Lyme Disease is known as the great imitator because its symptoms mimic those of many other diseases.
Many people who have Lyme, were first diagnosed with Fibromyalgia,
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, MS, ALS or other diseases.
They suffered for years and then found out that they have Lyme Disease.
Like the other diseases mentioned, tickborne illnesses are extremely debilitating on many levels.
Prompt and proper treatment greatly reduces the possibility of long-term complications;
however, many people go undiagnosed for long periods of time and the disease becomes very chronic.
Lyme Disease is a multi-system bacterial infection caused from the bite of an infected tick.
It is the second fastest-growing infectious disease in the United States after AIDS.
This is very significant, yet little is being done to educate people about its seriousness
and prevalence. Many people who are bitten do not know it because ticks are tiny and they inject a numbing agent
so you cannot feel them. Lyme Disease is difficult to diagnose because no test is completely reliable.
As a result, it is grossly underreported. Many people have it and do not know it
Many people who have Lyme Disease have one or more of the co-infections.
These illnesses are treatable with high-dose antibiotics.
It is very important to see a knowledgeable doctor because many doctors do not
understand these illnesses and treat them with outdated protocols. A bullseye rash is a definite sign of
Lyme Disease, but only about 50% of people who have Lyme ever get a rash. If you get a rash,
it is a good idea to photograph it for documentation. Place something near it, like a coin or ruler,
before photographing to give it size definition. That way you have evidence of it if needed later.