Thanks again to the Sooke News Mirror for continuing to bring awareness to the crisis of Lyme disease in Canada.
Just to set the record straight, Nicole has an amazing, upbeat attitude in the face of such adversity and does not suffer from depression although lyme can cause depression.
We also bought a 90-year old house in disrepair, versus renting and throwing what little money we have away. I predict we will have to sell this house within the next two years if Nicole needs continued care outside of Canada.
We have an ongoing bottle drive for med costs on Used Victoria as does a friend in Grimsby, Ontario and my sister in Lakefield, Ontario. Every bottle helps.
It is only a matter of time before the tide is turned. No, I’m not deluding myself that this will happen overnight, but an unrelenting battering of the status quo is how we will get the job done. Media attention is a huge factor. Schmidt’s report is a good beginning. There are thousands of people across Canada denied their right to health care due to Lyme denial. I am not content to sit back and allow this to happen without making our voice heard and demand the necessary change After our recent visit to an infectious disease doctor here in Victoria I now know exactly how to proceed.
Nicole’s blog: www.bitemeback.blogspot.com/ continues to be her ‘voice’ on life with lyme. She also has a link to Schmidt’s ‘hidden’ report.
Dr. Brian Schmidt’s review of a flawed B.C. health system details the blatant and systematic dismissal of Lyme patients by the medical community. His well researched report is a wake up call to our medical profession and especially their governing bodies and the B.C. CDC.
One has to ask, why was it kept secret since May 2010?
Throwing $2 million towards a ‘clinic’ manned by Lyme ‘ignorant’ staff is a complete waste of taxpayers money. Without proper expertise, and open minds, nothing will change. Instead, spend the $2 million educating doctors properly using Dr. Schmidt’s excellent resources. Toss the flawed standard ELISA test, and develop a truly reliable test.
Lastly, reimburse B.C. citizens with Lyme who have spent their own funds going to the U.S. for treatment when they were dismissed by countless doctors here at home.
CanLyme Foundation must be at the table when discussions are held regarding how to help Lyme patients in B.C. Without their input it would all be a sham.
Meanwhile, I would recommend people with Lyme going to the U.S. for treatment keep a detailed accounting of all their costs including travel, car rentals etc. You are going to need it.
May is Lyme Awareness Month. As someone speaking from experience, please become informed and do all you can to protect your kids, pets and yourselves from this wretched disease.
Chris Powell
Victoria