A personal account and regional efforts
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Jesse Dymond, a local minister, Bishop’s University chaplain, and avid outdoor enthusiast from the Eastern Townships, recently shared his harrowing experience with Lyme disease, shedding light on the growing prevalence and impact of the illness in the region. During an interview on July 18, Dymond recounted his journey from the initial symptoms to his ongoing recovery, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by those affected by Lyme disease.
Dymond’s ordeal began towards the end of the winter semester when he started experiencing a lack of energy, which he initially attributed to the seasonal transition. However, by mid-June, his condition took a drastic turn for the worse. After a weekend of kayaking with his son, he developed severe symptoms, including uncontrollable shivering, intense migraines, and extreme fatigue. “I couldn’t get out of bed,” Dymond recalled, and he was unable to eat. “I had one of the worst migraines I’d ever had, lasting almost a week.”
The severity of his symptoms prompted his family to call an ambulance. “After five days of not getting better, it was clear that something was seriously wrong,” Dymond said. Despite extensive testing for various conditions, including malaria and scarlet fever, it wasn’t until a doctor noticed a rash on his arm that Lyme disease was considered. “The doctor looked at my arm and asked about the rash,” Dymond explained. This discovery led to Lyme disease testing, which confirmed the diagnosis.
Dymond’s condition had progressed to stage two Lyme disease, meaning the bacteria had already spread to multiple systems in his body, including his nervous system. He experienced swelling around his head, difficulty opening his mouth, and numbness in his limbs. “The bacteria had entered my nervous system, affecting the nerves in my face and limbs,” he said. This progression necessitated a change in treatment, and Dymond was placed on intravenous (IV) antibiotics, which he administers at home.
The treatment process has been extensive and challenging. Dymond described learning to use a PICC line and an IV pump, with weekly visits to the CLSC to ensure the treatment was progressing correctly. Despite the rigorous treatment regimen, Dymond expressed gratitude for the care he received. “The attention and commitment to figuring out what was wrong and getting me on the path to healing were incredible,” he said.
