[at-l] Lyme vaccine warning

[FLATers@webtv.net (FLATers@webtv.net)]

Ok, this is a very good warning to take a look at that Amy Friends
(Sandpiper) posted to the Womens Hiker list, and my response to it. I
rant a bit (can you imagine that), so delete at will.
.....................................................................

Response to :
<<Message: 4 
   Date: Fri, 02 Feb 2001 14:31:10 -0000    From: "Amy"
<coelura@hotmail.com> 
Subject: warnings on Lyme vaccine 
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20010131/hl/lyme_vaccine_1.html >>>>> 
Thanx Amy for submitting this. Fur and I have been warning people of
this very thing since before it even was available. The insurance
companies WANTED this because of the extreme cost of treating Chronic
Lyme Disease. Its up there with Cancer in cost, but some people
eventually die from Cancer, but rarely die from Lyme. Hence, the costs
go on and on. What we discovered thru reading info thru Lyme Alliance,
is that some people have actually HAD Lyme disease, but had a strong
immune system that was able to fight it off. When they received the
vaccine, it caused a resurgence of the disease, almost like fuel for the
flame. Also, the tests for Lyme are still very innaccurate. Its only
slightly better than a flip of the coin. So if you had the vaccine,
(which remember is only 75% accurate), then later get a tick bite that
begins to cause Lyme-like reactions to the body, its likely that a Doc
may say ....well, it can't be Lyme disease, because YOU had the vaccine. 
I am stating MY opinions here, so you can have food for thought. I am in
no way a licensed MD, nor do I choose to pretend to be one. What I am is
a wife of a man stricken with a disease that robbed him of his strength
and vigor at the age of 35. His went untreated for over a year because
he was too stubborn to see a Doc when he got a rash following a deer
tick removal. Five years ago, no one was talking about Lyme, he thought
it was just a little thing that would go away. And it did after a few
weeks. But after a few months, he got a flu he just couldnt get over all
winter. Migraines that couldnt be explained. Then finally, no strength,
no ability to walk, visits to 12 or more specialists, scores of tests,
MRI's, bone scans, etc, yet no answers for what plagued his body. All we
knew was that he was dying. Then a Physicians Assistant asked, " hey-
was he ever bitten by a deer tick?" Well yeah, he had about a year ago,
and it got this nasty rash........ and you can figure the rest. 
It was too late for his treatment (hes been treated 3 times, and was a
volunteer in a Chronic Lyme Study thru NIH), it was already in all his
body systems, where it set up camp, and runs and hides from treatment in
places like cartilage where no direct blood supply goes, hence the meds
cant reach it. Also, after having Lyme for a while, these "stealth-like"
cork screw shape bacteria can bore into your own body cells and come out
wearing a coating of your cells. That way, your anti-bodies cant
recognize them as a threat, and just let them there to do their dirty
work. Sound like a horror movie? Yep....welcome to Lyme Disease! His
condition is now considered as "being similar to" a mix between Multiple
Schlorosis, and Congestive Heart Failure. 
Why do I repeat this info. from time to time? Because NO ONE told us. WE
didn't hear about it. WE werent informed. Now WE want YOU and everyone
we can reach with the message that early treatment is the key!!!! Yes,
there is also a vaccine, but I won't be taking it. Not till its more
like 95% accurate! 
Sorry if it seems I'm ranting, but I wanted you to know what we know. 
By the way, my Hubby, FurTrapper, is going to begin a thru hike of the
AT on March 2nd. No, he is not feling better, just needs to get out
there. HIS Katahdin may come in 6 months, or 3 weeks. We hope, though,
that he finds some of what hes lost to the disease. No, he wont feel
good. No, he won't get well. No, he shouldn't even be there. BUT,
imagine all that excitement bottled up inside a crippled body. He NEEDS
to try! He will turn 40 in May. He wants something positive when he
reaches it, something hes always longed for before the disease
progresses any farther. I pray he finds something that reminds him that
life is worth living, and beauty surrounds us, and God watches over all. 
Landslides