Lara has a difficult past behind her: a mother of two who contracted Lyme disease in Australia. He finally found help in Germany.
In 2013, the life of Australian Lara Ryan changed completely. At that time he contracted Lyme disease. She had to go to the emergency room again and again, in part because “my legs could no longer support me, my hands were weak or my vision was blurry.” The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) reported this.
After 4 months, Lara was diagnosed with Lyme disease
She wasn’t initially diagnosed with Lyme disease — it wasn’t until four months later that a nurse friend introduced her to the possibility. Lara believes she caught lice while camping.
However, this disease is not officially transmitted in Australia. The Department of Health, Disability and Aging wrote: “People can contract Lyme disease if they are bitten by a tick carrying the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Scientists have not found Borrelia burgdorferi in Australian ticks or any other Australian insect that could transmit the disease to humans.”
“Can’t lift my head from the pillow”
The disease had bad consequences for Lara. He wanted to spend time with his family, “but I couldn’t lift my head from the pillow,” wrote SBS. According to the mother of two, there are more treatment options in Europe. He finally decided to undergo hyperthermia treatment in Germany. This was followed by three weeks of intensive treatment in hospital, including hyperthermia sessions and other supportive care.
He described the hyperthermia sessions on SBS as “brutal”. Body temperature increases to around 42 degrees Celsius. He also had to spend $30,000 (around 16,900 euros) for it. However, she realized that it helped and she was able to be the mother and wife she wanted to be again. “I can’t even imagine what would have happened to me if I hadn’t gone to Germany,” Lara said.
4 facts about Lyme disease
- Lyme disease is a multi-system disease. This disease mainly attacks the skin, nervous system, muscles and joints, heart and eyes. It is currently the most common tick-borne infectious disease in Germany.
- The prevalence of all stages of Lyme disease is estimated to be approximately 50 to 100 per 100,000 population.
- To reliably diagnose Lyme disease, tests such as a blood test or PCR are required.
- If these infections are not treated, they can progress over months or years and cause serious problems such as fatigue or neurological problems.
