Chronic Lyme is real
Despite their intention, recent news broadcasts have the potential to put patients at further risk.
Like many of our readers we’ve been disappointed by some media coverage of Lyme that seems to ignore the very real challenges that Lyme patients in Canada experience – particularly those with chronic symptoms. The impression some of this coverage leaves is that chronic Lyme is a “mystery illness” with little or no evidence to support its existence – and with no way to help patients. This is harmful and can push patients to seek solutions that may be costly or risky as they lose hope.
Of course last year’s NASEM report clearly establishes the reality of chronic Lyme or what they are calling Lyme infection-associated chronic illness (IACI). It’s an excellent read and provides a roadmap for making improvements.
Here in Canada, CanLyme is working to help educate medical practitioners and is establishing a biobank to drive meaningful research for new diagnostics and treatments. Our recent Canadian Tick-Borne Disease Conference brought together Canadian medical doctors, nurse practitioners, naturopathic doctors and registered nurses from across Canada to learn from each other how to better support patients. We have made this an annual event.
As we continue to learn more about the effects of Lyme disease – particularly when it goes undiagnosed – we will expand treatment options within our medical system and embrace a variety of professional medical practitioners to support suffering patients. Things are beginning to change – thanks to many of you – and I’ve never been more hopeful than I am today.
Citation
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2025. Charting a path toward new treatments for Lyme infection-associated chronic illnesses. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/28578