Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Lyme Disease Specialist Washington State

Must read

Telehealth And In Person Office Visits For Your Convenience

Ticks and Lyme Disease: What You Need to Know
About

Dr. Susan Marra is a world-leading Lyme Literate Naturopathic doctor specializing in the treatment of vector borne disease .” rel=”nofollow”> Relapsing Fever, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Tularemia, Q Fever, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Rickettsia Species), Long Covid, anti-aging, and environmental illness.

She utilizes various diagnostic testing and evaluation to determine the root cause of your illness in order to help you move on with your life. Having trained with Dr. Richard Horowitz and Dr. Charles Ray Jones, Lyme disease experts on the east coast, Dr. Marra is well qualified to manage and heal tick-borne disease. Her approach is progressive, integrated, and holistic.

Additionally, Dr. Marra is successful in overcoming a personal battle with Lyme disease and leads a very normal life. Her road to recovery aids in personally understanding the difficulties patients experience on the healing journey and allows for heightened compassion for patients in search of a proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Blending the intelligence of nature, with the brilliance of science, the wisdom of instinct, the art of soul, and the ethics of a responsible human being.

Dr. Susan L. Marra

Services

Chronic Lyme Disease Symptoms

In the first 30 days after the infecting tick bite, the telling symptom of Lyme disease is the Erythema migrans rash, which begins at the site of the bite and expands up to 12 inches, creating somewhat of a “bullseye” appearance. It is seldom painful or itchy, but may feel warm to the touch. It can appear on any area of the body however, not all people who have been infected with the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria experience this rash, which then often results in a delay in treatment.

Other early symptoms often present flulike and may include:

  • Fever
  • Numbness, tingling or shooting pain in hands and feet
  • Brain fog and even severe cognitive impairment

Some studies suggest chronic Lyme disease symptoms in women more often seem to continue post-treatment. Chronic Lyme disease is a more common diagnosis among women than men. Whether there is a higher incidence of chronic Lyme among women, or whether they are being misdiagnosed with chronic Lyme disease, is the question. The fact is, misdiagnosis is common since women present similar symptoms when they actually suffer from an autoimmune disease. It may be instead that women with chronic symptoms of Lyme Disease are suffering from a severe immune response brought on by the illness. Understanding the disease’s sometimes catastrophic and chronic impact in women’s bodies is an ongoing subject for study.

International Lyme And Associated Diseases Society

The International Lyme and Associated Disease Society is a nonprofit, multi-disciplinary, international medical society aimed at advancing the treatment, research, and education efforts of Lyme and associated diseases. ILADS provides training to physicians who want to enhance their skill set to evaluate and treat Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Physicians who successfully complete the training requirements established by ILADS are known as Lyme-literate medical doctors, or LLMDs.

To locate Lyme-literate doctors, use the Provider Search function on the ILADS website to receive a list of doctors in your area. Please note: ILADS states they dont make referrals to specific doctors. Its up to you to decide which practitioner is the right fit for your needs.

Read Also: Lyme Disease Joint Pain Symptoms

Expert Diagnosis And Treatment Of Infectious Diseases

Whether from bacteria, insects or viruses, infectious diseases can be difficult to diagnose and treat. MultiCares infectious disease specialists offer diagnosis and treatment for a variety of infectious diseases.

Our team has extensive training and experience in managing diseases ranging from the coronavirus and the flu to HIV, tuberculosis, antibiotic-resistant infections and other complex conditions. Our doctors work closely with primary care providers and specialists to design treatment plans tailored to meet your unique needs.

Treatment Starts With Accurate Diagnosis

Seattle

The only way to get the proper treatment for your tick-borne disease is to get the right diagnosis in the first place and one of the best ways to do that is, if possible, to see a physician whos experienced with tick-borne diseases. Accurate diagnosis also requires high quality testing at a reputable lab. Learn more about why doctors and patients trust the tests offered by IGeneX.

You May Like: How Many Ticks Have Lyme Disease

State And Local Lyme Organizations And Nonprofits

If youre unable to find an LLMD through a national organization, consider doing a web search for a state or local Lyme organization or nonprofit. Some keywords that may generate helpful, search results for you include:

  • The name of your state
  • Lyme disease
  • Nonprofit

For example, typing in Minnesota Lyme disease nonprofit yields the Minnesota Lyme Association , where you can then browse their website for ways to locate a physician or fill out the contact form for more help. These days, most states have some sort of site to distribute information to inquiring patients.

Bone And Joint Infections

Although bones and joints are usually well-protected, they can become infected. If bacteria enter your bloodstream, you may develop an infection in a nearby structure or if you experience an open fracture or injury. Our specialists can accurately diagnose this type of infection and treat it before complications occur.

Also Check: Late Stage Lyme Disease Recovery

Be Prepared For Your Doctor Visit

You can improve your chances of having an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment by providing your doctor with as much information as you can from the very start. The following checklist can be a good reminder of what to bring and discuss with your physician at your first visit:

  • Have the tick tested and/or identified:If you were able to remove or find the tick that bit you, seal it in a glass or plastic container and consider sending it to IGeneX for testing. Additionally, photograph the tick and/or have the species identified ahead of time if possible. Knowing what kind of tick bit you and, in particular, whether it has tested positive for a tick-borne disease can be extremely helpful for your doctors diagnostic process. If the tick is still being tested when you see your doctor, you still may be able to start treatment based on the severity of your symptoms.
  • Note possible exposure: Write down the places and dates that you believe you were exposed to ticksand the possible date and time of day when the engorged tick attached and fell off or was removed.
  • Track your symptoms: Keep a running log of all symptoms youve noticed since the tick bite, even if youre no longer experiencing them. Be sure to include the days/times when symptoms appeared . For additional help, you can use IGeneXs Symptom Checker.
  • Take pictures: Take pictures of any rashes or blisters that you may have noticed at the site of the tick bite or elsewhere on your body.

Lyme Disease Incidence In Washington State

Lyme Disease | Chriss Story

According to a 2016 document by the Washington State Department of Health:

In recent years, 8 to 25 reports of Lyme disease meeting case definition are received annually. Almost all Washington cases are the result of tick exposure out of state endemic Lyme disease is not common, with generally only 0 to 3 cases per year. The risk of infection in-state is low throughout the state. Between 1/2005 and 12/2016, only 13 confirmed Lyme cases with in-state exposure were documented.

You May Like: Rheumatologist Specializing In Lyme Disease

Call Ahead And Ask Questions

Even if you find a doctor who specializes in treating tick-borne diseases, you will want to ask some questions before making an appointment and committing your time and money. A few basic questions to consider asking upfront include the following:

  • What is your experience in treating patients with tick-borne diseases?
  • How do you diagnose diseases? Do you use any specific labs or lab tests to confirm diagnosis?
  • Do you test for coinfections?
  • Do you use traditional antibiotics and/or herbals?
  • Do you have any patient success stories you can share?
  • Do you strictly adhere to CDC test interpretation criteria or are you open to alternative criteria?

If youd like to find a LLMD and want to know more about how to vet them, read the Tick Talk blog, What Makes a Doctor Lyme Literate?

Infections Following Surgery Or Transplant

Some people are at greater risk for developing an infection after surgery, which can cause pain, poor wound healing, need for further treatment and a longer hospital stay. We can help you assess your risk of developing an infection after surgery and expertly treat post-surgical infections.

Don’t Miss: Rentals In Old Lyme Ct

Case Report: Treatment For Relapsing Babesia

A 36-year-old man was hospitalized in 2019 due to unexplained fevers he had been having for two weeks. He was later diagnosed with Babesia with 8.5% of his blood showing the parasite. He had been diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis in 2001 and was considered immunocompromised related to treatment 2 years earlier with rituximab, a monoclonal antibody used for immunotherapy. The man had also been treated with methotrexate, cyclophosphamide and

Information For Human Healthcare Providers

Are there ticks and lyme disease in the Pacific Northwest?

When treating patients for Lyme disease, keep in mind that ticks can transmit more than one disease, and there is always a potential for coinfection with multiple tick-borne diseases.

Reporting Lyme disease in people

All cases of Lyme disease in a person should be reported within 48 hours of suspected diagnosis or the appearance of symptoms using DC Reporting and Surveillance Center , our online reporting system.

Read Also: What Type Of Doctor Treats Lyme Disease

This Center For Adults & Children Provides Affordable Care Training And Research Treatments

The Cohen Center for Health and Recovery, combining patient care and research for Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, was launched in August 2021 at Columbia Universitys Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. We are currently fully booked until Spring of 2022. We are in the process of training new staff in order to enhance our capacity to see new patients. Please return to this webpage periodically to receive updates as well as sign up for our newsletter to be informed as to when we will begin seeing new patients.

The Need

The Center

The Cohen Center for Health and Recovery from Tick-Borne Diseases, supported by a generous gift from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, is the first in New York City to offer dedicated evaluation and treatment for children and adults with acute and chronic symptoms from Lyme and tick-borne diseases. The gift also establishes a new national clinical trials network that focuses on identifying more effective treatments for patients with acute and chronic manifestations of Lyme and tickborne diseases. Patients at CHAR will be informed of ongoing research studies and clinical trials for which they may be eligible. For more information on the Clinical Trials Component, please visit the CTN webpage.

About Us

Our services include:

  • Integrative Medicine evaluation and treatment
  • Access to state-of-the-art research trials
  • Referrals to appropriate specialists .

Our Team:

  • Kristen Kendrick, DO

Location:

Address:

The Earlier In The Course Of Tick Borne Disease That The Treatment Is Started The Better For The Patient And The Worse For The Microbes

Early detection, however, can be difficult. Lyme IS the most prevalent tick borne disease in the states and it is increasing in incidence year to year. Yet the Center for Disease Control estimates only 10% of the cases of Lyme disease are reported annually. This is because only 50% to 68% of patients have a clear bulls-eye rash. Only 26% ever see the tick that gives them Lyme disease. Most people do not know that a flu in the late spring, summer or early fall can be a sign of Lyme disease. Most doctors do not know that Lyme exists anywhere but the northeast part of the United States. So early treatment is a challenge. I try during tick season in Northern California to have short appointments to check out a tick bite or erythema migrans rash, in order to effect early treatment.

Also Check: What Are The Side Effects Of Lyme Disease In Humans

Consulting & Healthcare For Lyme Disease

Dr. Marra is considered a leading authority on the successful treatment of tick-borne illness drawing on more than a 35 year career in medicine and basic science research. She and her Practice Manager Heather, will ensure that you have a safe road to recovery.

As a doctor, her strengths include a solid foundation in the understanding of chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, Borreliosis/Lyme Disease and co-infections as they relate to chronic illness and impaired organ function. Additionally, she is well known for her comprehensive and integrated approach to treating tick-borne diseases. Her knowledge of clinical nutrition, hormone therapies, herbal medicine, German biological medicine, and restorative medicine allows for her patients to capitalize on the best of both traditional and alternative medicine.

However, Dr. Marras greatest strength is her ability to teach patients about the disease and recovery process. She works in conjunction with her patients and other esteemed Borreliosis/Lyme literate doctors, to provide state of the art healthcare, and explains new treatment techniques and modalities in a way that patients find refreshing and understandable. She also has a particular interest in anti-aging medicine since most patients suffer from cellular damage due to chronic infection.

Dr. Marra uses all of the following to help patients regain their health:

Hormone Balancing

In General Tick Borne Disease Or Lyme Disease Should Be Treated With Antibiotics Usually These Antibiotics Should Be Pharmaceuticals Although Augmentation With Botanical Antibiotics Can Be Even More Effective Than Pharmaceutical Therapies Alone

Do you know the signs of Lyme disease?

Unfortunately in late Lyme, antibiotics alone are often not sufficient. Some patients are genetically or epigenetically predisposed to chronic Lyme disease. Often the underlying conditions must be addressed along with the infection.

Borrelia burgdorferi has been called the second great pretender, after syphilis. Like syphilis it is a spirochete , and the spirochete goes to the brain and spinal cord as fast as it can get there. In addition like syphilis it grows very slowly. Unlike syphilis it is relatively smart in the bacterial world, having the largest genome of any other bacteria. Borrelia burgdorferi is able to crawl inside of cells, thus avoiding immune detection, hide in the brain and spinal cord, where our immune system is careful not to cause too much inflammation. More recent data suggests it may, like many of its co infecting microbes be able to fool the immune system and manipulate the immune response so that the immune system thinks that there is not an infection. In 3 animal models dog, mouse and monkey, chronic persistent infectious borrelia infection has been proven after short course antibiotic. This provides evidence that the cure of chronic Lyme disease in many patients will take more than 1-3 months of antibiotics.

Also Check: Residual Effects Of Lyme Disease

Types Of Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases generally fall into one of the following categories:

  • Bacterial infections caused by single-celled organisms that multiply and include strep throat and tuberculosis
  • Foodborne diseases often caused by bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli
  • Fungal infections caused by fungi, such as mildew, mold and yeast, and include blastomycosis, histoplasmosis and ringworm
  • Insect-borne diseases caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites and include Lyme disease and Saint Louis encephalitis and malaria
  • Parasitic infections can spread through food, water, insects and many other ways and include Chagas disease, malaria, giardia and toxoplasmosis
  • Tropical diseases infections, including cholera, Ebola, rotavirus and yellow fever, that are caused by bacteria and viruses prevalent in the tropics
  • Viral infections caused by viruses, which contain genetic material and change, damage or kill your bodys cells, and include HIV/AIDS, mononucleosis and herpes

Congenital Transmission Of Babesia Diagnosed In Twin At 5 Weeks

The patient was born at 36 5/7 weeks by C-section. At five-weeks-old the newborn presented to the emergency department with pallor, increased lethargy and difficulty feeding. The newborn was more difficult to arouse and very pale compared to her twin brother, the mother reported. In additionally, She was feeding with a similar frequency, however, with a decreased duration from 20 minutes to 10 minutes due to fatigue. The mother had

Don’t Miss: Lyme Literate Doctors In Colorado

Lyme Disease And Tick

Lyme disease patients have difficulty finding doctors with experience treating Lyme disease. For the past 25 years, LymeDisease.org has been connecting patients with Lyme-literate practitioners who specialize in caring for patients with Lyme disease.

We are happy to connect you with your nearest Lyme literate practitioners contact information. Please note, however, we are not privy to the status on each individual offices payment/insurance practices or if they are accepting new patients, with that said, we do encourage you to use the information available to contact the offices directly.

But Geography And Evidence Dont Matter With Chronic Lyme

News Archives

Because chronic Lyme is caused by beliefs socially transmitted by humans, Washington has many advocates for the unrecognized diagnosis. As of April 2018, there are at least 20 quacks in Washington who diagnose and/or treat chronic Lyme disease, many of whom have been associated with the rogue organization ILADS.

While the Lyme literate practitioners in Washington include MDs, most of these quacks are naturopaths, who are themselves fake doctors, so it makes sense that they would be diagnosing and treating fake diseases. None of the Lyme literate practitioners in Washington appear to have any recognized advanced training or certifications in infectious diseases.

One popular Washington quack, Dietrich Klinghardt, is discussed in an entertaining manner in the article RHOBH Star Yolanda Fosters Quack Doctor EXPOSED For Shady Lyme Disease Treatments.

In 2013, a propaganda group called LymeDisease.org surveyed people claiming to have chronic Lyme disease . They narrowed their sample to 3090 individuals who met a set of criteria and in PeerJ. Since CDC has statistics about confirmed Lyme cases for 49 states and DC , LymeScience extracted the state residency data about the 2,794 CLD people surveyed who said they were in those 50 jurisdictions.

Heat map based on percentages of total* reports from CLD people

Heat map based on percentages of total* confirmed cases of Lyme disease reported to the CDC in 2013

* 49 states plus DC

Read Also: Best Treatment For Lyme Disease

More articles

Popular Articles