Article on Lyme disease risk in NC

[Tori Groat]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/breaking/story/980581.html

[Tori Groat]

More information on Lyme disease and ticks:

Video on lyme transmission

http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/healthteam/video/3105623/
Prevention:
http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/Prevention.html

http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/Brochures.html

Tick Identification:
http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/TickCard.pdf

Documentary; "Under Our Skin" Open Eye Pictures
A dramatic tale of microbes, medicine and money, this eye-opening film investigates the untold story of Lyme disease, an emerging epidemic larger than AIDS.

http://www.openeyepictures.com/underourskin/index.htm


http://www.underourskin.com/watch.html

[Pat]

Tori, do you know of Dr. Jemsek? http://www.jemsekspecialty.com/drjemsek.php

I don't agree with the medical paradigm. However, he is the medical "expert" for Lyme in this region.


Pat

[Tori Groat]

Oh, yes.. I'm quite aware of Dr. Jemsek. He is a brilliant Dr. (and the 1st to take on AIDS patients before the whole cover up was exposed). I disagree w/ his protocol for treating Lyme as well but he has helped a lot of patients who were chronicly ill w/ long term antibiotic therapy. I know of a lot of people who have been saved by his treatments but the problem is that this route does not work for everyone. Some people are damaged by the aggressive antibiotic therapy and never "fully" recover. I still think that he's brilliant for his work and his bravery to 1st treat AIDS patients and then Lymies but what do you expect w/a allopathic Dr?!! They always want to use the big guns! He's not taking on many patients right now because his wife was diagnosed w/ breast cancer and the in the SAME WEEK his daughter was diagnosed w/ brain cancer!! :(

There are many other natural/alt. treatments (i.e. Diet therapy, NAET, Zhangs, acupuncture etc). A friend of mine has a daughter here in NC that has late stage Lyme that was mis-diagnosed for many years. She was REALLY bad (I mean heart attack, seizures, neuro problems and food allergies to EVERYTHING). She has been helped by many of these treatments. She travels to Maryland to see a lyme specialist and also sees Dr. Neal Speight here in NC along w/ many of her holistic Dr.s. The problem is when your not diagnosed in time it can become a VERY severe disease and it often can become a "great imitator" meaning that most patients are diagnosed with Fibro, RA, Parkinsons, MD etc. before they find out they have underlying case of Lyme. : /

[Pat]

I worked with Dr. Jemsek for years in ICU. I have a great deal of respect for him and his abilities. However, I don't believe his interventions are necessary for the majority of people. Once a patient succumbs to many rounds of antibiotics, their microbial balance may be permanently destroyed. He can help to save these people, although they have suffered so much in the process.

I agree there are a myriad of holistic alternatives. I'm sorry to hear about his family. I do believe there are many more beneficial alternative therapies for cancers than chemotherapy ones. I hope he will research those!


Pat

[Tori Groat]

Pat, I didn't know that you worked with him-- how cool! I'm with you that for most people his medical interventions are unnecessary but for a LOT of lyme patients it is the only choice!! When your so ill that your you have a picc line in and are seizing regularly you don't have the time or money to try several natural treatments and dietary interventions that take LOTS of time and money to do. The sad fact is that some people have to choose their microbial balance being permanently destroyed or suffer permanent paralysis, brain damage or even death!! We need better choices for chronic Lyme patients-- but the IDSA is not concerned about people getting proper diagnosis and treatment it's evident that they're more concerned with money sadly. : /