Pubdate: Thu, 07 Feb 2002
Source: Cape Cod Times (MA)
Copyright: 2002 Cape Cod Times
Contact:  http://www.capecodonline.com/cctimes/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/72
Author: Terri Reiser

FOCUS DRUG PROBE ON ADDICTS, NOT DOCTORS

In response to the Jan. 25 article on the investigation of an Eastham 
psychiatrist for questionable OxyContin prescriptions, addicts, not Lyme 
disease victims or their doctors, are at fault for abuse of any painkiller.

Neuroborreliosis (infection of the central nervous system with Lyme 
bacteria) is extremely painful. Lyme spirochetes will invade the body at 
any site, causing, among other things, debilitating arthritis and 
neurological problems. I know of general practitioners who prescribe 
vicoden, methadone, OxyContin and a wide array of psychiatric drugs for 
their Lyme patients, some of whom are bedridden.

Several of the leading practitioners in the field of Lyme treatment and 
research are psychiatrists. We should be looking more intensely at the 
activities of drug addicts instead of doctors who are trying to help their 
patients deal with the physical and emotional aspects of painful, 
debilitating diseases.

TERRI REISER

East Dennis
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