There are days when I can’t control my emotions and I cry all day…I know it happens to you too if you have chronic Lyme disease.  But then there are days when I cry because I am grieving my “old life” of high energy, riding my horses, gardening – heck, even laundry…basically I am feeling sorry for myself.  I am embarrassed to admit that but it happens more frequently than I would like.

Then I think about Dr. Ray Jones.

And then I think about the thousands (over 9,000) of children he has treated and cured over the years…probably there are some who he hasn’t been able to cure, but the man’s courage truly humbles me.  He is such an inspiration, wouldn’t you agree?  I am overwhelmed by the courage he exhibits each day that he continues his practice under the constant threat of legal bills and peer hostility – he just focuses on his oath as a doctor with amazing compassion for his patients.

For those readers who aren’t aware of this particular Lyme related crisis, there have been over two years of proceedings against Dr. Jones before the Connecticut Medical Examining Board relating to charges filed by the Department of Public Health in November 2006.  According to information posted on the Department’s website, the Department alleges that in August 2004, Jones ordered blood work for two children, ages 3 and 6, without taking a patient history or conducting a physical examination.

He also allegedly ordered blood work for a child who had no symptoms of any illness, and ordered a urine test that is known to be unreliable.

With respect to a third patient, age 4, the allegations are that Jones diagnosed Lyme Disease and another illness and prescribed antibiotics without making a differential diagnosis, examining the patient or taking a medical history.

As to a fourth patient who was an infant when first seen by Dr. Jones, the allegations are that Dr. Jones diagnosed “gestational Lyme Disease” (Lyme Disease allegedly transmitted in utero while the mother was pregnant with the child) without performing a differential diagnosis.As to the fourth child, the allegations are that while the child was in the 1st grade, Jones wrote and repeatedly called the school principal on numerous occasions to excuse absences and reported strep infections that were not documented in the patient’s medical chart and not supported by strep culture results.

According to the statement of charges, so many absences were excused by Dr. Jones that were not documented as legitimate medical illnesses that the student had to be retained in 1st grade, and Dr. Jones reported that the Lyme Disease had resulted in the student having a hearing loss even though the student had normal audiological examinations.

If proven, these charges could result in additional disciplinary action against Dr. Jones by the Board up to and including revocation of his license to practice medicine in the State of Connecticut.

Hoards of supporters have donated generously to his legal defense fund (for information on donations click here on Dr. Jones Legal Defense Fund), and continue to do so.

Unfortunately, those of us suffering with chronic Lyme disease are flat broke trying to figure out a way to buy the critical products for our unique protocol, but we can pray for him, and we can spread the word too.

Anyways, the next time I am tempted to feel sorry for myself I will think of Dr. Jones, and I will think of the children who are suffering in a deeply disturbing manner – without the thick walls of emotional protection that we build over the years of our lives.

For related blog posts:

My Left Nutmeg:: CT Pediatrician to be Sanctioned for Lyme Disease … – Because if Dr. Jones is forced out of his practice, there will be no pediatricians left who are willing to take on the difficult cases of children with chronic Lyme disease. He is the only one that remains. …

UNDER OUR SKIN Blog » Feeling the pressure: An update on Dr … – Feeling the pressure of the 37% increase in Lyme disease cases from 2006 to 2007, Dr. Jones’s office is averaging three new patient calls a day, in addition to training new Lyme-literate pediatricians through the Turn the Corner Physicians …. As a patient who suffers from chronic Lyme as well as a coinfection Bartonella, I am so incredibly grateful to this film and to LLMD’s like Dr. Jones. A modern day Hero admist the ignorant and selfcentered Dr.’s opposed to treating …

Dr. Jones Legal Battle For Lyme Kids, Pediatrician | Lyme Disease … – Dr. Jones fights state medical boards for the right to treat children with Lyme disease. … We wish we have 8000 kind, loving, knowledgeable CHRONIC LYME LITERATE MDS, LLMDS, like Dr. Jones! From what I’ve read tonight on http://www. lymenet.org; many donations have been sent but they feel are under the necessary $90000 DUE TODAY! *******************. Bryan, I hope you notified all your lyme friends, co-workers, family, etc. and DONATING WHATEVER THEY CAN FOR DR. …

LymeBlog – The Trial of Dr. Charles Ray Jones – Jones said that the children who end up as his patients are often children with persisting and more serious symptoms of Lyme. In fact, he said, 80 percent of his cases are children with a chronic form of the disease. …

Dr. Jones Appeals Ruling – Partial Stay Issued – This alleged bias is the subject of a series of affidavits filed by family members in State Superior Court claiming to have sought treatment for chronic Lyme Disease with this physician, who allegedly made a series of derogatory …