Our Battle Ongoing: Lyme Disease in Australia | Full Documentary

I would like to Thank Kara Perrin for help Foster this blog concept

For seven years, Tanya Dupagne lived with symptoms that doctors couldn’t put their finger on. Fatigue, extreme pain, poor concentration, brain fog, low-grade fever, issues with her muscles.

One neurologist suggested she may have Multiple Sclerosis, but it was when someone mentioned the tick-borne illness, Lyme Disease, that everything clicked for Tanya.

The former Rural Woman of the Year and head of the children’s charity Camp Kulin in W.A. had been bitten by a tick while working in the United States, which is a known hotspot for the disease.

But as she discovered, the Australian medical community’s resistance to claims that the disease occurs locally makes diagnosis and treatment — even for accepted cases like hers — incredibly hard to come by.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme Disease is an illness caused by an infection from the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, typically transmitted to humans via the bite of some species of ticks. Ticks carrying the infection can be found in Asia, Europe and North America.

In fact, Lyme Disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the Northern Hemisphere. The US’s public health institute (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) alone receives reports of roughly 30,000 Lyme Disease cases each year.

But according to researchers, it doesn’t exist in Australia.

Australian patients call for doctors to recognize Lyme disease

Lyme Disease is not recognised in Australia. Here’s why.

Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention | Ausmed

Why is it not recognised in Australia?

According to the Medical Journal of Australia and a number of medical authorities, including the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, there is no convincing evidence that Lyme Disease occurs in Australia, nor is there evidence that the bacteria that causes it exists in any Australian animal or insect.

However, some people argue that this evidence is based on a sole 1994 government-funded research study that failed to find the North American strain of the bacteria in Aussie ticks.

Critics of the research argue that it didn’t test for similar strains of the bacteria that may cause illness and nor did it test any other insect, such as a mosquito or a flea, that may carry the same or similar strains.

Listen to The Quicky, Mamamia’s daily news podcast, talk about Lyme Disease.

Lyme Disease: The Hollywood Illness Stirring Controversy In Australia

Lyme Disease is a controversial topic in Australia, we attempt to unpack the science and the symptoms and find out why Aussie doctors are bound to say it doesn’t exist. CREDITS Host/Producer: Claire Murphy Executive Producer: Melanie Tait Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri Thanks to our special guests Tanya Dupagne and Dr Brad McKay

The Quicky is the easiest and most enjoyable way to get across the news every day. And it’s delivered straight to your ears in a daily podcast so you can listen whenever you want, wherever you are…at the gym, on the train, in the playground or at night while you’re making dinner. The Quicky. Getting you up to speed. Daily. Want The Quicky in your ears every day? Subscribe at mamamia.com.au/the-quicky or in your favourite podcast app. Love the show? Send us an email thequicky@mamamia.com.au or call the podphone 02 8999 9386.

Lyme Disease is not recognized in Australia. Here’s why.

How is Lyme Disease diagnosed in Australia?

As a result of the Australian medical community’s position on local Lyme Disease and the fact that symptoms (including a circular red rash around the tick bite, fever, headache, joint aches or swelling, and swollen lymph nodes) can also be caused by a host of other conditions, diagnosis can be difficult to come by. It usually occurs via a combination of clinical presentation (ie. a doctor’s assessment of symptoms) and lab testing.

However, there are questions about whether Australian labs are equipped to test for the bacteria. Some say that, as a result, patients have been scammed into spending large amounts of money to send blood to unaccredited overseas labs, only to get a false-positive result and then put themselves through unnecessary treatment.

What treatment for Lyme Disease is available in Australia?

In a Lyme Disease endemic country, after a positive diagnosis, treatment would involve antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection.

Dr Brad McKay, a family doctor and science communicator, explained to Mamamia’s daily news podcast The Quicky, that these antibiotics are usually effective. However, delays in administering them can lead people to be sick for longer periods of time.

Some patients call this “chronic Lyme Disease”, but as Dr McKay says, “at the moment in medicine, we sort of see that as being a bit of a fictitious diagnosis. It’s not that the Lyme is sitting in your body chronically, but it is that it has set up a long-term inflammatory process, which can give people all sorts of horrible symptoms. So that’s anything from having muscle aches and pains, weakness, fatigue, headaches, and just feeling really clouded.”

Tanya is among those with long-term, ongoing symptoms.

She says treating these is currently costing her up to $2,000 per month, made all the more difficult by the fact she is unable to work. Because Lyme Disease is not recognised in Australia, she is unable to obtain mortgage insurance or Centrelink payments to help ease the financial burden.

“Mine actually should be a really clear-cut case,” she told The Quicky, “because I have a known tick bite from a known endemic area in America; I’ve had a known bullseye rash, which is the Lyme-specific rash that indicates Lyme; I have tested positive in an internationally accredited lab in Germany; I have an MRI that actually shows two lesions on my brain consistent with tick-borne illness; and all my blood work is consistent with Lyme, as well as a list of over 40 clinical symptoms that are also consistent. Yet I’m still struggling to access treatment here in Australia.”

NEWS: Her dying wish was for Lyme recognition in Australia. RIP, Theda | LymeDisease.org

Theda Euthanised herself because she could no longer tolerate the pain she was in. Her head was on fire and felt as if it would explode. She had seen a Neurologist that day who could not help. Theda had not slept for a week, nothing the doctors prescribed gave her any sleep or pain relief she was the bravest person I know. Theda did not want to die; she loved life and had so many plans for when she got well. She was being treated by a doctor in America, who said she was too weak to tolerate Lyme treatment.

She could see no future for herself.

Euthanasia is thought out and planned. For Theda it was scary and sad. I know how she suffered spending years in a dark room,able to cope only with audio books. Often I could not hold her hand as it was too painful. How do I know all this? I am her Mother and nursed her for 14 years, I was with her when she was insulted and patronised by the medical profession. My beautiful girl wanted to live.

Wow, that is sad. To the scotland mate, it does NOT take time to pass the infection, if the tick attaches itself common sense would tell you the bacterium can get into your bloodstream at any given moment, where in the heck is the evidence showing the infection just simply cannot pass in seconds?! It IS possible.

The ignorance is EVERYWHERE, especially in the U.S.

Doctors all deny treatment here also due to the IDSA guidelines. I encourage everyone to watch the Documentary Under Our Skin as well as Under the Eightball by which, in 1951 at Fort Detrick, Maryland, construction crews built a hollow metal sphere four stories high. Inside germ weapons were to be exploded, creating mists of infectious aerosols for testing on animals….and people.

Employees called it the eight ball. In their eighteen-month long journey Grey and Russell travel the country in search of answers and interview top experts in the world of Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases. Under the Eight ball includes live footage, historical documents, original animation and archival military footage.

LymeLight – The Story Of Professional Freeskier Angeli VanLaanen Living With Lyme Disease from NEU PRODUCTIONS

LymeLight is a Lyme Disease awareness film that serves as an inspirational story for those who have fought to overcome chronic illness and physical setbacks. It delivers a powerful message of the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle on a daily basis.

Angeli VanLaanen is one of the top female freeskiers in the world and a well rounded athlete with expertise in all areas of her sport. She has been featured on the cover of Skiing Magazine and in renowned skiing publications such as Powder Magazine and Freeskier Magazine. Angeli has also competed in high level halfpipe events such as the X-Games and Dew Tour.

LymeLight is a 30 minute documentary film based on Angeli VanLaanen’s battle with Lyme Disease. Angeli, now 27 years old, started showing Lyme symptoms at the tender age of 10. After developing a chronic sinus infection, fainting spells, dyslexia and fatigue, Angeli faced over a decade of misdiagnoses. Through the years, her symptoms fluctuated and progressed into a debilitating chronic illness. In the summer of 2009 VanLaanen was sleeping for multiple days at a time and experiencing crippling body pain. Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of an infected Black Legged Tick (commonly known as a Deer Tick).

Many children and adults cannot recall a bite because young Deer Ticks can be as small as a poppyseed. If caught promptly, Lyme Disease can be treated in a matter of weeks. Angeli’s story of misdiagnosis is all too common due to the lack of knowledge in our society and in the medical community. After her diagnosis in November 2009, VanLaanen was forced to put her competitive halfpipe career on hold at the peak of her career. “It’s the lowest I’ve ever felt,” Angeli says.

“With no guarantee that treatment would relieve my symptoms, I had very little to hold on to.” Motivated by her struggle, Angeli linked up with Director John Roderick of Neu Productions in November of 2011 to make an awareness piece sharing a raw account of her experience. “Our goal with LymeLight is to educate people about Lyme Disease, where it comes from, what the symptoms are and the challenges people face reclaiming their health,” says Roderick. Neu Productions is a diverse action sports and adventure production company based in Breckenridge, Colorado, producing powerful digital content.

After taking 3 years off from halfpipe for Lyme treatment.

Angeli returned to competition and placed 6th at the FIS World Championships and is ranked 9th in the world on the AFP points list for the 2012-2013 season. Halfpipe skiing was recently added to the list of events to premier at the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia 2014. VanLaanen’s dream of becoming an Olympian is possible now that she is symptom free and in remission.

After the Olympics next year, Angeli plans to tour LymeLight in schools around the country as a part of an awareness program she has created. “When I was young I just flicked ticks off of me.” Angeli recalls “I didn’t know to tell my mom or doctor.” With the help of the LymeLight Foundation, a nonprofit VanLaanen is a spokesperson for, she will educate kids about Lyme Disease prevention and overcoming hard times.

*****

Why Am I Still So Sick?

In 2004, Richard Longland was sickened by an undiagnosed disease after spine surgery.

In the months following, a list of maladies appeared: headaches; neck, throat and shoulder pain; and random “lightning shocks.” In 2005 and 2006, other problems emerged and challenged his sanity: cardiovascular and neurological troubles; bone-crushing fatigue; and the proverbial brain fog.

After battling the medical system, he was finally diagnosed with a systemic bacterial infection in 2007. The mycoplasma pneumonia that disabled him could have originated from any number of sources: the surgical intubation process, the hospital, any public place, or even a tick. He visited more than twenty doctors for a diagnosis.

During this difficult period, he created The Arthroplasty Patient foundation, produced its first educational film and helped spine patients get “back on their feet with an active global discussion board. His focused research on antimicrobials and anti-biofilm treatments led to his treatment program using pharmaceutical and naturopathic agents to rid his body of systemic bacterial biofilms. The interviews are available individually, and the film available here when it is released.

if you want to know everything about Lyme and why it is being ignored…Screw the new blood tests, Dr’s just need to accept the fact it is REAL and treat the persons adequately and not ignore them when there is a tick bite, ticks carry pathogens not only borrelia but micro filarial worms and parasites as well….I have no faith in Drs. This illness is all over the world, and here in the USA it is an epidemic. So sorry to hear about Theda.

Is more research being done?

The Australian Department of Health says they are aware that there are many Australians who are experiencing chronic debilitating symptoms, which many sufferers associate with a tick bite, and have promised that at some stage in 2020 they’ll be releasing educational material that will help assist health professionals and the public better understand Lyme disease.

But they have made it clear that it will be an evidence-based care model. So if the evidence still shows that there is no bacteria that causes Lyme disease present in an Australian-based vector, like a tick or a mosquito, then they have to base their response on that.

In the meantime, even people like Tanya, whose cases were contracted overseas and aren’t disputed, are facing off against a medical system ill-equipped to offer proper help. “The deterioration has just been so extreme for me,” she said, “it’s just about being able to get out of bed in the morning and make it through the day.”

Feature image: GoFundMe.

Optimizing Body Immune Support | Lyme Disease Detox – Search Videos

Detoxing While Treating Lyme Disease

Detoxing is an essential part of fighting Lyme Disease and achieving relief from a herx. You are exposed to toxins on a daily basis, in your food, water, the air, and even your home in the form of mold. As a patient of tick-borne disease, these toxins can serve as an additional catalyst to your symptoms and can even send you into relapse, especially during treatment. Project Lyme has developed this resource to educate you on how to detoxify your system while treating your illness.

Detoxing While Treating Lyme Disease – Project Lyme

*Note, the medical information on this website is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please see our Privacy Policy/Disclaimer for full information.

What Is A Herxheimer Reaction?

The Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction, known colloquially as a Herxheimer Reaction or “herx”, was discovered by dermatologists Adolf Jarisch and Karl Herxheimer in their studies of syphilis. Both syphilis and Lyme bacterium are spirochetes, meaning they have a spiral shape and can cause the same reaction in patients during treatment. The reaction occurs as an adverse response to toxins released by the bacteria being killed by antibiotics. The tips in this resource are designed to help lessen the effects of herxes as you treat your disease.

Use Detoxifying Herbs and Supplements

Toxin binders can help you to detoxify from Lyme disease, coinfections, mold illness, and more. They assist by binding to toxins and withdrawing heavy metals from your body so that your immune system can work more efficiently. It is important to note that binders can’t differentiate between substances, so don’t use them within two hours of taking any herbs, supplements, or medications in order to make sure they are absorbed properly.

There are two commonly used binders:

Chlorella contains a spectrum of amino acids, iron, vitamins, and minerals. In addition to binding to toxins, it assists in healing and soothing the gut.
Activated charcoal can prevent the body from absorbing toxic substances. Manufacturers then treat the charcoal to make it more porous; increasing its surface area in this way allows more substances to bind to it.

In addition, you can use detoxifying herbs and supplements. These may come in a variety of preparations, including pills, liquids, and powders. They include

Garlic contains a chemical called allicin that promotes the production of white blood cells, helps fight against toxins, and also has natural antiviral, antibacterial, and antibiotic properties.
Milk thistle has been used for thousands of years to support a healthy liver, the primary organ responsible for detoxification.
Dandelion is known to help support liver function.
Glutathione is a powerful intracellular antioxidant that helps support enzymes that aid in the elimination of toxins.
NAC (n-acetyl cysteine) is an essential component for the formation of glutathione inside cells. NAC is an antioxidant that helps protect liver function.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is protective of liver function and helps remove toxins from the body.
Berberine supports liver health, healthy circulation, gut health, a balanced microbiome, and more.
Burbur Pinella provides antioxidant and brain/cognitive support as well as helps your body to cleanse itself.

This list is not exhaustive. To learn more about detox methods that include patient votes for effectiveness, check out this resource on detoxing by Tired of Lyme.

Sweat It Out With an Infrared Sauna

Infrared saunas can improve circulation, decrease inflammation, and relieve pain. Infrared saunas can also help to remove heavy metals and other toxins through sweating. The removal of these toxins can help to boost your immune capabilities as well as increase endorphin production. But be careful: If you use this method in excess, it can actually be harmful to your recovery. To avoid any issues, keep the temperature tolerable, your time short, and make sure to stay hydrated.

Flush Toxins With Specialty Drinks

While drinking water is one of the ways you may be exposed to toxins, drinking lots of it in conjunction with other liquids can actually flush toxins out of your body. Some great detoxifying drinks include:

Lemon water and apple cider vinegar can stimulate the production of bile, help cleanse your liver, and balance your acid-alkaline levels, which helps detoxify chemicals and metabolize drugs.
Herbal teas can keep you hydrated and supply you with easily-absorbed antioxidants to quell inflammation. There are many types, including:
- Milk thistle and dandelion root teas provide liver support.
- Peppermint and ginger teas can reduce nausea.
- Chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm teas help with sleep.
- Licorice root and orange peel teas aid in combating fatigue.

Get Appropriate Exercise

While not every patient will be able to apply this step, there are times when exercise is an appropriate step for your healing. If your symptoms are stable or improving, it’s probably time to add some movement to your daily routine. Exercise improves circulation, oxygenates your tissues, and enhances the work of the lymphatic system through muscle contractions. To cut down on the risk of exacerbating your symptoms, stick to low-impact exercises. To learn more about low-impact movement options, check out the Movements for Lymies guided class.

Back to Lyme Resources

Methylation + Lyme Disease Recovery: How to Support This Vital Cellular Process | RawlsMD

NEWS: Her dying wish was for Lyme recognition in Australia. RIP, Theda | LymeDisease.org

Lyme disease: Why ‘Invisible illness’ affecting Australians still not recognised by government

Consumer Review | What Is The Best Immune Support Supplement On The Market?

Burbur for Lyme Disease Detox – The best Lyme disease detox! – Lady of Lyme

Doctors, patients battle over diagnosing Lyme disease in Australia – triple j

Detox Guide: Best Detox Methods For Lyme Disease – Lady of Lyme

The Top 6 Supplements That Can Support Your Lyme Recovery

Lyme Disease: Coping, Support, and Living Well

Using An Infrared Sauna With Lyme Disease – Tired of Lyme

Herxheimer Die-Off Reaction: Inflammation Run Amok. – Treat Lyme