Guest Blog from Shannon Gregory, President-Microcell Sciences
In 2009 the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reported 144 cases of Lyme disease. By 2016 that number had risen to 992 and the reality is that incidents of Lyme are probably much higher still as our medical system struggles to identify, diagnose and effectively treat this debilitating condition.
What is Lyme Disease?
It is a bacterial borreilosis infection transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick that picks the bacteria up by feeding on small animals and birds. According to PHAC roughly 20 percent of blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria and it has also been known to be passed by other vectors including bees and mosquitos. Early symptoms may include; fever, chills, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes as well as a distinctive bullseye rash, although most people with Lyme disease remember neither being bitten by a tick, nor the hallmark rash. Untreated, it can evolve into more severe problems including paralysis, large joint swelling and pain, inability to sleep, profound fatigue, inability to concentrate, short term memory loss, heart and neurological disorders as well as many non-specific symptoms of “unwell.” It is often mistaken for, or occurs concurrently with, other conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis.
Dr. Johanne McCarthy ND, from Onondaga Nation of Six Nations is a professor at Mohawk College was infected with Lyme disease in 2011, and was initially misdiagnosed. She says living through disease is “awful” but she believes healing from the emotional trauma of the infection was key to her long-term recovery.
“My biggest fear, one I’m still recovering from, came from the helplessness I felt when I sought help and was being denied and stigmatized instead,” said McCarthy
Live Blood Analysis from a patient with Lyme disease
When McCarthy was referred to Microcell Sciences for Live Blood Cell Analysis (LBA) she was experiencing myriad symptoms including; debilitating headaches, nausea, vomiting and seizures. McCarthy used LBA to monitor her infection load, immune system and overall health.
At Microcell Sciences we work with both NDs and MDs, using Live Blood Cell Analysis as a tool to help people infected with Lyme disease better understand their overall body load and subsequently their symptoms.
Our team of certified Live Blood Cell Analysts are trained to identify vector parasites and bacteria associated with Lyme disease. Our technician at the Waterdown Clinic of Naturopathic Medicine, Donna Katic, uses a high definition camera and ultra-dark field microscope to work with our Naturopathic Doctors there to provide another level of assessment and to monitor their therapeutic approaches to Lyme and other chronic disease.
Whether you have just had a tick bite, or you have relentless unexplained symptoms, Live Blood Cell Analysis can provide a new look at the causative bacteria or its co-infections.
Live Blood Analysis from a patient with Lyme disease
We use a tiny drop of blood, from your finger to view under a microscope, our technicians can see the health of your blood cells, your immune system, and your plasma. They are trained to detect a variety of parasites, including Babesia, an indication of Lyme disease. Together, you get INSTANT information!
Live Blood Analysis is NOT diagnostic, but it WILL provide valuable insight into your current health!
You can work with Donna at the Waterdown Clinic of Naturopathic Medicine whether or not you are a patient at the clinic and we welcome you to explore your health with her directly. To schedule an appointment, you can call 905 690 9151 or schedule something with Donna online at waterdownclinic.com.
