Since she was 4 years old, Heather has had the privilege of growing up on the Outer Banks (in Corolla, NC). So much has changed since the cottage was purchased. In 1986 there weren't any chain grocery stores or restaurants, strip malls didn't exist, the dunes were only a few feet high, there weren't any life guards, bon fires on the beach were allowed (or maybe I didn't follow the rules), and the herd of wild horses roamed free.
Our little cottage was the norm, but now we are dwarfed by the McMansions with an elevator, a private pool, a hot tub, fireplaces, ten bedrooms, twelve bathrooms, a gazillion TVs etc.
A few things have remained the same though. The ocean is still clean and unpredictable, you can find conch shells, sand dollars and starfish, sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches, and my sun lover can sit for hours on the beach soaking up the sun.
One thing has changed about life at the beach. There is a possibility that you can become infected with Lyme disease. The media and even the CDC portrays Lyme as a Northeast disease. However, the reality is that Lyme Disease is prevalent across the United States and throughout the world. Lyme disease has been found on every continent except Antarctica.
In 2014 Heather lived in NYC, visited home in Falls Church, Virginia and spent 10 days at the beach house. Of these three locations, NYC and Virginia are ranked in the top 15 states with the highest rate of Lyme cases. Statistically speaking (love my nerd talk), it makes more sense that Heather was infected by Lyme in VA or NY.
When Heather reflects on last year, she really believes that she was probably infected at the beach house in June 2014 - six months before her diagnosis. Heavy Heavy Heavy Sigh. Looking back, she realizes that the beginning signs of fatigue started in the summer after her trip to the beach.
Heather loves living at the beach. Living with Lyme? Well - let's just say everyone knows the answer to that stupid question. However, we are determined to continue to spread awareness, participate in fund raisers to help raise money for research, and stay educated in the latest research and treatment options.
Continue to enjoy the sun and surf Heather. You deserve this time at the beach.
