Two bites

As stated many times, my biggest concern is about the children getting bitten, getting sick, and not diagnosed until the disease had taken a hold in their little bodies. They don't know the feeling of being healthy; they go through so many changes. And we, as adults, are quick to self-diagnose as growing pains, too much sun, not enough water, and a lot of other explanations.

I'm not saying every little symptom might be Lyme Disease, but due diligence in this case might be really good. Case in point - two bites on two young children, with the parents not knowing where to turn. One day soon, this MUST stop and doctors would be quick to act, unafraid to treat, and the whole system will benefit from it. I can dream, can't I?

FIRST TODDLER - Ottawa region

[Early in July 2013, from the child's mother:]
I went to my family Doctor because of a rash on my son, who just turned 3.  We went camping for his birthday.

Our doctor suspected Lyme disease and gave us a prescription of amoxicillin, 6 ml, three times a day for 10 days. He said it could be that or ringworm, but wanted to be on the safe side and gave a prescription.

I didn't notice an actual tick bite after this trip, but last Monday he started with a rash. I thought it was just a bug bite. It started to get bigger and bigger. I gave him some Benedryl, which did nothing. When it lasted a few days, I thought, maybe a spider bite. Then it just went all over him: his chest, bum, arm, leg. That's when I made the doctor's appointment. He has also since started complaining of sore stomach and legs (he points to knee area specifically). I thought maybe just growing pains.

One month ago we were camping and found a tick in the bed he and I shared. But I checked him over, and everything looked fine.

I am very worried and would like to see a doctor who has more experience with Lyme Disease.

[Reply from dr. Ernie Murakami:]
The rash is more generalized  and large. The dose of antibiotics is correct, but the length of treatment is too short.

[Three days later, from the mother:]
I was able to get 3 additional weeks of meds for my son, so 31 days total. I hope he will have no further complications.

[Two weeks later, from the mother:]
He had been responding well to treatment, but has been complaining about headaches and stomach aches. His behaviour was so much better but has seemed to be erratic again. I'm hoping for the best outcome from his antibiotics, but am still worried.

SECOND TODDLER - Peel region
On the same day as the original email from this boy's frantic mother, I received another email and picture. This time it was a little 2-year old who was bitten.

Quote below:
My son who is 2 years old was bitten by a tick and has the tell-tale target bite on his elbow. We went to our GP today and they gave us a ten day treatment of antibiotics.  I just want to confirm I am doing everything I can do to make sure if he has Lyme we do everything now to make sure he is rid of it.  My brother in law has been living with Lyme for many years and we are well aware of it's harmful effects.

[Reply from Dr. Ernie Murakami:]
"You should insist on 4 weeks minimum on this child with this rash since it is a little larger than usual target rash."

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM TICK BITES

As the August long weekend here in Ontario promises to be sunny, bright and beautiful, please remember to pack care and prevention along with your swim and picnic stuff! Bug spray with DEET, socks covering the bottom of light, long pants, and stay on the path while hiking - those are the three main things.

Check your clothing and pets for ticks because ticks may be carried into the house on clothing and pets. Both should be examined carefully, and any ticks that are found should be removed. Keep the tick by putting it into a sealed baggie with a moist piece of paper towel or cotton wool. Placing clothes into a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes effectively kills ticks.

PERFORM DAILY TICK CHECKS: 

• Under the arms
• In and around the ears
• Inside the belly button
• Back of the knees
• In and around all head and body hair
• Between the legs
• Around the waist

VIDEO TO SHOW KIDS

For those who are squeamish about bugs, watch this short little video talking about this serious problem in a light-hearted way:

Lyme Mobile brings something wonderful

This is meant to be, Kim and I are sure of it! This Lyme Mobile has already saved lives. Happened again this morning. But first to tell about last night!

We took the Lyme Mobile over to Vaughan for the Magnotta Underground Cellar event, to benefit CanLyme and awareness of Lyme Disease. Neither of us met Rosanna Magnotta before, although of course we know of her, and their winery is one of our (family) favourite spots in the Niagara Region.

Trying to change lanes to get to the winery last night was interesting! People kept reading the messages and signs on the car instead of letting us in! But we made it and Rosanna was waiting for us. The Lyme Mobile was parked so that arriving guests would see it and know they were at the right place.

Rosanna Magnotta, Kim and Marlene with the Lyme Mobile

(bigger picture)

Inside, we met with several interesting and interested people, struck up conversations, enjoyed the delicious snacks and of course Kim shopped a little! We were surrounded by barrels of aging wine, and people who actually asked the right questions about Lyme instead of looking surprised. Sharing stories, some of them horror tales of sadness and lives forever changed. There has to be accountability; this can not continue.

 

Picture above is a combination of one of the pretty decorated tables scattered around, and a view from a corner of the cellar where the function was held. (bigger picture)

A meeting meant to be

This morning, I took the Lyme Mobile to work since it has to be at the Brampton Community Expo tomorrow, with flyers, CanLyme brochures, and Pam and I in attendance to promote the Lyme Awareness walk on May 19. I took a different route than usual, stopped at several places where I don't usually go in the morning, and then decided to visit a business supporting our Lyme Walk. I didn't know where they were, so pulled into an office building's driveway to make a phone call. 

I wasn't there 10 seconds when a man came out of the building. He did a double take when he saw the Lyme Mobile, walked to the side and asked me to roll down the window. He said, "This is the Lyme Disease I know about, right? From a tick?" I said yes and he said, "I have a friend in the hospital in Downtown Toronto. She is dying from Lyme Disease. The doctors don't know what to do. I don't know what to do."

I grabbed flyers about the Brampton Walk and brochure of CanLyme, told him I have Lyme Disease myself and was dropped from treatment in Ontario. He got very upset, saying what are people supposed to do? I said that is exactly why we are driving the Lyme Mobile, arranging events like the Lyme Walk, handing out information and trying to bring awareness. Wrote down some info, told him to try and call my doctor, give my name and see if he can get help for his friend. He was so grateful, I was in chills and almost in tears .... 

The kind, kind man shook my hand, and said, "What are the chances of me meeting you here now, today, in this moment?"

This is planned, this is meant to be, we are being directed into a place and being exactly where we are to be. No other answer. For me, I believe that God is directing this. Other people can believe in another power. But this is not from one person or even a group of people.  There is a force at work, and this year will bring great things and great changes.

The Lyme Mobile and the Hydro worker

On Monday, when Kim had the Lyme Mobile, she stopped at a Tim Hortons. There was a group of Hydro workers and they asked about the disease. She started talking, one guy pulled up his shirt --- and he had a bull's eye rash. Kim immediately handed him brochures and told him to get himself to a doctor as soon as possible, to insist on at least 2 weeks of antibiotics and to find another doctor if that one wouldn't give it to him. Unfortunately only a very small percentage of infected people show a rash like that, but the specific rash is complete proof of Lyme Disease. Immediate treatment is needed. DO NOT wait for symptoms. 

That is what we're trying to accomplish: Information, education, knowledge, patients to be on the lookout without being paranoid, and doctors to treat immediately.