Lyme Disease Treatment
Donation protected
On August 17, 2020, I got very ill very suddenly. I tried going to work that day like normal and it resulted in me ending up in the ER that evening. After that ER visit, I had nonstop doctor appointments trying to figure out what the issue was. My PCP could not figure it out, which led to a series of visits with different specialists in gastroenterology, neurology, and cardiology. At this point no one knew why I was so sick, the majority of my lab work and tests were coming back normal, with minor errors. In the summer of 2021, due to the lack of progress, I began researching symptoms and looking for a diagnosis for myself. I came across Lyme disease and it made sense to me, so I pursued that. I began bringing it up to my doctors who did not think that was possible so I began looking for private medical practices who might know more about the disease. In the fall of 2021, I found a practice and came to them with my concerns. After hearing my symptoms and doing some labwork, they all agreed that I have Lyme. At that point, I wasn’t able to get the test done due to finances. In December 2021 I decided it was time for me to get the test as I was incredibly tired of being sick. I got the positive labwork test back on Christmas Eve of 2021 indicating that I have two strains of Lyme disease. This diagnosis is a blessing because I finally have an answer for all of my crazy symptoms, however, it is also plaguing me. Lyme disease is not covered by insurance which leaves a financial burden on the patients. On average, a patient with Lyme spends $ 53,000 a year trying to treat it. It is not uncommon for that number to increase. There are multiple different treatments available, the issue is that there is not enough research for treating Lyme. Patients often find that they have to use multiple types of treatments because they are not a one-size-fits-all treatment. This is partially why it gets so expensive.
Lyme disease has taken my life from me, essentially leaving me disabled at 21. I am unable to drive, go to work, struggle with school, I am basically homebound. I went from being independent one day to completely dependent on everyone for everything the next. This life is hopeless and emotionally damaging. I need to find a way to treat my Lyme disease before some of my symptoms become permanent. If you don’t treat it as soon as possible, you run the risk of never fully recovering. The financial burden that Lyme imposes is something that keeps people from their freedom. That is why I am asking for help. I am looking at a minimum cost of $15,000 for treatment, I have already spent around $9,000. Unfortunately, that number will only go up. Your generosity could help me get my life back from this debilitating disease.
Some of my symptoms include: dizzy spells, lightheaded spells, my mouth gets hot, pinkies go numb, b12 keeps plummeting to very low levels, GI issues, severe abdominal pain, food intolerances, ringing in ears, pressure in ears that hits at random and makes my hearing go out temporarily, headaches, zero appetite since August 17, 2020, random chest pains, wheezing, losing dangerous amounts of weight, memory issues and other neurological symptoms. I have other random things that are harder to pinpoint because they aren’t as consistent.
I appreciate your help, thank you in advance for helping me get my life back.
Additional Information on Lyme Disease:
I appreciate your help, thank you in advance for helping me get my life back.
Additional Information on Lyme Disease:
Organizer
rebecca ruff
Organizer
Peoria, IL