An important note about vector bourne diseases, they can be sexually transmitted. The lyme spirochete is a close cousin to syphillis and is suspected to transfer between partners.
We are all exposed to bug bites and infections our whole lives. I think genetics determine which infections trigger ALS or any autoimmune disease as a result. My husband has had chronic fatigue syndrome for years so I have been exposed to whatever he has in addition to the numerous insect bites I've encountered throughout my life.
I"m still taking ceftriaxone although my white blood cell count is sinking. I tried adding other antibiotics but developed C.Difficile so now I need to take care of that. It is a long road either way, if you treat Lyme or not.
This one scares me, but just for a moment. If Tom's trouble, ALS or ALS like lyme is from vector bourne disease and it is catchy, then maybe that is why I now sport a lovely auto immune disease rash. Tom has been going for 10+ years, shrinking daily, refusing to accept ALS diagnosis. The doctors have entertained him with IVIG, antibiotics regimen and even the lyme Dr. now says, sorry, ALS. I do not have time to think about "what if it is catchy?" I have decided that my own body is my own trouble, that I get things like erythema nodosum and long term skin rashes because of allergy to my world etc. I don't think I could deal with it if it were a contagion that was overlooked. Even so, so what? We are in the mess we are in, and moving forward in whatever way possible is really the only option. Short or long, I am here now, Tom is here now and we are going to have the best time possible, damn it!
Lyme, leptospyrosis, ALS, cancer, CFS, heart disease, old age -- nothing on this earth is here forever and these are some of the things that plague humankind. Even the rocks are eroding to become sand, all water is flowing over the earth to turn to salt water.
I choose to accept that life is not fair, I do the best with the cards that I have been dealt, and my children will hopefully live long and well. I feel fortunate for the lessons I am learning, especially about the strength that lies within.