A young teen describes how his life has been changed since being bitten by a tic, and because of it, he developed Lyme Disease.
My name's Patrick McKent, and I am 16 years old. I am also recovering from the effects of Lyme Disease.
It all started last fall, when I was out, mowing the grass. I was mowing a high thatch of thick grass when I was bitten; but I didn't think too much of it. I had a rash on my leg, but I just assumed that it was because I had gotten bitten by a mosquito or something; but then a few days later, I started getting things like fevers, chills, aches in my joints, and just generally feeling cruddy. It hurt to walk, and I was having a hard time dealing with the pain.
When I was at the doc's for tests, he had me go to the hospital for further testing because he suspected juvenile rheumatoid arthritis; so I went; and when I had the tests, it was discovered that I had the symptoms of Lyme disease. All of this mess had started because of one lone tick that had somehow attached itself to my leg and decided to have an afternoon snack.
I still have the pain in my joints; and I still have fevers from time to time, but I am starting to feel a little better. But it still isn't easy because I have always been a very active guy, playing basketball and shit, and all of a sudden, I can't play without my joints screaming obscenities at me. In the mornings, I have to have a hot bath to unstiffen my joints; and I have to take anti-inflammitory medications to help deal with the ongoing inflammation in my joints. My knee joints are the worst. I also have to walk with a cane, to try to take any extra weight off my joints; and it's a royal pain in the ass.
All because of one flipping tick. And all I had been doing at the time was cutting the grass!
It (my disease) may go away after time, but it also may not; but right now I have to learn to deal with it and all the headaches that go along with it. It's like I have arthritis, and for an active athlete like myself, that can be pretty hard to deal with!
I just wish I could find that godawful little tick and squash that bastard flat! >:(
the anger of learning to live with a disease or disabling condition is clearly evident in this young man's story...very well written, karen! (((HUGS))) and love, karla. :)
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
