THE PUBLIC MIND: EDUCATION AND COMPASSION URGED ON LYME DISEASE

To the Editor:

After suffering from Lyme Disease for more than nine years, I am tired of and very angry about the negative publicity that Lyme patients and their doctors are receiving. Isn't suffering with fatigue, headaches and severe pain in joints, muscles and nervous system enough? Why do we have to be labeled "crazy" and "misdiagnosed," while we are for the most part too weak and tired and in pain to defend ourselves? I'm happy to say that I have improved enough to be able to respond to the criticisms with this letter thanks to a good doctor who has never quit trying to help me, and taking good care of myself.

We have a problem. The Center for Disease Control cannot admit that we have Lyme (or a related disease) here simply because the spirochete won't grow in the laboratory. We have tons of other proof, if people are interested. Also, most doctors in the area won't even report their positive Lyme tests to the Missouri Department of Health, which would then be able to get much-needed funding for the further study of this horrible disease in our area. Who is stuck in the middle? The ones who already have a heavy burden to carry each and every day.

I dare some doubting Thomases in the medical community to come to our Lyme Support Group meetings or to stop to read the "Lyme Disease Update" newsletter. Educate yourselves with something other than heresay. Come and listen to our discussions of our symptoms, the latest medications being used, or diet-vitamin-exercise therapy that might relieve our aching bodies. We also reach out to each other through a telephone support list and prayer. You won't discount the fact that something serious is going on in Southeast Missouri and the surrounding areas.

God forgive all those who have no compassion for our suffering and want only to judge with limited understanding.

God bless abundantly those doctors who have the guts and compassion to lay everything on the line to help those of us who have suffered from a disease that is very difficult to diagnose and treat.

Nanette McDowell

Jackson