The Story of a Man 2 Years After Contracting Lyme Disease
This isn't a story about me, but it could be. A few years ago, I was having flu-like symptoms. They just kept getting worse, even after visiting two different doctors. I kept hearing, "You have the flu, it will pass."
But it didn't.
One day, while I was getting dressed, my wife gasped (normally I'd respond with, "Yeah, that's right. You married THIS!", but I didn't have the energy). She then took a picture and showed me the red bullseye on my upper back.
Textbook sign of Lyme.
Back to the doctor I went. Even with the symptoms and the bullseye, he was still skeptical that it was Lyme. He had a blood test ran.
It was Lyme.
Two weeks of strong antibiotics that made me a joy to be around later and I was finally feeling a little better. A few years later and that's where I still stand: a little better. I still get random body aches, random headaches, random dizzy spells. Occasionally, my hands cramp up almost into fists. And I'm tired. A lot.
10 to 20% of Lyme patients have lingering pain. Compared to Erik Nivison of HLN's "In Session", I feel lucky. I could certainly have it worse.
This is a friendly reminder to regularly check yourself and your kids for ticks. A few minutes can save you and them from a lifetime of misery.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has some great tips for preventing Lyme Disease.
Be safe and enjoy the rest of your summer, Loonatics!