S.L.A.M.
Sturbridge Lyme Awareness of MA
"Together we can make a difference"
Sturbridge Lyme Awareness of MA
"Together we can make a difference"
Lyme test negative? It may still be Lyme disease!
Far too many people and even doctors suspect Lyme disease but testing comes back negative when in fact a person is infected. Because current testing is known to be faulty and was developed for surveillance purposes not diagnosis, many go undiagnosed until it's too late.
Lyme disease should be clinically diagnosed based on a persons symptoms and doctors should not rely on test results.
Many patients are told their illness is "all in your head" or "you already had treatment for Lyme you can't still be sick." It's up to you to educate yourself, advocate and seek the treatment you will need with the help of a Lyme literate physcian. Check our "resource" page for links to sites that offer online physician referrals.
Far too many people and even doctors suspect Lyme disease but testing comes back negative when in fact a person is infected. Because current testing is known to be faulty and was developed for surveillance purposes not diagnosis, many go undiagnosed until it's too late.
Lyme disease should be clinically diagnosed based on a persons symptoms and doctors should not rely on test results.
Many patients are told their illness is "all in your head" or "you already had treatment for Lyme you can't still be sick." It's up to you to educate yourself, advocate and seek the treatment you will need with the help of a Lyme literate physcian. Check our "resource" page for links to sites that offer online physician referrals.
What is Lyme?
Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacteria are transmitted through the bite of a black legged tick, commonly called the deer tick.
Ticks can transmit other bacteria and viruses know as co-infections such as Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) to name just a few.
Symptoms can become multi-systemic and debilitating if not treated appropriately and early. (See our 'Signs and Symptoms' page)
The bacteria can also be passed through the placenta of a pregnant woman to the fetus – congenital transmission.
* According to the CDC only 10% of actual cases are reported. http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2013/p0819-lyme-disease.html
Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacteria are transmitted through the bite of a black legged tick, commonly called the deer tick.
Ticks can transmit other bacteria and viruses know as co-infections such as Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) to name just a few.
Symptoms can become multi-systemic and debilitating if not treated appropriately and early. (See our 'Signs and Symptoms' page)
The bacteria can also be passed through the placenta of a pregnant woman to the fetus – congenital transmission.
* According to the CDC only 10% of actual cases are reported. http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2013/p0819-lyme-disease.html