Thursday, March 28, 2024

Lyme Literate Doctors In Maine

Must read

Few Resources In State Of Maine

Maine woman living with lyme disease

At that point, there were few, if any, doctors in their home state of Maine that knew anything about treating Lyme disease. They finally found a Lyme-literate doctor an hour and a half away from their home. In addition to Lyme, he found that Elizabeth had five co-infections.

Says Kerry: We have no doubt that, had we not advocated for ourselves, learned everything we could, and insisted on getting help, our daughter would be dead!

Eight years later, Elizabeth is still in treatment. But theres much more to the story than that.

About three years ago, Kerry says, their daughter sat us down and told us we should both get tested. We were so busy trying to take care of her and trying to get her the proper medical care that we were ignoring our own situations.

Ilads Mourns The Passing Of Charles Ray Jones Md

ILADS is saddened to report the passing of pediatric Lyme specialist and long-time ILADS member, Dr. Charles Ray Jones. Dr. Jones was a legend in the Lyme community for his dedication to treating children with Lyme and tick-borne diseases. He endured harassment from the medical establishment and cared for chronically ill children at a time when many physicians were not willing to acknowledge the true cause of their pain and suffering. His willingness to listen to patients and support families through the healing process made him a legend and a hero to the Lyme community.

In 2014, Dr. Jones was honored with the ILADEF Pioneer in Lyme award for recognition of his work with pediatric Lyme patients. He shared his knowledge at countless ILADS conferences and trained scores of physicians through the ILADEF Physician Training Program. We are grateful for all he did for his patients and the ILADS community.

If you are interested in supporting ILADS and the ILADEF Physician Training Program, please consider a donation to the ILADEF Charles Ray Jones, MD memorial fund.

Internal Medicine & Functional Medicine Specialist Located In Thomaston Ct

Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose and treat. Pamela Cipriano, DNP, APRN, of The Practice of Health and Wellness in Thomaston, Connecticut, is well aware of this diseases complications caused by a simple tick bite and how to correctly identify a long-term infection and to manage the debilitating symptoms. If you think that you have Lyme disease or have symptoms like fatigue, joint problems, and weakness that cant be diagnosed, contact The Practice of Health and Wellness for an appointment. Call or use the online tool to schedule.

Donât Miss: What To Do If You Get Lyme Disease

You May Like: How Long After A Tick Bite Lyme Disease

How Do You Safely Remove A Tick

Remove attached ticks quickly and correctly using the following instructions:

Use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick as close to the skinâs surface as possible.6

Pull upward with a steady and even amount of pressure.6

After the tick has been removed, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands using warm soap and water.6

Dispose of a live tick by submerging it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, or flushing it down the toilet.6

If you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick, see your doctor immediately.

Lyme disease is a serious and prevalent disease in the state of Maine. Please take care to thoroughly check yourself and your loved ones for ticks after spending time outside, particularly during the summer months.

  • âTransmission.â Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4 Mar. 2015, Available here.
  • United States, Congress, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. âLyme Disease Data.â Lyme Disease Data, Maine Tracking Network. Available here.
  • â2016 Lyme Disease Data Published.â 2016 Lyme Disease Data Published | Maine Tracking Network â Environmental Public Health, Available here.
  • âLDALyme Literacy.â Lyme Disease Association | Lyme Treatment Guidelines | Dr. Referrals | Funding & Research, Patricia Smith, 10 Feb. 2017, Available here.
  • ABOUT OWLâS HEAD SOLUTIONS

    RETURN TO TOP

    Read Also: What Kind Of Doctor Should I See For Lyme Disease

    What Is Lyme Disease

    No More Lyme

    Lyme disease comes from the bite of an infected deer tick. Ticks are typically found in heavily wooded areas from May through August.Infected ticks also can show up on pets.

    An infected tick has to be attached from 24-48 hours before it can transfer bacteria that can cause Lyme disease. Lyme disease typically comes from underdeveloped deer ticks called nymphs.

    You May Like: How To Overcome Lyme Disease

    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.

    Freeport Doctor Starts Online Clinic To Fend Off Lyme Disease

    The option is a way for Maine patients to have a tick bite evaluated for potential risk within 48 hours of the bite.

    FREEPORT After working in urgent care for almost a decade, Catherine Lockwood, a Freeport-based doctor, is taking a step back to focus on treating a problem she has seen all too frequently: Lyme disease.

    Maine has the highest concentration of people with Lyme disease by population, according to the Center for Disease Control. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services reported that last year over 1,400 patients were diagnosed with the disease.

    According to Griffin Dill, director of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab, tick season is at its height through October and November.

    Lockwoods new online clinic, treatmytickbite.com is a way for Maine patients to have a tick bite evaluated for potential risk within 48 hours of the bite and serves as a quick option to get on a round of preventative antibiotics if they are unable to get to the doctor immediately.

    We are focusing on very early prevention, Lockwood said. Theres evidence that says if we get antibiotics early, a blast dose early can cut Lyme disease cases down by 85%.

    The website, which uses video connection and photos to allow Lockwood to consult with a patient to hear about the event, see the bite area and possibly identify the type of tick, is not meant to help diagnose anyone with Lyme disease.

    You May Like: Can You Get Lyme Disease From A Wood Tick

    How To Find A Lyme

    When youre dealing with Lyme disease or other tick-borne infections, it can be a daunting task to find a doctor whos familiar with the illness throughout its various stages. Your family doctor or primary care provider may be able treat you when your symptoms correspond to an acute case of the condition. But where do you turn for Lyme disease treatment if your illness doesnt check the traditional boxes for the infection? Or if the disease has progressed to a later stage? Thats where a Lyme-literate medical doctor or Lyme specialist comes in. These physicians have additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections. Here are resources to find a provider who understands your symptoms and can help guide you toward recovery.

    Cdc: Lyme Cases Ten Times Higher Than Previously Reported

    Lyme-Literate doctor Raphael Stricker speaks at LymeDisease.org Board Meeting

    PORTLAND, Maine A new federal study shows that cases of tick-borne illness across the country are ten times higher than what experts thought previously.

    The U.S. CDC now estimates that many as 476,000 people come down with Lyme every year, instead of around 35,000 cases.

    Maine has the highest incidence rate of Lyme disease in the nation.

    In 2019, 2,079 cases of Lyme Disease reported to the Maine CDC. In 2020, there were 1,078 cases.

    Dr. Sean McCloy treats patients for Lyme disease and tick-borne infections at Integrated Health Center of Maine. He isnât surprised that a new CDC study shows that nearly half of a million people in the U.S. have Lyme.

    âThis was a better way of accurately reflecting whatâs going on out there in the real world,â McCloy said.

    The previous number 35,000 to 40,000 cases annually was based on positive Lyme tests.

    The new estimate comes after an extensive review of billing codes on insurance claims from 2010 to 2018.

    The data was expanded to include uninsured patients, people 65 and older, people given antibiotic medication, and patients who had but were never treated for it.

    âThe tests are not always accurate and clinicians are treating their patients for Lyme if they strongly suspect based off their symptoms,â McCloy said.

    Elizabeth Nelson suffered from debilitating pain, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms before finally being diagnosed of Lyme disease ten years ago.

    for information on Lyme disease and tick-borne illness from the U.S. CDC.

    You May Like: Lyme Disease And Neurological Problems

    Lyme Disease: Treatment Options & Resources

    Since I practice Traditional Chinese Medicine, my knowledge regarding treating Lyme disease is rooted within the world of acupuncture and herbal medicine. And though Ive read a fair amount about the subject, I cant say I have a nuanced understanding of the antibiotic approach to treating acute or chronic Lyme. Prescribing antibiotics isnt something I do.

    I have, however, worked with multitudes of patients who were/are undergoing treatment for chronic Lyme, and Ive often been part of that treatment through prescribing herbs and providing acupuncture. Most often, if a patient comes to see me for herbs, its because the antibiotics havent worked for them.

    Though Ive already written about this in previous posts, this bears repeating: The conventional approach to treating acute Lyme is controversial. From the blog of Kristen McElveen, a local ND who treats Lyme and chronic Lyme:

    Currently, the ILADS recommendation for acute Lyme is a minimum of 6-8 weeks of antimicrobial therapy, while the IDSA/CDC is now even recommending 14-21 days. Unfortunately, many doctors are still only prescribing a single dose of doxycycline, or up to a weeks worth, which is not sufficient treatment, even from an IDSA/CDC standpoint.

    And dont forget our community acupuncture clinic, where you can receive acupuncture for $30 a session.

    Check For Ticks After Being Outside

    Anyone who comes in contact with a deer tick can be at risk of a bite. Ticks cannot fly or jump. They wait for a possible host to brush against them and then use their legs to attach themselves. There are steps you can take to reduce the number of ticks in your yard:

    • Clear tall grass and brush

    • Mow the lawn frequently and rake leaves

    • Keep wood stacked in dry areas

    • Create a barrier of woodchips or gravel around recreational areas

    • Treat pets with anti-tick medication

    Reducing your time in areas known for ticks is the best way to avoid bites and Lyme disease. Always check yourself after spending time outside.

    Don’t Miss: Dog Lyme Disease Test Cost

    More Ticks Test Positive For Lyme Disease In Maine

    PORTLAND, Maine The University of Maines tick lab found that a higher percentage of ticks tested positive for the pathogen that causes Lyme disease last year than the previous year.

    The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab said recently that the rate of infection for Lyme disease grew by almost 6%.

    The 2021 rate was a little more than 42% while a year prior it was just under 37%.

    The lab says infection rates for anaplasma and babesia, which are other pathogens carried by ticks, also increased by a few percentage points.

    Most Read

    Powassan Virus Encephalitis Contracted During Winter Months

    Midcoast Lyme Disease Support and Education

    In their article Powassan Encephalitis: A Case Report from New York, USA, Bazer and colleagues describe a male patient who was admitted to the hospital in December due to altered mental status, dysarthria, and a left facial droop.¹ The man also had a history of multiple medical problems including of a right putamen infarct, hepatitis C, hypertension, and substance abuse. Clinicians considered a tick-borne disease since the patient had reported

    Also Check: Can Lyme Disease Cause Hives

    Learning Exchange Mon March 14th At 4 Pm

    LEARN HOW TO REDUCE STRESS When youre stressed, anxious, frustrated, or angry, it can lead to dis-ease. Would you like to learn how to avoid stress? No matter whats going on in your life, you can bounce back quickly. Its called resilience. It turns out that humans are superbly designed to weather stressnotice how quickly

    Also Check: Infectious Disease Doctor Lyme Disease

    Can Lyme Disease Be Mistaken For Herpes

    In their article Disseminated Lyme disease with a herpetiform center, Zhang et al.¹ described a patient who presented with a Lyme disease rash that could have been mistaken for herpes. The woman in her 30s developed a herpetiform rash, which resembles herpes lesions. Initially, the patient developed a small red bump and surrounding swelling on her back, along with a rash in her left armpit and left ipsilateral swollen lymph

    Also Check: How Long Does Lyme Disease Take To Show Symptoms

    Lyme Disease And Traditional Chinese Medicine

    Naturally, this would be my favorite topic to write about when exploring approaches to treating Lyme. However, its already been done in such an eloquent and informative manner that Im simply going to share with you an incredible piece on treating Lyme disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine. See it here.

    If that resonated with you, see here, too.

    Our most-often used brand for treating Lyme and co-infections are Classical Pearls. We have a variety of Pearls in stock at all times, but our most used are Lightening, Thunder, and Bamboo Pearls.

    Of note, Andrew Weil suggests that patients seek out a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine if they suspect chronic Lyme.

    Read Also: How Does Lyme Disease Affect The Brain

    Do Your Research And Get Referrals

    Alternative treatments for Lyme disease symptoms brings new hope to those suffering

    You can learn a lot just by researching doctors and reading patient reviews online. You can also connect with other patients through local and online support groups for various tick-borne diseases. Asking other patients to recommend or share their own experiences with different doctors can be particularly helpful when youre trying to locate and learn about physicians who specialize in various tick-borne illnesses.

    The following sites can connect you to online support-group forums or help you identify different tick-borne support groups in the United States:

    Also Check: What Are The Symptoms Of Lyme Disease From A Tick

    Diagnosis Includes Blood Test

    Get checked right away if you have a concern. Call your provider if you are concerned about a tick bite and the possibility of Lyme disease. A physical exam and evaluation of possible exposure can help a provider tell if you are at risk for Lyme disease. If you develop a rash after removing a tick, be sure to contact your doctor or go to your local urgent care facility.

    A Lyme disease test can test bacteria in the blood if your provider deems it necessary. Lyme disease can get worse if left untreated.

    Illinois Clinicians Demonstrate Gaps In Understanding Of Tick

    Carson and colleagues surveyed clinicians between August 2020 and February 2022 and reported their findings in the article Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Illinois medical professionals related to ticks and tick-borne disease. ¹ The respondents included RNs , physicians , and APNs/PAs . The authors found that clinicians were best at identifying Lyme disease. Out of 346 respondents, 80% correctly identified Lyme disease as endemic to Illinois, while 95% were

    Read Also: How To Determine If You Have Lyme Disease

    What Are The Symptoms Of Lyme Disease

    Lyme disease and any co-infections are extremely difficult to diagnose and treat. The symptoms can imitate those of other diseases. Many people never notice a tick or its bite. And the telltale bulls-eye rash associated with Lyme disease only shows up in 20% of affected people.

    Symptoms associated with chronic Lyme disease include:

    Lyme disease can also cause chills, fever, body aches, neck stiffness, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes soon after infection.

    New Primary Care Provider: Melody L Rees

    Why Bartonella is the New Lyme Disease

    The Boothbay Region Health Center is proud to announce the appointment of Melody Rees, a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner as a Primary Care Provider. Melody is seeing patients four days/week: Tuesday thru Fridays 8:30 to 4:30. You can call now 633-1075) to make an appointment at our offices in the Meadow Mall. Melody

    Recommended Reading: Lyme Regis Apartments Virginia Beach

    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?

    Ilads Campaign Highlights Importance Of Doctor

    Bethesda, MD, December 9, 2021 The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society is running a powerful public awareness campaign to highlight the importance of doctor-patient relationships in the treatment of Lyme and other chronic diseases. The campaign debuted this week on a jumbotron in New York Citys Times Square.

    The jumbotron video highlights the challenges doctors face from bureaucratic institutions when trying to treat patients. The video sends viewers to the ILADS.ORG website for more information. .

    ILADS supports a doctors freedom to treat and a patients right to choose the best treatment options available, without bureaucratic interference. A doctors primary duty is to put the patient first. Outside interference restricts a physicians ability to provide optimum care.

    We want to restore real healthcare for our patients and allow doctors to prescribe the best possible treatments without interference from insurance companies and other bureaucracies, said Dr. Steven J. Bock, president of the ILADS Board of Directors.

    The jumbotron is anything but invisible. The giant video screen is 29 feet tall and 56 feet across and is strategically positioned at 1500 Broadway on the corner of 44th Street and 7th Avenue in New York City. The spot will run 5 times per hour for 36 days. It is estimated that 1.6 million people pass through Times Square each day. The spot will remain in place during the December holidays and New Years Eve celebration for bonus exposure.

    Read Also: Everything You Need To Know About Lyme Disease

    More articles

    Popular Articles