Daniel Hickson, 25
- Began experiencing symptoms after a trip to the Lake District in 2013.
- Used to enjoy going to the gym and running and was a bodybuilder.
- Fell seriously ill in June 2015 with joint and muscle pain, abdominal pain, chest pain, neck and back pain, heart palpitations, rashes, swollen glands, weight loss, hearing loss, speech problems, headaches, dizziness and blurred vision.
- Underwent lumbar puncture test, CT scans and autoimmune blood tests.
- Private specialist diagnosed Lyme disease following privately funded positive ELISA test and positive Babesia duncani test.
- Spirochetes seen in microscopy and footage verified by pathologist Dr Alan MacDonald in USA.
- Continued to fund private treatment – spent £7k on tests and treatment
- Now 50% better but still has physical limitations and severe neurological symptoms
- Off work for 6 months but has now returned – otherwise cannot afford medical bills. Finding work a great strain.
- Has been unable to claim benefits due to Lyme disease not being recognised as a chronic illness.
- Has had to move back in with his parents as cannot afford to live alone. Whole family has borrowed money for tests and treatment are now all in debt.
- 9 months later, has just managed to persuade UK doctor to prescribe 30 days IV treatment and heart scans.
