Jesse Dymond, Anglican minister, musician, and outdoor enthusiast. Photo courtesy
A personal account and regional efforts
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Jesse Dymond, a local minister, Bishop’s University chaplain, and avid outdoor enthusiast from the Eastern Townships, recently shared his harrowing experience with Lyme disease, shedding light on the growing prevalence and impact of the illness in the region. During an interview on July 18, Dymond recounted his journey from the initial symptoms to his ongoing recovery, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by those affected by Lyme disease.
Dymond’s ordeal began towards the end of the winter semester when he started experiencing a lack of energy, which he initially attributed to the seasonal transition. However, by mid-June, his condition took a drastic turn for the worse. After a weekend of kayaking with his son, he developed severe symptoms, including uncontrollable shivering, intense migraines, and extreme fatigue. “I couldn’t get out of bed,” Dymond recalled, and he was unable to eat. “I had one of the worst migraines I’d ever had, lasting almost a week.”
The severity of his symptoms prompted his family to call an ambulance. “After five days of not getting better, it was clear that something was seriously wrong,” Dymond said. Despite extensive testing for various conditions, including malaria and scarlet fever, it wasn’t until a doctor noticed a rash on his arm that Lyme disease was considered. “The doctor looked at my arm and asked about the rash,” Dymond explained. This discovery led to Lyme disease testing, which confirmed the diagnosis.
Dymond’s condition had progressed to stage two Lyme disease, meaning the bacteria had already spread to multiple systems in his body, including his nervous system. He experienced swelling around his head, difficulty opening his mouth, and numbness in his limbs. “The bacteria had entered my nervous system, affecting the nerves in my face and limbs,” he said. This progression necessitated a change in treatment, and Dymond was placed on intravenous (IV) antibiotics, which he administers at home.
The treatment process has been extensive and challenging. Dymond described learning to use a PICC line and an IV pump, with weekly visits to the CLSC to ensure the treatment was progressing correctly. Despite the rigorous treatment regimen, Dymond expressed gratitude for the care he received. “The attention and commitment to figuring out what was wrong and getting me on the path to healing were incredible,” he said.
Dymond’s recovery has been gradual. While he is no longer experiencing extreme pain or significant loss of sensation, he still deals with numbness in his face and occasional dizziness. “I do get dizzy in crowded spaces, and my eyes struggle to keep up, making me feel like I’m on a boat,” he noted. His daily activities are limited, and he has had to put many of his outdoor pursuits on hold, including kayaking. “I can’t go swimming or have water access because of the PICC line in my arm,” Dymond explained. “Even showers are challenging, as I have to wrap my arm in saran wrap.”
Despite these setbacks, Dymond remains hopeful for a full recovery. His doctors have advised that most of his symptoms should clear up within the next few weeks, although there is a possibility of lingering inflammation and swelling that may require additional treatment. “The expectation is that all symptoms should clear up, but if they don’t, it will be due to inflammation, and we’ll treat that separately,” he said.
Dymond’s story highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of Lyme disease. “When caught in stage one, Lyme disease can be treated with a one-day course of antibiotics or a few weeks of doxycycline,” he explained. “However, because I was in a later stage and it had progressed to neurological Lyme, my treatment was more complex.”
Looking ahead, Dymond is aware of the potential for post-treatment Lyme syndrome (PTLS), a condition where symptoms persist even after the bacteria has been cleared. “There’s a clinic for PTLS at the hospital, but I’m not there yet, and hopefully, I won’t get there,” he said. He emphasized the importance of awareness and prevention, particularly in regions where Lyme disease is endemic. “Ticks are everywhere in the region, and if you spend time outdoors or have pets, they are a reality,” Dymond said. He urged the community to be vigilant and take preventive measures seriously.
Government support for Lyme Disease research
In a related development, the Quebec government has taken steps to support Lyme disease research in the region. On July 18, Isabelle Charest, the Member of the National Assembly for Brome-Missisquoi and Minister responsible for Sport, Recreation, and the Outdoors, announced a financial contribution to the Lyme Disease Research Chair at the University of Sherbrooke.
Charest provided $9,500 from her discretionary budget for Volunteer Action Support to the University’s foundation to aid the research chair. “Given that Brome-Missisquoi is at the epicentre of Lyme disease cases in Quebec, it is natural for us to support the research chair in achieving its objectives,” Charest stated in the release. She emphasized the importance of the scientific advancements that will result from the research, which will enhance the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease.
Dr. Alex Carignan, a professor-researcher at the University of Sherbrooke’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and a microbiologist-infectiologist at the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, received the funds on behalf of the foundation. Carignan leads the Lyme Disease and Emerging Infections Research Chair and is dedicated to advancing the study of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
The Volunteer Action Support program, which provided the funding, assists organizations in meeting community needs in areas such as leisure, sports, and community action. Each member of the National Assembly has a discretionary budget to support such projects in their constituency.
For more information on the Lyme Disease and Emerging Infections Research Chair, visit the University of Sherbrooke’s website. For more information on tick-borne diseases, visit the Institut national de santé publique du Québec: inspq.qc.ca
This article has been modified from its original version to correct a quote.