Everything You Need to Know about Lyme Disease and Other Tick-Borne Disorders

Fantastic book, and clearly the best that I read during my recovery from LD. Thorough, level-headed, wonderful.

My children and I have chronic Lyme disease. I was misdiagnosed for over twelve years and unknowingly passed the disease to my children via pregnancy. Contrary to the reader's statement that this is an "alarmist" book, this book is a MUST READ, especially for anyone suffering with this disease. The reader who stated otherwise should be ashamed to have sounded the alarmist bell him/herself (especially since that reader does NOT have Lyme disease and therefore has no idea of the suffering involved)! Antibiotics are effective only if the disease is caught early, as early as within 48 hours of infection and perhaps as long as up to 6 weeks after infection. Otherwise, the odds dramatically decrease for antibiotics working to rid one of Lyme disease. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms are apparent, it is usually too late for antibiotics to effectively treat the disease. Only approximately 40% of persons with Lyme disease remember a tick bite or develop the "bull's-eye" rash. Therefore, most persons with the disease go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and untreated for an extended time. Once finally diagnosed after I was again bitten and did see a tick bite and rash, my children and I suffered through several months of antibiotic treatment that made us sicker, not better, and not just from spirochete "die off", but because the antibiotics started to attack our systems. Most persons with Lyme disease WILL continue with certain possibly irreversible symptoms, such as Lyme-related arthritis, even after antibiotic treatment. Integrative medicine, which is a combination treatment of homeopathic (alternative, such as certain herbs and nutritional supplements) and allopathic (conventional, such as antibiotics) as well as dietary changes (such as reduction or elimination of meat consumption, as well as eliminating all sugars) appears to be the best approach for sufferers of Lyme disease, especially those with chronic Lyme disease. The fact is that Lyme disease IS scary and IS a huge problem of epidemic proportion that MUST be addressed. Sticking ones head in the sand and hoping it will simply go away or ignoring the cold, hard, at times frightening facts of this disease is irresponsible. The reader who refuses to give this book to his/her friend who has Lyme disease is doing that friend a grave disservice. Those of us with Lyme disease recognize a factual account as opposed to an "alarmist" point of view. I for one appreciate the TRUTH. This book is well researched and honestly written. EVERYONE should read this book, whether they have Lyme disease or not. Often, persons diagnosed with nervous system disorders, such as MS, or autoimmune disorders, such as Lupus, actually have Lyme disease. I reiterate: THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE.

Information presented in this book is essential for anyone (public or medical professional)who wants to know the latest on Lyme disease. Factual information, presented in an understandable format that never underestimates the reader's intelligence and common sense, is presented by one of the true heroes in the Lyme disease saga. Mrs. Vanderhoof-Forschner's personal experience is the driving force behind this well-executed, fact-filled, medically-sound and resource-filled book. This is a must for anyone serious about this complex disease and a handy reference guide for further information. Rita L. Stanley, Ph.D.

Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner has taken a very complex topic and clearly explained all of the intricacies of ticks, the bacteria, the symptoms and the treatment of a rapidly expanding health threat. She does a masterful job of presenting factual balanced information in a non-threatening manner.Ms. Vanderhoof-Forschner's dedication to overcoming this disease is evident in the quality of her research and her devotion to educating a world that was unaware.Everyone intersted in taking control of their healthcare should buy this book for their healthcare library.

This is an excellent nonthreatening information source for us all! I recommend this for every family and their friends. The pictures are of ticks and rashes - and are not in the least scary. The book is clear and calm in its description of signs and symptoms of tick-borne diseases. The bibliography and resources are excellent!As a healthcare professional, I know the author has taken great care in writing this book.