Early diagnosis and antibiotics
Summer 2021: I suddenly started feeling flu-like and unwell. I couldn’t function. This went on for about 3 weeks. I then saw a large red ring on my hip. I had a pretty good idea that it was Lyme disease. I called the doctors straight away and they moved quickly. I had an appointment within 2 hours and they were also confident it was Lyme so started me on heavy antibiotics. In the end it was about 2 months of antibiotics overall.
Once the flu-like symptoms cleared, I started noticing my memory was shot to pieces, I just couldn’t remember things. I also started struggling with even the lightest exercise. I was used to being fit but couldn’t walk up stairs without being out of breath. This was now about 2 months after diagnosis.
Chest pains then started happening and then in late November I had what was thought to be a heart attack. Luckily it wasn’t but after a couple of days in hospital they found I had significant heart failure. The bacteria had eaten into the heart muscle and damaged the nerves.
I started on lots of medications and was closely monitored for several months. I felt tired all the time and life was a real struggle. I couldn’t do my old job anymore and my career went into reverse. I kept fit but it was risky and restricted.
Ongoing heart issues despite early treatment
Early 2024: The doctors found that the heart muscle function, which had already reduced significantly, began to fail more rapidly, and they decided to fit me with a pacemaker and defibrillator. That was a turning point. The heart muscle has mainly recovered, and I feel loads better, fitter and energised. I still have to be careful, and still take lots of meds and a pacemaker for life. My memory has slowly recovered. All in all it’s been a challenge.
I knew about Lyme before, would normally check for ticks after a walk, but on this occasion I didn’t check well enough, and paid a heavy price!
This is the first time I’ve written the story. It’s strange reflecting on it. I’ve been focused so much on not letting it beat me but looking back it’s been a tough journey!