[Source: giphy.com]The Lyme Disease Association of Delmarva has recently asked its members to contact their delegates and Maryland state senators in support of House Bill 399. If passed, the bill would require healthcare providers to inform patients that a negative Lyme disease test doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have the disease.
This is the Delaware Legislative Hall, site of a discussion on June 8, 2016. A group of Lyme disease patients opposed passage of House Bill 291, which they say would make getting an accurate diagnosis, even more difficult because it would encourage educational programs for health care professionals that do not include standards instituted by the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. [Source: Wikipedia.com]You might be wondering how someone could receive a “false negative.” Well, diagnostic tests are sometimes performed before antibodies have had a chance to develop in the body of a potential patient. If symptoms of Lyme disease appear–EVEN AFTER A NEGATIVE TEST RESULT–it’s important to seek medical attention right away!
A year ago, TIME reported that the number of counties in the United States with high incidences of Lyme disease has increased 320%, partially because of climate change. So PLEASE, folks: don’t just search for ticks and remove them, don’t just get tested, but do those things and also KNOW THE SYMPTOMS!
Did diagnostic tests indicate that you didn’t have Lyme when you actually DID? Share how you were able to get an accurate diagnosis with PatientWorthy’s Lyme Disease Community by leaving a comment below!
Though "Ernest" is a family name that's been passed down for generations, James truly earned his middle moniker when, at the age of five, he told his mother that "laughing is stupid unless EVERYBODY is happy." Since then, the serious little bastard has been on a mission to highlight the world's shortcomings (and hopefully correct them). In addition to his volunteer work at hospitals and animal shelters, James also enjoys documentaries and the work of William Faulkner. He is originally from Oklahoma.
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