A man tells his story about Lyme disease

ELLIOTT County, Ky. (WSAZ) – In 2006, Patrick White said that his life had really begun to change.

"The first sign that something was wrong was in 2006," White said. "I remember the date because it was my wife's birthday, I slept all day for her birthday, which was totally strange." It was the first sign There was something else: Bony pain, strange bone pain, I'm 44 years old, and it started in my early thirties.It was strange to have this pain.I have always been working in the construction, I was part of the Marine Corps but I never had that kind of pain. "

White has developed many different health problems.

"Mood swings. Rabies was the worst part," White said. "I was so angry for some of the smaller things, from which it started to spiral in. Depression started, I became really depressed."

He stayed in the dark for years, not knowing what was causing him all his problems. It was a diagnosis error after another for him because his symptoms mimicked many other diseases.

"I had no idea what was going on," White said. "I just knew that I was suffering so much … I reached the point where I could walk in. I had the impression that my bones were like glass and that they were going to break and break It was through my whole body. "

It was only around 2014 that one of his doctors raised the possibility of Lyme disease. White was tested and he came back positive.

"I did not know anything about Lyme at that time," said White. "It was not even a thought in our head that could happen."

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. Generally, a rash develops around the site of the bite, called a rash. Apart from this symptom, there are no other symptoms specific to Lyme disease.

However, White says that he has not developed a rash.

Fever, chills, fatigue and body aches are other common symptoms.

"I've never seen the rash," White says. "I do not remember flu-like symptoms, I never remember getting sick like that."

Often, Lyme disease is not diagnosed immediately because people do not realize that they have been bitten. If it is not diagnosed immediately, the bacteria can spread throughout the body and cause a number of health problems.

However, many of these symptoms can mimic other diseases and infections, which is why Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose.

White says that after his diagnosis, he finally felt that he had answers. He still does not know exactly when he was bitten.

Generally, Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics if it is detected early.

However, White has been diagnosed late and still feels the effects.

"I still have seizures," White says. "I still have memory loss but, I am able to walk now and help at home."

He is currently following a treatment called immunotherapy. He attributes this treatment to him for a great part of his life.

"Where I am now, I am extremely happy," said White. "It feels good, I feel like I'm going back to my life."

White is now turned to the art and support groups to help her in her journey. Its mission is to raise public awareness of Lyme disease.

"Since I'm starting to get better, I'm really pushing this awareness because I do not want to see anyone suffer that," said White. "I am petrified by ticks now.I am constantly on the lookout when we go in the woods.I know the little thing that is the size of a poppy seed will change and destroy your life. You must be diligent with your body checks. You must constantly check yourself. "

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month.