Co Kildare veterinary nurse attends massive rally today outside Leinster House in bid to get HSE to recognise Lyme Disease

Today one of the biggest turnouts to the Lyme Disease rally organised by Tick Talk Ireland took place outside Leinster House.

A Co Kildare veterinary nurse  with over 20 years experience is appealing for more GPs to become aware of Lyme Disease, a condition she never heard of until her health seriously declined.

Siobhan Coleman (39), says that she did not think that Lyme Disease existed in Ireland until she became extremely sick.

She had to take time off from work last year due to chronic pain, it all began around  2016. She still has not returned to work.

For more than a year her  health began a slow and steady decline. Many neurological symptoms were manifesting including nausea, dizziness, joint pains, painful red eyes, noise, sound sensitivities and fatigue.

In October 2017 Siobhan attended a Lyme specialist.

She said: "He indeed validated my illness, I had Chronic Lyme Disease. I was completely relieved , he listened to me and set out a treatment plan with long term antibiotics and supplementation . After 22 doctors finally I was officially diagnosed after almost two years. I broke down in tears. He spoke of how difficult a disease to treat, a stealth bacteria, a clever bacteria, evading both the immune system and potentially antibiotic protocols. By this time I resembled a person with Parkinsons with whole body tremors, unable to hold a pen, unable to stand unaided. He spoke also of ‘Tick Borne encephalitis’ which he believed I had, the Lyme disease was attacking my brain and central nervous system.''

Now recovering, with the help of her husband and sister, the headaches have eased and that she is nolonger in a wheelchair. She is receiving antibiotic treatment but it will be some time before she can return to work.

Lyme disease is currently the world's fastest growing vector-borne infection (spread by ticks).

Fiona Quilter of Tick Talk Ireland said: "We are trying to raise awareness among the TD's, who can continue to fight for this horrific disease to be recognised within the HSE."

Meanwhile the Living with Lyme Disease documentary is being aired on RTE on October 4 at 10.15pm.

If you are unfortunate enough to be bitten by a tick and it remains attached to the skin then follow these simple steps to get it out safely.

Alternatively consider buying a Tick Twister, designed especially for removing ticks.

It is important to remove a tick gently leaving the tick and its mouthparts intact. Squeezing too hard can cause the tick to regurgitate fluid containing bacteria for Lyme disease among other infections. It is important to note that the use of heat, alcohol, petroleum jelly or fingernail polish on an embedded tick is not effective.

• Using thin tweezers grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards with a steady even pressure.
• Don't twist or jerk the tick as the mouth parts may become detached and remain in the skin.
• Pull firmly enough to raise the skin and hold at this position steadily. (See picture below)
• When the tick is detached seal in a plastic bag and place in the freezer. If you should develop any flu like symptoms or get a rash go straight to your GP and take the tick with you.
• After removing the tick wash your hands and the affected area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic cream.