RustyJ
Contaminated Cell Line 'RustyJ'
- Messages
- 1,200
- Location
- Mackay, Aust
I live in Brisbane. Is anyone being successfully treated by a doctor for Lyme in Brisbane or Australia in general?
dr deed at cooparoo could be of some help, he sort of specialises in cfs.cheers!!!
Ive heard that lyme isnt in Australia so not something we have to worry about. (let me know if that was wrong).
On the other hand, some of us have lived overseas in far flung places such as New London, CT.![]()
This article appeared in the SMH earlier this week. It seems that some people do think Lyme is in Australia. It also references a GP who says he is treating several Lyme cases.
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/court-grants-lyme-disease-autopsy-20100719-10hyx.html
Stage 1: Early localized infection
Common bullseye rash pattern associated with Lyme disease
Characteristic "bulls-eye" rash caused by Lyme diseaseThe classic sign of early local infection with Lyme disease is a circular, outwardly expanding rash called erythema chronicum migrans (also erythema migrans or EM), which occurs at the site of the tick bite three to thirty days after the tick bite.[20][21] The rash is red, and may be warm, but is generally painless. Classically, the innermost portion remains dark red and becomes indurated; the outer edge remains red; and the portion in between clears, giving the appearance of a bullseye. However, partial clearing is uncommon, and the bullseye pattern more often involves central redness.[22]
Erythema migrans is thought to occur in about 80% of infected patients.[21] Patients can also experience flu-like symptoms such as headache, muscle soreness, fever, and malaise.[23] Lyme disease can progress to later stages even in patients who do not develop a rash.[24]
[edit] Stage 2: Early disseminated infection
Within days to weeks after the onset of local infection, the borrelia bacteria may begin to spread through the bloodstream. Erythema chronicum migrans may develop at sites across the body that bear no relation to the original tick bite.[25] Another skin condition, which is apparently absent in North American patients but occurs in Europe, is borrelial lymphocytoma, a purplish lump that develops on the ear lobe, nipple, or scrotum.[26] Other discrete symptoms include migrating pain in muscles, joint, and tendons, and heart palpitations and dizziness caused by changes in heartbeat.
Acute neurological problems, which appear in 15% of untreated patients, encompass a spectrum of disorders.[23] These include facial palsy, which is the loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of the face, as well as meningitis, which involves severe headaches, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light. Radiculoneuritis causes shooting pains that may interfere with sleep as well as abnormal skin sensations. Mild encephalitis may lead to memory loss, sleep disturbances, or mood changes. In addition, some case reports have described altered mental status as the only symptom seen in a few cases of early neuroborreliosis.[27]
[edit] Stage 3: Late persistent infection
After several months, untreated or inadequately treated patients may go on to develop severe and chronic symptoms that affect many parts of the body, including the brain, nerves, eyes, joints and heart. Myriad disabling symptoms can occur, including permanent paraplegia in the most extreme cases.[28]
Chronic neurologic symptoms occur in up to 5% of untreated patients.[23] A polyneuropathy that involves shooting pains, numbness, and tingling in the hands or feet may develop. A neurologic syndrome called Lyme encephalopathy is associated with subtle cognitive problems, such as difficulties with concentration and short-term memory. These patients may also experience profound fatigue.[29] However, other problems such as depression and fibromyalgia are no more common in people who have been infected with Lyme than in the general population.[29][30] Chronic encephalomyelitis, which may be progressive, can involve cognitive impairment, weakness in the legs, awkward gait, facial palsy, bladder problems, vertigo, and back pain. In rare cases untreated Lyme disease may cause frank psychosis, which has been mis-diagnosed as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Panic attack and anxiety can occur, also delusional behavior, including somatoform delusions, sometimes accompanied by a depersonalization or derealization syndrome, where the person begins to feel detached from themselves or from reality.[31][32]
Lyme arthritis usually affects the knees.[33] In a minority of patients arthritis can occur in other joints, including the ankles, elbows, wrist, hips, and shoulders. Pain is often mild or moderate, usually with swelling at the involved joint. Baker's cysts may form and rupture. In some cases joint erosion occurs.
This article appeared in the SMH earlier this week. It seems that some people do think Lyme is in Australia. It also references a GP who says he is treating several Lyme cases.
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/court-grants-lyme-disease-autopsy-20100719-10hyx.html