Kris Kristofferson's Lyme disease and what you can do about it.

[parkie13]

m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_...

Once in a while we get questions about Lyme disease. After a few years Kris was diagnosed with Alzheimer's till they found the right Doctor who gave him the right diagnosis. His treatment is sort of outlined. Good article.

[chartist]

One problem with Lyme diagnosis is that some doctors believe that these ticks carrying Lyme disease are mainly in very specific areas of the US, but if you review a map of the US that shows the tick hot spots, it becomes clear that they can be found in many other places in much smaller populations and in those areas, doctors are not as experienced with proper testing, identification and treatment because often times the tick can deliver multiple pathogens which a less experienced doctor may not look or test for or know the best labs for testing. Here is a CDC map which gives an idea of why many doctors may not have much experience with Lyme disease because it appears to be mainly confined to the north east areas so if you happen to get bit outside of that area, doctor's may not even look for or test for Lyme disease and related pathogens, especially if the patient does not develop the telltale "bullseye type rash" around the bite area!

cdc.gov/lyme/datasurveillan...

On the other hand, this older CDC map shows why the problem of ticks carrying Lyme disease can happen in almost any state :

cdc.gov/lyme/stats/maps.html

Here are images of that rash in case you get bitten, you will at least know what to do if you see something like it around the possible bite area :

google.com/search?q=what+do...

It can also be a problem for your pets or they can potentially bring them into the house!

Art

[parkie13 in reply to chartist]

When I was in my late twenties we had a small dog it started dragging its hind feet it was using front legs to drag itself around. Made an appointment for the vet and meanwhile I found a tick on Taffy's head. I pulled it out and the dog was back to normal in a very short time if I remember correctly probably about 12 hours she was back to normal. Also I do have Parkinson's however for many many many years I had Lyme disease with a Co infection. I think I got bitten when I was about 16-17 years years old. I had many different odd very odd medical conditions. I believe I got rid of my lyme disease unless it is dormant for now who knows. It seems like the doctors have no clue whatsoever. Mary

[chartist in reply to parkie13]

I imagine if you live in specific areas of the North East where these deer ticks are very

prevalent, most doctors will be well versed in the best labs to use for testing as well as common signs and symptoms. I know it has been discussed on this forum quite a bit that Lyme can sometimes mimic PD or at least that's what I thought I remember!

google.com/search?q=can+lym...

Art