Contagious or not

[MELISSAJ]

I am receiving conflicting information regarding this illness. The below is an excerpt from a Dr. Schwartz and I am wondering what do you all think? Can I hug my kids and loved ones. I do not have open lesions, but I feel when they are active and I have the black specs on my face and hands and they are what come out of my skin when I use Eco-Vie. I am so confused by this illness at times because it is all trial and error and evidence based medicine. I am a purist and am looking for solid answers. Another doctor suffered greatly and he infected his girlfriend. I am not attempting to stir things up here and I understand that there is a so called formula for getting this, but how do we know who has the right criteria...? My kids are having more symptoms of bites (little pimples) and I want to help them. Do you think that healthy people will get bitten but not get Morgellons?

Any ideas?

Here is the exercpt....I hope I am not infringing on copyrighted material. Please advise if I am and I will unpost.

On August 25, 2006, Dr. George Schwartz presented a series of case reports demonstrating how an intensive anti-parasitic treatment program leads to effective treatment of Morgellon's (thread, fiber, or Lisa's disease) and cure in early cases.

This "mystery disease" originally misinterpreted as a psychiatric disorder (delusions of parasitosis) is a contagious and serious systemic disease. Its symptoms include intense pruritis (itching), a creeping-crawling sensation under the skin and poorly healing skin lesions. Unique to this disease is the production by the parasite of clear, white, blue, or red fibers ranging from microscopic to inches long. Along with these symptoms can be muscle pain and contraction, anemia, enlarged liver and spleen and bony degeneration. Neurological symptoms may be prominent and are characterized by memory impairment and confusion (termed "brain fog" by patients). In children the behavioral disturbances may be erroneously called "Autism."

Comparing the parasite's production of fibers in one of its life stages to that of a silkworm, Dr. Schwartz noted that the reason for the fibers is still unknown, but it may represent a form of cocoon development or inter-parasite communication. He added, "The fiber production is often associated with electronic phenomena and the role of the fibers in nerve transmission needs to be investigated."

When asked about the contagiousness of the disease, Dr. Schwartz pointed out that transmission through families is common, and people who inhabit a house or room in which the disease has been contracted are at risk. "One family in Idaho, for example, became infected with the disease and moved away. Two months later another family moved into the same house and all family members got the condition." What does this mean for real estate sales? "It should be disclosed," Dr. Schwartz said. "And patients with this disease should avoid hotel and motel rooms which are possible transmission sites."

When asked about the origin of the disease, Dr. Schwartz added, "I believe the disease is either new or very old and has emerged due to global warming. For example, it could be like a plague of the Egyptians thousands of years ago. I am often asked about bio-engineering and while it is a possibility, the disease will respond to an intensive anti-parasitic management program leading to effective treatment and cure in early cases regardless of the origin." However, he added with emphasis, "The disease is epidemic and doubling rapidly. In the future there will have to be special multi- disciplinary centers to treat this condition and control the spread. We are currently performing DNA analysis to determine the nature of the parasite, which should be helpful."

[beverlybdmd]

Dr. Schwartz isn't saying anything new or definitive or absolute or even very meaningful here.

You are looking for absolute answers that nobody has has as yet. We can guess at what we think are the most likely answers based on what we have seen occur around us; but it is ALL empiric and anecdotal evidence.

We have very little theoretical OR statistical evidence, because no-one has even identified the Morgellons causing agent; let alone DNA-sequenced it. They are working on that, I hear. I don't hear how successful they are at actually DOING THAT.

[ladycolorado]

hi wonderful Melissa,well i think the contagion of it is nil person to person. Dr. H has had Morgellons disease himself, so sure has some idea and what he told me . but i think shared members get it because of shared factors and shared vulnerability. i have given it to no one. Dr H also told me a component of disease is genetics. so take precautions , if you like. but do not live in fear or isolation. i have a social life. i have seen folks bitten and stung by stuff but think they have vulnerable genetic component. with me took insect vector wound carriers once live in my home with contaminated bird. and my dad who left when four was exposed to radiation in the mid 50's . takes a time to build up in body it sneaks up on one like a thief and builds up over time. so no way to have really prevented kids getting sick because you didn't know what was wrong. so i think alot of things. with Bubba was her shingles. oh yeah with me insect vector, too headlice, then springtails then unknown winged insect. what we have can be managed and slowed but requires persistence. but have friends other things to do very healthy. the problem we have is always working in back of mind in my subconscious. good to try to let what can go, worry makes one physically ill. i find when agitated get worse and pay for it. yes i gripe, i sound pitiful at times, but when hurting very bad. thank god the attacks come and go. can be different things. i think our symptoms differ depends on where favorite areas of body are for disease to habitate. maybe mine bad with physical neurological damage why bad often in back of neck and base of skull in back. stay positive. look at the everyday miracles happening in here. you are among friends and we love you and your children. (LC).

[curious]

This is everyone's biggest worry. Will I accidentally hurt someone else? A simple reciprocal question I ask myself is "Did I catch this from someone?" or "Did someone do this to me?"--I know of no one, no friend, no associate I have come into contact with who has these symptoms. And as for as my close friends, I know they don't have any symptoms. And none of them have this after being around me for months. If it could be spread person to person, by now everyone we know would have gotten it or else responsible for giving it to us. In fact, everyone would have it, for there are enough of us suffering out there.

I have no answer. I too asked Dr. H office and they told me it wasn't contagious in that way.

As for Dr. Schwartz, well, maybe there is something else about that Oregon house that helps to serve as a conduit, maybe there is something environmental there--I'm not going to go any further, for I don't know enough to present a theory and more specualtion won't help much.

As wretched as this disease is, it still isn't fatal, but we can do ourselves in if we aren't careful.

[linnysue]

Curious, I have the same experience as far as close friends and even my husband not showing any signs of this disease. We have friends over to our home and go camping with them in the summer. I don't have lesions just skin with pinching and crawling. My skin looks totally normal, hence, the problems with doctors not knowing what to do for me. As a precaution I don't hold any babies which is very difficult for me as I LOVE babies. Regarding selling our home, I certainly wouldn't disclose a possible contagious condition based on empiric and anecdotal evidence.

[Franky]

MELISSA I cant add much here as you have been given some great info from our members here all ready. But you must realize this as Beverly has said

"You are looking for absolute answers that nobody has has as yet. We can guess at what we think are the most likely answers based on what we have seen occur around us; but it is ALL empiric and anecdotal evidence. "

This is a excellent point here. But to add to the anecdotal evidence, I dont think you really have to worry to much at this point as Bubba has pointed out as well. I know my friend now for 5 years, he has been sick for 3 and half that we know of. I am perfectly fine and so is his family. The thing is he always had somewhat of a poor immune system, always getting colds and such, so i think thats what opened him up to getting morgellons. But the bottom line is everyone around him is doing just fine! Send me a PMs again if you like.

[mindy]

I am new to this message board but have had this horrible disease for 4 years now and my physical symptoms are so severe I feel like death is just around the corner. I do think this is contagious because out of my house all occupants have gottenthis disease and I am the only one who had symptoms first. I also have this the worst. I am so scared and tired of trying to convince my medical doctors that Morgellons is real. So far I ve been labled as D.O.P. twice and counting. I cannot tell you how many times I have been to various doctors and to no avail. I am really hurting here. I don't know if I am allowed to vent here about myself but please forgive me as I have never even talked to any other Morgellons sufferer in all these years and I feel so alone and scared. I hope someone can help me with all this. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mindy

[linnysue]

Welcome to the forum, Mindy. You have come to the right place where you will receive understanding, compassion, and hope. We are all fighting this thing together, and yes, this is a place where we can freely share our problems and victories. This board has some of the best info and caring individuals who will help. Take a deep breath and rest. There's a lot of information to take in, so I would first start with the FAQ at:

http://www.morgellons-disease-resear...hp?topic=384.0

Read about the treatment steps here: http://www.morgellons-disease-resear...php?topic=30.0

These steps have helped many on this forum regain a normal life, myself included. You can get through this, Mindy, one step at a time. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. I know others on this forum will be along to support and encourage you.

I wish you all the best.
Linda

[jano]

Mindy - First of all , welcome to the forum. You can certainly vent here - we all have. The sites on this board that linnysue has directed you to do work. There are also actually Doctors who are treating this. I'm pretty sure that most, if not all of us here have been labeled DOP. Pretty frustrating and humiliating. You will find MUCH help and support here. First, you are not alone in your battle, secondly you will find compassion and understanding here. This site has been a blessing for me and I know others. Glad you found us!

[Franky]

Mindy welcome to the forums as the others have so elegantly said all ready. If you have a need to rant, yell whatever, this is what this site is here for! With all the great help the members have pointed you to, I will add one more link you might consider as well. It sound like you may have a story to tell or share. Why dont you post some of your experiences here morgellons syndrome