Lyme disease on Marriages-Its Effects

Lyme disease can be the cause of rift in marriages if not treated early

Many people suffering from this disease (Lyme disease) are usually not aware of how it can be the contributing factor to the short comings in their marriages or just relationships. Lyme disease can cause increasing irritability and dramatic flares of anger and because of this relationship will almost automatically be affected.

While some Lyme patients become verbally abusive, others lose confidence and withdraw from social situations. For instance a couple who were out going may suddenly find this changing drastically where one is infected with the disease. The healthy one may wonder and ask “what has or is happening to you? We use to go out together and have good time you were so full of life, but now you’re not yourself, you have changed completely.”

This new development in marriages and relationships possess serious need to have the society educated and particularly couples to enable them cope with the new situation. Some Physicians who may not know that Lyme causes personality changes may be dismissive or sharply critical of the patient. This should not be the case instead complete awareness must be embraced.

Lyme disease on Marriages-Domestic Violence

Lyme disease often strikes an entire families and the result is a higher incidence of divorce, family dysfunction, and domestic violence. “Tempers flare and you see increasing conflict. It is like an injury of the brain where patient are less able to think things through, and tend to act impulsively. A mother may suddenly lash out at her child and a husband may lose control and abuse his wife. We must not underestimate the role of infectious disease in domestic violence in our homes.

This can be complicated further if, in addition to Lyme disease, a patient has another tick-borne infection called Babesia, several infections can be transmitted by the same tick, and when Babesia is added to Lyme, this may make the patient more aggressive. “It’s like putting a match to gasoline.” This may explain why there are many cases in court about domestic violence. If not properly managed, then we will continue to hear news of people assaulting and killing their spouses and children more often.

People with Lyme disease alone usually don’t go to these extremes. However, they may be irritable and prone to sudden rages. Young people are the most likely to act out, so many straight-A kids whose grades suddenly start to slip. Then they rebel against the family and start fighting with their peers. They can also turn their rage against themselves. “Feeling suicidal comes in waves and these reactions are very hard to predict. However, these kids generally improve after being treated with antibiotics.”

Lyme disease on Marriages-Losing Control of Life

When Lyme disease goes undiagnosed or isn’t treated long enough it can reined economy of a business enterprise or an individual hence the pronouncement of bankruptcy of businesses and destruction of whole careers.

Recently a chief executive officer (CEO) of an insurance company was diagnosed with Lyme disease and given antibiotics but he over looked the medication and didn’t take them long enough. Months later, his symptoms returned with a vengeance. He had ghoulish nightmares and woke up drenched. At work, he felt anxious and couldn’t concentrate. Eventually he forgot everything he’d learned about insurance. When he neglected to send in a disability payment on his own policy, the company denied his claim. “This man lost tens of thousands of dollars that would have helped him through his illness.” “In the end, he had to sell his building and disband his business.”

People with Lyme disease often have trouble keeping up with ordinary tasks—one Connecticut housewife walked into the library, dumped her dry cleaning on the counter, and waited with increasing irritation for an attendant to help her. Finally a friend walked up and asked, “Don’t you know where you are?”

Lyme disease can also affect the part of the brain that deals with signs and symbols—making it hard to read maps or drive from place to place. A real estate agent with Lyme disease stopped at a traffic light. When the signal turned green she didn’t move. An angry motorist yelled, “What’s the matter with you. Why can’t you go on the green?” The woman replied, “I’ve forgotten what green means.” It may sound funny but it isn’t.

Lyme produces a microedema, or swelling in the brain. This affects your ability to process information. It’s like finding out that there’s LSD in the punch, and you’re not sure what’s going to happen next or if you’re going to be in control of your own thoughts. Physicians say that these symptoms can be alleviated or reversed with antibiotics, but they again stress that Lyme disease must be diagnosed early and treated right away.

Lyme disease on Marriages-Treating Lyme disease

Most doctors prescribe three to four weeks of antibiotics for initial cases of Lyme disease. Yet according to the ILADS, this is not enough. The Lyme bacteria have a “cloaking device” that enables it to hide in the cells and body tissues. If it’s not completely eradicated, symptoms will recur and with great intensity. To avoid relapses, ILADS recommended six to eight weeks of antibiotics.

When Lyme disease moves into a chronic stage, it’s more likely to lead to neurological or psychiatric conditions. Chronic Lyme patients are harder to cure and may need to take antibiotics—orally or intravenously—for months as a time. In this case, ILADS recommends continuing treatment for at least six to eight weeks after all symptoms are resolved.

Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed and it’s costing our healthcare system untold millions of dollars. “No one is spared, neither young nor old and each individual can display a puzzling array of symptoms. This illness can have a wide-ranging effect on marriages, families and jobs.” We must therefore take all the necessary precautions to ensure safety when affected, but better still is to take preventive measures. At least this way we will be safe and well.

Lyme disease on Marriages-Its Effects