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Many individuals explain away their symptoms of Lyme disease, thinking their problems are from stress, chronic fatigue, anemia, or anxiety. Lyme disease can mimic many other conditions. They may have been told initially that they suffer from something else like multiple sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue or maybe from depression.
Yet, Lyme disease is the most common serious tick borne infection in the area that strikes our youth and adults. Symptoms can lead to severe fatigue, dizziness, sleep disturbances, headaches, chest and joint pain, nausea, diarrhea, and tingling arms and legs. The symptoms can even lead to psychiatric and neurologic problems including irritability, poor memory and concentration, anxiety, and crying.
Increasing numbers of Westchester residents are reporting success when their doctor prolongs their antibiotic treatment. Advocates say prolonged and repeated antibiotics alleviate many of the chronic Lyme disease condition. Accurate and timely information on Lyme disease is key to being able to quickly assess and respond to a Lyme disease patient, according to medical experts of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS).
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I have witnessed the ravages of Lyme on countless occasions. I see patients who have been sick with Lyme disease for more than two years without a positive test. I also have patients who have been sick for more than six months because they were not aware that fatigue, poor memory, irritability and poor sleep could be symptoms of neurologic Lyme disease.I have treated teenagers who were too sick to attend school leaving them with home tutoring as the only way to complete their education.
Noone should take an attitude of “ticks don’t like me, I would know if I have Lyme disease, I am just stressed.” Often, your friends and family recognize you have Lyme disease before you. Make it clear to your doctor all of your symptoms. Be aware that you may have Lyme disease even if you have never had a tick bite, rash, or positive Lyme disease test. You may have Lyme disease even if your doctor initially feels you have another condition like lupus, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue.
The publication of guidelines is an incredible breakthrough for Lyme disease patient seeking timely and effective treatment. Doctors now have the evidence and guidelines to diagnose Lyme disease in a timely manner.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
Practices in Mt. Kisco, New York
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