Unveiling the Hidden World of Lyme Disease: A Decade of Healing and Hope By Dr. Morales
Ten years ago, my journey into treating Lyme disease began with an encounter that left an indelible mark on my medical career. It all started with a patient who had a significant presence of pathogens in their blood, visible under my microscope. Anaplasma, bartonella, and babesia were starkly evident, yet 30 different physicians in Utah and California couldn’t pinpoint the issue. Frustrated and determined, they ventured across borders and stumbled upon our blood bank, where we welcomed them with open arms, even though we didn’t fully comprehend the situation at the time.
The patient reached our Puerto Vallarta, Mexico facility, accompanied by his hometown doctor, a compassionate and highly knowledgeable professional in the field. This doctor graciously shared his expertise in tick-borne diseases, a subject I was still unfamiliar with. Through our collaborative efforts, we devised a treatment plan that involved plasmapheresis, red cell exchange, antibiotics, and antimalarials. Miraculously, the patient, initially on the brink of organ failure, regained his health and returned to a normal life. We’ve maintained contact since, and I even had the privilege of skiing with him, a reminder of the joy that life can bring when shared with those who once faced health-related limitations.
Life has its twists and turns, and I’ve had my personal share of tick-borne incidents. These experiences motivate me, not only as a doctor but as someone who has navigated challenging health situations. I am dedicated to providing the best possible care to every patient because I understand the significance of relentless dedication in the face of adversity. I can’t imagine giving up when I know that, had I been the patient, I’d want a doctor who fought for me.
In my medical practice, I’ve encountered a diverse range of cases, from the straightforward to the complex. Each presents its own unique satisfaction, whether it’s witnessing a simple treatment transform a patient’s life or hearing about someone recovering their cognitive abilities after a debilitating infection. Some have even regained the ability to walk after being bedridden or confined to a wheelchair. There are countless stories of recovery and resilience, a testament to the human spirit.
Of course, not every case ends in success, but that’s why I stay updated on treatment trends, research, and studies. I’ve embarked on my own studies, uncovering promising combinations that have yielded remarkable results. Sharing these findings within the medical community is essential to advancing knowledge in a field that has long been overlooked.
In recent years, my patient base has expanded globally, with individuals seeking treatment from the United States, Greece, Italy, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and lately, most notably, from Canada. In 2018, Canada officially recorded approximately 1,500 new Lyme disease cases, while the United States reported a significantly higher number of 30,000 cases. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that the actual incidence is likely far greater, estimating it to be approximately 10 times the reported figure. As of today, September 26, 2023, the CDC asserts that there are approximately 476,000 new cases of Lyme disease emerging annually in the United States alone. Given this staggering statistic, it is plausible to speculate that Canada might experience at least 150,000 new cases each year. Ticks don’t respect borders; they travel on animals and birds, crossing boundaries throughout the year. The majority of my Canadian patients hail from Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Vancouver, Ontario, Alberta, and Calgary.
Sadly, there is a significant gap in addressing tick-related disorders worldwide, particularly in Canada. Many doctors there, as in Australia, fail to recognize or pay attention to this disease. A handful of knowledgeable doctors are inundated with patients and long waiting lists. Regardless, we aim to provide the best possible care to all patients, regardless of their situation or their country’s politics.
Collaboration is vital in my approach to medicine. I maintain strong communication with doctors both locally and abroad, as their unique challenges and perspectives enrich my understanding of these complex conditions. My role is to guide patients toward the next stage of their medical journey, enabling them to work with their local doctors for sustained remission after receiving comprehensive treatment at our facility. Together, we achieve more, benefiting from each other’s knowledge and expertise.
In closing, I hope this glimpse into my thoughts and experiences has been enlightening. Please reach out to us at info@lymemexico.com for more information or to express your interest in specific topics. Collaboration and open communication are key to advancing our understanding of these intricate conditions and, ultimately, improving patient outcomes.
Reviewed by Dr. Omar Morales, MD
