I haven’t written for a long time. I am often gripped by the futility of fighting against lyme disease, against the powers that make and enact policy decisions which affect my health and helped put me in bed, my own prison. And sometimes I wonder if I ever really make any difference? …..

OK, enough of the self-pity, on to some more uplifting signals 🙂

It appears to me that lyme activism in Canada is growing. The unfortunate yet inevitable increase in the number of lyme-infected Canadians has a powerful impact – more and more people are getting louder and louder. And more organized. And more impatient with the “minimalist response” status quo. And more familiar with the media, politicians at all levels, and government ombudsmen.

It used to be that no one would listen. We were deemed “crazy” and “misinformed” and “ignorant” and “hypochondriacs”. Now we only get called these things half the time 😉

Most of the time The Ombudsmen will listen, politicians will at least offer some support, and even doctors may be more willing to listen. And some media outlets (especially in rural areas whose populations are embedded in prime tick habitats) are putting the lyme issue out there.

Unfortunately, lyme patients saying “enough is enough” brings out some very defensive reactions. Circle the wagons. Circulate rumours (such as that IGeneX has failed its certification). Suppress reports which indicate that there is a problem. Even communicate misinformation or “quarter-truths” to the public.

One of many lyme advocacy projects in Ontario was a May 2011 letter writing campaign to the Minister of Health and Long Term Care. Well over a thousand were sent in by “snail” mail. Unfortunately, response letters were delayed and very weak and patronizing.

Another project is currently underway by Sarnia-Lambton area MPP Bob Bailey. He is spearheading a petition to present to the Ontario Legislature this fall.

The wind appears to be shifting. The ship is slowly changing course. Go lymies!!