Discuss. Learn. Inform.
Cautionary Tale
The Patriot-News reports that Lyme disease is on the increase in Central Pennsylvania. Take heed, everyone.
I live a couple hours away from Hershey, in a home that backs onto deep, tick-infested woods that I spend a lot of time in and love. Consequently, I've had Lyme numerous time. Never worried much about, because I'd get the telltale bulls-eye rash, tell my doctor, take an antibiotic for a month and forget about it.
No longer. Not after the past few weeks.
June 23, as I stooped over my mower, I fell. Couldn't get up...couldn't respond to my wife, grandson or neighbor as they tried to lift me. Couldn't walk normally, speak coherently or even read for several days.
Initial diagnosis was stroke...then multiple sclerosis, then the possibility of lymphonic cancer. Bone marrow extracts followed MRIs followed CAT scans followed ultrasounds followed Xrays followed a host of other tests. Scared (almost) the devil out of me.
Finally, my internist ordered a blood test to determine if I had Lyme. Bingo!
Chances are I've had it for at least a year -- 12 rash-free months of wondering why I had a constant headache, needed 12 or more hours sleep each day, and got grumpier and grumpier in the classroom.
Been on antibiotics for three weeks now. Did a few things the past couple days I wasn't sure I'd ever do again. Drove to my favorite orchard ten miles away. Went swimming. Read a book cover to cover. Bottom line: My life is mine again.
Lyme. Don't dismiss it lightly. It can mimic many serious afflictions, and if misdiagnosed or untreated can result in permanent damage.
Learn about it. Read everything you can find about deer ticks (some the size of a pencil point) and treat them like the insidious enemies they are.
Just don't tell me to cut down my woods.
I live a couple hours away from Hershey, in a home that backs onto deep, tick-infested woods that I spend a lot of time in and love. Consequently, I've had Lyme numerous time. Never worried much about, because I'd get the telltale bulls-eye rash, tell my doctor, take an antibiotic for a month and forget about it.
No longer. Not after the past few weeks.
June 23, as I stooped over my mower, I fell. Couldn't get up...couldn't respond to my wife, grandson or neighbor as they tried to lift me. Couldn't walk normally, speak coherently or even read for several days.
Initial diagnosis was stroke...then multiple sclerosis, then the possibility of lymphonic cancer. Bone marrow extracts followed MRIs followed CAT scans followed ultrasounds followed Xrays followed a host of other tests. Scared (almost) the devil out of me.
Finally, my internist ordered a blood test to determine if I had Lyme. Bingo!
Chances are I've had it for at least a year -- 12 rash-free months of wondering why I had a constant headache, needed 12 or more hours sleep each day, and got grumpier and grumpier in the classroom.
Been on antibiotics for three weeks now. Did a few things the past couple days I wasn't sure I'd ever do again. Drove to my favorite orchard ten miles away. Went swimming. Read a book cover to cover. Bottom line: My life is mine again.
Lyme. Don't dismiss it lightly. It can mimic many serious afflictions, and if misdiagnosed or untreated can result in permanent damage.
Learn about it. Read everything you can find about deer ticks (some the size of a pencil point) and treat them like the insidious enemies they are.
Just don't tell me to cut down my woods.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by S. Lee Strayer on -
Thanks for the insight Bob. In all honesty, because I hadn't seen you post much anywhere, I was wondering if you were sick. Now I know...
Though we have many differences politically and with respect to our alma mater, I sincerely wish you God-speed in a full recovery.
After all...no one else is better than you in fussin' at me, save for my wife, of course.
Best regards...Lee
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Permalink Reply by Bob Woods on -
Thanks for the kind wishes, Lee.
My health has improved daily since we made the correct diagnosis and started antibiotic therapy. Looking forward to spending some much missed beach time, resuming teaching, and fussing more at you come September.
FYI, for those interested, an excellent book on the subject of Lyme is "Coping with Lyme Disease," (third edition) by Denise Lang and Kenneth Liegner, M.D. It's available through Amazon and/or Barnes & Noble.
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Permalink Reply by S. Lee Strayer on
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Thanks for the update Bob. Truly, I very much hope improvement turns into a distinct, certain cure.
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Permalink Reply by Larry Garner on
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So sorry to read of your poor health and am glad you are on the road to recovery. We may bump heads at times, but never with hatred of ill will. Keep up with the therapy and get well. It is a bad disease with many different symptoms.
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