While we are enjoying walks through the woods and fields on beautiful spring days, we need to remember to prevent Lyme, anaplasmosis and babesiosis by checking for the very small deer ticks when you get home.
Ticks know no borders and respect no boundaries. The patient's county or residence does not accurately reflect his or her Lyme disease risk, because people travel, pets travel and ticks travel.
Lyme disease is a systemic infection that can affect almost any part of the body.
While a bullseye rash is a definite indicator of the disease, many patients don't develop a rash at the site of the tick bite or recall being bitten.
Misdiagnosis is common because the disease has symptoms similar to Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, ALS and Alzheimers.
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Co-infections exist along with Lyme disease.
Babesiosis is a parasitic malaria-like illness caused by a protozoan that lives in red blood cells. As with Lyme, ticks transmit babesiosis. Treatment with antimicrobial drugs is recommended.
Anaplasmosis co-infection with Lyme can result in more severe symptoms, such as
seizures, ataxia, and confusion. Treatment with doxycycline is recommended.
Health care reform relies on an educated citizenry, responsible for their own health.
"Under Our Skin" is an essential contribution to the national debate on health care reform. It exposes a complex story of politics and conflict of interest among researchers, insurance and pharmaceutical companies.
The documentary "Under Our Skin" is loaded with information for patient and professionals alike. DVDs are usually available if you ask at your local library.
Prevention is wise as we continue to enjoy nature.
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Bob Uppgaard
Pequot Lakes
