Pennsylvania (yes, that’s where I live) leads the nation in confirmed cases of Lyme disease and has seen a dramatic increase over recent years. The fact is, we live in a valley surrounded by gorgeous and accessible mountains where our family spends a good deal of time. It’s not uncommon to come home from a hike picking off a dozen ticks from our dog (who has tested positive for a tick-borne illness) and a few from ourselves as well. I am acquainted with and have close friends with the disease. Unfortunately, it is commonly misdiagnosed and both the accurate tests and treatments are quite costly. My friend tells of the suffering and hopelessness and helplessness in the spiral of symptoms that often mimic other illnesses (such as autoimmune disorders and mental health issues). It took her family sacrifice, sleepless nights, and extreme resources to receive solid diagnoses and effective treatment. So, this month’s blog circle is to bring light to Lyme disease and encourage compassion for those struggling and advocacy for research to move forward with healing and hope.
(Please see below for additional information)
I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the talented, Sharleen of Sharleen Stuart Photography. Please click HERE for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤
Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Green images on our Facebook page at Share Six and to our Instagram gallery, by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_green. A new theme will be posted on June 6th.
Lyme disease is a spirochete bacterium that is transmitted by ticks. It is the fastest growing infectious disease, and is 1-1/2 times more common than breast cancer and 6 times more common than HIV. If treated with antibiotic therapy soon after transmission, the probability of successful treatment is much higher. If it goes untreated, it can infiltrate a person’s body and wreak great havoc. Untreated Lyme disease is known to attack the heart and central nervous symptom. The numerous symptoms mimic other chronic illnesses such as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), MS (Multiple Sclerosis), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Rheumatoid Arthritis Parkinson’s Disease, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as well as many others. Because of this, many patients with Lyme get misdiagnosed and go years not being properly treated, therefore furthering the progression of Lyme disease. Awareness of this disease is imperative, as there are over 300,000 estimated new cases of Lyme disease each year in the United States alone (according to Johns Hopkins Medicine). It was once believed that you always got a bullseye rash if you contracted the disease from a tick bite, but we now know that is not the case. Not everyone presents with a bullseye rash. Without a bullseye rash (and even with one), many people don’t connect their symptoms to the tick bite. The more awareness we can bring, the better people can understand and know what to look for when searching for answers to their health problems that were unknowingly caused by a fateful tick bite. Please join us this month in spreading awareness.
