A movie helps a couple finally discover what is afflicting their young son.
BY CRAIG D. REBER TH STAFF WRITER
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. -- Leonard Mast and Valerie Gill-Mast estimate they've spent at least $70,000 in out-of-pocket expenses -- with insurance -- to treat their 7-year-old son, Shannon, who was diagnosed with Lyme disease.
"We've spent all of our savings, our investments and his college fund," Valerie said.
Now the rural Platteville couple and two other southwest Wisconsin women suffering from the disease have become advocates to help people better understand Lyme disease.
Caused by the bite of an infected deer tick, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that features a skin rash, swollen joints and flu-like symptoms.
Lyme disease can cause problems with the joints, heart and the nervous system if not treated by antibiotics at an early stage.
Shannon came down with the disease when he was 5.
At first, the couple thought their son was suffering from growing pains, but when Shannon limped and screamed with pain, they knew it was something more.
Shannon initially underwent surgery for septic arthritis. After his joints started swelling, the Lyme disease
It's called "Under Our Skin," and it focuses on one of the most misdiagnosed diseases of our time, one that mimics many other ailments.
A documentary on Lyme disease will be shown at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Millenium Theater in Platteville. ............
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
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NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
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