WITH summer approaching and the increased likelihood of insect bites, one Lyme disease sufferer is urging GP surgeries and hospitals to be more proactive at raising awareness.

Michelle De Feo, of Colchester, is fed up of being laughed at by doctors who she says are still not acknowledging Lyme disease, forcing people to undergo private treatment, usually abroad.

She said: "I took my cat into the vet recently and there were posters everywhere about Lyme disease for pet owners to be careful, so why aren't doctors doing it?

"It's so well known in Germany and America. Everywhere I went in the States I was told someone's relative had it and they were shocked I had to travel so far for treatment.

"So much money is being put into counselling for chronic fatigue syndrome which is ridiculous.

"The money needs to be put into research for what causes chronic fatigue syndrome, ME [myalgic encephalomyelitis], Lyme and fibromyalgia."

Hopefully this October, Michelle, 26, will have enough money to visit her private doctor in America.

She is back on her treatment programme of antibiotics and neurological medication, and already feels better, but has a long way to go until remission, she explained.

She said: "I told my doctors this in the UK and they laughed in my face.

"They need to be more compassionate and supportive of their patients.

"Doctors think we're crazy but they need to go on the training courses offered to them and really look into Lyme disease because it's not a laughing matter."

There will be a meet-up for people with Lyme or suspected Lyme today at the Victoria Inn, Colchester, from 2.30pm.

For details, email sarahlwarren@gmail.com

  • Michelle is raising money for stem cell treatment in Germany. To donate to her, click here.

READ MORE: MISDIAGNOSED LYME DISEASE COST ME £10,000