Diseases - IlCat.org

Gene Said:

Questions about lyme disease/deer ticks?

We Answered:

"I yanked it off and it bled and then it came back..." You do realize scabs form from blood, right?

"Close up you can see somewhat remains of it." Thank you for not including pictures.

"can ointment cure a "bulls-eye" rash caused by LIME disease" No, but add some lemon and I bet it'll taste like Sprite.

Floyd Said:

What are the symptoms of lyme disease if bitten by a deer tick?

We Answered:

I believe that Bactiman...’s statement "The symptoms include a bulls-eye rash and flu like symptoms." could be misleading. I think it might be better stated that symptoms MAY include bulls-eye rash and flu-like symptoms. Many infected people don't get the rash and the flu-like symptoms can happen far enough after the bite that someone might not connect the two.

Co-infections, which are VERY common with Lyme Disease, can also alter both the presentation of symptoms and test results.

You can find guidelines for evidence based diagnosis & treatment at http://www.ilads.org . They list a multitude of symptoms that may be attributed to Lyme and other Tick-Borne Diseases.

You can also find them here: http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary…


Most Infectious Disease Specialists have been using the IDSA guidelines. The integrity of those guidelines are in question right now, due to SERIOUS CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, found by CT Atty General Blumenthal during a RICO investigation. http://www.ct.gov/ag/cwp/view.asp?a=2795…

I have read both guidelines. Personally, I would not allow my doctor to use IDSA's to diagnose or treat me....not based on all the evidence that's out there showing that they might very well leave for getting sicker & sicker.

There's a great film out right now that talks about the controversy surrounding Lyme Disease. It's called "Under Our Skin" and can be found at http://www.OpenEyePictures.com

Thinking that you have to have a bulls-eye rash (which could also be someplace you can't see it) or a bout of "the flu" right after the bite could get you into BIG trouble.

Also please note, the testing is highly inaccurate for so many reasons and it should NOT be relied upon for diagnosis. You should find a doctor thoroughly experienced with diagnosing & treating Tick-Borne Diseases, because even the CDC says it should be a "clinical" diagnosis.

My tests did not turn positive until after some of my co-infections were addressed and the Lyme had been treated for a while.

I'm still fighting with my insurance company because of those STUPID IDSA guidelines!

Pam Weintraub's "Cure Unknown" is an excellent book, written by a Scientific Journalist.

There is also a symptom checklist and discussion about the” Medical Controversy Surrounding Lyme Disease” in the book "The Lyme Disease Solution" by Kenneth B. Singleton MD, MPH.

If you suspect that you may have Lyme Disease, I think those two books would be worth the small time investment to read. I would think that you should even be able to check them out at your local library, if you didn't want to buy them.

I hope that you find the answers you need. Unfortunately, it seems many have to be their own diagnosticians & advocates, unless they are fortunate enough to stumble on a doctor who's really done their homework on Tick-Borne Disease.

The bill HR 741, that Frank Pallone keeps putting off a Health Committee hearing for in Congress, would provide funding for much needed research & physician education and establish a Federal Advisory Committee to help get all this controversy resolved.

The bill doesn't even address treatment, it's purpose is to help find answers and make them known. I wonder who has been feeding him misinformation because he obviously, IMO, couldn't have even read the bill: http://www.lymerights.org/Pallone.wmv . , unless there is some OTHER explanation. I can't help but wonder who these "FRIENDS" of his are.

Barbara Said:

out of all the deer ticks in a certain are what is the likely hood of one having lyme disease?

We Answered:

That depends entirely on where you live. There might be some information on your local CDC website pertaining to this.

Douglas Said:

Does every single deer tick carry Lyme Disease?

We Answered:

Hello~
All states in the US have Lyme disease, many have studies showing 6 -7 in 10 ticks carry Lyme and co-infections. Lyme disease is the fastest growing vector-born disease in the US - faster than AIDS, West Nile and all put together. You can have your cat tested from your vet. (It's not that easy for humans though.)
Everyone is at risk for infection but if your cat has ticks you are at even higher risk for infection. It is a very dangerous disease so please educate yourself. Your life could depend on it.

canlyme.com
http://www.ct.gov/ag/cwp/view.asp?a=2795…
ilads.org
http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/do…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxWgS0XLV…
www.underourskin.com

Best wishes~

Jeffrey Said:

where do deer ticks get lyme disease?

We Answered:

Actually, deer ticks acquire the infectious bacteria that causes Lyme disease from mice, squirrels and other small animals. Some animals do not get sick from a disease because they have a natural immunity. They are called "carriers." They just carry it around until it gets spread to someone who doesn't have an immunity to it. Deer ticks can spread Lyme disease to any living creature that it attaches itself to, not just dogs.

Vernon Said:

Can you get Lyme Disease from eating an infected deer?

We Answered:

No.

Deer are a dead-end tick vector. Although lyme-carrying ticks feed on deer, the deer themselves do not become infected.

p.s. If you plan to hunt in a Lyme endemic area, be ABSOULTELY SURE to protect yourself adequately. A great hunting trip is not worth a lifetime of struggling with Lyme or other tick borne diseases.