Posted on 02/08/2005 7:29:16 AM PST by Lee Heggy
SAUSALITO -- Is an unknown disease hitting the Bay Area or is it just a case of mass delusion? If you ask intensive care nurse Cindy Casey she'll tell you that the mystery disease is very real and very painful.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxreno.com ...
Thanks. I'll pass it on.
I'm sorry for being so stupid, but when they say "fibers" what do they mean?
This makes sense as I have read that lyme disease affects the immune system (weakens it) allowing these usually non-pathogenic fungi to cause disease.
Oh, thanks. Now my lip is itching.
That's true, but in this disease (which does have an association with Lyme but isn't necessarily the same thing), the weakened immune response must be very specific and localized (i.e. only in certain skin layers). I understand there are a number of specialized lymphocytes that could be implicated. One of them -- I can't remember the name right now -- actually has a blue color, similar to the fibers!
There's evidence that Lyme disease is a lot more common than expected. It may also be confused with numerous other maladies somewhat like syphlis used to be. I'll post a link later if I kept it. The interesting thing is the spirochete was identified in body fluids which means it can be transmitted by blood transfusions or sexual intercourse.
I don't know, but probably little stringy lines of organic material, scar tissue, or the like, under the skin. It also speaks of lesions, which would be open sores through the skin.
I've spent the last several weeks in a vain attempt to forget the last pictures, now this . . .
I certainly don't know what to think of it, but that was an interesting link to a story with video.
I just had to reply to your comment, sartorius, because I've had Lyme for years now and that is exactly what I'm doing- looking for my own answers. "Lorenzo's Oil"- strange that you should mention that movie- I use that as my inspiration to keep on looking for products that help with this disease. Ive concocted my share of potions.
While I am a member of Morgies, there is nothing that they can do to help me directly until more is learned about the disease. They research and seek PR and help in the form of more researchers and hopefully a grant. They are a hard working and wonderful people and the fact that you viewed the article and video is proof of that
Morgellons is researching the fibers found with the disease. Most of those suffering, and there are thousands, have Lyme and the fibers. Some say that the fibers go away as the Lyme disease is treated and the sufferer improves.
I'm motivated to find a cure because several other family members have this. One was bitten by a deer tick 9 years ago and didn't receive adequate treatment. As a result, the disease progressed and other symptoms manifested. Psoriasis, Raynaud's Syndrome (red hands), tremors- first hands and now head/neck, mood swings, joint pain, chronic sinus infection and much more. She was treated for the symptoms when it was actually Lyme disease causing all of it.
My symptoms were different- there are 89 symptoms that are attributed to Lyme disease and it can mimic a host of other diseases including Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, MS, Lupus, Alzheimer's, Crohns and many others.
My first 'Eureka' moment in researching this disease was when I read that a lab doctor who works at a lab that specializes in Lyme disease stated that Chronic Fatigue and Lyme disease look identical under the scope.
The symptoms are identical as well.
The same is true for Fibromyalgia.
My chief symptom at this time is joint pain. I have the Stage III Lyme- it's in my joints. I went through the brain fog phase and was certain that I had early Alzheimer's but with various products, my memory is returning and the fog is dissipating.
Oh- I should mention the hair loss. Those of us in my family are experiencing problems with that. I pray that I can turn that around fast. Im not bald but Im seeing too much scalp these days.
I use various herbals, vitamins and minerals for healing. Amazing results. Ive improved greatly in the past year. I was thinking about applying for disability prior to that.
Aspartame connection- good point Bon mots. I drink a lot of Diet Dr Pepper. Must give that up. Im sure you are correct in pointing out the connection with Lyme.
As to the status of those with this disease, I would say that the majority of those (that I know) with the disease are, as BearWash pointed out, white-collar professionals. Many in the medical field. I was a Corporate Trainer for a Fortune 500 company when this hit me. No drugs either. Ok, I smoke.
The number of reported cases of Lyme disease is understated. The latest stats I can find are from 2002 and that number is 23,000 cases in the US. In reality, that number is about 10x as great, according to experts. IOW, 230,000 in 2002 and I can only imagine what that number could be by now.
To give a random example- Minnesota (not a state known for Lyme disease) reported 867 cases in 2002 but only 283 cases in 1999. That is a 206% increase.
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/newsletters/dcn/sum02/lyme.html
One of the reasons that Lyme is under-reported is that Lyme mimics other diseases and therefore, no tests for Lyme are considered.
Another reason is that the test recommended as the 1st test for suspected Lyme is the Eliza. The Eliza is only 30% accurate. A coin toss would be a lot cheaper and better odds.
There are other variables about Lyme testing as well. For instance, if you are currently taking antibiotics, that may skew the test results. Some herbals can do the same.
Few labs have accurate Lyme testing and those that do are not blessed by the FDA and therefore are not covered by insurance.
There is fungal involvement with this disease, most definitely. Also, many who are on antibiotics also have to deal with yeast- Candida Albicans. Probiotics and flushes- such as Lemon water help with the candida. Some people take antifungals as well.
Fortunately, the word is getting out and the Morgellons Foundation is working hard to find the answers.
BearWash- good to meet up with another Morgie!
As an aside, the white-footed mouse, not the deer, is the most common vector of Lyme disease via ticks (per Yale).
L8
PS I plan to research some of the suggestions on this thread- thanks!
I know this thread is over a year old, but my local news station had a story on it last night.
If interested watch the video here:
http://www2.mysanantonio.com/multimedia/video/NewsOnDemand/index.cfm?videos=37955
And listen to an interview with Ginger Savely here:
http://mysa.vo.llnwd.net/o2/audio/KENS/051106morgellons.mp3
More on Morgellons:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/global-includes/printstory.jsp?path=/news/metro/stories/MYSA051106.morgellans.KENS.32030524.html
My sister was bitten by a tick when she was four, now she has this mystery disease. it is real. My concern is that in my effort to help take care of her, I may catach it.
i feel horrible because I treat her like a leper.
Doctors told her she was delusional. But I took pictures. Maybe I should return my camera for going along with the delusion.
I’m scared. I don’t have it. i hear alot of people have it. mass break out of DOP.
first I have chemical sensitivity. My doctor told me that certain in certain ethnic backgrounds it is more common. American indians and asians are the most sensitive. i’m not a whiner, I just avoid chemicals. I feel fine unless I breath too much crap.
Second, do you know anyone with it? If not why are you saying it isn’t real. Are you Jesus? do you know everything?
If it is as bad as they say, you will be the next to get ridiculed for being sick.
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