Lyme Disease and The Chronic Lyme Debate June 2007

One of the more controversial issues in Lyme disease is the question of chronic Lyme disease. Some individuals, even after typical treatment for Lyme disease, have reported the recurrence of chronic, persistent symptoms of Lyme disease, including arthritis, fatigue and many neurological disorders. Many people who have claimed to have chronic Lyme disease have experienced a decreased standard of living; regarding their work, family life, and activities they once enjoyed.
Physicians and researchers who believe in the existence of chronic Lyme have stated that the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which causes Lyme, has a dormant form which can actually “hide” inside human cells, making it difficult to detect and treat. It is when the bacterial remerges from this dormant state that they are said to wreak havoc on the body. Neurologists taking brain scans of patients who have tested positive for Lyme disease have discovered, in some cases severe hydrocephalus (increased fluid on the brain) leading to the compression of the brain tissue. Autopsies on patients who allegedly died of chronic Lyme revealed massively deteriorated tissue throughout the brain and spinal cord. They believe that the chronic version of the disease occurs when the initial form of the disease goes untreated for an extended period of time.
Other physicians, however, do not believe that these symptoms and disorders are necessarily the result of Lyme diseases. Some attribute the problems that patients experience to “post-Lyme syndrome”, stating that the symptoms of Lyme disease may persist for a while even after the bacteria is gone form the body. Others believe that it may be result of bacterial similar to B. burgdorferi. Some say that the patients have some other condition, such as fibromyalgia, lupus, or ALS and have been misdiagnosed with Lyme. Others say that their patients are ill with undetermined chronic condition and latch onto chronic Lyme because they want to believe they have a definable, treatable condition.
Many individuals with chronic Lyme disease are treated with intravenous antibiotics but the treatment varies with individual physicians as the state of Rhode Island does recognize chronic Lyme disease as a real medical problem.

On June 2nd, URI will be offering a Tick Awareness Day in Jamestown beginning at 3 pm at 11 America Way. For other information go to www.tickencounter.org

Pre-K required immunizations:

Completed series of 3 Hepatitis B

4 Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DPT/DTaP)

4 Pneumococcal Conjugate

3 Polio

4 Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB)

1 Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Physical Examination if new to Pre-K

K requires the following immunizations and current physical:

Completed series of 3 Hepatitis B

5 Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP/DTaP)

4 Polio

4 HIB

2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Vision screening

Lead screening

Physical Examination

Students entering grades 1-6: Same requirements for K except lead and vision screening.

Students entering grade 6 and who are interested in playing sports are required to submit a current physical examination.

7 th Grade requires the following:

Completed series of 3 Hepatitis B

5 DTP/DTaP

4 Polio

2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Tetanus Booster

Scoliosis screening

Physical Examination

8 th grade students who are new to Jamestown School must follow the 7 th grade requirements.

The appropriate form must be mailed to the School Nurse-Teacher before the first day of school.