Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Dr. Kim Mulvihill ReportingSummer is tick season, and along with it comes the danger of Lyme disease. However, a battle is shaping up over identifying and treating Lyme disease.
There's passion on both sides of this debate.
Some physicians believe in treating Lyme disease with long term IV antibiotics. It's a practice that is being praised and condemned.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, a sea of umbrella-clad patients crowd the state medical board building to defend a doctor they credit with rescuing them from the ravages of Lyme disease.
Sarah Emrich/ Lyme Disease Patient: "He saved my life. He gave me my life back."
Beth Jordan/ Lyme Disease Patient: "Dr. Jemsek is the reason I'm able to work as a full time vet and the reason I'm 95% symptom free. His use of long term iv antibiotics has given me my life and health back."
But mainstream medicine is not convinced. In fact, as many as 30 physicians across the country have been called before state licensing boards, questioning their diagnosis and treatment.
Heather Jenkins: "Science may be uncertain. It is certain because of Dr. negligence I almost died."
Dr. Meera Kelley/ Infectious Disease Specialist: "We know there is harm. We don't know there is benefit. We've got to weigh that out so we don't harm our patients."
The North Carolina medical board spoke out against Dr. Joseph Jamsek's treatment of Lyme disease late Thursday. The board initially suspended his license for one year, but then stayed that suspension pending more action by the board next month.
Is Lyme disease difficult to diagnose? Many patients who get long-term antibiotic treatment do not test positive for Lyme disease using standard lab tests. They are treated based on their symptoms, which include fatigue, achiness, foggy concentration. These symptoms are similar to what's seen with other illnesses.
Most cases of Lyme disease are treated successfully with a few weeks of oral antibiotics. IV antibiotics are usually recommended for more severe cases.
