Ms. Lucy Finger, Director Employee Relations
Metromedia Restaurant Group
6500 International Parkway
Plano TX 75093
June 1, 1998
Dear Ms. Finger:
I am writing this letter to provide information that I hope will be useful in helping MRG understand the reasons for the recent reprimands levied against my husband, R. James Martin. I am enclosing some information packets as well that may better explain his condition.
I am a technical writer who became totally disabled under Social Security guidelines because of Lyme disease in 1995. I have spent the last 3 years researching every aspect of this disease, and have become an aggressive activist, advocate, and researcher in promoting education about Lyme disease and fighting the diSRCimination and prejudice (documented by court cases) associated with this diagnosis. I have had to provide information to insurance companies and disability companies to gain access to the medical treatments necessary to adequately fight the ravages of this disease. There is a wealth of information concerning these topics on the Internet at www.lyme.com. Insurance companies, including First Health, disallow recommended treatment protocols, thereby ensuring continued illness and inevitable work-related disabilities. I have also had an article published in the Fort Worth Star Telegram decrying the persecution of doctors who dare diagnose and treat Lyme disease. I intend to publish additional articles focusing on the diSRCimination perpetrated by insurance companies for not providing adequate care for this disease and to promote insurance reform. My case was extreme and was diagnosed in a very late stage, with significant and permanent damage being incurred before diagnosis and treatment. The earlier this disease is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis is for halting the disease process and lessening the frequency of these cyclic symptoms.
In February 1996, James was also diagnosed with Lyme disease and Lyme Enchephalitis, which causes functional, chemical, and structural changes in the brain. As you know, there have been substantial changes in his demeanor since his diagnosis, even though his technical abilities remain intact (possibly because this region of the brain remains undamaged). I am hoping this information will provide insight as to why these changes have occurred, what medical intervention is necessary to counteract these changes, and to ask your understanding in patiently working with James as he diligently battles this disease and undergoes the appropriate treatments. It is a difficult battle, especially coupled with the additional burden of caring for a severely disabled wife.
Lyme disease is a multisystemic, neuropsychiatric illness that affects every body organ. It is a cyclic disease, meaning that the manifestations of the disease vary from day to day. The earliest manifestations of this disease are usually psychiatric in nature (e.g., depression, mood swings, cognitive impairment, irritability, obsessive compulsive disorder, seizure disorder, and bipolar disorder), with the physical debilitation occurring later. These manifestations usually improve with appropriate antibiotic therapy; however, this treatment can often aggravate the manifestations of these same symptoms. That is why careful medication management, monitoring, and adjustment is necessary to determine the current condition and make the appropriate changes in treatment. In some cases, psychotropic medications must be introduced in addition to antibiotics. MRG could be very helpful in observing when a change in manifestations of symptoms requires medical intervention instead of penalizing or reprimanding him for a medical condition that is beyond his immediate control.
The physical manifestations of this disease include chronic fatigue, somnambulism (excessive afternoon sleepiness), and chronic pain throughout the whole body, especially joints, muscles, nerves, skin, back, and head. This chronic pain condition is called Fibromyalgia, and is very much like rheumatoid arthritis. This excruciating pain is constant, causing continual physical distress and interrupting normal sleep patterns, which further aggravates the pain and the cognitive impairment. Pain management is a complicated process because narcotic pain medications cause further cognitive impairment, intolerable drowsiness, and are quickly addictive. Narcotic pain relievers are not an option. With his responsibilities at MRG, the only pain medication available is Ibuprofen 800, which makes the pain more bearable but does not eliminate it. Stress exacerbates pain, elevates blood pressure (which can cause immediate stroke or heart attack), suppresses immune system functioning, and increases manifestations of psychiatric symptoms. Avoidance of unnecessary stressors is crucial in combating this disease. Chiropractic, Applied Kinesiology, and accupressure are very effective in treating this type of chronic pain, but insurance coverage by First Health is severely inadequate and does not cover the necessary pain management recommendations. Other very effective pain management avenues (massage therapy and hydrotherapy) are unavailable to James because of other medical problems (thrombophlebitis and stasis dermatitis). Accupuncture and nerve block therapies are also effective, but not covered by First Health. Chronic pain also contributes to high-blood pressure and decreases a person's ability to handle normal daily stressors.
Effective treatment of Lyme disease is a complicated and often confusing process, especially to the person afflicted. James's case was caught quickly enough to enable him to function technically even though there will be daily variances in his interpersonal skills and cognitive functioning. Dr. Moayad's recent response to MRG indicates that his psychiatric impairment (as listed on standard disability forms) is a Class 2 -The patient is able to function in most stress situations and engage in only limited interpersonal relations (slight limitations).
MRG was very supportive when I first became disabled. Time off to attend to my surgeries and other medical procedures was freely given, for which we were very grateful. Bill Thurlow even invited himself to our home on a Sunday afternoon to pray for my healing and for James's to have the strength to care for me. The very next day I was able to walk without my cane and was able to read and write again within one week. I was very impressed with this extraordinary gesture. We are very confused by the sudden change in attitude since James was diagnosed. We can only assume that MRG expects James to suffer the same fate, which has no basis in fact.
I would urge you to review the enclosed information carefully to understand how this disease manifests itself. I have highlighted the areas that address the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and may help you to understand the reasons for James's recent encounters with HR. Enclosed please find copies of the following documents:
"Lyme Disease: A Neuropsychiatric Illness" . This publication addresses the specific neuropsychiatric manifestations of Lyme disease in a most concise manner. It should explain the process and dispel any misconceptions or fears about the nature of the disease. This article is being used by neurologists to alert psychiatrists of the possibility of Lyme disease being the cause for certain psychiatric conditions.
Thank you for your time and courtesy in reviewing this information.
Respectfully,
Karen J. Rose
cc:
Bill Thurlow
Keenan Wright
