Lyme Disease Blog
Lyme disease controversy – how was your diagnosis?
Tell us your story!
Since 2001, the number of people being diagnosed with Lyme disease has doubled! Caused by ticks the condition has created a controversy over diagnosis. According to the July 2007 Wikipedia the current controversy is based on two separate views of the diagnostic process:-
While there is no doubt that Lyme disease exists, and most clinicians agree on the treatment of early Lyme disease, there is considerable controversy as to the prevalence and historical emergence of the disease, the proper procedure for diagnosis and treatment of later stages, and the likelihood of a chronic, antibiotic-resistant Lyme infection.
On one side there are those who believe that Lyme disease is relatively rare, easily diagnosed with available blood tests, and easily treated with two to four weeks of antibiotics. On the other side are those who believe that Lyme disease is under-diagnosed, that available blood tests are unreliable, and that extended antibiotic treatment is often necessary.
The majority of public health agencies such as the U.S. Centres for Disease Control maintain the former position. Whilst, this narrower position is sometimes described as the “mainstream” view of Lyme disease, published studies involving non-randomized surveys of physicians in endemic areas found physicians evenly split in their views, with the majority recognizing seronegative Lyme disease, and roughly half prescribing extended courses of antibiotics for chronic Lyme disease.
Both groups making up the dichotomy of the Lyme disease controversy have compelling empirical evidence to support their points of view and logical arguments. More research into Lyme and its infecting agent, Borrelia burgdorferi, is needed to elucidate the true nature of Lyme disease before definitive treatment guidelines are to be written.
The last sentence really sums up the purpose of this blog. If these guidelines are going to be written what would you, as a patient or carer, like to have included.
Feel very free to tell us your story. In particular we are interested in the following questions:-
• How long from your first symptoms showing did it take you to get properly diagnosed?
• What were those symptoms? How satisfied were you with the healthcare professionals who dealt with your case?
• Do you believe that Lyme disease is relatively rare or more common that many healthcare professionals believe?
• Finally what advice would you like to give to other people with Lyme disease?
Thanks very much in advance for your help. Please feel free to check back on the blog to see what others have said and perhaps contribute further thoughts.
I look forward to reading your comments and, of course, thank you very much for your input.
Best wishes
Belinda
