Andy Langewisch's Fight Against Lyme

Lyme Bites - Andy’s story 

 

After hearing many of our friends and family express their desire to help us and set up a gofundme account, we realized that we were letting our pride interfere with those who love us and want to help. We have been trusting God through this process and surrender to the idea that with the encouragement of our friends, this page is simply a part of the story and a part of the difficult path we are on. Please pray for healing, provision, peace, and wisdom as we continue to navigate through this illness. Thank you for reading Andy’s story.  We appreciate each one of you and are humbled by your love and support. Thank you so much, Andy & Amy Langewisch

Created by Jennie Streitmiller & Julia Springer - long time friends of Amy & Andy

All money raised will help offset the over $20,000 of debt they have incurred throughout this journey and the estimated $500-$800 monthly out of pocket costs for ongoing treatments and expenses. 
 
Lyme Disease has been called ‘The Great Masquerader’ because it mimics many diseases like MS, ALS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and Autoimmune Diseases like Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Additionally, because available blood testing for Lyme can be inconclusive, arriving at a diagnosis is usually a prolonged and agonizing ordeal for the patient and family. Andy was tested for all of the above diseases and more. 

Recap of the last 6 years: 9+ different doctors (GP’s, neurologists, rheumatologist, ENT, psychiatry, infectious disease, functional medicine and more), 6 ER visits, 4 misdiagnoses, multiple failed treatment plans, dozens of different medications, 20+ different recurring side effects from Lyme, 4 years of being unable to work fulltime; thousands of dollars of out of pocket expenses; and the worst of it all for someone like Andy, a self employed carpenter who is used to working with his hands slowly losing his ability to do the job he loves and allow others to take care of and provide for him. 
 
2014: Andy suffered a concussion which stressed out his immune system and resulted in numerous debilitating symptoms that have steadily increased in severity over the years. He suffers from chronic debilitating pain, frequent migraines, widespread muscle and joint pain, severe balance instability, vertigo, insomnia, exhaustion, cognitive and memory issues, nervous system issues, and more. The result: Andy is homebound and unable to work. 

After years of symptoms that baffled doctors, his path led him to an Infectious Disease Doctor in Rockford, Il. After reviewing Andy’s file, health history, testing and discussions, he estimates that Andy was infected by a tick at the age of 9. 

Spring 2020: Diagnosed with Tick Borne Relapsing Fever; Bartonella; Anaplasmosis and Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease. 

Part of the reason Lyme Disease is so difficult to treat, especially in its advanced stages, is that it impacts every system in the body.

While the diagnosis and treatment plan offer hope, the doctor said that it will likely be one to two years until Andy is feeling well “enough” to know what life will look like long term. It is a complicated process to explain, but in a nutshell, Andy will feel worse before he gets better. Due to the significant spread of the disease before diagnosis and treatment, the lasting effects from neurological issues are unknown and his return to full time work is uncertain.

Although Amy is working as much as she is able with the help of their oldest son, the significant debt incurred from uncovered visits, treatments, supplements, and lost work hours has been a constant struggle. The financial and physical strain of the situation is also causing Amy some health issues of her own.
 

Thank you for reading and supporting the family by prayers, donations and sharing their story with your friends and family.