Public Health Agency of Canada in the News 

 

You've likely heard by now that the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)  announced on February 25, 2011 that, due to rigorous quality-control procedures, they had ascertained that 24 patients out of 1,557 samples tested by the National Microbiology Lab for Lyme disease had received false-negative test results. If you haven't heard and want to read more, the statement can be viewed here.

 

While news of false-negatives is not particularly surprising to those of us dealing with Lyme on a regular basis, PHAC is to be applauded for making this information public. In addition, it was encouraging to see PHAC publicly reaffirming (not once, but twice in the same statement) that Lyme disease is a clinical diagnosis, as in:

 

1. "When someone shows symptoms of Lyme disease and might have been exposed to the ticks that carry it, guidelines recommend that physicians treat the illness, even if it has not been confirmed with laboratory testing."
2.  
   "All laboratory tests have a margin of error, which is why physicians are encouraged to follow the recommended treatment guidelines and treat patients they suspect may have Lyme disease with antibiotics, even without the results of lab tests."

 

Now, if we could just get the medical profession to start following the aforementioned guidelines! 

 

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A MIND-BOGGLING STORY (but sadly, not unfamiliar)

 

We are honoured to share with you the fascinating journey of one young lady and her parents - from Africa to Canada and from health to Lyme and back again.

From the outside (as told by J.'s parents)   Having lived in Africa for 10 years, we were used to being alert for signs of illnesses like malaria and filaria; but in April 2008 when our 11-year old daughter, J., was having more and more difficulty finishing her homework assignments on time, we had no idea we were not looking at a behavioral issue, but rather the start of a long journey with Lyme disease. . . (continued)

Looking in (as told by J.S.)   It was becoming more frustrating every day/week. I didn't want help, but otherwise I couldn't get places fast. I didn't want to tell my parents, because I didn't want to seem incapable. This was the situation:  in the first half of May, 2008, I started repeating my steps, walking somewhere, then stopping and touching a place a few times. It didn't really bother me a lot, but it was frustrating that it was something I knew was wrong, but I didn't want to tell my parents about it, because it seemed so small and unexplainable . . . (continued)

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NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS, LYME DISEASE, AND YOU

 

Dr. Murakami's presentation to the BC Naturopathic Physicians' annual conference this past fall continues to generate substantial interest from those in the profession who are keen to learn how to treat Lyme disease using antibiotic protocols, which is certainly heartening! In case you're not familiar with the difference between allopathic (conventional) MDs and naturopathic (alternative) NDs, the British Columbia Naturopathic Association explains it this way:

 

• "A Naturopathic Physician (ND) is trained in the methods of treatment commonly referred to as alternative medicines" (http://www.bcna.ca/files_3/faqs.php), and 

 

• "A difference between allopathic and naturopathic care may lie in the NDs emphasis on nutrition and diet, lifestyle change, and the importance for patients to manage their own long-term health" (http://www.bcna.ca/files_3/naturophatic.php).

 

This will be an important distinction to remember if you choose to go the ND route. Just because NDs now have the authority to write prescriptions doesn't mean that they will want to use antibiotics as their first-line treatment for Lyme disease. When meeting with your ND, keep an open mind and be upfront when discussing your treatment options, including the use of antibiotics. 

 

Also remember that Dr. Murakami continues to be available to consult with both MDs and NDs.