Sisters crippled for years by tick bites battle back
Clinic helps treat Lyme disease
Siobhan and Clodagh at home in Co Meath associated the bites with mosquitoes.” Siobhan was in the US on placement as part of her degree in social work “and to fulfil my own wish to travel and experience life in different places”.
She added: “I fell in love with the camp and its ethos and the children.”
Occupational therapist Clodagh went there in 2013 because it had left such a positive impression on her older sister.
She said: “I had a number of bites but I presumed it was mosquitoes.
“It is only in hindsight and with the benefit of education about this disease that I realised a rash I had was one of the ones associated with tick bites.”
Siobhan suffered migraines, fatigue and then, in the summer of 2014, the symptoms deteriorated and cognitive problems emerged.
Her sister was also suffering similar symptoms but put it down to dehydration and exhaustion due to the intensity of the work.
They were both diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease and associated issues in 2014 and the pair decided to travel to Germany for
Western blacklegged tick spreads disease in US specialist treatment. Clodagh added: “This was after seeing numerous consultants in both Ireland and Northern Ireland who determined that I was ‘stressed, suffering with migraines’ and it was, ‘all in my head’.”
Family and friends helped raise funds for the 12-week clinic which they attend from 8am until 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Siobhan said: “The first three to four weeks were a bit of a blur, just settling in and figuring out our new surroundings and adjusting to the schedule of the programme in the clinic.
“We do antibiotic infusions for approximately three hours every day.
“We get vitamin infusions twice a week and also have received other infusions to aid in the detoxing and to help us when we have had bad Herxheimer reactions [where symptoms worsen as bacteria die].”
She added: “We also do oxygen and light therapy, infrared sauna and a specialised physical rehabilitation programme to try and build up our strength and recondition our muscles.”
Clodagh said: “I am already seeing improvements and making strides with my rehab beyond what I thought was possible.”
But she admitted she misses Ireland, adding: “I am really struggling with being away from home – it can get quite isolating, especially not speaking German.
“As anyone knows it is hard being sick and away from your home comforts and support systems.
“However, I know it will be worth it in the grand scheme of things.
“What’s keeping me going is knowing I am incredibly lucky to have such thoughtful and brilliant friends, family and community who have fundraised.
“They have provided me with this opportunity to receive this treatment and give me a chance to regain my health and my life.
“At the same time I am counting down the days until I get to go home.”
Fundraising, estimated at €50,000, continues with a Barn Dance in Ratoath GAA club next Saturday.
news@irishmirror.ie
I presumed it was mosquitoes but realised my rash was one of the ones associated with tick bites CLODAGH LAFFEY ON HER ILLNESS