Three years ago, the Foundation received a desperate appeal. It was a plea for help from a healthcare worker who had been suffering from unexplained symptoms for 15 years. They had been trying for a baby for six years, but she had been unable to conceive. Following a diagnosis of Lyme disease and treatment, she finally conceived the long-awaited child. But then came the shock: everyone advised her to terminate the pregnancy because of her Lyme disease. She even had suicidal thoughts. It was in this situation that she contacted us.
At that point, based on her previous DualDur test, Dr Ozimek recommended a course of treatment, which she was able to take. We were very worried because she disappeared for a while.
We’ve just received the latest update from her:
“We’re fine now, Doctor. I have a wonderful two-year-old daughter. The pregnancy went well thanks to the medication… But during labour, they began to notice the baby’s heart rate slowing down. They prepared me for an emergency caesarean, but we lost time during the shift change. My contractions were strong, but my waters hadn’t broken. When the next doctor arrived, he ruptured the membranes, and the fluid was black. They operated immediately. The baby was born asphyxiated, with an Apgar score of 2. She was taken to the intensive care unit, where she stayed for 24 days. When she was discharged, they didn’t know what damage the lack of oxygen might have caused. But life – and, I believe, the hand of God – surprised us. She started walking at 10 months and spoke very early. She is extremely intelligent and curious, with a kind, sociable personality…”
This is yet another reminder that it is worth fighting for people with Lyme disease.
Without treatment, Lyme disease can indeed cause complications. Pregnancy, childbirth and early development can also be affected. But it’s worth saving a life. I can’t post the photo due to data protection, but she’s a beautiful little girl with curly black hair 😊.
(The image above is, of course, also an illustration)
(C) Lyme Borreliosis Foundation
