My wife has suffered for years with what I now believe could be "Lyme disease". Any suggestions?

Began talking to chief engineer aboard my tug who recently recovered from lyme. As he described his ordeal it was like he was telling me my wifes life story. She has been called the "mystery patient" due to her symptoms and unrespnsiveness to varied treatments. After doing some research last night I am now convinced that not only has my wife got lyme disease, but my youngest child as well. He suffered from unexplained sezuires, coughs, thirst, overactive bladder and rashes. 2 weeks ago I ramoved what I thought was a wood tic from my oldest while camping. Last night I find out it was a "lone star" female carrier. I live in NC and am looking for open minded specialist, as my wife now has a great distrust of doctors.

The allopathic medical system looks for the cause of illness/disease first. If no cause can be found, then no disease can be named or treated. Lyme disease is one that is difficult to identify via lab tests so it is hard to diagnose. However, there are other systems of medicine, such as homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine, that look at the symptoms or the pattern of symptoms of a disease. When you visit one of these specialists, you will be amazed at the questions they ask. They will want to know what makes the symptoms better/worse, if there are disturbances in sleep, if heat/cold aggravates/soothes, etc. Many patients are relived to be able to talk about ALL their symptoms and have them considered in the diagnostic process. Once the symptoms are assessed, the therapist will come up with a course of treatment. The process of healing may be slow, but many patients are responsive. I would continue to work with your doctor, but I would seek the help of a homeopathic physician or an acupuncturist that has intensive training in Chinese herbal medicine. Make sure any alternative therapist you consult with has the proper credentials. To find an acupuncturist/Chinese medicine practitioner, go to http://www.nccaom.org/find.htm

Lyme disease has been, traditionally, mis-diagnosed quite often. However, any physician practicing in a rural area these days, especially an area prone to populations of carrier wood ticks, should be attuned to the likelihood of Lyme. Definitely find another doctor and tell him or her your suspicions. Lyme can be treated, but it has to be diagnosed first.