Many of you know my husband Jon or at least have heard some part of his journey. In August 2011, Jon became extremely ill. What started out as flu-like symptoms: fever, nausea, headaches, fatigue, muscle aches - quickly turned into something much worse. He progressed to the point that he could no longer walk and had to be carried out of our home. He was 36 years old and unable to walk or string together coherent sentences. The diagnosis was Lyme’s Disease. Jon suffered serious neurological as well as cardiovascular side effects. He was treated with IV antibiotics for 30 days and told he was cured.
The following year, he became sick again. The doctor believe he had re-contracted Lyme's. He went through IV antibiotics for 45 days and again he was told he was cured.
Jon managed his symptoms for the next two years. We changed our diet and tried every homeopathic/natural/alternative option we could find and afford. Jon never felt great or even normal, and could not fully participate in life.
Then in August 2015, he got sick again. It was believed that he had been re-infected with Lyme's disease. He was treated again and this time told it would take time for his body to heal, that some people recover at a much slower pace. We begged for additional testing, offering to pay for it out of pocket, believing that he was dealing with something more than Lyme's disease. The doctors wouldn't even run the tests. There's no protocol for them to follow and insurance companies won't cover the expenses.
We’ve been to every specialist you can think of, we’ve seen physicians from the two big groups in our area, and we’ve spent over $25,000 in medical expenses, prescriptions, treatments, testings, alternative treatments, etc., above and beyond what our insurance has covered. His family physician is supportive but his hands are tied by the insurance industry. Jon's been unable to work since 2015. He still suffers from all the original symptoms. He's able to walk, al beit at the slower pace of a much older person. The cardiovascular and neurological symptoms are still there.
Two months ago, we found a new doctor that specializes in Lyme's and what is considered Chronic Lyme’s Disease. This doctor not only believed in testing for other infections, he insisted on it. Jon does have Lyme's co-infections and other viruses now, due to his immune system being so overworked. All told, he’s fighting 8 infections/viruses. We’re committed to his new treatment plan - hardcore antibiotics, orally and via injection, and supplements to support his immune system for what could take up to two years.
Unfortunately, this treatment is not covered by our insurance. It’s considered out of network and the antibiotic treatment isn’t recognized as necessary by the insurance companies. The industry doesn't believe in long term treatment of Lyme's – even though there are many, many people who are suffering. Jon is clearly sick and still fighting this dreadful disease.
The injections and prescriptions cost nearly $1000 a month, and the office visits, supplements and blood work, another $1000 a month. Fortunately, Jon's dad has been transporting him to the appointments, 2 1/2 hours away, every two weeks, which saves us on that additional expense.
I'm sure you all know someone or know of someone who has or has had Lyme's disease. If caught and treated early, the standard treatment is effective. Jon's new doctor believes that he's been fighting this for most of his life and that his body just couldn't fight it any longer.
We’re optimistic that God will get us through this valley and restore Jon’s health. We're hoping to raise enough money to continue his treatment for the rest of this year and if need be, a second year of treatment if necessary. If you’re able to help, there are no words to express our gratitude. We are blessed beyond words by the support of our family, friends and community. Please continue to pray for Jon and our family.
"Behold, I will bring it to health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth." - Jeremiah 33:6
The following year, he became sick again. The doctor believe he had re-contracted Lyme's. He went through IV antibiotics for 45 days and again he was told he was cured.
Jon managed his symptoms for the next two years. We changed our diet and tried every homeopathic/natural/alternative option we could find and afford. Jon never felt great or even normal, and could not fully participate in life.
Then in August 2015, he got sick again. It was believed that he had been re-infected with Lyme's disease. He was treated again and this time told it would take time for his body to heal, that some people recover at a much slower pace. We begged for additional testing, offering to pay for it out of pocket, believing that he was dealing with something more than Lyme's disease. The doctors wouldn't even run the tests. There's no protocol for them to follow and insurance companies won't cover the expenses.
We’ve been to every specialist you can think of, we’ve seen physicians from the two big groups in our area, and we’ve spent over $25,000 in medical expenses, prescriptions, treatments, testings, alternative treatments, etc., above and beyond what our insurance has covered. His family physician is supportive but his hands are tied by the insurance industry. Jon's been unable to work since 2015. He still suffers from all the original symptoms. He's able to walk, al beit at the slower pace of a much older person. The cardiovascular and neurological symptoms are still there.
Two months ago, we found a new doctor that specializes in Lyme's and what is considered Chronic Lyme’s Disease. This doctor not only believed in testing for other infections, he insisted on it. Jon does have Lyme's co-infections and other viruses now, due to his immune system being so overworked. All told, he’s fighting 8 infections/viruses. We’re committed to his new treatment plan - hardcore antibiotics, orally and via injection, and supplements to support his immune system for what could take up to two years.
Unfortunately, this treatment is not covered by our insurance. It’s considered out of network and the antibiotic treatment isn’t recognized as necessary by the insurance companies. The industry doesn't believe in long term treatment of Lyme's – even though there are many, many people who are suffering. Jon is clearly sick and still fighting this dreadful disease.
The injections and prescriptions cost nearly $1000 a month, and the office visits, supplements and blood work, another $1000 a month. Fortunately, Jon's dad has been transporting him to the appointments, 2 1/2 hours away, every two weeks, which saves us on that additional expense.
I'm sure you all know someone or know of someone who has or has had Lyme's disease. If caught and treated early, the standard treatment is effective. Jon's new doctor believes that he's been fighting this for most of his life and that his body just couldn't fight it any longer.
We’re optimistic that God will get us through this valley and restore Jon’s health. We're hoping to raise enough money to continue his treatment for the rest of this year and if need be, a second year of treatment if necessary. If you’re able to help, there are no words to express our gratitude. We are blessed beyond words by the support of our family, friends and community. Please continue to pray for Jon and our family.
"Behold, I will bring it to health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth." - Jeremiah 33:6