Continues from part 2
My Personal Problems: Part 3
All Rights Reserved
Egret Publishing Inc. November 2001
Section One: Seeing the Infectious Disease Specialist again
I was hoping for more new developments, such as Professor Ewald's
book and the FDA guidelines on AIDS drugs, to make my arguments
more convincing (see Part 2) but I could wait no longer because my
health problem had worsened more than anticipated. I had to do
what was necessary with what I got now. I decided to make an
appointment to see the infectious disease specialist as soon as
possible. On the morning of the appointment, the street car had to
be rerouted and the University Subway was temporally closed
because of the protest by some antipoverty groups. Fortunately I
had made allowance for unexpected delays.
He was not too pleased to see me, probably because of the
arguments over the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests,
targeting the DNA of Hansen's bacterium. I showed him a copy of
my letter published by the Toronto Star, and a copy of the
symptoms, regarding my old and new problems, with a list of new
developments supporting my arguments (see Part 2). After reading
it, he said he would take my blood samples and send it to the
provincial laboratory for PCR. I said "PCR tests, targeting the DNA
of Hansen's bacterium, not the antibody." He said "Of course, the
DNA of the bacterium." While he and the nurse were preparing for
the job, he turned around and said to a young doctor or intern
"There is no peripheral nerve damage." He was referring to the fact
that my symptoms did not match precisely those of Hansen's
disease. Blood samples were taken from my earlobes and placed on
glass slides for the laboratory. He told me to call back for the results
in three weeks. He stated that his specialty was Hansen's disease
and I should not come to see him, if the results were negative, or
words to that effect. Finally he warned me that the provincial
laboratory did this kind of work but it might suddenly say it did not
it anymore.
After more than one year of wrangling, writing a letter to the editor
of the Toronto Star, hours and hours of waiting in the doctors'
offices, and the new developments in science and medicine, and the
media, I finally got close to get a test, which laboratories in most
third world countries could do at a reasonable cost without any fuss.
The most stressful was the traffic condition on the morning of my
appointment. All these come from politicizing of science, medicine
and the empowerment of the welfare recipients. Going through all
these, because I prefer Hansen's disease to amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis, besides, ALS could be a part of the unknown spectrum of
Hansen's disease.
Ching-Chee Chan, Ph.D.
November 4, 2001
Section 2: PCR Results
After three weeks, I called for the results. The nurse said she could
not find the results on the computer, perhaps the report had not
arrived yet and told me to call back at the end of the week. A few
days later, I called but it was the answering machine. I did not leave
any message, planning to call again. But she called me a few minutes
later, saying that the report had been in and the infectious disease
specialist had got it, and it was negative. I have some peripheral
nerve damages like a tingling sensation along the edges of my ears. I
did not mention that because it was nothing compared with muscle
spasms and cramps. I informed him by a letter later but it did not
change his mind.
They were not interested and certainly did not want to be involved
in any controversy in view of my booklets and other publications.
Most doctors probably know about the controversy, regarding some
Lyme disease doctors south of the border. Perhaps the authorities
do not like people raising this kind of question regardless whether it
is correct or incorrect. I wish I had never written the booklets and
those other papers but they cannot be unwritten now. The infectious
disease specialist told me "PCR is for research." Probably the
operation is for monitoring the effectiveness of new drugs in vivo
and not for diagnostic (detection) purpose. For monitoring, the
previous sample of the patient is used for comparison.
I was trained in physical chemistry, a fundamental field in
chemistry. I was in R & D. I was an analytical chemist for nine
years and a paint chemist for several years. Although I have never
worked in PCR (polymerase chain reaction), I am familiar with the
principle. A blank, normally a sample from someone who is assumed
to be not infected, is used for comparison in the case of detection for
most analytical works. If considerable number of people have been
infected, the assumption is no longer valid. The scale can be
adjusted to make most people test negative or vice versa. Someone
developed a PCR method for detection of Hansen's bacterium and
he tried it on one of those south sea islands. The method produced a
result of 76% positive for Hansen's bacterium. He considered it too
high. Even it was for an endemic area. This was why I did not
record the reference. Now with the latest information available, I
think the result may have reflected the situation accurately. Based
on the data in books 1 and 2, there may be considerable number of
people infected by Hansen's bacterium, if my hypothesis is correct.
The correlations in the booklets fit well. And the latest
developments, regarding Alzheimer's disease, Crohn's disease,
angiogenesis, are consistent with the correlations. These cannot be
just coincidental. Researchers may have adjusted their methods to
make most people test negative to fit their preconceived idea. People
just do not want to believe or accept bad news while the number of
cases of incurable or diseases of unknown causes is increasing. The
infectious disease specialist said "Nobody dies of Hansen's disease."
Fewer people test positive , fewer patients come to the Tropical
Disease Unit, which is shut down half of the time. Meanwhile
diseases, most of which are life-threatening, (for the list of diseases,
see the booklets) may have been indirectly caused by Hansen's
bacterium end up as diseases of unknown causes in other
departments. The authorities do not want to accept infection as the
cause of chronic diseases because it may cause social problems and
this is probably the reason that there is no cure for these diseases.
The primary interest of the patient is to get cured. The disease is
infectious but curable is far better than the disease is noninfectious
but incurable.
Living conditions and the climate may affect the characteristics of
Hansen's disease. This was probably why Hansen's disease
"disappeared" in Western Europe soon after the Industrial
Revolution, the living conditions were greatly improved (see
Chapter 6, Implications, Book 2, the printed and bound version) just
like the dinosaurs but the latest discoveries indicating birds may
have evolved from it. My problems such as cramps, twitches, and
muscle spasms disappear in the height of the summer (July and
August). No wonder people living in the Tropics do not get
Parkinson's disease and ALS.
Everything fits so well, especially the latest discoveries regarding
Alzheimer's disease and angiogenesis j-c with respect to TNF-alpha
and cancer or at least consistent with my correlation in the booklets.
The problem can be the detection devices or methods for the
bacterium.
Section 3: A New Paradigm
A new paradigm may be better than a doctor-assisted suicide, at
least. It is more positive. Instead of calling the result positive or
negative, just call whatever the PCR readings (raw data) for the
DNA of Hansen's bacterium "probability" without reference to any
blank or other manipulation. The higher the reading, the more
probable the patient is infected. This is like quantum mechanics and
quantum chemistry. We may call it "quantum medicine." If the
patient is also suffering from one or more of the diseases linked to
Hansen's bacterium (see booklets), the patient may be treated with
appropriate antibiotics and the effect is monitored by means of
PCR. If the patient improves as the number of bacteria decreases,
then the treatment is working.
This bacterium is very elusive but it may not escape detection by all
modern methods and instruments. Mass-spectrometric methods may
be a better alternative to PCR. The mass spectrometry laboratory of
York University and the mass spectrometry unit, the Department of
Molecular Medicine of the University of Toronto may be able to
carry out analysis and detection of the DNA of Hansen's bacterium.
The neurological damages should not be limited to the peripheral
nervous system only. The central nervous system is just as likely
target if not more likely especially in a colder climate as stated
above.
Section 4: What Course to take?
I cannot go elsewhere for treatment because OHIP may not
approve. What do I do? Appeal to the College of Surgeons and
Physicians of Ontario or/and the Provincial Government for some
kind of exemption from the old paradigm so that the new paradigm
can be applied to my case?
Perhaps the correct procedure is to find a neurologist sympathetic
to my position to find the cause of my neurological problems are due
to infection by Hansen's bacterium, and a rheumatologist to find the
cause of my lower back pain is due to infection by Hansen's
bacterium. See also eye, skin cancer and lymphoma specialists too?
Muscle spasms, cramps, twitches, pains and saliva going down the
wrong way still occur from time to time. Swelling (oedema) and
inflamed eyes, which have been occurring lately, may lead to
blindness. The amyloidosis in the capillaries may be causing my high
blood pressure. One of my lymph nodes has been changing its shape
and size recently and malignant may occur sometimes later. If no
effective treatments are available soon, one of those above may lead
to a serious life-threatening situation.
Healthcare is the biggest bureaucratic system in this province and it
is not going to change easily but our will to live will overcome the
resistance.
Anyone has run into similar problems? Anyone has good ideas? I
will be glad to hear it.
Ching-Chee Chan, Ph.D.
December 13, 2001
References
j-c. Jain RK, Carmeliet PF. Vessels of death or life. Scientific
American 2001 December: 38-45.
E-nail from a reader mt:
I found your research very interesting and plausible . . . It is a bit
dated . . . is there any new information with your theory?
Reply:
Thank you for your interest.
I shall try harder to keep my work up-to-date.
Ching-Chee Chan, Ph.D.
December 9, 2001
e-mail from reader bbe:
I am taking antioxidants and they seem to help. Doctor Chan, I read
your information and I was inspired by the hope that you may be on
to something larger than what people realize. I thank you for the
hope that your information brings . . . God bless
Reply:
Mr. b: Thank you for your letters and encouragement. I have
noticed recently that I have symptoms similar to those of ALS. I
shall check for infection. Results will be posted on my web page. If
you are interested, please check it frequently.
Ching-Chee Chan, Ph.D.
A few ALS patients complained about asthma on a web board. I
suggested that ALS and asthma might be related, basing my
argument on the similarity of their variation patterns. A reader sb
kindly responded by e-mail, recounting her experience.
I like your theory. I myself have asthma and definite symptoms of
ALS. Although my symptoms started when I was pregnant. I've
heard of a lot of neurological problems happening during pregnancy
and continuing on after pregnancy. For example Bells Palsy is
common in Pregnancy. I think changes in the body can trick the
immune system. I'm not a doctor so don't quote me on that, but it's
just a theory. I still have to get testing done. But I have all the sure
signs of Bulbar Palsy. I've had symptoms for about 10 months now
and worsening every day. Anyway feel free to write me back.
Thanks
S
Reply:
Relevant information helps me check my hypothesis.
Thank you for writing.
Ching-Chee Chan, Ph.D.
E-mail from reader j:
Hi, my dad was recently diagnosed with ALS. The neurologists did
blood tests but no specific tests were done to rule out Lyme disease
for sure. I was wondering if you had a list of Lyme disease doctors
in southern California? Any other info. regarding this topic will also
help.
Thanks,
j
Reply:
j,
I am sorry about your dad's illness. I do not have any list of Lyme
disease doctors. For other information regarding the topic of ALS
and Lyme disease, please check my web page at
http://webhome.idirect.com/~egretinc/index.html
and pay attention to "A Probable Solution" and "My Personal
Problems."
I have symptoms similar to those of ALS and I am trying to find a
way out of the predicament. If there is a breakthrough, it will be
posted in this column. Please check it regularly.
If you have any further questions, please e-mail me.
Ching-Chee Chan, Ph.D.
Questions from reader dd:
Hello , I have been diagnosed with Crohn's witch is bad enough but
also there is a question about lymphoma. I'm not afraid or naive
about what is happening to me because I know how bad I am and I
am from the medical field myself. Is there any correlation between
these two diseases and/or menopause or environment and what tests
can I have to begin to eliminate to save my life? I know that you
might not have the answers but with your help I might find the
answers. I am no hero but I will work for answers to make friends
with these diseases and I know they are not friendly diseases. So be
it. Please answer me to the best of your ability and know that I am
in no way expecting you to save my life just maybe share with me
what you think you might know at this stage of the game. Thanks.
d
Reply:
I do not have any answer about the menopause. The environmental
factor has been blown out of all proportion. The environments are
improving since the Nineteen Sixties especially in Western Europe
and North America but cases of immune-related diseases are going
up. Obviously the environmental factor is only marginal with
respect to these diseases.
You did not mention the type of lymphoma you got. A type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (ICD-9, 202) may be related to Crohn's
disease and other immune-related diseases. It is usual for a patient
to get more than one immune-related "diseases." I suspect a
bacterium may be indirectly responsible for these diseases. The
bacterium can be detected by means of PCR methods. For further
details, please see the links below
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/316/7129/449
The title of my post
"the real culprit"
http://webhome.idirect.com/~egretinc/solution.html
Book 2, Chapter 3, Other Immune Disorders
http://webhome.idirect.com/~egretinc/shortver.html
http://webhome.idirect.com/~egretinc/nc.1.html
Ching-Chee Chan, Ph.D.
E-mail from reader bbo:
Dr. Chan: I was wondering if you have developed any recent info,
regarding your theory and ALS? Could you contact www.als-tdf.org ; they are a private bio-tech fd. doing ALS research. Best
wishes bb
Reply:
Mr. b:
Thank you for your interest. I have run into some obstacles lately.
No doubt, this will affect my work and healthcare. For further
detail, please see My Personals Problems: Part 3.
I shall take a look at the biotech organization.
Best wishes
Ching-Chee Chan, Ph.D.
December 14, 2001
Another e-mail from reader bbo:
Dr. Chan: Sorry to read about your health problems and hope you
will experience a complete recovery. I am forwarding to you the
latest edition of the ALS digest. It has widespread circulation in the
ALS community and would provide a good discussion vehicle for
your theory. Hopefully you would consider it. Best wishes. bb
Reply:
Thank you for your well wishes and excellent idea. I found the
journal.
I will follow your advice.
Thank you.
Ching-Chee Chan, Ph.D.
December 19, 2001
E-mail from hg to bbo; cc to C. C. Chan:
b:
I find Dr. Chan very hard to follow. Is it the case that he was
diagnosed with ALS, but think he has Hansen's Disease? My quick
reading on Hansen's disease shows symptoms totally unrelated to
ALS. ?????? Dr. Chan's own symptoms do not sound anything like
Hansen's disease, but certainly do sound like ALS. Am I missing
something here? Considering the lengthy term of his symptoms, he
might want to check out Kennedy's disease. H
Reply:
Mr. g
Sorry about the long delay. I was not sure it was appropriate to
reply to a carbon copy of your e-mail addressed to Mr. b
Ching-Chee Chan, Ph.D.
December 24, 2001
Section 5: Back to see my Family doctor
The nurse of the Tropical Disease Unit told me that they had
nothing to offer me and I should go back to my family doctor. So I
did and I asked him whether he had been informed of my PCR
results. After checking his record, he said "No." That was thirty-eight days after I had been told by the nurse on the phone. He said
he was supposed to be informed (by fax in black and white, I hope).
Then I told him the circumstances, under which I had been told. He
said he was going to check and told me to call "reception" to inquire
in the second week after the new year.
Section 6: Present Difficulties and Prospect
The present situation has cast a shadow on my hypothesis. Science
does not usually progress in a smooth and straight path. Hopefully
the difficulties are only temporary. Nobody is going to bet good
money on bad ideas. Right now, I cannot even start treatment. After
billions of dollars spent on the war on cancer and the war on AIDS,
nothing useful turned out. People are tired of this. They want to
know there is a reasonable chance of success before trying any
treatment. If I test positive for the DNA of Hansen's bacterium, and
get treated accordingly, the results may show whether my high
blood pressure, eye diseases and neurological symptoms similar to
those of ALS may be caused indirectly by Hansen's bacterium, and
it will show that my hypothesis may be correct. This by itself is a
kind of applied research. Many people on the Internet are waiting
for good news of a breakthrough. And some of them will follow my
example, as indicated by the activities on the Internet. This will open
the door to more research, not only in ALS but also cancer and
others. Everything is easier if it is started on small scale. A limited
funding for research is available on certain conditions, for detail,
please click here. Someone is betting one hundred million dollars on
the breakthrough unification of relativity and quantum mechanics.
cal Just imagine linking various incurable diseases is just as
important but it may cause much less.
I do not think that my hypothesis and correlation are purely
coincidental. Charles Darwin did not prove his hypothesis because
nobody could wait a few million years for the experimental result.
People believe his theory of evolution because everything fits very
well. My hypothesis can be proven by means of PCR or/and mass-spectrometric methods as long as no man-made obstruction or
distortion of the methods. And it will not cost a lot of money. I am
prepared to appeal to the authorities.
The present difficulties, I am facing, may be temporary. We will
encounter more obstacles from time to time but we will get over it as
long as we are on the right track.
Ching-Chee Chan, Ph.D.
December 27, 2001
References
cal. Calamai P. Quantum leap. The Toronto Star 2001 December 1:
K1(col 1), K3(col 5).
Readers are welcome to e-mail me to discuss relevant problems.