Urgent help needed for Daniel’s fight against Lyme Disease

Daniel has unfortunately been diagnosed with Chronic Lyme disease in August, two months after his 30th birthday. His health took a very rapid downturn this year after what began as back pain, which soon spread to all his muscles and joints. He had two eye procedures in autumn last year due to both corneas becoming misshapen, eye issues are a common symptom of chronic Lyme. Although relieved to finally have a diagnosis, his health has rapidly deteriorated from July onwards.

Daniel now struggles with everyday life, from going up and down stairs to walking short distances. Simple things such as brushing his teeth to tieing his laces are now a challenge from the weakness and tremors as a result of the neurological side of Lyme Disease. He now uses a crutch to walk, and his life now is confined to his home except for medical appointments.

He has no choice but to seek treatment in St. Georges clinic in Germany as it is his only chance of saving his health. Without this immediate treatment, his symptoms will progress beyond the chance of regaining a quality of life.

He has been quoted a minimum of €40,000 for the treatment alone. Which does not include the long rehabilitation journey post treatment.

He and his partner Jordan had visas and flights booked to Canada shortly before he was struck with the disabling symptoms. The pain issues became so severe that these plans were postponed and postponed as he searched for answers. As the months progressed and issues worsened, they had to abandon their plans. He had to leave his job in Cork as his body struggled with the physical demands that were once so normal to him. He has since had to move back to the family home in Kenmare as he is unable to support himself as the disease has progressed.

He attended doctors with pain issues from January and attempted different physios, and other methods to help the mysterious pains. As things got worse and worse there were numerous MRI’s, X-Rays, trips to A&E, visits to multiple specialists including Neurologists, as illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis started to be suspected.

After seeing awareness posts on Lyme disease, Daniel noticed how all of his unusual symptoms matched the strange spectrum of Chronic Lyme Disease. He raised these concerns with certain specialists, who dismissed this possibility. He saw more posts on Lyme Disease from Karin O’Shea who suffers from Chronic Lyme, and got in touch with her, who helped him in his testing process and sending the blood samples to Germany where Daniel finally received a positive diagnosis of Chronic Lyme disease with other co-infections as well as chronic immune suppression. This is not an uncommon disease yet there is little to no help available in this country.

If you would be so kind to contribute what you can to help Daniel get his life back, it would be very much appreciated.

Thank you.