During the second week of October, the Internet site LymeBlog (www.lymeblog.com ) reached a significant milestone when it published its 500th Lyme
disease patient blog.
The website, which is growing in popularity among Lyme disease patients, showcases the latest news articles about the illness and about people who have Lyme disease. The emphasis is
centered on the details of the patient experience, and so the personal journals (blogs) of Lyme disease sufferers are a major feature. Currently, over 3500 people are members. Access to
many parts of the site do not require membership.
Mac McDonald, a former computer consultant who became disabled by Lyme disease, created LymeBlog in December 2003. When desperately ill with the disorder, he sought deeper understanding
from friends and family and eventually turned to the Internet to find fellow patients. Although moderated bulletin boards provided some help, he felt a site devoted to personal journals
could offer more in-depth insight, empathy, and camaraderie. He created LymeBlog to fill that need, and soon others began flocking there to find the personal help they craved.
Lyme disease is among the most rapidly growing epidemics in the nation today with about 200,000 new cases each year. Although cure is possible with early and adequate treatment, chronic
suffering and disability can result if diagnosis is delayed and treatment is insufficient or withdrawn before the bacteria are eradicated. Patients suffering from chronic Lyme disease
have increasingly turned to the Internet for help and hope and to find others who can empathize with their illness.
The 500th blog can be accessed at http://lymeblog.com/modules.phpname=Journal&file=display&jid=625