10 The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, June 16, 1993 Lyme disease — (continued from page 1) before it finally shows up.” Kim thinks that she may have been exposed while visiting her family in western Philadelphia, where the disease is more preva- lent than in the Back Mountain. Her battle with Lyme disease began in June, 1990, three weeks before her daughter was born. At first her doctor thought that the symptoms were related to her pregnancy or to stress. But when the lightheadedness, fatigue and bright spots in front of her eyes didn't go away, the seem- ingly endless rounds of tests began. “I underwent every test imag- ineable: blood work, MRI's, every- thing. Two doctors said that I didn’t have the necessary symp- toms for Lyme disease,” she said. Although Kim was diagnosed with Lyme disease a year later by a doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Phila- delphia, she didn’t find a doctor who treated it to her satisfaction until August, 1992, when she was referred to an internist in New Jersey. Half of his patients have Lyme disease. The two tests which diagnosed Kim's Lyme disease, a Lyme dis- ease titer and the Western blot, test the immune system's reac- tion to the corkscrew-shaped spyrochete bacteria which causes it, according to Dr. Richard Tilton of North American Laboratory Groups in Connecticut. One of the problems in diag- nosing Lyme disease is that it mimics other ailments: chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple scle- rosis, rheumatiod arthritis, acute meningitis, Alzheimer's, Bell's palsy (paralysis of the muscles in the face) and several different diseases of the heart or central nervous system, Dr. Tilton said. Vision problems, recurring conjunctivitis, weight gain (30-40 Ibs.), metabolic problems, hormo- nal problems and skin rashes which don’t resemble the “bull’s- eye” rash can also sometimes be linked to Lyme disease, according toa pamphlet published by Infus- erve America in Connecticut. “You start to think that you're crazy, that it's all in your head,” Kim said. “I don’t think that some doctors take this seriously. They shouldn't just write it off.” She currently knows four other people who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease and believes that there are many people who have it but don’t know it because their symptoms have been incor- rectly diagnosed. Some of the tests can give false readings, either false negatives or false positives. “Many of the Lyme disease test kits currently on the marketaren’t too reliable because the disease is very complex and affects many of the body's systems. Lyme disease doesn’t lend itself to simple test- ing solutions,” Dr. Tilton said. Early detection and treatment are important because Lyme dis- ease can cause permanent dam- age, according to Dr. Bernie Healey of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Treatment consists of oral and intravenous antibiotics. Kim has been treated with several types of antibiotics, for - which she had to have a semi- permanent intravenous line in- serted in her arm, the first time for two weeks, then later for six weeks. Now she takes oral antibiotics and vitamins and other supple- ments to boost her immune sys- tem and counteract the medica- tions’ long-term effects. Every month her doctor orders blood work to see that all of Kim's body's systems and organs are working properly. She must also be sure to eat properly and get enough rest to avoid flareups of the disease, which she says isn't as bad as it once was. “I'm 29 years old and want to live as normal a life as possible,” Kim said. “I"m too young for this to stop me. It already took a whole year from me -I'm determined not to let that happen again.” She credits her faith as a born- again Christian as her source of strength. “What I held on to the most was Romans 8:28," she said. “If this is the Lord's purpose for me having Lyme disease, so that I can make others aware of it and help them get proper testing and diagnosis, then it’s kind of worth it.” Where to get information People who want further information on Lyme disease and testing procedueres may obtain literature from these agencies: * Lyme Disease Foundation, Box 462, Tolland, CT 06084-0462. e Infuserve America: 1-800-886-2568. Kim Kirk will hold an informational meeting and discuss forming a support group for Lyme disease patients and those interested in Lyme disease Tuesday, July 27, at 7 p.m. at the Fellowship Evangelical Free Church on Hildebrant Road, Dallas Township. For more information, call Kim at 675-3187. by Grace R. Dove DANCE sponsored by Back Mountain Little League Inc. Friday, July 2, 1993 8:00 PM. to 1 AM. Irem Temple Pavilion Music by "Daddy 'O and the Sax Maniax" Also Sound Productions Rent-A-DJ NO OFF PREMISES BEVERAGES PRICE: $15.00 per person Tickets Available At: Gallery of Sound The Fieldhouse Dallas, PA Dallas, PA LYME FIGHTER - Kim Kirk, who has Lyme disease, is shown with her husband, Gary, who is holding their son, Andrew. Kim is holding daughter, Alexa. Disease can be serious By GRACE R. DOVE Post Staff With the onset of warm weather and summer's “official” beginning on June 21, many families are spending more time outdoors. Swimming, birdwatching, fish- ing, hiking or simply relaxing in the back yard are often on the menu of outdoor activities. But summer fun can carry a hidden risk: Lyme disease. A potentially debilitating ail- ment found in many warm- blooded animals (humans in- cluded), Lyme disease is most commonly transmitted by bites from the “deer tick” and Lone Star tick. Other species of ticks aren't believed to transmit the disease. All common to the Northeast, these insects live in wooded ar- eass, grassy fields, parks, urban or suburban lawns or any open, grassy places where people take their dogs for a daily romp. According to Dr. Bernard Healey, epidemiologist for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, one case was reported in Luzerne County in1989, seven in 1990, six in 1991 and two in 1992. None have been reported so far this year in Luzerne County, Healey said. “The most noticeable symptom of Lyme disease is the so-called ‘bull’s-eye rash’ around the site of the bite, followed by flu-like symp- toms: fatigue, a stiff neck and low-grade fever lasting several weeks,” Healey said. In later stages, it can affect the central nervous system and can lead to facial palsy, meningitis, encephalitis or arthitis. “This is all permanent damage. It can'tbe reversed,” Healey added. Early detection of the disease is essential for proper treatment, but since Lyme disease can mimic other ailments, it's often difficult to detect, Healey said. PLAINS BIKE SHOP Your Exclusive Repair And Accessory Shop! Bring your bike in. . . Get it fixed . . . Ride it. .. NOT A WEEK FROM TODAY! Factory Trained Schwinn Service On Most Bikes THE ONLY BIKE SHOP IN WYOMING VALLEY That Offers "While-You-Wait-Service" on Tire & Tube Repairs 1 Mile Off Exit 3 (River St.) Cross Valley Expressway 21 N. MAIN STREET + PLAINS ¢ 825-0661 (across from 1st Eastern Bank) Mon.- Fri. 10-6; Sat. 10-3 Treatment includes oral and intravenous antibiotics. Lyme disease can also affect the family pets and is “definitely on the increase,” according to Dr. William Ryan of Fort Dodge Labo- ratories. Although veterinarians don't have access to the testing and tracking procedures used by physicians to keep track of dis-- eases, Ryan said that the diagno- sis of Lyme disease in pets is becoming more frequent. People don’t have to go into the woods to be exposed Ryan said. Mice, birds and cats also carry the ticks which spread the disease. Dogs traveling for any reason, whether to shows or competitions or simply on vacation with the family, have also helped the dis- ease's spread. Symptoms in both dogs and cats include lethargy, loss of appetite, possbile rash or swel- ling around the eyelids, fever, chronic lameness and arthritis, Ryan said. Diagnosis can be made through a blood test. Although a vaccine is available for dogs, none is yet available for people. The best prevention for any outdoor enthusiast is to keep their arms and legs covered while out- side and to use a good insect repellant, possibly one contain- ing DEET, Healey said. Pet owners should keep Rover or Puss well-brushed, check both people and pets for ticks after every outing, use a pyrethrin- based flea/tick powder or spray on family pets and keep the yard free of tall grass and brush to reduce tick contact. If someone removes a tick from either themselves or a pet, they can call the Pennsylvania Depart- ment of Health to find out how to have it identified. The dead tick should be kept in rubbing alcohol in a closed bottle. SYD TODAY!!! *GIVEAWAYS! s1or BY AND REGISTER TO WIN GREAT OAK PRIZES! The acorn never falls too far from the tree. ..or something like that. In any event, House of Oak has moved into our brand new Route 6, Romar Plaza, Eynon location (just up the road!) And we're celebrating by offering 40% off regular prices! Check out the savings at either of our locations and discover the area’s greatest selection of fine oak furniture and other assorted items. New Showroom Sale! 40% off regular prices applies to all House of Oak locations. Excludes on order and layaway items. 40" off salel ©. House of Oak Route 6, Romar Plaza, Eynon Kidder Street, Wilkes-Barre BAQUACTI Sanitizer and Algistat. more fun. NO CHLORINE. LESS WORK. Spend more time enjoying vour pool and less time hassling with chemicals. Switch to chlorine-free J oSwimming | You'll do a lot less work. And have a lot Authorized Dealer of BAQUAGIL CHLORINE. “FREE peer POOL SANITIZER AND ALGISTAT 001 Superior Pools & Spas "Mundy St., Wilkes-Barre (Next to Stroud's) PHONE 822-2001 Arson (continued from page 1) Township June 2 have definitely been ruled as arson, according to investigating officer Trooper Sylvester Myers of the fire mar- shal’s office. Police are also investigating an arson attempt Sunday, June 6, on Shaver Ave., Dallas Township, in which gasoline was poured on the ground alongside the detached garage of a home but not ignited. Police are continuing to inves- _ ( tigate a May 22 fire in the Roushey 4 S Plot section of Dallas Township. Police chief Carl Miers said that he expects to meet with the Dis- trict Attorney's office concerning a possible suspect later this week. Report any suspicious activity and Dallas townships. of the other arson cases have not yet been solved. emergency telephone number, to report it. much of the license number as possible) may help. Back Mountain police are still investigating the recent string of eight suspicious fires and one arson attempt in Kingston, Franklin Although police have a suspect in at least one arson fire, many If you have noticed anything unusual or out of the ordinary around places where fires have occurred, police request that you call 675-4650, the Back Mountain Communications Center's non- Even partial descriptions of persons or vehicles (try to get as E] KT residents reminded to keep their lawns cut grass or weeds growing in excess of six inches in height may be declared to be a nuisance and subject to a fine. Additional infor- mation may be obtained from the - Zoning Officer at 696-3809 daily The residents of Kingston Township are reminded that the Township's Vegetation Nuisance Ordinance requires that all grass or weeds on occupied properties are to be kept trimmed to a maxi- mum height of six inches. All from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ao ) Creat Gift Ideas for i \ =p) Men's Amity Wallets Men's Timex Watches Popular Men's Colognes Drakar e Old Spice Stetson British Sterling * Aspen * KL * Polo Obsession e Calvin . Aramis * Halston Forget Me Not Cards FINO'S PHARMACY 3 Main Street, Dallas, PA - 675-1141 Emergency Phone: 675-4707 PV-1Q303 Video Camcorder J Full Auto Operation (110:1 Power Zoom 0 1 Lux Low Light Sensity 1 Color Enhancement Light $799o00 Royal Copenhagen CW-802HU [J 4-Way Air Deflection System 1d One-Touch Air Filter Flow Fan J 2 Cooling Speeds and 2 Fan Only Speeds J Installation Platform “$5200 16 E. 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Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers