015
New Facebook Online Lyme Disease and Co-infection Support Group - Lyme and Back - Ask Questions, Get Answers!
Lyme Disease & Co-infection Online Support Group ~ Lyme and Back ~ Recovery
Follow the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/898434263564848/
7/06/2015
8/07/2014
Lyme Disease ~ The Facts! #lymedisease #tickborneinfections #lymeeducation #lymemyths #lymefacts
I've been reading articles about Lyme Disease recently, which lack so much common sense, that I feel the need to write a post to clear a few things up.......or at least, hopefully, raise a few questions.
In particular, I'm going to focus on articles entitled "Lyme Disease Myths"; there are so many reputable sites that are misleading the public. I'm not going to point my finger and list these sites (not in the mood to be sued) but a simple Google search of "Lyme Disease Myths" will bring up plenty!
Instead of simply writing more Lyme Myths.......I thought, why not write Lyme facts? Facts that might make things clearer for someone trying to weed through accurate and inaccurate information on the web. I remember the beginning of my Lyme journey.........no idea what was wrong with me. Scared. Defeated. I'd say more than half of what I read on the web (again.......from sites most anyone would think reputable) did nothing but confuse me further. So please read on.....and learn some truths!
Fact 1: Lyme Disease CAN be acquired ANYWHERE in the USA and across the globe for that matter!
- I can't count the sites that state that Lyme can only be "caught" in New England; or that 90% of all documented cases (documented being the KEY word) are in New England so "if you don't live there, you don't have it." Then you have people like myself, born and raised in Maine, who get Lyme and the doctors here say "It can't be Lyme. That's only in Connecticut. And still.......it's not very common".
If you dive into Lyme research (and I mean way down below the surface) you begin to see the magnitude of Lyme and other co-infections worldwide. The below map is a guideline to the magnitude of this Lyme epidemic ~ notice the countries highlighted are considered (documented) "EPIDEMIC" already. If this were a factual map of where Lyme Disease can be contracted, the entire world would need to be highlighted in green!
Fact 2- You CAN have Lyme Disease WITHOUT a Bull's Eye rash.
Research is beginning to show that as few as 20% of individuals with Lyme Disease ever recall a Bullseye Rash. With this being a core component of diagnosis (a stupid "core" might I add) to most uneducated doctors, this leaves many people suffering! Myself, being one of them for years. Unfortunately, many doctors refuse testing for Lyme Disease unless this rash is present. Advocate for yourself and demand it!!
Fact 3- The tests for Lyme Disease ARE UNRELIABLE.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) claims that the current tests for Lyme Disease have "very good sensitivity". I don't know about you, but for me "very good sensitivity"....what exactly does "VGS" mean? Research supports that a clinical diagnosis of Lyme (or co-infections) should be given based on symptoms due to the inaccuracy of current testing. I wrote about the 4 types of tests generally used for Lyme testing in a previous blog post (please refer to this for more information). I think its safe to say that after 6 weeks of being infected with Lyme spirochetes, the ELISA test is JUNK and is the cause of many false negatives. The Western Blot is a slightly more accurate test, but again does not test for co-infections or the hundreds of Lyme strains, which are increasingly on the rise and barely mentioned to the general public.
Fact 4- Lyme is only ONE of a MULTITUDE of Tick-borne Disease.
I've talked about this subject many times before on my blog. When I was diagnosed I had no clue that there were tick-borne illnesses aside from Lyme Disease. Please see my post - "
Fact 5- There ARE ways to be CURED from Chronic Lyme Disease.
Let me start by saying, I'm living proof!.....as are many people I've come to know well through this whole process! My treatment protocol consisted of standard (antibiotic) and naturopathic medicine and I highly recommend that you keep an open mind to all medical options out there - talk with a Lyme Literate Doctor who can steer your treatment in the right direction for YOUR needs!
If you'd like to read more about my treatment protocols, read my post:
http://www.lymeandback.blogspot.com/2014/07/lyme-disease-and-co-infections-my.html
As always, advocate advocate advocate!!! Knowledge is power :)
In particular, I'm going to focus on articles entitled "Lyme Disease Myths"; there are so many reputable sites that are misleading the public. I'm not going to point my finger and list these sites (not in the mood to be sued) but a simple Google search of "Lyme Disease Myths" will bring up plenty!
Instead of simply writing more Lyme Myths.......I thought, why not write Lyme facts? Facts that might make things clearer for someone trying to weed through accurate and inaccurate information on the web. I remember the beginning of my Lyme journey.........no idea what was wrong with me. Scared. Defeated. I'd say more than half of what I read on the web (again.......from sites most anyone would think reputable) did nothing but confuse me further. So please read on.....and learn some truths!
Fact 1: Lyme Disease CAN be acquired ANYWHERE in the USA and across the globe for that matter!
- I can't count the sites that state that Lyme can only be "caught" in New England; or that 90% of all documented cases (documented being the KEY word) are in New England so "if you don't live there, you don't have it." Then you have people like myself, born and raised in Maine, who get Lyme and the doctors here say "It can't be Lyme. That's only in Connecticut. And still.......it's not very common".
If you dive into Lyme research (and I mean way down below the surface) you begin to see the magnitude of Lyme and other co-infections worldwide. The below map is a guideline to the magnitude of this Lyme epidemic ~ notice the countries highlighted are considered (documented) "EPIDEMIC" already. If this were a factual map of where Lyme Disease can be contracted, the entire world would need to be highlighted in green!
Fact 2- You CAN have Lyme Disease WITHOUT a Bull's Eye rash.
Research is beginning to show that as few as 20% of individuals with Lyme Disease ever recall a Bullseye Rash. With this being a core component of diagnosis (a stupid "core" might I add) to most uneducated doctors, this leaves many people suffering! Myself, being one of them for years. Unfortunately, many doctors refuse testing for Lyme Disease unless this rash is present. Advocate for yourself and demand it!!
Bullseye Rash - Lyme Disease - only 20% of the time! Pictures of the Varying Rashes Caused by Tick-borne Illness
http://www.lymeandback.blogspot.com/2012/08/bullseye-rash-only-20-of-time-pictures.html
Fact 3- The tests for Lyme Disease ARE UNRELIABLE.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) claims that the current tests for Lyme Disease have "very good sensitivity". I don't know about you, but for me "very good sensitivity"....what exactly does "VGS" mean? Research supports that a clinical diagnosis of Lyme (or co-infections) should be given based on symptoms due to the inaccuracy of current testing. I wrote about the 4 types of tests generally used for Lyme testing in a previous blog post (please refer to this for more information). I think its safe to say that after 6 weeks of being infected with Lyme spirochetes, the ELISA test is JUNK and is the cause of many false negatives. The Western Blot is a slightly more accurate test, but again does not test for co-infections or the hundreds of Lyme strains, which are increasingly on the rise and barely mentioned to the general public.
Lyme Disease - Testing & Diagnosis - Lesson Learned
http://www.lymeandback.blogspot.com/2010/09/testing-diagnosis-lesson-learned.html
http://www.lymeandback.blogspot.com/2010_09_11_archive.html
http://www.lymeandback.blogspot.com/2013/08/lyme-disease-blanket-term-over-300.html
Fact 4- Lyme is only ONE of a MULTITUDE of Tick-borne Disease.
I've talked about this subject many times before on my blog. When I was diagnosed I had no clue that there were tick-borne illnesses aside from Lyme Disease. Please see my post - "
Lyme Disease, Other Tick-Borne Diseases / Co-Infections - The Facts"
http://www.lymeandback.blogspot.com/2010/09/lyme-disease-other-tick-borne-diseases.html
Fact 5- There ARE ways to be CURED from Chronic Lyme Disease.
Let me start by saying, I'm living proof!.....as are many people I've come to know well through this whole process! My treatment protocol consisted of standard (antibiotic) and naturopathic medicine and I highly recommend that you keep an open mind to all medical options out there - talk with a Lyme Literate Doctor who can steer your treatment in the right direction for YOUR needs!
If you'd like to read more about my treatment protocols, read my post:
Lyme Disease and Co-infections ~ My Treatment Protocol ~ Antibiotics and Dr. Zhangs Modern Chinese Herbal Medicine Lyme Protocol #lymedisease #lymeadvocate #lymeeducation #lymetreatment #drzhanglymeherbalprotocol
As always, advocate advocate advocate!!! Knowledge is power :)
7/24/2014
7/17/2014
Lyme Disease and Co-infections ~ My Treatment Protocol ~ Antibiotics and Dr. Zhangs Modern Chinese Herbal Medicine Lyme Protocol #lymedisease #lymeadvocate #lymeeducation #lymetreatment #drzhanglymeherbalprotocol
One of the first things people ask me once they know I am "recovered" from Lyme Disease is, "What did you do for treatment and how can I get it?!?!" I am always happy to share my experience but feel it's VERY important to state that what helps one person, may not help the next, or they may require a different dose or delivery method (pill vs. IV). I am NOT a medical doctor and NOT giving medical advise. Lyme Disease effects everybody differently and treatment should be under the supervision of a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD). This post is ONLY to share my own personal experience and hopefully aid a few others in gaining knowledge about treatment options they may not have heard of before or may be wondering about the efficacy of. Prior to using Dr. Zhang's protocol, I admit I thought "All this money for hocus pocus herbs??"........but I'm living proof that it worked (FOR ME). If you get anything from this post, I hope it's that being open-minded with treatment is what got me well!! Had I held strong to my prior beliefs (standard medicine only), I can almost guarantee I would still be sick and looking for a "cure".
When I was initially diagnosed, I was positive for Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis. After over two years of being pushed through the healthcare system (and loaded with "labels" ~ MS, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, a brain aneurysm, possible ALS, a hypochondriac - I'm sure that last one was in there too lol)......I finally had a REAL answer! And a LLMD with a real plan! I was immediately started on high doses of Zithromax and Doxycycline and remained on them for about two years. Throughout this time, Dr. Zhang's herbal protocol was used, as well as, vitamin supplements, hormone therapy and heavy metal cleansing.
Dr. Zhang's Herbal Protocol
1) Allicin (Garlic) which is actually Allitridi, a precursor that's converted to the active Allicin in the body. This was added for its antimicrobial and antifungal agents, as well as, its ability to intensify the antibiotics allowing them to cross the blood-brain barrier (I had neurologically-based Lyme symptoms, therefore, this was an ABSOLUTELY essential component of my treatment).
2) AI #3 was added to my protocol to help support my battered immune system and to minimize the herx effect. It's important to know that AI #3 should be stopped immediately if you are sick as it supports the immune system by suppressing it (so it's not battling itself).
3) Artemisiae this is one of the first choices worldwide now for malaria treatment. This was added to my protocol to treat my active Babesia co-infection, which has malaria-like characteristics.
4) Circulation P aids micro-circulation and promotes the healing of inflamed tissue; normalizes liver function (this is really important when you have so many medications being filtered through the liver); and normalizes skin complications common in advanced Lyme Disease.
5) HH this was used to fight against the Lyme spirochetes and also aids with bacteria and fungus (high doses of antibiotics can cause systematic yeast infections which can be life-threatening).
Additional Medications/Treatments
1) Pre- and Probiotics: This is an absolutely ESSENTIAL component to treatment! The antibiotics (particularly at such "gut rotting" doses), kill both the good and bad bacteria in the GI tract. When the "bad" bacteria is able to multiply and take over. This can cause severe diarrhea and in some cases can lead to death.
2) Coconut Oil: Please see my previous post on Coconut oil to read further about this but.......I've now acquired the nickname "Coco" cause I rave about this stuff so much! That should tell you something....lol
3) Cortisol: Hormone testing was done and my Cortisol levels were backwards (they should be high in the morning and low at night) and I was diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency. This hormonal imbalance caused me to be extremely tired during the day and an insomniac at night. Initially, I was placed on pharmaceutical-based cortisol which made my insomnia much worse and also increase my light sensitivity. My LLMD switched me to AdrenaCort which consists of Zinc, Vitamin B's, Vitamin C and Magnesium, which was a much better fit for me :)
4) Magnesium and Calcium Citrate: I also showed deficiencies in both of these, as well as, lead and copper toxicity. I was initially treated for the metal toxicity with the use of chelation. This was NOT done by my LLMD and was disastrous. I was given too high of a dose, causing my kidneys to shut down. My LLMD increased my dose of Magnesium/Calcium in order to help my body detox these heavy metals naturally.
5) Fish Oil/Omega 3: Used in the treatment of Lyme for its potent anti-inflammatory effects. It improves kidney function and is a major fatty acid source for the brain. It also further enhances hormone production of growth hormone, thyroid, insulin, progesterone, and ACTH.
6) Vitamin B Complex: The full range of B vitamins includes B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), and B12 (methylcobalamin). I won't go on to describe all the ways in which our bodies need Vitamin B's (that's easily googled).......just wanted to mention that I, as well as many Lymies, are deficient in these vitamins and they may need to be part of the treatment plan.
I know the information above makes my treatment look somewhat "simple" but I assure you it was a complex teeter totter of ups-and-downs with the need for very close monitoring!! There were points in treatment when I was taking 120+ pills a day! Just the maintenance of that alone required spreadsheets and travel bags! Diet was also an essential component of my treatment ~ I'll post about that topic soon! As always, please comment or email me with any questions! :)
Dr. Zhang's Herbal Protocol
1) Allicin (Garlic) which is actually Allitridi, a precursor that's converted to the active Allicin in the body. This was added for its antimicrobial and antifungal agents, as well as, its ability to intensify the antibiotics allowing them to cross the blood-brain barrier (I had neurologically-based Lyme symptoms, therefore, this was an ABSOLUTELY essential component of my treatment).
2) AI #3 was added to my protocol to help support my battered immune system and to minimize the herx effect. It's important to know that AI #3 should be stopped immediately if you are sick as it supports the immune system by suppressing it (so it's not battling itself).
3) Artemisiae this is one of the first choices worldwide now for malaria treatment. This was added to my protocol to treat my active Babesia co-infection, which has malaria-like characteristics.
4) Circulation P aids micro-circulation and promotes the healing of inflamed tissue; normalizes liver function (this is really important when you have so many medications being filtered through the liver); and normalizes skin complications common in advanced Lyme Disease.
5) HH this was used to fight against the Lyme spirochetes and also aids with bacteria and fungus (high doses of antibiotics can cause systematic yeast infections which can be life-threatening).
Additional Medications/Treatments
1) Pre- and Probiotics: This is an absolutely ESSENTIAL component to treatment! The antibiotics (particularly at such "gut rotting" doses), kill both the good and bad bacteria in the GI tract. When the "bad" bacteria is able to multiply and take over. This can cause severe diarrhea and in some cases can lead to death.
2) Coconut Oil: Please see my previous post on Coconut oil to read further about this but.......I've now acquired the nickname "Coco" cause I rave about this stuff so much! That should tell you something....lol
3) Cortisol: Hormone testing was done and my Cortisol levels were backwards (they should be high in the morning and low at night) and I was diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency. This hormonal imbalance caused me to be extremely tired during the day and an insomniac at night. Initially, I was placed on pharmaceutical-based cortisol which made my insomnia much worse and also increase my light sensitivity. My LLMD switched me to AdrenaCort which consists of Zinc, Vitamin B's, Vitamin C and Magnesium, which was a much better fit for me :)
4) Magnesium and Calcium Citrate: I also showed deficiencies in both of these, as well as, lead and copper toxicity. I was initially treated for the metal toxicity with the use of chelation. This was NOT done by my LLMD and was disastrous. I was given too high of a dose, causing my kidneys to shut down. My LLMD increased my dose of Magnesium/Calcium in order to help my body detox these heavy metals naturally.
5) Fish Oil/Omega 3: Used in the treatment of Lyme for its potent anti-inflammatory effects. It improves kidney function and is a major fatty acid source for the brain. It also further enhances hormone production of growth hormone, thyroid, insulin, progesterone, and ACTH.
6) Vitamin B Complex: The full range of B vitamins includes B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), and B12 (methylcobalamin). I won't go on to describe all the ways in which our bodies need Vitamin B's (that's easily googled).......just wanted to mention that I, as well as many Lymies, are deficient in these vitamins and they may need to be part of the treatment plan.
I know the information above makes my treatment look somewhat "simple" but I assure you it was a complex teeter totter of ups-and-downs with the need for very close monitoring!! There were points in treatment when I was taking 120+ pills a day! Just the maintenance of that alone required spreadsheets and travel bags! Diet was also an essential component of my treatment ~ I'll post about that topic soon! As always, please comment or email me with any questions! :)
8/16/2013
WMTW News Channel 8 Maine 8/16/13 ~ 18 New Cases of Babesiosis "Babesia" (Another Tick-Born Infection) Found In Maine #LymeDisease #Babesiosis
Hi All (particularly my fellow Mainers),
I'm going to keep this short as I only wanted to pass the word on.
WMTW New Channel 8 has reported 18 new cases of Babesiosis "Babesia" recently diagnosed in Maine. This disease is very similar to Lyme Disease and is actually considered a co-infection at this time. This disease can be very serious and in some cases fatal! Babesiosis is a parasite which infects your red blood cells and eventually can attack any organ in the body including the immune system.
Please educate yourself on this disease and know that the likelihood of actually carrying multiple co-infections (strains) is extremely high! Advocate to have all tick-borne co-infections tested if you feel you may have been exposed to Lyme Disease or any tick-borne infection.
Please also bare in mind that research has STRONGLY shown that these diseases are also carried by mosquitoes, mice, squirrels, birds, rats, etc. Most people are exposed every single day and don't even know it!
Stay safe xoxo
I'm going to keep this short as I only wanted to pass the word on.
WMTW New Channel 8 has reported 18 new cases of Babesiosis "Babesia" recently diagnosed in Maine. This disease is very similar to Lyme Disease and is actually considered a co-infection at this time. This disease can be very serious and in some cases fatal! Babesiosis is a parasite which infects your red blood cells and eventually can attack any organ in the body including the immune system.
Please educate yourself on this disease and know that the likelihood of actually carrying multiple co-infections (strains) is extremely high! Advocate to have all tick-borne co-infections tested if you feel you may have been exposed to Lyme Disease or any tick-borne infection.
Please also bare in mind that research has STRONGLY shown that these diseases are also carried by mosquitoes, mice, squirrels, birds, rats, etc. Most people are exposed every single day and don't even know it!
Stay safe xoxo
8/15/2013
Lyme Disease ~ A Blanket Term ~Over 300 Strains Worldwide ~ How Many Do You Know??
When most people hear about "Lyme Disease" they think of it as one entity. How far from the truth this is! Yet another worldwide complication to Lyme diagnosis and treatment is the lack of education and identification of the HUNDREDS of strains/species of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne infections. There are so many areas I could write about regarding this topic. Brace yourself......I'm feeling multiple posts in the near future ;)
We (as in the general Lyme impacted population) know that Lyme Borreliosis is a blanket term for a multitude of strains that can infect us and cause mass destruction. Think of Lyme Borreliosis being used as a blanket term like "cancer" but the actual type of cancer can vary (there are many, many types). Each type of "cancer" can impact a person differently, attacking different organs. This may account for why Lyme suffers have such varying symptoms; "The Great Imitator" mimicking so many other diseases. Some suffering with joint pain, migraines, light-sensitivity, word retrieval, short term memory loss, while others are experiencing disassociation, tinnitus, meningitis/encephalitis. I won't sit here and go on and on about symptoms because there is finally enough out there to learn that with a simple google search. My aim is to talk about the "untalked about/unknown" and get people talking.
When Borrelia Burgdorferi, a bacteria causing Lyme, was "originally" described to the public, it was believed to be the only "species/strain" responsible. In recent years, there are a multitude of "species" and "strains" being identified (but lets be honest, not talked about).
I've searched hundreds of websites......read hundreds of research articles and I was unable to find even one resource which identified more then 13. There is estimated to be 300+. This is my attempt to add all documented strains in one location (please email or comment if you know of others so this list can begin to grow and become a more thorough resource!).
Please bare in mind when reading this that:
- I have only included the countries in which I was able to find documented cases. We all know with global travel that its likely these strains are much more far spread. I mean, Australia has had multiple televised deaths from Lyme Disease and yet the government is only now starting to "accept" that Lyme might be there (All I can say to this type of ignorance is "seriously"!!!).
- If there is a year in parenthesis, I was able to find a date from the source (mainly research articles) when these strains were documented. You will notice that many show 1980 as that was when the government began informing the public of this disease and allowing papers to be published.
-Many of these dates are referenced from "The Catalogue Of Life". The Catalogue of Life Partnership (CoLP) is an informal partnership dedicated to creating an index of the world’s organisms, called the Catalogue of Life (CoL).
http://www.catalogueoflife.org/
Current Documented Lyme Disease Strains:
1) Borrelia Afzelii - also found in Europe and associated with neurological symptoms; associated with rodents (1994).
2)Borrelia Americana - Found in North America
3) Borrelia Andersonii - Found in North America
4) Borrelia Anserina - (1891, 1925, 1980)
5) Borrelia Baltazardii - (1979, 1983, 2000)
6) Borrelia Bavariensis- Found in Europe
7) Borrelia Bissettii - Found in North America, Asia, Europe; Recently found in Czech Republic
8) Borrelia Brasiliensis - (1952, 1980)
9) Borrelia Californiensis - Found in North America
10) Borrelia Carolinensis - Found in North America
11) Borrelia Caucasica - (1945, 1957, 1980)
12) Borrelia Coriaceae - (1987)
13) Borrelia Crociduraw (1917, 1957, 1980)
14) Borrelia Dugesii - (1949, 1957, 1980)
15) Borrelia Duncani
16) Borrelia Duttonii - (1906, 1926, 1980)
17) Borrelia Garini - often found in Europe and associated with neurological symptoms (back and leg pain, meningitis, facial nerve paralysis / Bell's Palsy; it has also been associated with birds and rodents (1992).
18) Borrelia Graingeri - (1953, 1957, 1980)
19) Borrelia Harveyi - (1947, 1948, 1980)
20) Borrelia Hermsii - (1942, 1946, 1980)
21) Borrelia Hispanica - (1926, 1946, 1980)
22) Borrelia Japonica - Found in Japan (1994)
23) Borrelia Kurtenbachii - Found in North America
24) Borrelia Latyschewii - (1941, 1948, 1980)
25) Borrelia Lusitaniae - Found in Europe especially Portugal, North Africa and Asia (1997)
26) Borrelia Mazzottii - (1995)
27) Borrelia Microti - connections to relapsing fever in Iran (2000)
28) Borrelia Miyamotoi - Found in Japan; related to relapsing fever (1995)
29) Borrelia Parkeri - (1942, 1946, 1980)
30) Borrelia Persica - (1913, 1946, 1980)
31) Borrelia Recurrentis - (1847, 1925, 1980)
32) Borrelia Sinica - Found in China (2001)
33) Borrelia Spielmanii - Found in Europe (2006)
34) Borrelia Tanukii - Found in Japan (1997)
35) Borrelia Theileri - (1903, 1925, 1980)
36) Borrelia Tillae (1961, 1980)
37) Borrelia Turcica - (2004)
38) Borrelia Turdae/Turdi - Found in Japan (1997)
39) Borrelia Turicatae - (1933, 1946, 1980)
40) Borrelia Valaisiana - found in Greece and throughout Europe; also identified in Asia (1997)
41) Borrelia Venezuelensis - Found in South America (1921, 1922, 1980)
42) Borrelia Yangtze - Found in Asia
Another, related species, is known as Borrelia Lonestar. This is caused and follows the bite from a Lone Star Tick and symptoms strongly resemble Lyme Disease. Personally, I think it all falls under the same umbrella! There are no diagnostic tests for this infection and no official treatment protocol, although antibiotics have been found beneficial.
Then you also must bare in mind that there are also tick-borne co-infections (please see my earlier post on them). So with the above information in mind, and now being informed that there are known to be over 300 strains of Lyme, how do you feel about the accuracy of testing ~ Western Blot tests for 2 "species/strains"??? Food for thought ;)
Again, thanks for taking the time to read this and educating yourself. Please email or comment with any additions that can be added to this list :)
~ Sheryl
We (as in the general Lyme impacted population) know that Lyme Borreliosis is a blanket term for a multitude of strains that can infect us and cause mass destruction. Think of Lyme Borreliosis being used as a blanket term like "cancer" but the actual type of cancer can vary (there are many, many types). Each type of "cancer" can impact a person differently, attacking different organs. This may account for why Lyme suffers have such varying symptoms; "The Great Imitator" mimicking so many other diseases. Some suffering with joint pain, migraines, light-sensitivity, word retrieval, short term memory loss, while others are experiencing disassociation, tinnitus, meningitis/encephalitis. I won't sit here and go on and on about symptoms because there is finally enough out there to learn that with a simple google search. My aim is to talk about the "untalked about/unknown" and get people talking.
When Borrelia Burgdorferi, a bacteria causing Lyme, was "originally" described to the public, it was believed to be the only "species/strain" responsible. In recent years, there are a multitude of "species" and "strains" being identified (but lets be honest, not talked about).
I've searched hundreds of websites......read hundreds of research articles and I was unable to find even one resource which identified more then 13. There is estimated to be 300+. This is my attempt to add all documented strains in one location (please email or comment if you know of others so this list can begin to grow and become a more thorough resource!).
Please bare in mind when reading this that:
- I have only included the countries in which I was able to find documented cases. We all know with global travel that its likely these strains are much more far spread. I mean, Australia has had multiple televised deaths from Lyme Disease and yet the government is only now starting to "accept" that Lyme might be there (All I can say to this type of ignorance is "seriously"!!!).
- If there is a year in parenthesis, I was able to find a date from the source (mainly research articles) when these strains were documented. You will notice that many show 1980 as that was when the government began informing the public of this disease and allowing papers to be published.
-Many of these dates are referenced from "The Catalogue Of Life". The Catalogue of Life Partnership (CoLP) is an informal partnership dedicated to creating an index of the world’s organisms, called the Catalogue of Life (CoL).
http://www.catalogueoflife.org/
Current Documented Lyme Disease Strains:
1) Borrelia Afzelii - also found in Europe and associated with neurological symptoms; associated with rodents (1994).
2)Borrelia Americana - Found in North America
3) Borrelia Andersonii - Found in North America
4) Borrelia Anserina - (1891, 1925, 1980)
5) Borrelia Baltazardii - (1979, 1983, 2000)
6) Borrelia Bavariensis- Found in Europe
7) Borrelia Bissettii - Found in North America, Asia, Europe; Recently found in Czech Republic
8) Borrelia Brasiliensis - (1952, 1980)
9) Borrelia Californiensis - Found in North America
10) Borrelia Carolinensis - Found in North America
11) Borrelia Caucasica - (1945, 1957, 1980)
12) Borrelia Coriaceae - (1987)
13) Borrelia Crociduraw (1917, 1957, 1980)
14) Borrelia Dugesii - (1949, 1957, 1980)
15) Borrelia Duncani
16) Borrelia Duttonii - (1906, 1926, 1980)
17) Borrelia Garini - often found in Europe and associated with neurological symptoms (back and leg pain, meningitis, facial nerve paralysis / Bell's Palsy; it has also been associated with birds and rodents (1992).
18) Borrelia Graingeri - (1953, 1957, 1980)
19) Borrelia Harveyi - (1947, 1948, 1980)
20) Borrelia Hermsii - (1942, 1946, 1980)
21) Borrelia Hispanica - (1926, 1946, 1980)
22) Borrelia Japonica - Found in Japan (1994)
23) Borrelia Kurtenbachii - Found in North America
24) Borrelia Latyschewii - (1941, 1948, 1980)
25) Borrelia Lusitaniae - Found in Europe especially Portugal, North Africa and Asia (1997)
26) Borrelia Mazzottii - (1995)
27) Borrelia Microti - connections to relapsing fever in Iran (2000)
28) Borrelia Miyamotoi - Found in Japan; related to relapsing fever (1995)
29) Borrelia Parkeri - (1942, 1946, 1980)
30) Borrelia Persica - (1913, 1946, 1980)
31) Borrelia Recurrentis - (1847, 1925, 1980)
32) Borrelia Sinica - Found in China (2001)
33) Borrelia Spielmanii - Found in Europe (2006)
34) Borrelia Tanukii - Found in Japan (1997)
35) Borrelia Theileri - (1903, 1925, 1980)
36) Borrelia Tillae (1961, 1980)
37) Borrelia Turcica - (2004)
38) Borrelia Turdae/Turdi - Found in Japan (1997)
39) Borrelia Turicatae - (1933, 1946, 1980)
40) Borrelia Valaisiana - found in Greece and throughout Europe; also identified in Asia (1997)
41) Borrelia Venezuelensis - Found in South America (1921, 1922, 1980)
42) Borrelia Yangtze - Found in Asia
Another, related species, is known as Borrelia Lonestar. This is caused and follows the bite from a Lone Star Tick and symptoms strongly resemble Lyme Disease. Personally, I think it all falls under the same umbrella! There are no diagnostic tests for this infection and no official treatment protocol, although antibiotics have been found beneficial.
Then you also must bare in mind that there are also tick-borne co-infections (please see my earlier post on them). So with the above information in mind, and now being informed that there are known to be over 300 strains of Lyme, how do you feel about the accuracy of testing ~ Western Blot tests for 2 "species/strains"??? Food for thought ;)
Again, thanks for taking the time to read this and educating yourself. Please email or comment with any additions that can be added to this list :)
~ Sheryl
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