Written by Suzanne Robson
A PRESTON woman diagnosed with Lyme disease is calling on the State Government to fund research into the controversial tick-borne disease.
Renee Loricchiella, 32, (pictured) said she suffered years of chronic pain, rashes and neurological problems, having become unwell after a holiday to Malaysia in 2007.
In September last year she was admitted to hospital for six months after vaccinations triggered chronic abdominal pain and numbness in her legs and face.
“I have spent over $90,000 since September and seen over 70 doctors. They thought it could be fibromyalgia, or a pain syndrome or multiple sclerosis,” Ms Loricchiella said.
This year Dr Peter Mayne, a member of the International Lyme and Associated Disease Society, diagnosed her with the disease.
Ms Loricchiella said antibiotics prescribed by Dr Mayne were slowly working; so she could put her energy into helping others with the disease.
Critics have called on the Government to investigate the disease, including whether it can be locally transmitted.
State Health Department spokesman Bram Alexander said it was not a “notifiable condition” in Victoria.
He said anyone going to areas where the disease was known, such as the US or Europe, should take measures to avoid tick bites.
This month Australia’s inaugural Lyme Disease Appeal will be held by the Karl McManus Foundation to raise money for the research and prevention of the disease.
To donate, visit karlmcmanusfoundation.org.au
© 2011 News Community Media
http://northcote-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/really- ticked-off-in-preston/
Quoted from website: http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support-forums/lyme-disease-activism/3031177-lyme-disease-preston-australia-woman-ticked-off
I don't think the world knows enough about Lyme disease and agree more research is needed. I don't even know if epidemiology and surveillance are part of the Malaysian government budget - or the budgets of many other countries who have thought tickborne illness probably doesn't exist in their area and it's mainly a North American and European problem. It's not clear to me what diseases one can pick up in general in some places because I surmise that searching for them is not a priority. In the meantime, people suffer. Priorities need to change.
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