Kildare mum fighting Lyme Disease hoping to pay for treatment in Germany
Brave Sue O'Brien is a 33-year-old mum from Kilcock but currently living in Rathcoffey.
Sue developed Lyme Disease three years ago and the very first symptom was a rash on her skin.
She has tried everything since then to treat the condition and says getting specialist treatment in Germany costing €20,000 is her last hope.
Donate or find out more information here: https://www.gofundme.com/sues-lyme-disease-fight
Here is Sue's story in her own words:
"It all started 3 years ago when I became ill and because I developed a rash. Doctors didn't know what was wrong with me. I had so many scans, blood tests, MRI's and two spinal taps for doctors to find out what was wrong.
"Then I was given the news that I have Lyme Disease. I attended St James Hospital where I was put on the 4-week treatment.
This didn't work and on my last visit I was told nothing more could be done for me and that I was just going to have to live with it.
"I didn't want to give up so I found a doctor in the Mater Private Hospital, he placed me on strong antibiotics and when they didn't work he went stronger again.
"I was on this treatment for a few months and this was very hard. After longer treatment and no sign of improvement the doctor then decided to end my treatment and said I should look into Lyme treatment in Germany.
"The St George Clinic in Germany recommends I have whole body Hyperthermia treatment, IV Antibiotics and IV intravenous nutrient therapy, Ion Cleanse treatment, Chelation therapy, Ozone therapy, diet and Nutrition.
"Due to my Lyme I also have three co-infections, I have an auto immune disorder, Pneumoniae in my Lungs, and a Nerve disorder that has ready caused me nerve damage on my left side.
"Due to Lyme Disease I have so many on-going problems with my health that it has affected my everyday life. Nerve damage has caused no feeling on my left side, and now I have to use a leg brace on my left leg to help me walk but I also need a walking stick.
"My physiotherapist is now worried I'm beginning to get weakness on my right side. I'm in pain every day, severe fatigue, muscle and joint pain, joint swelling, muscle weakness, air hunger/breathlessness, anxiety, burning and stabbing pain all over my body, bone pain, neck pain, severe headaches,hearing loss in both ears, severe back and hip pain.
"With my back and hips being so painful, I now have to use a wheelchair if I'm out and about that invovles standing or walking for long periods of time.
"The treatment in Germany is my last hope, and getting to the clinic would not only give me a chance, but it gives my 13-year-old son and family hope too.
"They see me when days are bad, when pain is so bad I'm being rushed to A&E. When I have a relapse it can take weeks for me to manage the pain again, and to be able to do things for myself again.
"If I don't get the treatment I need I'm scared of my future. My son and family are great and without their support I think I would have given up a long time ago. My son sees my pain everyday, and its so hard for us because we can't do all the things we used to do together.
"I'd love to be able to stand at one of his football games without him been worried about me. Getting this treatment means so much to me and the quicker I get there the better, because this is a fight I'm getting so tried of fighting."
"Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your support."
@Sue's Lyme Disease Fight