'I went for a dog walk - it left me with a debilitating disease that's cost me £150,000'
A man left incapacitated by a tick bite causing Lyme disease has revealed he's spent close to £150,000 on private healthcare just to feel "four out of 10". Steven Williams, 39, from Bridgend, South Wales, was once leading an active life, hitting the gym, working as a civil servant and jamming with his rock band – until one fateful week in March 2021 when everything took a turn for the worse.
He recounted how he suddenly started suffering from intense heart palpitations, fatigue and crippling anxiety and depression, alongside food intolerances and gastrointestinal problems – all new symptoms for him. Despite being known as the "steady one in the group", Steven found himself struggling with basic activities like taking the bins out, watching TV or even bathing due to overwhelming anxiety and depression.
After seven months of fruitless GP visits and ineffective prescriptions, it was finally identified that he had Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted by infected ticks. He claims that the NHS's standard two-week antibiotic treatment would not have touched the sides at his stage of the disease, leading him to spend around £150,000 on international private treatments since his diagnosis in October 2021, even remortgaging his home to cover the costs.
Despite shelling out a fortune, Steven has only seen marginal improvements in his health and finds himself leading a monotonous, restricted existence. He subsists on a limited diet and minimises activities just to get by.
"I just want to regain some of my old quality of life," he said. "It's small things like being able to meet friends for a meal, listen to music and do exercise.
"Since March 2021, although my symptoms have waxed and waned, I've never felt better than a four out of 10. The NHS is an amazing institution, and my GP has been so supportive, but a two-week course of Doxycycline is all they've been able to offer. For people who fall between the cracks, the system is too rigid."
Ticks, which are potential carriers of Lyme disease, are widespread across the UK, with grassy and wooded areas in southern England and the Scottish Highlands being particularly high-risk zones, according to the NHS. Steven admits he's unsure when he was bitten and didn't develop the "bullseye rash", often considered a classic sign of a tick bite.
However, contrary to popular belief, this rash appears in only a minority of Lyme disease cases, as stated by Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Centre. Living in South Wales, Steven frequently hiked in the mountains and woodlands with his dog, Jarvis, and suspects that's where he might have been bitten.
But he acknowledges it could have happened at any point – days, weeks, or even years before he first noticed symptoms.
In March 2021, he revealed his world was turned upside down when he was suddenly hit with severe episodes of depression and anxiety, alongside heart palpitations. He explained that he also developed an acute intolerance to numerous foods and suffered from substantial digestive problems, whilst becoming easily overwhelmed by stimulation - rendering him unable to watch television, socialise or even enjoy music.
"It's very hard to explain but, as someone who used to play in a rock band, that's a hard pill to swallow," he said. Steven consulted a GP in March 2021 but revealed it wasn't until October that he received a Lyme disease diagnosis.
"I knew something was not right and that my symptoms weren't characteristic of me. It was terrifying," he said. "I'd heard of the term Lyme disease but when I found out I had it, I thought, 'Great, now I can treat it and be well'. Lo and behold, it wasn't that simple."
Steven explained it was too late for the NHS-prescribed Doxycycline to prove effective, leaving him to seek alternative treatments. He says he has experimented with an enormous variety of approaches - pharmaceutical, herbal and holistic - and has journeyed across the globe in pursuit of a cure.
In February 2022, he recounted his visit to a clinic in Bavaria, Germany, where he underwent intravenous antibiotics and whole-body hyperthermia, a technique designed to elevate body temperature and boost the immune system. This approach successfully eradicated the Borrelia bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, he claims, but left the Babesia parasite, which invades red blood cells and causes flu-like symptoms, unaffected.
Upon returning to Wales after his treatment in March 2022, Steven said that he unfortunately caught Covid-19. With his immune system already weakened, he described the impact as severe, resulting in long Covid that caused fatigue, blood thickening, and impeded his recovery.
Subsequently, Steven pursued various alternative treatments – he travelled to Mexico for stem cell therapy and made multiple trips to New York to consult with Lyme disease expert Dr Richard Horowitz. He experimented with prolonged fasting and herbal remedies and, in February 2025, he mentioned flying to India to undergo Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy, which involves using immunoglobulins, antibody-containing proteins sourced from human blood.
Although this had a beneficial effect on his food sensitivities, he admits he is still far from fully healthy, battling sleep issues and adhering to a rigid, simplistic routine. "I have to live such a robotic life, just to feel semi-normal," he laments.
Steven estimates that he has shelled out close to £150,000 in his quest for treatments. He shared that his stint in Germany cost around £35,000 and the IVIg treatment he underwent in India set him back £20,000.
He was compelled to remortgage his home to cover these expenses but remains resolute in his pursuit of an effective cure. To aid in financing his next treatment in Germany, which he hopes will alleviate his long Covid symptoms by thinning his blood, his mate Alecs Donovan has launched a GoFundMe campaign.
"Alecs has been absolutely amazing," he expressed. "She's such a wonderful person, always trying to help others.
"Health really is wealth, so I'm so grateful to everyone who has donated. I just hope I can get my normal life back."
A spokesperson for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said: "While it is not appropriate for us to comment on the care received by individuals, we encourage Mr Williams to get in touch with our concerns team directly so that we can explore his concerns further."
To support or learn more, you can visit Steven's GoFundMe page. The NHS advises that although not all ticks are carriers of Lyme disease bacteria, it's crucial to be tick-aware and remove them safely at the earliest opportunity.
For additional details, head over to nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
22 minutes ago
- BBC News
Cardiff man says triple dog attack has left him with nightmares
Dog attack survivors have described the devastating physical and mental impact of their injuries, as new data shows thousands have sought medical treatment for dog attacks over the past five Newbury, 22, who was attacked by three dogs in April and suffered severe injuries across his body, said the ordeal had left him unable to cope."I'm unable to work and as a result I'm down more than £8,000. I'm also struggling with being at home all the time," said Mr Newbury, who lost the use of two fingers in the forces across England and Wales have seen an increase in the number of dog attacks on people during the past five years. Warning: Article contains graphic images of dog bites Mr Newbury, from Cardiff, was visiting a friend and her baby when they were attacked by three dogs and he stepped in to protect them."The support coming out of hospital was phenomenal, but now I'm not coping," said Mr Newbury, who has been unable to return to his job in security since the attack."It's affected my confidence, when I'm out I get funny looks because I have scars on my arms, and it makes me want to wear a jumper so no-one can see it," he Newbury said while colleagues, friends and family had been supportive, people generally "don't understand the aftermath".He said he was paying for weekly counselling sessions due to NHS waiting Welsh government said it was making progress to reducing waiting times for mental health services in the face of increasing demand for support. Mr Newbury said his experience meant he looked for what he described as "safe spaces" when he leaves his home."I still love dogs but naturally I'm wary of them. I love dogs from a distance, shall we say."He added: "The other day I went for a walk through St David's shopping centre, and parked there because I know dogs aren't in there unless it's for a medical reason like a guide dog."He said he had been overwhelmed by kind gestures and comments which he was incredibly grateful for.A garage in Cardiff replaced his car key - which was damaged in the attack - for free, while another company sent him a free watch."They said they knew how tough it was for me to be stuck inside, so that it's something to look at to cheer me up."He said his girlfriend Jamie-lee, who witnessed the attack through the window, had helped him with everything since leaving hospital."I don't know where I'd be without her," he added. BBC Wales requested information from health boards in Wales which showed 2,910 people sought medical treatment for a dog bite or attack over the last five latest data for England showed there were more than 43,000 reports of dog attacks made by health boards and trusts from 2020 to November 2024. Police forces across England and Wales have also seen an increase in the number of dog attacks on people during the past five were 32,568 recorded offences in 2024 - a 4% increase on 2023's total of 31,398, according to Freedom of Information figures obtained by the BBC from every police force in England and actual attack figures are likely to be higher as the data only counts incidents that were reported to police. 'Dogs can pose a serious risk' Prof Vivien Lees, vice-president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said the severity of injuries caused by dog attacks could vary greatly."In the most severe cases patients may require reconstructive surgery and long-term rehabilitation to regain mobility and quality of life," said Prof Lees."There is an ongoing need for awareness and vigilance. Dogs can pose a serious risk, particularly when they are poorly trained, neglected, or mistreated."Erin Evans, 22, from Gwynedd, was bitten by a dog on her face four years ago while out with friends."It's a bit of a blank, I just remember there was loads of blood and then I collapsed," said Ms left her needing four years of surgery to reconstruct her top lip."When it started to sink in what had happened, I started feeling really low. Looking back I should have asked for help," Ms Evans said. The attack led to Ms Evans dropping out of her nursing degree and losing confidence."I used to be bubbly and happy all the time, but I really struggled and couldn't carry on. I was constantly back and forth to the hospital and found it hard to talk about."She said she still experienced flashbacks and was wary of dogs, despite having three herself and being an animal lover."After what I've been through I'm cautious, but I still love all breeds of dogs."Once she had the all clear from the NHS that her reconstructive procedures had healed, Ms Evans had a cosmetic tattoo on her lip."Before I'd try to hide my lip, but I'm not like that anymore, I even get lots of compliments now," she said. Imogen Hughes, a permanent make up artist based in Conwy who carried out the cosmetic work on Ms Evans' lips, said she focused on making them appear "more symmetrical".A before and after social media post online by Ms Hughes of the work has had more than a million views, thousands of likes and hundreds of positive comments."I had so many messages that week from girls who had similar experiences, including as far as the US," said Ms she warned that this sort of tattooing could be complex."The last thing you want to do is add any more trauma to the area, so seek reviews and healed results from companies you're interested in," she Evans has since graduated from a degree in childhood and youth studies, and said she felt much more positive about the future. "I wish someone had been there to tell me it would get better, and now I want to do that for other people," she said. If you have been affected by the issues raised in this story you can visit the BBC Action Line for details of organisations who can offer support.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Scots NHS calls in cops over trolls threatening staff with ‘sexual violence' over Sandie Peggie case
It comes as a watchdog threatened to take the health board to court THREATS HELL Scots NHS calls in cops over trolls threatening staff with 'sexual violence' over Sandie Peggie case HEALTH chiefs said they have called cops to probe trolls threatening staff with 'sexual violence' over the Sandie Peggie case. NHS Fife announced the move as part of a 1,700-word statement also alleging nurse Ms Peggie's lawyers have used the media to discredit them. Advertisement 4 NHS Fife have claimed nurse Sandie Peggie's case has seen staff targeted with "sexual violence" Credit: Getty 4 Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy Credit: Getty 4 An 18-month internal investigation found Ms Peggie not guilty of misgendering trans doctor Beth Upton (pictured) Credit: Alamy 4 Maya Forstater, chief executive of Sex Matters Credit: Alamy It comes after the health board's own 18-month internal investigation found Ms Peggie not guilty of misgendering trans doctor Beth Upton at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. The board said it was 'clarifying its position' as it continues to fight an employment tribunal case with Ms Peggie — on which it has spent £250,000 of public money. It said Ms Peggie's case is supported by campaign group Sex Matters, whose chair Naomi Cunningham is her lawyer. Its statement said: 'The claimant's case is being supported by Sex Matters, whose chief executive officer and co-founder was called as a witness by the claimant in the earlier hearing. Advertisement 'The claimant's barrister is also chair of Sex Matters. Other members of the organisation's 'advisory group' have provided commentary to the media on a number of occasions where no reference is made to their direct involvement in the organisation." The health board said the online debate 'has evolved into much more worrying behaviour, including a threat of physical harm and sexual violence, which has required the involvement of Police Scotland'. The board added: 'Sex Matters have been very active, making numerous statements which it would appear are aimed at steering public opinion in a way that NHS Fife as a public body clearly cannot.' Maya Forstater, chief executive of Sex Matters, described NHS Fife's assault on their charity as 'an extraordinary intervention even by the board's standards'. Advertisement She said: 'NHS Fife has dug itself into a reputational black hole. 'If the only way forward the board can see is to lash out, including by criticising Sex Matters, which has at all times acted with propriety and in pursuit of its charitable objects, that suggests desperation.' Moment Scots nurse who is suing NHS amid trans doctor row is piped into tribunal as dozens show support Tory equalities spokeswoman Tess White slammed the intervention as 'disgraceful'. She said: 'It's disgraceful that NHS Fife are trying to smear Sandie Peggie and the groups that supported her, instead of taking some responsibility for their own appalling conduct. Advertisement 'This discredited health board has already blown a small fortune trying to silence a nurse who stood up for women's rights — and they're still refusing to follow the law on single-sex spaces. 'How on earth can SNP ministers still have confidence in this dysfunctional health board? "NHS Fife has dug itself into a reputational black hole." Maya Forstater, chief executive of Sex Matters 'NHS Fife should be apologising to Sandie Peggie, not putting out defamatory statements. John Swinney must now say whether he stands with this shameful response — or with the women they've failed.' Alex Neil, the former Scottish government health secretary, and the SNP MSP Michelle Thomson have both called for the NHS board, including its chair and chief executive, to resign over the Peggie case. Advertisement NHS Fife said it cannot unilaterally abandon the case as it was brought by Ms Peggie and 'she is determined to continue with her legal claim, as she is entitled to do'. When the statement was mentioned at the employment tribunal on Friday, Ms Peggie's junior counsel Charlotte Elves said it caused 'some concern'. Jane Russell KC, representing NHS Fife, said: 'Unfortunately because this hearing has taken place in public, Fife's witnesses have been exposed to a very unsafe environment and I'm afraid threats have been made to them as have threats been made to me.' WATCHDOG SUE ALERT The Scottish Information Commissioner last night threatened to sue NHS Fife for 'contempt of court'. The health board claimed it proactively released the amount of money it has spent defending the Peggie tribunal 'in the interests of transparency'. It claimed reports suggesting it had been compelled to release cost information by the Commissioner were 'inaccurate.' Commissioner David Hamilton said: 'The petulant tone of NHS Fife's latest statement is quite remarkable but it is the contents that concern me most. "They have now cast doubt upon the assurances they gave me regarding compliance with my Decision Notice. "I will investigate further and if the Authority has not indeed fully complied with my decision then I may report the matter to the Court of Session as a contempt of court.' Judge Alexander Kemp said: 'No participant whether witness, representative or participant should be intimidated and if that has happened its a matter for the criminal courts and Police Scotland. Advertisement "Obviously matters of defamation are not within our jurisdiction.' Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie MSP said: 'We have always been clear that we must protect single sex spaces based on biological sex. This includes spaces and NHS services. 'Neil Gray and John Swinney have failed to set clear standards in Scotland's NHS and have allowed the situation in NHS Fife to get completely out of hand. 'They have issued guidance in the past that sets practice ahead of the law Advertisement 'The SNP should get their act together and give clear guidance to public bodies, including health boards, on protecting this principle and upholding the Equality Act. 'It is now important that NHS Fife settles the tribunal case and brings this sorry saga to an end.'
Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Telegraph
Fake Botox ‘poisoning cosmetic patients'
Thirty-eight people in the UK have been poisoned by fake Botox since last month, officials have revealed. Victims experienced difficulties with breathing and swallowing, as well as slurred speech, after suffering from botulism, a rare and life-threatening condition. The UK Healthcare Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a warning over the cases in the East of England and the East Midlands, following a spate of similar poisonings in the North East. To date, 38 cases of 'iatrogenic botulism' have been reported between 4 June and 14 July. The UKSHA said it was warning people to be aware of the symptoms after victims needed NHS care after suffering from adverse reactions. Evidence so far suggests that an 'unlicensed Botox-like product' had been used, the agency said. The practitioners involved have stopped offering the injections and are co-operating with an ongoing investigation, the UKSHA said. Officials said there were no known links between the newly diagnosed cases and those in the North East. Symptoms can take four weeks to develop The UKHSA has urged members of the public to make sure they take precautions when seeking aesthetic procedures, including checking if the product being used is licensed. Dr Gauri Godbole, a consultant medical microbiologist at the UKHSA, said: 'Botulism related to aesthetic procedures is rare, but it can be serious. It is caused by toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. These toxins (but not the bacteria) are the active ingredient in 'Botox' and similar products. 'Symptoms of botulism can take up to four weeks to develop, and if you have had a recent botulinum toxin (Botox-like) treatment and are having symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, contact NHS 111 for further advice and seek treatment.'
