Originally posted to the web in News, on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 11:20 AM CST.
Family continues to struggle with Lyme
By Patti Jares, Staff Writer
Last December the Wickenburg Sun reported on a local family struggling with Lyme disease. Dirk and Sonja Almstedt, along with two of their three small children, were diagnosed with the disease, with Sonja displaying signs of Chronic Lyme disease.
One year later the two older Almstedt children Nicklas and Cailin are nearly symptom free, but the disease and its related effects have reduced Sonja to 94 pounds without the stamina to care for the children. The difficult roller-coaster ride of false diagnoses and unanswered questions have left Dirk and Sonja Almstedt in a state of deep frustration.
The disease is commonly caused by the bite of a deer tick, and according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Lyme disease is the “fastest rising vector-borne disease in the United States.”
Only a small number of doctors are considered experts on the subject, and the most successful treatments are practiced by doctors who use controversial and expensive methods not sanctioned by the FDA or covered by insurance.
Easily misdiagnosed because of the bacteria’s ability to mimic other diseases, it is almost impossible to determine the difference between chronic Lyme disease and other serious illnesses, such as multiple scleroses.
According to Dr. Scott Taylor, “the disease is widespread and the prevalence is significantly higher than reported by health officials.”
Several members of the Wickenburg community have contacted the Wickenburg Sun, deeply concerned about the Almstedt family.
Dirk, owner of Sunnyside Professional Auto Detailing, has been unable to juggle his work schedule with his responsibilities caring for Sonja and the children. The once strong and busy father and husband is himself suffering the effects of the disease.
“I can’t think of a family in Wickenburg who needs help more than the Almstedts,” said a concerned resident who asked not to be named. “If we don’t do something to help them, we might lose Sonja - she is that sick.”
If anyone in the community would like to help the Almstedts, you can reach them at 928-684-2271.
Referring to the family’s struggles during the Christmas Season, Dirk was thankful.
“At least we are going to be together as a family,” he said sincerely. “That is good.”
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