The Five Year Wait

So a vaccine is on its way to our shelves, finally.

What has shocked me was what has happened to the supposed vaccine that scientists at the University of Massachusetts in Boston developing? Now, the French company Valneva has put £262 millions into manufacturing and bringing to the market a vaccine that would prevent infection.

Now.. don’t get too excited just yet.

Not only do we have to wait for five years until this vaccine will be available to the public we live in hope that the NHS even allow it to be given out through them. Otherwise vaccinations done privately could cost us yet another fortunate. We all know how expensive it gets trying to treat and stabilise this infection, and now without the infection it could cost you.

I do have to say if the vaccine does come on the market but isn’t taken on by the NHS then please invest the money it will be worth it for your health and your wallet in the long term!!

Again and again, we are told that Lyme disease doesn’t exist in this country and it’s a fake illness- an excuse to be lazy. If only!! We are branded trouble-makers and crazy by the NHS. So why, oh why- bring out a vaccine for an illness that isn’t serious or an issue?! One day and boy I can’t wait for the day when the NHS, the media and all the critics have to admit what a severe issue Lyme disease is, not just in this country but worldwide. I would not like to be them. I could not sleep at night knowing I had treated people so poorly and called them everything under the sun when they were extremely poorly, dying and probably suffering far more than they could have been if people listened.

Phones 4 U - John Cadwell said that Lyme is, ‘one of the most dangerous illnesses of mankind.’

Cadwell created the Cadwell Lyme.Co foundation after all of his family tested positive for Lyme back in 2015.

There is a 14 per cent rise year on year of known cases of Lyme disease.

Of course, the stats are magic because Lyme disease doesn’t exist. I wish just for a day they could feel and go through what we as sufferers do. Then they wouldn’t question its existence or our constant worry over our health.

Our voices are heard a little more by the help of celebrities coming forward about their suffering;

Bella Hadid, Matt Dawson, Shania Twain, Yolanda Hadid, Ben Stiller and Alec Baldwin.

Even these top stars with millions find treatment hard to fund and even with the funds their health is seriously effected by the disease which is turn effects their careers and lives.

One small bite - one BIG problem.

Who knows what the stats will be by the release of the vaccine in 2023. How many more people will fall victims to this horrific illness.

We continue to raise awareness but at the end of the day we have to make an impact, be heard and educate the population because right at this moment in time prevention is the best cure and the only way to know how to prevent becoming infected is education. The best source being from the mouths of sufferers themselves.

We work around the clock, day and night to spread the word as much as we can. We have had the best Lyme Disease Awareness month since we formed back in 2013. Which is amazing. We have been blown away by the love and support that people have shown us. The level of understanding and open minded outlook people have taken towards us and how far our word has spread.

We have been invited to shows, exhibitions, on the radio, to do media articles. We have been displaying posters, engaging authorities, schools, doctors clinics and even Government.

Thank you all!!

Our constant fight is making drug manufacturers find the funds to help fight this illness! If we all sat quietly and whispered nobody would do anything. We would become lost and forgotten. It would be a crime to allow this issue to go on.

What about us suffering?

We have to put ourselves to one side. Unfortunately our disease has been left and dismissed for decades. Allowing it to spread and become more complex and savvy. We must channel our pain in a positive way. We must use our weaknesses as a strength to help others and save people from the pain we have the battle through.

Our disease is so complex that scientists have even admitted it’s going to take a good few decades and probably not in our lifetime to find a cure against chronic Lyme.

So self-pity is an option but not a helpful or positive one. They like to tell us everything happens for a reason. As the years roll on, despite the pain I am beginning to believe this. Have a cry, moan and a rant. It’s allowed but don’t let fear, disease and illness take over you and take anymore of your life and yourself than it already has. Find alternatives, highlight the positives and be proactive. It keeps you sane!! Believe me.

So what’s next?

We are in the height of tick season. You know what to do. Ensure you are protected. Don’t fear the outdoors or nature but just know the risks and take extra care. Education is key, spread the word, give advice and do some research.

We fight on.. we will get the results in the end. We don’t give up.

We all have those mornings and even days when we question whether we can make it through the day.

But we always find the strength to face the day - head on.

S

Xoxox