(this was submitted by a friend of mine to local media and legislators in asking them to please see Under Our Skin this May)After years of suffering with what we now know were symptoms of Lyme disease, and countless doctor visits and ineffective treatments for other illnesses, my friend was finally diagnosed with Lyme in the Spring of 2009. I still remember our feeling of relief at the diagnosis, and how glad we were that it was a “simple” infection that could be treated with antibiotics and within a few weeks he’d be fine.Now, nearly a year later, he is being treated for late-stage Lyme and two other tick-borne infections. There are days he still cannot get out of bed. He hasn’t been able to work in almost a year. He’s on IV antibiotics, and the physical, mental, and possibly at least partially irreversible toll this disease has taken on him is heartbreaking. Not only that, but the financial burden has been incredible. He has had to move in with family, as he can no longer afford his apartment. He’s spent thousands of dollars on treatment, even though he has very good health insurance. He is in his mid-thirties, and considering the very real possibility that he will have to go on disability retirement. We’ve learned the hard way, and it’s very important to me that as many people as possible are saved from having to go through the same horrible education. The film “Under Our Skin” is an eye-opening documentary about the Lyme disease epidemic. It provides a vital education about symptoms, treatments, controversies, and just how serious this epidemic is becoming. More and more people contract Lyme disease every day. This May, for Lyme Awareness month, there will be a number of showings of this film in the area. Please see it. It may just save your life.
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. It is the beginning of peak tick season in our area, and it is absolutely crucial that the word get out about the very real dangers of Lyme disease. At this time a year ago, I was ignorant of any of this, but since then I’ve watched one of my best friends undergo a journey I would not wish on anyone.