Lyme Disease

It is better to believe than to disbelieve; in so doing, you bring everything into the realm of possibility - Albert Einstein

"Chronic Lyme Disease is a vastly misunderstood reality in society, and as a result, much of the information needed by those to overcome it is ridiculously hard to find." Source: TiredofLyme.com

"Lyme disease is still mistaken for other ailments, and it continues to pose many other challenges: it can be difficult to diagnose because of the inadequacies of today's laboratory tests; it can be troublesome to treat in its later phases; and its prevention through the development of an effective vaccine is hampered by the elusive nature of the bacterium." Source: Lyme Disease, The Facts, The Challenge, Healthier You.

"One of the biggest problems with Lyme disease is that it can render the victim completely helpless and unable to work or take care of the family. The disease can mimic other diseases in combination such as Lou Gehrig's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, polymyalgia rheumatica, fibromyalgia syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, Alzheimer's and lupus.

It is painful and causes debilitating fatigue and weakness to the point of paralysis at times. It can cause seizures and Bell's palsy, meningitis and encephalitis. It can cause bone pain and joint pain so severe that it can be frightening." Source: Psychosocial Issues of Lyme Disease, Kathy Cavert.

Many organizations are trying to make a difference including The Lyme and Tick-borne Diseases Research Center, the first academic research center in the world to focus multidisciplinary research on chronic Lyme disease.

"In recognition that a growing number of patients experience ongoing or relapsing symptoms after having been treated for Lyme disease, in recognition that diagnostic tests often do not provide definitive information regarding the presence or absence of infection, and in recognition that there are multiple possible mechanisms by which symptoms persist, the mission of this center has a particular focus on identifying better diagnostic assays, better treatments, and a better pathophysiologic understanding of the mechanisms of symptom persistence."