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Commitment to Acceptance
By Paul Turse aka Samurai Raider
Revised and updated 08.01.04
"God has brought me to this point for a reason." - Steve Smith
(Quoted in Kevin Blackstone, "Former Raider With ALS Wants To Help Others," Dalls Morning News)
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It was the proverbial match made in heaven. It all started with a romance that even an Academy Award-winning Hollywood scriptwriter could not have topped. It was the fantasy of fantasies: the beautiful cheerleader and the handsome fullback. It had all the earmarks of great romantic comedy. And, as great movies often do, it even shattered stereotypical thinking—in this case, that the union of a cheerleader and a football player could never last since there could be no real basis for such a relationship. Prejudicial thinking dictated that cheerleaders want to marry football players only for the prestige and glory, and that football players are attracted only to the fluffy pom-poms. However, the marriage of Oakland Raider Steve Smith and former Raiderette wife Chie was not in a movie, and while it might lack the glamour of Hollywood, it turned out to be a relationship of substance. Their story, however, turned from comedy to a more serious genre, for Steve has been diagnosed with both ALS and Lyme. Thus, the latest scenario in the story of their life together has been marked by constant travel to various clinics and treatment centers throughout the country, trying to find a cure that will stifle, if not eradicate, these “diseases of mass destruction.”
But there were happier times in their young lives...
The happier times in their young lives. Steve and Chie spend their first Christmas together. |
The couple met at a charity weekend back in 1988: a golf tournament sponsored by Super Bowl coach Tom Flores and the Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular,1 a charity event that seeks donations for genetic research, which ironically might be one of the keys to unlock the complications that plague Steve and others who suffer from ALS.2 Steve, who had just completed his rookie season, was competing in the golf matches, and Chie Ohara was with the Raiderettes ('86 – '89), who were on hand to help register the players, model fur coats for a charity sale, and to generally play hostess for the events. The two had never met before; in fact, the pretty, dark-haired cheerleader did not know any of the rookie players.
During the '87 season, there wasn’t much chance for the two to be on the field at the same time because Steve played in but 7 games, carrying the ball just 5 times. However, by the '88 season, not only were they on the field together, playing and cheering, but also they were a dating couple. |
"I really wasn’t that familiar with him because I started in '86. Steve was drafted in '87. So, we met in '88; and so he was a new face," Chie explained. "I actually had to ask one of the veteran cheerleaders who he was," Chie recalled. But during the event, Steve noticed Chie and called her over to his table to ask if she could bring him a drink.
Why did Steve pick Chie out of the crowd of beautiful cheerleaders to ask for that drink? "I thought that she had a very nice smile, and I thought that she looked like a nice person," he responded, sitting calmly in his wheelchair, although somewhat tired after traveling from the home of relatives in Maryland to the Haverford Wellness Center and after undergoing immunization therapy. When Steve talks, his speech is slow and methodical, but coherent and logical, and you are struck by an inner calm and courage that emanates from a deep spiritual essence.
Chie continued relating the story of the couple's meeting: "At the end of the evening, we [Raiderettes] had to model fur coats that were going to be auctioned off later on to benefit the Boy Scouts of America," Chie explained. "And I was a little nervous when he told me to come over and talk with him. Usually, I'm very much in control. I’m not nervous at all. But for some reason, I was very nervous around him," she recollected, laughing with delight, despite the clinical setting of the treatment center.
The smile that Steve saw 17 years ago still emanates from this lovely former cheerleader, and she still retains the vitality and physical attributes evident in the current Raiderettes. Moreover, even a casual listener will be drawn to her when she speaks with a sincere eloquence.
Mary Barnes, now-retired, was Raiderette director back when Chie was a member of the squad, and she remembers the vivacious cheerleader: "When Steve was still playing for the Raiders, he used to bring his buddies home; and Chie would cook fantastic gourmet meals for them all, and she was always so gracious. I can recall more than one of the players saying that they wanted to marry a wonderful woman like Chie."
Chie continued the story of her meeting with Steve and the modeling of the coats: "And it was a little hot, and the fur from the fur coat was just kind of flying off everywhere and sticking to my lashes, and I was starting to sweat. I think it was obvious that I was a little uncomfortable. The whole time I was talking to him, I was trying to get these fur pieces off. [She simulated trying to blow the fur off her lashes.] I must have looked like a nervous wreck."
Steve cut in on Chie's version of the story and reminded her about the Sports Spectacular, which was the night before, a 17-year-old recollection that offered testimony to the sharpness of his mind. "That is the thing about ALS," Chie explained. It affects your body, but it does not affect your brain in any way. You're completely alert to what’s going on in your body."
The rapport between the couple is profound. As Steve explained what had transpired, Chie listened intently and intuitively seemed to know exactly what he was going to say next, as she instantaneously repeated or clarified what he had said. |
Steve (left) and Chie (right) at the Haverford Wellness Center, where Steve was undergoing therapy this past June.
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"Prior to actually chasing him around the golf course, I saw him initially; and I thought, oh boy, he’s kind of cute, you know," Chie recalled. At the Sports Spectacular, the Raiderettes had volunteered their services to escort the players onto the stage so that they could be introduced to the audience. However, Chie's girlfriend was assigned to Steve. "I went up to her and asked her if we could switch so I could walk him out, and that was really the first time we talked. He introduced himself; I introduced myself." Even though she admits to having been a bit forward by masterminding the switch, Chie was still too shy to really talk very much.
It was the next day, when Chie brought him the drink and sat down, that they "stuck to each other." "We’d pretty much been chasing each other on the golf course all day long," Chie explained.
What was the first inkling that the two knew that there was going to be a lasting relationship? "Oh, I think we knew right away, right away, right away," Chie declared. "From the moment he said, could I get him something to drink, and I said, 'Absolutely. Right away,' it was a done deal," she recollected, laughing at the fond memory.
The couple was married in December of 1989. And they lived happily ever after... at least until 2002, that is.
In Hollywood, the writer can manufacture an ending to fit the demands of the story, but in life, the conclusion is something that cannot always be scripted. Moreover, life often has more twists and tragic turns in the story of the human condition than in fiction and comedy, and a simple happy story can suddenly turn to a sad tale.
On September 11, 2002, our country was remembering how a year earlier we were devastated by the insidious attack of a virtually unknown enemy. On that day, Steve was sabotaged by a terrorism of a more personal kind. The once-sturdy fullback, after two previous indications, was positively confirmed on 9/11 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, "an invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles." The disease leads to "the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons."3 Unfortunately, since 9/11, our world has changed, and we have become somewhat preoccupied with terror on the national and international levels, and we often forget about the personal struggles and terror of everyday people, like Steve and Chie.
In June of 2002, after having lived in Atlanta for over five years, the Smiths moved to Plano, Texas, with son Dante, who will be fourteen this July, and daughter Jazmin, who will be thirteen in December. It was then that Steve started experiencing a slight twitching in his arms, a reaction called fasciculation, a symptom common to ALS and which can affect various areas of the body in those afflicted. Although the twitching did not affect his strength at first, the weakness started in his legs gradually and, during the course of the disease, it progressed to his arms, shoulders, and hands. Thus, the man who once played fullback and had his Raider teammates depend on him, now must depend on his mate, Chie, who tends to all of his daily needs.
While the Smiths have committed to accepting the plight that has besieged them, they have also committed to accepting the challenge that they are determined to face. "I think you just have to constantly have faith and believe that things will get better," said Chie.
Chie believes that if you totally accept your plight, then that is tantamount to giving up: "Maybe for some people, that works," she continued. "I have talked to other people in similar situations. And rather than wanting to look for alternative treatments, they've just kinda accepted the diagnosis. They want to live the last few months or years that they have 'living it up,' you know. And I think if that’s what makes you happy and that’s your situation, then so be it. Everybody handles their situations differently."
However, Steve and Chie want to search for every possible avenue, including stem cell research, which might lead to a cure. "There are new things constantly being researched and learned about, especially ALS," Chie explained with conviction. "And I think you just have to constantly be open to that and always have a positive attitude if you can, somehow, somewhere."
Chie does not communicate as though she expects pity for the plight of her family, but speaks with a matter-of-fact tone, one that belies the emotions that she must feel inside. When you listen to Chie, you are immediately reminded of the Serenity Prayer: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
It is, perhaps, symbolic that Chie's parents named her chie, because in Japanese, the word means wisdom.
At the Haverford Wellness Center, in Havertown, PA, Chie put some of her wisdom to work as she underwent a three-week detoxification-training program to learn how to administer infusion therapy to her husband.4 Calm and seemingly unaffected by the treatment, Steve sat quietly while Chie, who had mastered the treatment in the first week, methodically and efficiently drew her husband's blood into a syringe, mixed it with combination of medicines and nutrients, which included phosphaditylcholine and glutathione, and then reintroduced the mixture back into his system via a port in his chest. This detoxification treatment is designed to cleanse the motor neurons, restore nutritional balance, and, hopefully, regenerate the neurons.5 There is no guarantee that this therapy will cure ALS, but it has successfully retarded the progression of the disease in some cases, and it is hoped that it will have a positive effect on Steve.
Although she is not a nurse, Chie believes that when "you go through something like this, you become one." Just as she had changed places seventeen years ago at the charity event to be at Steve’s side, she has changed places with the nurse to be at his side once again. A professional nurse could not have been more attentive and supportive.
While Chie is, indeed, her husband’s support system and during the treatments injects him with the medication, Steve's remarkably positive attitude has helped infuse Chie with the faith to bear the adversity:
"It certainly helps with having a husband that's in that frame of mind all the time. I think that being married, your emotions are so connected. You know, one person's unhappy, you can easily become unhappy. But because he’s been so positive throughout this whole ordeal, you know it's really strengthened me and made me very positive, so much so that I can continue doing everything else I need to get done. With our two children, we have a very busy life."
Indeed, Steve is still the fullback in many ways, running interference for others to help them achieve a goal. While some ALS victims may be preoccupied with their afflictions for purely personal reasons, Steve is concerned for other families that might suffer the same emotional, spiritual, and financial challenges that he and Chie are facing.
"God has brought me to this point for a reason," Steve said. When Steve went to a clinic in Houston and saw the desperation on the faces of the patients there, he believed that he needed to spread a message of faith. "I felt like I went down there to tell those people what God has in store for them. That they can get ready to live. I want to raise money for these people to go to these alternative clinics. God's not finished with me yet."6
Despite his condition, Steve still has a remarkable sense of humor. When this writer asked Steve if he would like him to administer the infusions and fuss over him the way his wife does, he politely refused the offer, noting, "Everything feels better when Chie does it."
Although Chie had done many charities as part of her Raiderette duties, she had never worked for ALS. In fact, she was not familiar with ALS back then. It was not until about five years ago that she stated to follow the story of a man who was totally incapacitated by the disease and having problems getting his insurance company to pay for his necessary home care. Chie never dreamed that her life could one day be affected by such a fate: "It's interesting. Once you’re diagnosed with something like this, suddenly you are in contact with so much information. You realize that they’re a lot of people out there dealing with it."
Although seated in a wheelchair, Nancy Good stands for courage as she prepares to cheer for the Raiders at the 2002 Raiderette reunion. (Photo by Samurai). |
To get a better understanding of the seriousness of ALS, you need only to note what former Raiderette and multiple sclerosis sufferer Nancy Good, now-president of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of Missoula, MT, had to say about the affliction: "It's such a devastating and terrible disease to live with. Often times, MS patients are told, prior to their diagnosis, it's either a brain tumor, ALS, or MS. I was excited to hear it was MS... Of course, I didn't know what it was... just not a tumor or ALS... Many people were told the same thing prior to their own diagnosis with MS. What's the worse of two evils? I'll take MS any day."7
However, ALS is not the only affliction that Steve must contend with. Despite early tests coming up negative for Lyme, there is the possibility that his symptoms could actually be generated by Lyme disease,8 because it is the "Great Imitator" in that it can mimic other diseases, such as ALS, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's.9 |
Another problem is that the spirochete can change shape and can move through the body tissues, as well as the blood, making it very elusive to detection.10 In addition, the typical "bulls-eye" rash caused by the bite—considered to be one indication of Lyme—may not always be readily apparent or could be on hidden areas of the body or may not appear at all. Furthermore, other ailments may also be carried by the Ioxides tick and can obscure the disease or compound it, and these ailments might require treatment prior to treating Lyme.11
"So, in order for those diseases [ALS, MS, and Parkinson's] to be diagnosed properly," Chie explained, "they have to rule out everything. And most of the time, those doctors will do a routine Lyme test because they know how tricky it is to diagnose the other chronic conditions... Because it is known to mimic ALS, it is important to get a proper diagnosis. And what we have found out is that a lot of the ALS clinics are not using the proper test. They are using a test called the ELISA test."
ELISA stands for "enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay" and checks the blood for antibodies that develop in response to the bite of an infected tick, but Chie believes "it is not an accurate test for Lyme."12
Because insurance companies are unable to cover the more costly but perhaps more accurate testing, which could run in the vicinity of $1000 for each test, there is the possibility that someone will be diagnosed with ALS or another affliction when they actually have Lyme, Chie explained. "Thus, a patient can die from Lyme, so it is so critical to find the right laboratory and have the right test,"13 she concluded. The Smiths have encountered problems, not only in getting their insurance company to pay for such tests but also to provide coverage for alternative medical treatments. While they are now getting some insurance help, they are still basically responsible for the bulk of the overwhelming expense. Indeed, aside from the initial expenses at the various clinics, Chie estimates that it is costing them approximately $3000 dollars a month to provide the therapy, medications, and medical treatments necessary to seek and effect a cure, or to at least significantly retard the course of Steve's affliction.
Chie is disturbed—no, outraged—that in this country, the individual does not have control over his or her medical history or destiny, and that insurance companies can simply and arbitrarily dictate how much and how long treatment should be for any one illness, and even do so despite evidence of chronic conditions in many patients who were supposedly "cured." However, recent legislation in Rhode Island, mandating that insurance companies pay for long-term antibiotic treatment for Lyme, may set an encouraging precedent.14
Even more disturbing are the reports of doctors being investigated for going above and beyond the medical call of duty to treat chronic patients.15
Perhaps such breakthrough legislation as that in RI will carry over into other areas of treatment. While it can be argued that the money our nation has spent in the last year or so seeking to find and eradicate weapons of mass destruction has been necessary, it can also be argued that it is equally necessary to find the funds needed to seek and eradicate those diseases of mass destruction, such as Lyme and ALS, that terrorize our afflicted population.
For a good year and one half, famed writer of the Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan, suffered from the same lack of good fortune as the Smiths, as she had Lyme but was diagnosed with ALS. For Tan, there is little joy in knowing that the medical community and insurance companies have been remiss in dealing with Lyme. "I now know what is the greatest damage that Borrelia [the Lyme spirochete, Borrelia burgdoferi] caused: It is ignorance."16
In the midst of all the confusion and controversy regarding Lyme, the Smiths continued in their quest for a cure for ALS and for its connection with Lyme. However, it was not until a year after Steve's ALS diagnosis that the Smiths learned of a clinic, IGeneX, in Palo Alto, CA, which utilizes a test that is able to find the DNA of the spirochete that causes Lyme. Even though he had previously come up negative on the ELISA test, it was at IGeneX, after taking the nearly $1000 test, that Steve received a positive test result for Lyme.17 "And so here we are, a year later we get a positive test result on his Lyme. So, at this point we're thinking is it Lyme disease or is it ALS," Chie explained with a questioning—but not despairing—tone in her voice.
It was then that they found an article in People magazine about Philadelphia Lyme specialist, Dr. Gregory Bach, who was treating a Lyme patient, who had been earlier diagnosed with ALS. After utilizing an aggressive treatment of antibiotics, Dr. Bach had brought about a complete recovery in the patient. |
Steve, Chie, Dante (the boy) and Jazmin (the girl) |
So, to cover all bases, the Smiths decided to pursue treatment specifically for Lyme, as well as ALS. Thus, the Smiths have traveled monthly for nearly a year to Dr. Bach to get treatment. Steve has been on the antibiotics for the Lyme for about seven months, and thus far, although there has been some sporadic improvement, it has not been consistent enough to be able to determine how effective the treatment will be. "But you have to keep in mind that we lost a year of critical time of treating him. You know, I think if we could have gotten on the medicine a lot sooner, maybe we would have had a favorable result. I don’t know. There’s really no way of knowing," Chie pointed out regarding her husband’s predicament and his quiet struggle.
Although his body has weakened, Steve still packs 250 pounds on his 6'2" frame, just 15 pounds over his playing weight. This is, indeed, an encouraging fact since many other patients who were diagnosed with ALS at the same time as Steve have suffered extreme weight reduction. In fact, although Steve has lost some of his arm and chest size, his legs, despite their weakness, have retained much of the bulk and muscularity that that once drove his body through onrushing defensive lines. That his legs have not atrophied has both amazed and baffled his doctors.
While there is much to be optimistic about, there is always the possibility that complications will occur during any kind of treatment. Thus, Steve was hospitalized for a brief period, after returning home from Haverford, PA. He developed an infection from one of the ports in his chest, a not uncommon experience. Thus, his treatments and therapy have been discontinued until the infection clears; but now that he is home, he is recovering and is expected to be back on his health program by the time this story is published. Steve will continue with the infusion therapy for the next few months, after which time, his progress will be evaluated. Chie will administer the infusions, and Steve will continue with both a physical and occupational therapy program. To work with his hands and to gain flexibility are all very important to help him to function on his own. "That’s all very important that he continues stretches and exercises every day," Chie concluded. Despite the recent setback, Steve will be ready for a comeback.
Steve, however, is used to dealing with tough situations, being an unsung hero, and making comebacks. In the Oct 10, 1993, game against the NY Jets, although he did not score, he was instrumental in the play that clinched the game for the Silver & Black. With only seven seconds left in the game, the Raiders had no timeouts left and trailed by three points, 20-17. The Raiders had the ball on the Jets' one-yard line. A field goal would tie the game; however, conventional football wisdom dictated that without being able to call timeout, there would be little chance to bring out the field goal unit to attempt the tying kick. Thus, a run play was called, with Nick Bell the designated carrier.
"That was a very hard game," former fullback Steve explained in his quiet soft-spoken way. "And it came down to the end, and I had to block the outside linebacker. And Nick Bell had to run, and I blocked my guy to the outside; and Nick went in behind my block, and he scored the winning touchdown."
Fullbacks don’t ask for glory when they try to keep their teammates from being tackled. So once again, the selfless Steve is trying to block for others, but not for running backs. This time he is trying to keep these debilitating diseases from tackling not only himself but also others in the same plight.
Indeed, the fact that he might actually have Lyme and not ALS (with a 2-5 year life-expectancy rate) gives reason for some hope since Lyme is indeed treatable. Thus, Steve continues to display strength and optimism. "I believe that I will recover because I have faith in Jesus Christ, and I believe the promises of the Bible, and that’s why I'm not worried and I’m not scared. I'm very confident and also very patient," Steve declared with true resolve.
Both Steve and Chie are still 39, but unlike comedian Jack Benny, turning 40 will not be a joke for the couple as they face their uncertain future together. Steve will be 40 on Aug. 30 and Chie on Nov. 25. She was born on Thanksgiving Day, and this year, once again, her birthday will be celebrated on Thanksgiving. We can only pray that Steve and Chie will have much to be thankful for.
While the ending of the story of Steve and Chie has yet to be written, you can be sure that, as in all great stories, there will be a lesson to be derived: one of courage and faith. In addition, their story will prove that not all football players marry cheerleaders for their external attributes, but for their inner beauty. Furthermore, their story will demonstrate that not all Raiderettes marry football players for fame or glory, but marry for the same reasons that any woman should: for love, devotion, and commitment. And they do so for better or for worse.
Just as in the Jets game described above, Steve is resolute in his decision to come through in the final moments and achieve a victory over his affliction, and Chie is determined to see him through his struggle.
And although she once cheered her husband on the field of glory, Chie now continues to cheer him on in the sterile background of hospitals and clinics and in the silence of their own home. Their life started with Chie escorting Steve on a stage for a charity event, and, ironically enough, their life today carries on in the same manner. Steve can get up and walk slightly, but he needs assistance to help keep balance. Thus, Chie holds his hand when he has to walk long distances and, in effect, is once again "escorting" Steve as they continue with another stage of their life together.
While the Raider franchise has stressed a "commitment to excellence"—from the players to the cheerleaders—Steve and Chie have elevated this sense of commitment above the world of football to their own quiet struggle, one without the roar of the crowd, without fanfare, and without glory. The acceptance of life's challenges and the courage to drive on makes them a truly inspirational couple. Their love and devotion to each other stand as testimony to the idea that the greatest of heroes don't always play amidst the cheers on a football field, but quietly in the game of life.
Some brief highlights in the career of Steve Smith 1983-1987—his 1246 yards with 265 carries at Pennsylvania State University was second to only the great D.J. Dozier. Smith averaged 4.7 yards per carry, very impressive for a blocking back who was not the featured back. His 126 yards rushing against Boston College in 1984 complemented Dozier’s 143 yards and secured a victory for Penn State. GoPSUsports.com http://www.gopsusports.com/docs/football03/history/Rushing_Yardage.pdf
With the Raiders, Smith had an equally impressive career for a fullback, especially since he was a blocker for the like of Marcus Allen, Bo Jackson, and Napoleon McCallum. And in 1989, he was the second leading rusher behind the legendary Bo Jackson. (Bo Jackson— 950 / 173 = 5.5; Steve Smith— 471 / 117 = 4.0; and Marcus Allen— 293 / 69 = 4.2. Pro-Football-Reference.com - http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai1989.htm
As a Raider, Smith rushed for 1528 yards on 394 carries for nearly 3.9 yards per carry, not bad stats for a blocking back and short-yardage runner. Pro-Football-Reference.com - http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/SmitSt00.htm
After playing 7 seasons with Raiders from 1987 - 1993, Smith spent his final 2 years as a pro with the Seattle Seahawks 94 and 95. |
Disclaimer:
The documentation supplied below is not meant to be the full body of research available in the on-going struggle to find cures for ALS and Lyme. The limited research presented in this article is supplied only to give the reader some insight into the problems the Smiths encountered during the onset and progression of Steve’s illness. Even as this story was being written, the possibility of more up-to-date information being brought to light in the medical community is a distinct possibility. The writer of this article is not a medical person; thus, he cannot vouch for the accuracy of what the other writers and sources have presented in the documentation provided. Indeed, there may be dissenting opinions to the ones presented here. Therefore, readers are cautioned and advised to do their own research in the field and not to rely solely on the sources presented below. Regardless of what stand the medical community, insurance groups, or activists take concerning the efficacy of the treatments available, we can only hope that their search will be dictated not by political or personal interest but by a sincere effort to find the truth and to win the war against these "diseases of mass destruction."
Notes:
1 Sponsored by the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors, this event was established in 1986 in response to the promise of genetic research and its quest to understand and treat debilitating genetic diseases affecting all ages and races. 2004 event: http://www.sportsspectacular.com/frame1.html
2 PROJECT A.L.S. / KERR STUDY, Stem Cell Treatment Helps Rats Paralyzed With ALS-Like Syndrome Walk Again - http://www.projectals.org/research_stemcellnews.html
3 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Fact Sheet - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/pubs/als.htm
4 Detoxx BioMedical Symposium with Dr. Patricia Kane http://www.mercola.com/forms/seminars/detox_conference2003.09.htm
5 John Foster, M.D., Patricia Kane, Ph.D., and Neal Speight, M.D., "The Detoxx System: Detoxification of Biotoxins in Chronic Neurotoxic Syndromes" http://www.mercola.com/2003/aug/9/detoxification_biotoxins.htm
6 Kevin Blackstone, "Former Raider With ALS Wants To Help Others," Dalls Morning News http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/949174/posts
7 For more info on this inspirational woman, Nancy Good, see: Paul Turse, "Living the Good Life," http://www.raiderdrive.com/living_the_good_life.htm
8 "Lyme disease (LD) is a multi-stage, multi-system bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burdorferi, a spiral shaped bacterium that is most commonly transmitted by a tick bite. The disease takes its name from Lyme, Connecticut, where the illness was first identified in the United States in 1975." Iliads.org http://www.ilads.org/lyme_flyer.htm
9 "It is called 'The Great Imitator' because its symptoms mimic many other diseases. Lyme disease is now the most common tick-transmitted infection, with 16,461 cases were [sic] reported to the Centers of Disease Control in 1996. Over 109,000 cases have been recorded since the disease became reportable. The true incidence is likely many times greater." California Lyme Disease Association http://www.Lymedisease.org/servo5.htm#what
10 "It is important to understand the nature of the Bb [Borrelia burdorferi] organism. Bb can change its shape from a spiral to a filament, cyst, granule, hooked rod or elbow. These variants are called L-forms, a name given by the Lister Institute where they were first studied. These L-forms are also called cell-wall deficient (CWD) bacteria taking the non-spiral shape when they have lost much of the cell wall. In this form they do not produce an antibody response, as they have no cell wall, making it impossible for the individual’s immune system to respond. Classic L-forms are active metabolism centers for the production of CWD pleomorphic organisms (Bb). In this form they are able to hide within most tissues in the body, thus protecting them from any host response adverse to their well-being. CWD organisms can revert to typical morphology and may revert into adult forms. For this reason most of the diagnostic tests, i.e. ELISA and Western Blot, which depend on the production of antibodies, are inadequate. Much like the hepatitis model, antigen is present early after initial infection. Later, there is an antibody response in about seventy percent of patients. Tests that look for antibody response will not support an early diagnosis, nor reliably confirm presence of the disease." The Analyst http://www.digitalnaturopath.com/treat/T463425.what
11 "A characteristic red bulls-eye rash (EM) [erythema migrans] at the site of the bite is present in less than 40% of patients. The rash may appear within days to weeks after the bite, but could be hidden in hairline or underarms. EM RASH — Rashes from other bacteria in the tick may show up immediately. Typically the rash from Lyme bacteria appears days or weeks after the bite... The same tick that carries the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease, can also transmit other illnesses. The most common are Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Bartonella henselae. It is estimated that up to 20% of the ticks with Lyme disease may have one of these other diseases... It is reported that Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics if caught early in the infection. Prevention is the best cure for re-infection. Patients whose disease is caught later often need to be on antibiotics for longer periods of time. There is controversy between physicians as to how long and what is the best mode of treatment. Ehrlichiosis is often treated with many of the same antibiotics used for Lyme disease. The best treatment for Babesia is still being explored. Many physicians believe that they need to treat the Babesiosis before treating Lyme disease to achieve clinical success." "What You Should Know About Lyme Disease," IGeneX, Inc., http://www.ilads.org/lyme_flyer.htm
12 "It was erroneously accepted that the absence of antibodies in the blood meant no infection was present anywhere in the patient's body. Even more disturbing was the incorrect assumption that the drop in antibody levels during treatment indicated a microbiological cure. Thus, many studies concluded that patients were cured if they eventually tested negative for Lyme antibodies." "Chronic Lyme Post-Mortem Study Needed," Tom Grier http://www.medicaltruth.com/lyme/tgpart1.htm
13 Since the ELISA incorrectly indicated that 90 percent of those infected people were free of Lyme disease, Bach [Dr. Gregory] has no use for it. "It's an antique. It should be taken off the market," said the doctor, who prefers a more sensitive 'Western Blot' test... Without sensitive tests, Bach said, thousands of people with Lyme disease may be told they have arthritis, fibromyalgia, Lou Gehrig's disease or multiple sclerosis... While they're treated for the wrong illness, their conditions may worsen - and result in anything from chronic fatigue to vision problems to crippled limbs and, in rare cases, fatal heart and lung problems." Mary Therese Biebel, "Lyme a hidden danger, doc says," http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/6347491.htm
14 "Rhode Island, June 10, 2004─The Lyme Disease Association, Rhode Island Chapter (LDARIC), is pleased to announce that on June 8, Governor Donald Carcieri signed S2939/H7240 into law, removing the sunset provision from the 2003 Lyme insurance law. This signing makes Rhode Island the only state in the nation with mandatory coverage for long-term antibiotics for treatment of Lyme disease when ordered by a treating physician who determines it is medically necessary after a thorough review of a patient’s medical history and condition." Lyme Disease Association http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/Sunset.doc
15 "Physicians who treat Lyme disease in ways other than the established standard of care — which means a course of antibiotics lasting no more than 30 days — risk invasive, exhausting, time-consuming investigation by state licensing agencies, leading to possible loss of their right to practice medicine... In most cases, effective alternative/complementary treatments require much more doctor time per patient and often include a broad range of medicines and supplements consumed over a much longer period of time, costing much more money than the current standard of care accepted by medical insurers." "Lyme Disease: The Unknown Epidemic," D. J. Fletcher and Tom Klaber http://www.mercola.com/2001/jul/25/lyme_disease.htm
16 Tan is disturbed that current policy contends that Lyme is easily tested and treated with a limited two-week course of antibiotics despite chronic and prevailing symptoms after having been deemed "cured," and that insurance companies cannot cover proper diagnostic checks. Although she could afford it, there are many who cannot and have been devastated by the cost. J.J. McCoy, "No Luck Club: Author Ticked Off About Lyme," http://www.igenex.com/tickedoff.htm
17 IGeneX, Inc., News and Articles, http://www.igenex.com/newsset5.htm |
Story by Paul Turse aka Samurai Raider
Published by Larry Garcia
Copyright © 2004 Raiderdrive.com
Reprinted by JSRBC with express permission of Chie Smith
as per agreement with Raiderdrive.com
"A Big Boost Beyond Football"
An Article by Paul Turse aka Samurai Raider
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