Yesteryear has a way of fondly haunting us; memories of our youth, so full of promise and naiveté, mistakes made - and lessons learned. Thusly we embark upon the various paths traveled in life and have reason to look back in time and wonder. Was it all for naught? Did we make the right choices? Did I live my life in vain?

When I first moved to New Jersey, Lyme disease was just making the headlines. The name is derived from Old Lyme, Connecticut – the northeastern town first associated with the modern-day epidemic known as Lyme. In the decades since, much has been learned of the disease – but that serves as a stark reminder that we know far too little.

Mimicking roughly 350 other diseases, Lyme is often called the “Great Imitator.” As with syphilis in the previous century, science is struggling to provide the answers so desperately needed by an ever-increasing number of the general population. Despite their best efforts, modern medicine often provides more questions than answers. Sadly, all too many doctors are simply uninformed (about Lyme) and spend their time concentrating on the symptoms rather than the cause.

Adding fuel to the fire of confusion is the fact that it is not uncommon for the medical field to hold positions that are at odds with each other (and new discoveries). Once thought to be transmitted only via the bite of a deer tick, further studies have shown Lyme can be spread by a variety of biting insects and bodily fluids. In fact it is common for entire families to be infected with this debilitating disease: passing from spouse to spouse and mother to child.

The term “Lyme disease” is often used as an umbrella of sorts; encompassing multiple tick-borne diseases that all wreak havoc on the infected. Misconceptions abound and it is commonly believed that Lyme disease brings only arthritis and flu-like symptoms. Unfortunately nothing could be further from the truth as recent scientific studies have documented a link between Lyme disease and Alzheimer's (autopsies of Alzheimer patient's brains show plagues teeming with Lyme disease).

Upon learning I had tested positive for Lyme disease – after being falsely diagnosed with several other diseases – I set upon the task of educating myself about the disease. Among my first stops was a particular Lyme disease forum on the Internet – a place where those infected can discuss their many afflictions and possible treatments discovered. Hope and despair share billing, with frequent posts centered on either topic.

One such comment pertained to a woman's joy in finding the strength to venture out to her mailbox; negotiating the stairs leading to her home had given her cause for celebration and she wished to share her triumph with those perusing the board. At the time I was incredulous; finding it difficult to believe, as I was under the false assumption that my (formerly) great strength would always prevail. I had always been one of those people who seldom fell ill and recovered rapidly when those rare occasions did occur. Because of that I had assumed that her story was one of exaggeration.

I was wrong.

And I apologize for my prior thoughts.

You see, since that time I have had the displeasure of being questioned myself. Others – unable to fully comprehend – dared voice their doubts about my illness and belittled my person in the process. Each time that happened I went back to my thoughts of years prior and remembered the shame I felt for my disbelief.

Little did I know that I'd soon be in a similar position; finding great joy in brief moments of normalcy. In my on-going battle with the disease I have discovered the uncomfortable fact that there are many who doubt the effects of Lyme. Unfortunately that number is frequently buoyed by those in the medical profession; a problem that I have faced – head-on - more than once.

It was that somber realization of my own ignorance – as well as that of others - which brought me to the point of wanting to educate others about the realities of Lyme disease. Ask most anyone in New Jersey and they'll quickly tell you about a family member (or friend) who suffers with the disease – but just as quickly they'll speak, often with passion, about the supposed facts of the disease being easily cured. I cannot count the number of times I've been lectured to, regarding the effects of Lyme. Worse yet is the fact that those “lessons” are almost always taught by someone with no personal knowledge of the disease.

Because of my personal experience with the disease, I wrote a book that speaks to the debilitating effects of Lyme: how it has changed every aspect of my life (to the negative) and how it feels to witness life – as you know it – ebb slowly away. I wrote the book so that those suffering have a voice: a voice that speaks to family and friend so that they may know what you are going through.

Today I look back on the promise of yesteryear and I struggle to find acceptable answers to those questions asked. And I’m reminded that courage doesn’t always roar like a Lion; sometimes courage is that little voice at the end of the day that says “I’ll try again tomorrow.”

Steps you can take.

While seemingly a problem only for those “other areas,” Lyme disease is found throughout the globe in numbers that represent a mere fraction of those actually infected. If you come into contact with ticks (or other biting insects) you are at risk.

Enjoy the beauty that is Nature, but use caution and common sense while doing so. Wear light-colored pants (tuck your pant-legs into your socks) and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors, use a quality tick-repellent and be sure to check yourself thoroughly upon returning back indoors. Ticks can be very small in size, with some no larger than a pinhead, so careful examination is mandatory.

Remove ticks as soon as possible. For embedded ticks, use a fine-tipped tweezers and firmly grasp the tick close to the skin; then pull the tick’s body away from your skin. Wash the area with soap and water and pay close attention to the area for the next several days. If you notice a rash – not everyone does – or flu-like symptoms, be sure to visit your doctor as quickly as possible. It helps to keep a daily ledger of your symptoms – should there be any – as your doctor can use those symptoms to help determine the proper course of action. If in doubt – see your doctor.

Ticks do not thrive in sunny, dry environments. You can take steps to lessen your risk by keeping your lawn neatly mowed, removing leaf-litter frequently and clearing tall grasses and brush near your home. Woodpiles should be kept neat and dry and the area surrounding any birdfeeders should be kept clean.

Check your pets frequently and make good use of available tick repellents for animals. If you live in an area with large a population of ticks, it may be worth your time to use an insecticide on your lawn. There are many brands on the market – just make sure you purchase one that is effective on ticks.