Letter to Eurolyme

EuroLyme is an Internet patient support group, for sufferers of Lyme Disease and associated diseases. It was founded in 2001 and now has over 1000 members.

Dear Lyme activist,

Lately I have seen some patients who appear to have had the diagnosis of Lyme disease given serious consideration by doctors who perhaps would not previously have given Lyme much attention. If so this is good news.

It seems that in the UK in the NHS some consultants are starting to appreciate Lyme disease for what it is: A poly-symptomatic, relapsing, insidiously progressive and highly unpleasant illness which may be quite common and may be present with otherwise normal blood tests and absent physical abnormalities.

In America last year I had the feeling that many Lyme literate doctors felt that we had turned the corner and at last progress was being made. I hope the same is true here. I think it will only be a matter of time before a doctor is found to be negligent for failing to diagnose Lyme and this will really focus doctors' attention on the condition.

There are many potential obstacles: Even if Lyme is diagnosed there is the problem of appropriate treatment and we do not know what constitutes adequate or appropriate treatment but I believe in the future doctors will have to be more prepared to listen to patients who have relapsed.

On this drab February Monday I hope this message gives some comfort to those who are battling to have this condition recognised and taken seriously.

Doctor David Owen

BSc MB BCh LLM

February 6th, 2006

Dr. David Owen has trained at Ilads (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society). His private practice is based in Cardiff.