Month: February 2024

Sharp rise in Lyme cases due to changes in how they are reported

/ Carmen McKnight / Leave a comment

https://www.lymedisease.org/sharp-rise-in-lyme-cases

“Sharp rise in Lyme cases due to changes in how they are reported

Reported Lyme disease cases in the U.S. rose nearly 70% in 2022. The CDC says it’s not because of a large increase in new infections but rather because of a change in reporting requirements.

According to the CDC, there were more than 62,000 reported cases in 2022. This was up from about 37,000 a year from 2017 through 2019.

Although the CDC estimates that about half a million people get Lyme disease in the US every year, “reported cases” are those that follow a strict case definition and specialized requirements.

In the past, in order for a Lyme case to be officially counted, local health departments needed to go through a complicated verification process for each case. In 2022, reporting requirements were eased in states the CDC considers “high incidence.” In those states, Lyme cases are now counted based solely on a positive Lyme test.”- article on Lymedisease.org site. I’ve added the link first thing.

Yep, not demon-possessed as I was blamed by some, not drama queen as I was addressed by others, simply fighting something along many others. Getting better, thank God!

God Bless:)

Ultrasound IV

/ Carmen McKnight / Leave a comment

This post will resonate with some and not others.

Every day, I learn something new. For those of us with thin, deep, and scared veins, did you know there’s such a thing as an ultrasound IV? I did not. Since refusing IV the last two times in the ER, the nurse asked me why and wondered if I was there for pain meds. Nope, I was there because of another kidney stone, which apparently I passed on my own before I got to the hospital. After a week of terrible pain, I was glad to hear that. Yet, before the CT, I had the most amazing experience under the circumstances, my first ultrasound IV, which went in smoothly and did not damage the vein and add more scar tissue. He found the best vein- the nurse did confirm that I had lots of scar tissue and the veins were small- and the whole process was done in seconds. So, if you have similar troubles with your veins, ask for an ultrasound IV next time you have one.

Until next time, I wish you a blessed day and great health! Without your body, you can’t achieve anything on your wish, want, and must-do list. So take care of your body:)

God Bless:)

Three Years Already

/ Carmen McKnight / Leave a comment

“Imagine yourself on a ship. You are watching dolphins at play nearby. They jump out of the water one after another. Each one describes a graceful arc in the air before diving back into the sea.

The arc is like the cycle of life and death for human beings. We appear in this world like the dolphin jumping out of the water, visible for a short time. Before long, we return to the Tao -back to God- like the dolphin diving back into the ocean to complete the circle that began there.

When a dolphin disappears beneath the waves, we feel no need to grieve because we know it is still there, it is still all right, even if we can no longer see it. Loved ones who pass on are just like that. They have made the transition, but they do not suddenly cease to exist. They are still there. They are still all right, even though we can no longer see them.

One day, it will be your time to pass on yourself. As you plunge into the waves, you will find the dolphins waiting for you. You will be reunited with your loved ones and swim with them together through the infinite ocean that is the Tao or God.”- The Tao of Joy by Derek Lin