Lyme Disease remains as dreadful as always

A decade ago, my husband and I decided to move to a peaceful town in Southern New England to escape the crime of New York City. Little did we know that we would face a life-threatening enemy, not a bear or raccoon, but a barely visible black-legged tick carrying the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

This tiny parasite has fed on my blood and that of our dogs, causing severe health issues for all of us.

As we approach the summer outdoor season, it’s important for New Yorkers and others in rural areas to be vigilant against ticks. A seemingly innocent hike in the woods can lead to a devastating illness like Lyme disease.

Unfortunately, the medical community has not made much progress in solving this health crisis over the past decade, despite the growing number of Lyme disease cases.

Lyme disease cases have increased by 70% through 2022, and the lack of urgency from medical providers to address this issue is concerning.

With warmer temperatures fueling a surge in tick populations, the risk of contracting Lyme disease is higher than ever. The black-legged tick is now found in twice as many East Coast counties as it was two decades ago.

These ticks hitchhike on animals like white-footed mice, chipmunks, and birds, waiting in grass and foliage to latch onto unsuspecting hikers and begin feeding on their blood.

When I first experienced Lyme symptoms, my doctor misdiagnosed me but eventually prescribed antibiotics. Despite treatment, I continued to suffer from pain, fatigue, and brain fog. An integrative specialist confirmed the diagnosis with a blood test.

Dealing with chronic Lyme disease has been a challenging journey, as traditional treatments have not provided complete relief. The lack of recognition of chronic Lyme by the CDC and insurance companies complicates the treatment process.

While research funding for Lyme disease is on the horizon, it won’t be available until 2025. In the meantime, seeking specialized care is essential, even though it can be costly.

Personal experiences with different treatments have led me to follow a Lyme specialist’s advice and take supplements to manage the disease.

Overall, if given the chance to start over, I would have chosen to stay in the city despite its urban challenges.