Lyme Files: Lyme Law

While laws are always changing – and few people take time to read bills and laws and all that – Lymies are actually trying to fight for laws in their states to get testing and treatment. Or just, you know, funding for research.

A lot of the government issued funds are for "awareness." Some of the funding went to the Lyme Corps. You probably don't want to Google them to hard. It's a really bad program. 

On Tuesday, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed a bill into law that requires health care providers warn patients in writing:

“Your health care provider has ordered a laboratory test for the presence of Lyme disease for you. Current laboratory testing for Lyme disease can be problematic and standard laboratory tests often result in false negative and false positive results and, if done too early, you may not have produced enough antibodies to be considered positive because your immune response requires time to develop antibodies. If you are tested for Lyme disease and the results are negative, this does not necessarily mean you do not have Lyme disease. If you continue to experience unexplained symptoms, you should contact your health care provider and inquire about the appropriateness of retesting or initial or additional treatment.”

The Lyme Disease Association has a list which they keep updated as to laws in various states – check it out by going to: http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/index.php/state-activities

But Seriously?

As someone who doesn’t like the government in my business or telling anyone what to do – I find this both awesome and horrible. There are actual laws on the book in states that goes against (the incorrect) federal treatment guidelines. 

I can do nothing but applaud the effort and the people who got these laws in the system and passed. 

But.

What happens if a doctor doesn’t say this? Nothing. Did you  know about these laws? Probably not. Did you know federal law trumps state law? 

But. 

Why can't I talk to my doctor and why can't I get the test I want and why can't we have a conversation and why can't I get treatment? Why is my body and my future dictated by a selection of bills and laws that are written under the guise of "for my own protection."

Why don't we listen to the science - ALL the science?

Who We Fight For

As a Lymie said - while this fight is for Lyme Disease and tick-borne illnesses, the path will open up so much research and get so many people looking and thinking and communicating, other illnesses and disorders will also get attention. Maybe the processes or discovery on these spirochetes will change how we treat other incurable and baffling illnesses.