Is MS really just Lyme disease (Chapt 16)

[ActiveMSers]

Is MS just Lyme?
Prominent MS specialist Dr. Brandon Beaber breaks down differences between these two mimics in his detailed 17-minute “MS=Lyme Disease?” video, concluding with a compelling and convincing argument that, no, they are not the same. And that Lyme does not cause MS. I recommend a watch, because I will revisit some of his findings in future chapters.

https://youtu.be/Ak04PIcxbTg

[Pistachio]

I had to laugh at the part where he says that, "potential tick exposure is more prevalent in the general population than in those with MS". Well, DUH! Because most pwMS aren't running around in the woods or other tick-prone areas. If you factor in pwMS who are unable to tromp around in nature then of course that is going to skew the numbers.

active msers post.png

That being said, I don't necessarily believe that Lyme and MS are the same thing. I think they are different diseases and sometimes Lyme might be MISTAKEN/MISDIAGNOSED as MS.

I had optic neuritis (ON) in 2012. And, as we all know, that is often the CIS for eventual MS. I was bitten by the tick, and developed the bulls-eye rash in 2015. It is possible to have (or had) both MS and Lyme. I remember when they diagnosed me with MS. I fought tooth and nail to see an infectious disease doctor because I thought what's the point of treating the MS that is leaving lesions on my brain if we don't treat Lyme that can do the same? But, then again, I had a positive Lyme test come back from Armin labs. The problem is in the testing that is available. It needs a drastic change and some much needed attention.

I think I have/had (I say, "had" because I was untreated for Lyme for 6 years so I highly doubt it will ever be truly gone from my body) Lyme AND MS. But then I have to wonder if this is why I am still "normally mobile". If Lyme suppresses the immune system and MS ramps it up maybe together they are just maintaining the status quo. Who knows.