Archive for the ‘Psychological Aspects’ Category

Sun Prairie Woman Warns of Lyme Disease’s Lingering Effects

Woman warns of Lyme disease’s lingering effects

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. – As Wisconsin enters peak tick season, a Sun Prairie woman is sharing her story battling Lyme disease, saying there’s more to it than you might think.

“First of all, I am a plant freak. I love them,” Alicia Cashman said. “I used to be outdoors all the time.”

Now, Cashman brings the outdoors indoors.

“Now I look at the outdoors like you were a soldier in Vietnam and there’s landmines,” she said. “Where’s the landmine? I don’t know.”

Cashman’s landmines are a bit smaller. She’s always on the lookout for ticks after she and her husband began having symptom after unexplained symptom about 12 years ago.

“Red, hot to the touch, I developed a fever. I started seeing flashing lights,” she said. “All of a sudden your life just goes to pot, and you can’t figure out why.”

Her husband developed anxiety and severe insomnia. In both cases, Cashman said it all came back to Lyme disease.

“Lyme is not what you think it is,” she said. “It’s way more complicated and complex.”

“We do know if people aren’t treated early, sometimes they go on to have lifelong symptoms,” said Susan Paskewtiz, a professor and chair of the University of Wisconsin Madison’s entomology department.

Paskewtiz said the initial infection of Lyme disease can change people’s bodies.

“Perhaps you’re forever altered as a result,” she said, adding that it can include heart issues, neurological symptoms and migrating joint pain, all things Cashman experienced. But early treatment can stop that, and that starts with early detection.

According to Paskewtiz, Wisconsin ranks among the top states for diseases transmitted by ticks.

“We have a lot of deer ticks here,” she said. “We have some places here where we’ve collected more ticks than recorded in the country, that’s very focal, a couple locations like that, but we’re high.”

Officials are already warning of ticks this year, and the city of Madison has seen the number of deer ticks rise significantly this month, according to a recent release.

Paskewitz said not everyone gets the characteristic bulls-eye type mark indicating Lyme disease, so flu-like symptoms including muscle aches and a fever can be other signs.

She said while there are usually about 3,000 to 4,000 reports of Lyme disease in the state a year, cases are likely under-reported, and she estimates the real number to be 10 times that.

Paskewtiz said there are two important things Wisconsin residents should know this year. Ticks can be as small as a freckle and found in places you might not expect.

“Usually, we recommend to people lawns are a pretty safe place,” she said, “but we’re finding them in those locations, as well.”

Cashman can still visit her plants outdoors, it just takes a bit more work. She gears up, wearing light-colored, protective clothing, and chemically treats both her clothes and yard.

“I’m doing great, but it’s taken 4 1/2 years of treatment, and I literally went from, ‘I want to die,’ to ‘I have my brain back,’” she said. “Where before, I didn’t think about it, now it never leaves my mind.”

She hopes others will keep the disease in the back of theirs.

“You can’t afford to be lazy,” she said.

Cashman now leads the Madison Area Lyme Support Group, which is presenting a free viewing of the documentary “Under Our Skin” Saturday at the East Madison Police Station May 4. She recommends those diagnosed with the disease check out the nonprofit organization the Wisconsin Lyme Network.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes patients with symptoms after the treatment of Lyme disease as having post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, and the organization writes its cause isn’t known.

The CDC said alternative treatments for Lyme disease have been associated with complications, and its best to use care and consult a physician.

________________

**Comment**

So thankful Dr. Paskewtiz filled in many of the points I wasn’t able to make. Although I shared how all my initial symptoms were gynecological and that I believe Lyme to be a STD as well as spread congenitally, they opted to leave that intel out.  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/02/24/pcos-lyme-my-story/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/06/19/33-years-of-documentation-of-maternal-child-transmission-of-lyme-disease-and-congenital-lyme-borreliosis-a-review/

Unfortunately, the statement that a tick’s gut is a literal garbage can full of pathogens of which Lyme is only one of many, also was omitted.  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/10/30/study-shows-lyme-msids-patients-infected-with-many-pathogens-and-explains-why-we-are-so-sick/

We are slowly pushing this thing up the hill.  Just a few short years ago, nothing would have been said about the “lingering symptoms,” so that’s a huge improvement, but of course there’s much, much more to be done.  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/02/25/medical-stalemate-what-causes-continuing-symptoms-after-lyme-treatment/  BTW: Ahern states it’s 60% that have lingering symptoms – so it’s a significant subset of patients.

Regarding PTLDS: https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/04/05/post-treatment-lyme-disease-syndrome-a-review-of-its-origin-its-consequences-in-the-socio-economic-sphere/  Excerpt: 

It is demonstrated that the chronic symptoms of Lyme disease are a reality, referred to as: Chronic Lyme disease (CLD); or Syndrome- Post-treatment of Lyme disease (PTLDS).

As we said at the beginning, the CDC does not recognize the term Chronic Lyme Disease (CLD) because it is confusing[1].

With respect to this, we conclude that the CDC is wrong because data demonstrated that months or years after adequate treatments with antibiotics, patients can have the same or worse symptoms, which gives truth to the term: chronic Lyme disease (CLD).

I told the reporter that had I followed the advice of the CDC I’d be dead by now. The tiny but overriding statement at the end of the article about “alternative treatments for Lyme disease have been associated with complications,” is a complete “Catch-22,” because anything but essentially 21 days of doxycycline is considered alternative to the CDC and that’s a huge problem.  And by “consulting a physician,” that’s also setting people up for failure as there are only a handful of doctors in the entire state of Wisconsin who are properly trained and treat this monster appropriately. The same can be said of other states as well.

Sigh……well, there’s always next year!

 

 

Category:

Activism, Lyme, Psychological Aspects, Ticks, Treatment

FDA Approves Ketamine Nasal Spray For Depression

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/when-your-adult-child-breaks-your-heart/201903/fda-approves-ketamine-nasal-spray-treat

Joel L. Young M.D.

FDA Approves Ketamine Nasal Spray to Treat Depression

New hope for treatment-resistant depression.

Posted Mar 08, 2019

In the popular imagination, depression may feel unbearable, but it’s often fleeting. All it takes is a quick visit to a therapist or psychiatrist, a magic pill, and a few therapy sessions. The majority of depression patients, however, report significant side effects. These side effects are often severe enough to cause a person to stop taking the drug. For about a quarter of depression patients, symptoms don’t improve at all. That leaves millions of Americans without adequate treatment for their depression.

For years, anecdotal data and preliminary research have suggested that ketamine might act as a rapid depression cure. Thanks to more advanced recent clinical trials, we now know this to be the case. And now, ketamine could soon enter the market, helping millions of people who have either treatment-resistant depression or who cannot tolerate the side effects of traditional SSRIs.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week approved a new treatment developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Esketamine will be marketed under the brand name Spravato as a nasal spray. This ketamine-based treatment has shown significant benefits in clinical trials, though researchers still do not understand how it works.

Ketamine for Depression: What the Research Says

Ketamine is an anesthetic often used in veterinary practice. It has also been abused as a club drug. When the drug is used appropriately and under close observation in a psychiatric setting, it can alleviate depression. Clinical trials on the new version of the drug, a nasal spray, point to similar results.

The new drug, esketamine, is a close chemical cousin of ketamine. Available as a nasal spray, the FDA has approved it for use in a doctor’s office. A patient takes the dose at a clinic, where they are then monitored for two hours. Depending on the severity of the depression, patients then receive doses once or twice weekly.

The Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine was one of the sites in the national trial, which found that Spravato lowered depression scores on a depression inventory by an average of 21 points, compared to 17 points for a placebo. Another found that just a quarter of Spravato users relapsed, compared to 45 percent of people who received a placebo.

Preliminary research suggests that ketamine may be especially effective at eliminating suicidal thoughts and feelings, which are the most dangerous component of depression.

How Does Ketamine Work?

Esketamine is a glutamate receptor modulator, thought to help restore deficits in the brain cells of people affected by major depression. The precise mechanisms through which this drug works will be the subject of further research.

One of the most common side effects of ketamine use is hallucinations. Some doctors believe these hallucinations may actually play a key role in the drug’s efficacy. Some users report out of body experiences, or profound spiritual realizations that change their perspectives on life. It could be that these experiences alter a person’s way of thinking, or even act as a sort of brain reset.

It’s also unclear whether any of the branded forms of ketamine are more effective than the original anesthetic. Early research primarily used the anesthetic, but newer studies use branded forms, including the recently approved nasal spray. Both versions appear to work.

Ketamine’s manufacturers say its cost will be consistent with that of other mental health specialty drugs—probably between $500 to $800 per dose, which is a figure that does not take into account pre-negotiated insurance discounts or patient copays. It’s not yet clear how much a typical patient can expect to pay. When compared to the typical costs of life with depression—lost productivity, potentially years of therapy or failed antidepressants—a few hundred dollars could actually be a bargain.

Do We Really Need Another Antidepressant?

To those not well-versed in the world of psychiatric care, it might seem like antidepressants are overused, too readily available, and the cause of far too many unpleasant side effects. The data suggest otherwise. While antidepressants can and do save lives, many patients with depression don’t get better. Others have to try multiple drugs or drug cocktails before they get relief.

The U.S. is experiencing a suicide epidemic. Suicide claimed 45,000 lives in 2016 alone. In more than half of U.S. states, suicide has increased by 30 percent or more over the last two decades. Many people with depression don’t seek help because they don’t believe it is available. Others turn to the mental health system only to be let down, further propelling them into despair.

Spravato offers real hope to suffering people. What’s more, future treatments may be on the horizon. Preliminary data suggests that ketamine may also offer rapid relief of PTSD symptoms. As research continues, we may get closer not only to unraveling depression, but also better understanding the roots of psychological suffering.

References

Cartwright, C., Gibson, K., Read, J., Cowan, O., & Dehar, T. (2016). Long-term antidepressant use: Patient perspectives of benefits and adverse effects. Patient Preference and Adherence, 10, 1401-1407. doi:10.2147/ppa.s110632

Greenfieldboyce, N. (2018, June 07). CDC: U.S. suicide rates have climbed dramatically. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/06/07/617897261/cdc-u-s-suicide-rates-have-climbed-dramatically

Ketamine as a rapid treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00749203

_________________

**Comment**

Ketamine is used for starting and maintaining anesthesia and induces a trance-like state while providing pain relief, sedation, and memory loss. It can cause confusion and hallucinations as it wears off.  Discovered in 1962 it was used in the Vietnam War due to its safety and is on the WHO’s list of essential medicines.  It’s also used as a recreational drug in raves and as a club drug.  Due to this, it’s a schedule III substance in the U.S.

That said, it’s been shown to limit borrelia (Lyme) in vitro:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/03/10/ketamine-limits-bb-in-vitro/

It’s also been shown to relieve chronic pain, improve quality of life, reduce depression and suicidal ideation, and reduce opioid consumption:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/09/14/iv-ketamine-in-ptls/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/04/18/ketamine-reduces-depression-related-behaviors-in-mice-limits-bb-in-vivo-relieves-chronic-pain/

 

Category:

Activism, Psychological Aspects, research, Treatment

Human Bartonellosis: An Underappreciated Public Health Problem?

https://www.mdpi.com/2414-6366/4/2/69

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2019, 4(2), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed4020069

Human Bartonellosis: An Underappreciated Public Health Problem?

Mercedes A. Cheslock and Monica E. Embers *
Published: 19 April 2019
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advancements on Arthropod-Borne Infectious Diseases)

Abstract

Bartonella spp. bacteria can be found around the globe and are the causative agents of multiple human diseases. The most well-known infection is called cat-scratch disease, which causes mild lymphadenopathy and fever. As our knowledge of these bacteria grows, new presentations of the disease have been recognized, with serious manifestations. Not only has more severe disease been associated with these bacteria but also Bartonella species have been discovered in a wide range of mammals, and the pathogens’ DNA can be found in multiple vectors. This review will focus on some common mammalian reservoirs as well as the suspected vectors in relation to the disease transmission and prevalence. Understanding the complex interactions between these bacteria, their vectors, and their reservoirs, as well as the breadth of infection by Bartonella around the world will help to assess the impact of Bartonellosis on public health. View Full-Text

tropicalmed-04-00069-g001
Figure 1  The Clinical Manifestations of Bartonellosis
Excerpt from full-text
Known diseases caused by Bartonella infections include:
  • Carrion’s disease
  • cat-scratch disease
  • chronic lymphadenopathy
  • trench fever
  • chronic bacteraemia
  • culture-negative endocarditis
  • bacilliary angiomatosis
  • bacilliary peliosis
  • vasculitis
  • uveitis [1,2,4,6,7,9,10,11].
Recently, Bartonella infections have been linked to more diverse manifestations such as:
  • hallucinations
  • weight loss
  • muscle fatigue
  • partial paralysis
  • pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS)
  • other neurological manifestations [6,8,10].

A few case studies have also documented Bartonella in tumors, particularly vasoproliferative and those of mammary tissue [12,13,14]. The potential involvement of this pathogen in breast tumorigenesis is both disconcerting and warrants significantly more research.

Bartonella spp. are zoonotic pathogens transmitted from mammals to humans through a variety of insect vectors including the sand fly, cat fleas, and human body louse [4,5]. New evidence suggests that ticks, red ants, and spiders can also transmit Bartonella [15,16,17,18]. Bed bugs have been implicated in the transmission cycle of B. quintana and have been artificially infected [19]. B. quintana was found in bed bug feces for up to 18 days postinfection [19]. The diversity of newly discovered Bartonella species, the large number and ecologically diverse animal reservoir hosts, and the large spectrum of arthropod vectors that can transmit these bacteria among animals and humans are major causes for public health concern.

Regarding ticks….

3.2. Arachnids (Spiders and Ticks)

Over the last 10 years, the topic of ticks transmitting Bartonella species has been widely debated. Evidence exists to support the transmission of Bartonella through many different species of ticks.

Ixodid ticks, also known as hard ticks, appear to be the main type of tick associated with these bacteria. Tick cell lines have been used to show that Bartonella can replicate and survive within:

  • Amblyoma americanum (Lone Star Tick)
  • Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Brown Dog Tick)
  • Ixodes scapularis cells [77] (Deer Tick)

In California, questing ticks of

  • Ixodes pacificus (Western Black legged Tick)
  • Dermacentor occidentalis (Pacific Coast Tick)
  • Dermacentor variabilis (American Dog Tick)

were collected when in the adult and nymphal stages and tested for Bartonella by PCR for the citrate synthase gene. [78]. All types of ticks were found to contain Bartonella DNA, although in varying percentages and locations. These data alone do not prove that ticks can transmit Bartonella spp. Bacteria; however, the results do show Bartonella DNA occurring naturally in these wild ticks.

In Palestine,

  • Hyalomma spp. (Genus of hard-bodied tick) found in Asia, Europe, & North and South Africa.
  • Haemphysalis spp. (The Asian Long-horned tick is an example)
  • Rhipicephalusspp. (Hard-bodied tick native to tropical Africa)

ticks were collected from domestic animals and tested by PCR for the Bartonella intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) region [38]. These ticks were infected with 4 strains of Bartonella: B. rochalimae, B. chomelii, B. bovis, and B. koehlerae [38]. While this study tested a collection of ticks found on domestic animals, the results suggest that individuals in close contact with these animals should be aware of the potential for transmission through tick bites.

In a sampling of ticks (Ixodes scapularis and Dermacentor variabilis) and rodents (Peromyscus leucopus) from southern Indiana, the midgut contents of the tick species and rodent blood were analyzed by 16S sequencing. Bartonella was present in a moderate percentage (26% in D. variabilis and 13.3% in I. scapularis) of larvae and nymphs of both tick species, even those scored as unengorged, but was present in the majority (97.8%) of the rodents tested [79].
A survey of ticks from 16 states in the U.S. revealed that the overall prevalence of Bartonella henselae in Ixodes ticks was 2.5% [80].
Interestingly, the highest rate of both Borrelia spp. (63.2%) and B. henselae (10.3%) was found in Ixodes affinis ticks collected from North Carolina.
Ixodes ricinus has been the focus of studies that support tick transmission of Bartonella spp. in Europe. This is because I. ricinus is an important vector for tick-borne diseases in Europe [81]. I. ricinus have been collected in the larval, nymphal, and adult stages in Austria [82]. The analyses revealed that 2.1% of all ticks were infected with Bartonella spp., with the highest rate in ticks derived from Vienna (with a 7.5% infection rate), and that adult ticks had a higher prevalence than other stages [82].
B. henselae, B. doshiae, and B. grahamii DNA were amplified, and this was the first study to find Bartonella-infected ticks in Austria [82].
A recent One Health perspective review on Bartonella indicated that the overall presence of Bartonella in ticks (combining evidence from multiple surveillance studies) was approx. 15% [83].
B. henselae DNA has also been isolated from I. ricinus removed from an infected cat. However, whether the cat gave the tick Bartonella or vice versa cannot be established, so the vector competence of these ticks for transmission cannot be determined [30].
A lab in France has studied the relationship between I. ricinus and Bartonella transmission. One study focused on the ability of ticks to maintain infection from one life stage to the next and tested a vertical transmission from adults to eggs. The authors used B. henselae and found that a transstadial transmission was possible and that a transovarial transmission was not likely [84]. The researchers also supplied evidence to support the vector competency of I. ricinus by amplifying B. henselae DNA from the salivary glands of infected ticks and by amplifying DNA from blood 72 h after infected ticks fed through an artificial system [84]. Although the evidence strongly suggests the ability of ticks to transmit these bacteria, the system employed artificial means for feeding; therefore, one major critique has been that it is not representative of a natural blood meal from a host.
To address this issue, another experiment was performed to the assess vector competency of I. ricinus to transmit Bartonella birtlesii [85]. Mice were infected with B. birtlesii through an intravenous injection via a tail vein, and once mice were infected, naïve ticks were fed on the mice and kept for 3 months to molt. Nymphal ticks were shown to transmit B. birtlesii to naïve mice, and adult ticks were shown to infect blood through a feeder method [85]. B. birtlesii was identified in the blood of the recipient mice through PCR and immunofluorescence [85]. This evidence strongly supports the transmission of these bacteria by ticks. However, the limitation is that this only supports I. ricinus’ ability to transmit a very specific strain of Bartonella, B. birtlesii, which is not linked to human disease.
Concerns such as these related to vector competence and transmission can only be quelled by repeated studies utilizing multiple strains of Bartonella and differing tick species.
An interesting case study provided evidence of spiders transmitting Bartonella. A mother and two sons suffered from neurological symptoms following bites suspected from woodlouse hunter spiders [18]. Bartonella henselae DNA was amplified from the blood of the family as well as from a woodlouse and a woodlouse hunter spider near the family’s home [18]. It cannot be determined if the family contracted the bacteria from the woodlouse or the woodlouse hunter spider or if the lice and spiders contracted the bacteria from the family. This case study points to the importance for diagnosticians to test for bacterial infections after suspected arachnid bites. It also emphasizes the lack of knowledge on the possible vectors that transmit Bartonella as well as the range of manifestations by infection with Bartonella.

___________________

**Comment**

I think we can safely state that Bartonella IS an under appreciated health problem.

 

 

Category:

Bartonella, Eye Issues, Heart Issues, Psychological Aspects, research, Ticks

Help for Tic Disorders, OCD, Tourett’s, PANS & PANDAS

https://xn123.infusionsoft.app/app/page/maria-rickert-hong-webinar?

webinar signup

Victoria Barrios hosts the Thriving with a Tic Disorder online summit, which explores the root causes of tic disorders.

In this webinar, she’ll discuss highlights from what she’s learned from experts in her summit such as:

•William Walsh MD of the Walsh Research Institute

•Robert Melilo DC, developer of the Brain Balance program

•Jane Hersey of the Feingold Association

•Anke Zimmerman, homeopath

•Mark Blaxill, author of “The Age of Autism”

 

We’ll talk about things such as:

•Triggers of tics such as food additives and medication

•Nutritional deficiencies/imbalances

•Oxidative stress

•Neurotransmitter deficiencies/imbalances

•The role of stress and anxiety

•Homeopathy

•Drug-free approaches

 

Join us to ask your own questions!

RSVP at link above.

As a child, Victoria Barrios was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, a neurological disorder that involves uncontrollable, repetitive movements or tics.

After cutting out any and all added and artificial sugars and preservatives, her symptoms were no longer controlling her and she was able to function in society again.

Her world later shifted when she discovered that within two weeks of eliminating any and all dairy products she had not ONE sign of acne. 

She finally understood how food could either be our nourishment or our destruction.

She is now a health coach who is the host of the Thriving with a Tic Disorder online summit.

**Be sure to sign up, even if you can’t attend in person so you can get the replay when it comes out the next day.** 

___________________
**Comment**
According to a prominent WI LLMD, 80% of his Autistic and PANS patients have Lyme/MSIDS.

Category:

Activism, Psychological Aspects

When Lyme Disease & Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Overlap

https://www.lymedisease.org/lyme-ehlers-danlos/

When Lyme disease and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome overlap

ella steinbeck, ehlers-danlos and Lyme disease

by Ella Steinbeck

I have been absent. Not just absent from my regular activities or a couple of dinner parties but I have been absent from life.

I have something called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. It’s painful and horrible and since it affects collagen there is no part of my body that is off limits. If you have time to Google it, I suggest it.

It’s all very medical and interesting if you’re into that kind of thing. Very Dr. House-y. You’ll learn about connective tissue, mast cell activation disorder and POTS or dysautonomia. That will all sum up EDS in a very confusing package with a not-so-pretty bow.

I have written about it in the past in a column titled “Dealing with Ehlers-Danlos…or why hyper-mobility isn’t a cool cell phone plan and doing the splits is bad” in The Rockland County Times.

Lyme disease enters the picture

Two weeks ago, I found out that I have Lyme disease. Late Lyme. Chronic Lyme. This means it’s gone untreated and has settled into my body for many years. Another illness. How can this be?

I’m not exactly sure when I contracted Lyme or if I had multiple exposures. But I can safely say I either got it when I was 29 years old or when I was 6. I wish I was kidding. How is this possible?

Where should I start? This story is not exactly what I would call “linear.” Bear with me. I was (and am) having a ton of cognitive issues, depression, anxiety, and physical pain.

My memory had been getting progressively worse. I was having a hard time with word retrieval and getting appointments right. Brain fog is part of Ehlers-Danlos because we often times have autonomic dysfunction. (Depression, anxiety, and autonomic dysfunction are part of Lyme as well, but I didn’t know that yet.)

I’d look at the computer and not be able to recall names of who I needed to email. I would start with A’s and scroll through all of them, then the B’s and so on until I’d see something that jogged my memory.

Or, I’d put in a word and hope some old emails would pop up that connected to the person and email address that I was hoping to recall. I had a general feeling of confusion, like I was doing something wrong all the time.

Disorientation

It was very disorienting and hard to tell people about. I couldn’t think of the words to tell them even if I really wanted to. Every time I told a story, it was filled with “never mind “or “uhh, shoot, I can’t remember.”

I would fill in sentences with acceptable words but not the words I wanted to use. It was affecting me socially. I’d opt to keep my mouth shut and do a lot of smiling and nodding. I tried to limit my speech to simple interactions.

Why was I getting worse? Could it be Alzheimer’s? It’s possible. I was in a severe car accident when I was 22 years old. I had multiple serious injuries and a traumatic brain injury. I also had several other concussions in the past.

I knew I should probably have this looked into. I tried to get into a brain study for TBI and Alzheimer’s, but was not accepted. I couldn’t take it anymore. I felt like I was going crazy. I had to do something.

I decided to make an appointment at the Psychoneuroplasticity Center outside of Dallas TX in November of 2018. Why there? They take into account the whole person. They look at nutrition, do brain mapping, investigate the adrenal system and assess hormones. I felt this was my best shot at understanding whatever was going on inside my brain and body.

Lo and behold, I found out I qualified for Mensa and didn’t have Alzheimer’s disease. Yay!

Brain inflammation

I do have brain inflammation and some malabsorption issues. I have a bit of a learning disability or ophthalmological disturbance called convergence insufficiency. It’s addressed with behavioral optometry and can be rehabbed. I’ve been pretty successful with that actually. As an aside, I’m not sure you should qualify for Mensa if you didn’t even know your IQ was being tested.

My brain also has enough Delta waves. This is why marijuana doesn’t work for me and makes me depressed and paranoid. I’ve never smoked pot successfully. When I say “never,” I mean never. I can’t use medical marijuana and it won’t work even if you have “really-good-stuff-man.”

Right before I got my diagnostics back from the PNP Center, a doctor I saw for a pain treatment had a hunch. He said his wife (who was also a doctor) had Lyme.

Something about my story made him think I had Lyme. I immediately went for a test, assuming he was wrong. I mean, I was “classic EDS.” Ask anyone or anyone who knows about EDS–cognitive issues, joint pain, POTS and mast cell issues are all present in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Turns out they also show up in Lyme. My weird allergies, interstitial cystitis, and migraines can all be EDS…or Lyme.

Five CDC-positive bands

My Western Blot test showed five CDC-positive bands. So, Ehlers-Danlos may not be the reason for all of my orthostatic and mast cell problems. It may not even be the reason for all of my pain.

Does this mean that if I had been treated for Lyme 13 years ago, I might have lived a normal life? Maybe. I have been in pain since I was a kid. I managed it somewhat successfully until 13 years ago.

Was it Ehlers-Danlos and residual pain from that car accident causing some of my problems while the pain from Lyme is responsible for stopping my life? I’m hoping to find the answers.

I started Lyme disease treatment two weeks ago. The first step is three months of doxycycline. I’ll keep you posted. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do that in a more linear and conclusive fashion.

I try to keep a positive upbeat façade about everything. Nobody likes a Debbie Downer. I hate looking like I need sympathy. But I’d love some empathy. I guess that’s why I wrote this. You never know what a person is going through by looking at them.

Less take, more give

This world could use some compassion and empathy. A little less take and a lot more give. Be kind and ask questions.

If you see a person get on a full bus and ask, “Would anyone mind giving me a seat? I know I look fine but I am sick,” offer them your seat. I once asked that on three different buses. Not one person gave me their seat.

It’s hard when you don’t look sick. I have had people shove me on purpose when I am using a cane for the muscle treatments that I get. I had two different bus drivers close their doors on the cane as I was using it to get onto the bus.

I am tall, thin, somewhat put together (depending on the day) and “able” looking, but I am not able. I need help. I am fighting every day I get out of bed.

Some days are filled with aggressive rest. When I do venture out, every step seems like a miracle. Carrying a bag means I may have spasms and pain later that will need treatment or medication.

So, what’s it like to have an invisible disability? It’s really hard. What is it like to have two invisible illnesses? Really, really hard. Could it be worse? Absolutely. I know that.

Ella Steinbeck writes a column for New York’s Rockland County Times, where this article was first published. You can follow her on Instagram @lifewithlymeandehlersdanlos.

_____________________

**Comment**

Lyme/MSIDS can look like 1,000 different diseases, and many are being misdiagnosed with a plethora of things that could be fixed with simple antimicrobials. The stories are endless:

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/03/24/cat-scratch-disease-caused-teens-schizophrenia-like-symptoms-report-says/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/01/23/never-had-a-single-ms-als-or-parkinsons-patient-in-past-5-years-who-didnt-test-positive-for-lyme-dr-klinghardt/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/03/07/blast-from-the-past-10-year-old-video-shows-state-of-lyme-hasnt-changed-misdiagnosed-with-ms-told-it-cant-be-lyme/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/04/07/missing-links-connect-the-dots-between-lyme-mental-health/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/10/03/lyme-patient-misdiagnosed-with-anxiety-depression/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/03/26/lyme-its-known-involvement-in-mental-health/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/03/09/researchers-identify-herpes-1-chlamydia-pneumoniae-several-types-of-spirochaete-as-major-causes-of-alzheimers/

I literally could go onto infinity…..

 

 

 

Category:

Activism, Inflammation, Lyme, Psychological Aspects