Eric Miller was diagnosed with Lyme carditis, which is a very rare complication that can arise from Lyme disease. He is a 43-year-old who works at a boarding school in Ohio, teaching the principles of fabrication and design as well as programming. When he started feeling poorly last summer, he presumed it was the stress of starting a new position.
As he started feeling more fatigued, he decided it was time to make a doctor’s appointment. But before he could, he took a turn for the worse. Walking across campus one day, he felt winded and broke into a cold sweat. He felt weak and as if he was going to pass out. He sat down until a colleague thought he should go to the health center on campus and offered to take him in a golf cart.
At the health center, Eric’s heart rate was in the 40’s, and his blood pressure was also extremely low. The staff recommended urgent care, but Eric’s wife thought they should go to the ER as a precaution. On the way over, Eric again thought he was going to pass out.
The Diagnosis
In the ER, an EKG found dangerous rhythms. A crash cart was brought in to bring him back to a normal heart rhythm. Then, he was transferred to Cleveland Clinic hospital. He was admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit.
But doctors were puzzled about what could be causing his symptoms.
It wasn’t until he was asked where he had traveled recently (the Finger Lakes region in New York) that someone thought of Lyme disease. He hadn’t noticed any ticks, but that doesn’t mean a small one might not have slipped by. A blood test was run.
But in the meantime, doctors explained he would likely need a pacemaker for the rest of his life. Eric was shocked. Going from a complete bill of health to this prognosis was terrifying.
The blood test came back positive for Lyme disease and thankfully, as Eric started receiving treatment, he started recovering. Doctors told him a pacemaker wouldn’t be necessary.
Lyme Carditis
This condition occurs in a very small proportion of people with Lyme disease. The bacteria infects the heart tissue, impacting the normal electrical signals which occur between the upper and lower chambers. In some ways, doctors explained this was a blessing in disguise because it helped them to identify his Lyme disease rather quickly. Lyme carditis occurs between 2-6 weeks after the initial infection.
Eric was treated with IV antibiotics which were delivered directly to his heart. He was given a temporary pacemaker, and his heart improved dramatically. He was sent home with a PICC line and continued treatment there. After a few follow-up appointments with an infectious disease specialist and cardiologist, he was deemed fully recovered.
Prevention
It has now been a year since Eric’s diagnosis. He is now using his story to encourage everyone to protect themselves from ticks and check diligently for the bugs after being in an area where they are prevalent. Wear long sleeves and long pants whenever possible and encourage others to do the same.
He is thankful to not face any lingering issues from his diagnosis. But experiencing such a near-death experience has certainly changed his perspective.
You can read more about Eric’s story and Lyme carditis here.
