Undiagnosed Lyme disease caused arthritis for actress Kelly-Anne Lyons
Traditionally seen as an older person’s disease, arthritis actually affects people of all ages. For children, facing a lifetime of arthritis can seem particularly unfair. But Kelly-Anne Lyons, actress, TV presenter, writer and model, takes the rough with the smooth and counts her blessings – and her family comes top of the list.Misdiagnosed for months with flu, chronic fatigue and exhaustion, Kelly-Anne’s joints eventually swelled up and a school nurse finally realised what was wrong: Lyme disease. Kelly-Anne was just 13 years old at the time.
“Looking back, it’s surprising the doctors didn’t figure it out as we lived in a wooded suburban area where deer and Lyme disease were prevalent,” she says.
A strong family unit meant Kelly-Anne coped well with diagnosis, but she hid her arthritis from her peers for as long as possible.
“I wasn’t ashamed in any way but didn’t want to be treated differently or defined by arthritis, particularly in the sports I was taking part in, so I didn’t make a big announcement of my diagnosis,” she remembers. “Family and friends found out organically but I tried to keep the diagnosis from my coaches due to a minor fear they would bench me.
“Of course in some cases, I did need to tell people – such as teachers – so I could have two sets of books (to avoid carrying a heavy backpack every day). Overall, everyone was extremely supportive, positive and loving.”
Treatment
Kelly-Anne’s parents found her a well-respected rheumatologist and supported her through physiotherapy, working out the most appropriate medication and exploring alternative therapy options.
“In the beginning I was taking medication for the Lyme disease and the arthritis; I was allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) so had to take allergy medications, and more drugs to protect my stomach lining.
“I found magnet therapy helpful so slept on a magnetic mattress and pillow, and wrapped my joints in magnet wraps each night. Being an alternative therapy, this might not be something that works for everyone, but personally, I found it helped my swelling.”
Kelly-Anne is in remission now so is no longer on medication but does take the occasional anti-inflammatory and uses ice on her knees if stretching and strengthening exercises are not helping pain or swelling.
Diet, exercise and lifestyle
Growing up, Kelly-Anne’s home was happy, healthy and balanced.
“My mum is an amazing cook and baker so I wouldn’t say we were living on salad, but my parents were aware of the importance of us eating well,” she outlines. “The advice for someone with arthritis back in my Grandmother’s day was to stop moving, which is part of the reason why she became crippled with rheumatoid arthritis. My brother – who coincidentally was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis – and I were told how important continuing to move was and we kept moving!
“I’m a generally healthy person and exercise every day, although I probably eat more cheese, pasta and sweets that an actress should. I try to get most of my vitamins from food, although if I feel I am lacking, I will take an extra vitamin B or D. I definitely don’t deprive myself of dessert – life is too short and I’m a foodie with a sweet tooth.”
But four years ago Kelly-Anne’s knees became particularly painful and swollen, causing her to realise that keeping her arthritis at bay needed to become a constant focus.
“Before turning to medication, I decided to try Classical Pilates and have been hooked ever since. My instructor is amazing and comes to the house twice a week. She helps me keep my muscles strong to protect my knees.
“I have a sports and remedial massage once a week too, which really helps get rid of the scar tissue in my joints and releases some muscles that can pull on my knees if they’re tight.”
The future
“I remain positive and move forward thinking that the investment I make in my health with exercise and diet will keep the arthritis at bay.
“I never used my arthritis as a crutch, but rather a challenge that I was going to overcome. From the beginning, I always tried to look at the positives of my situation. While I was being treated after my initial diagnosis, I was surrounded by kids and teens at the medical centre who were much sicker than me, some with terminal cancer. So even if I received bad news on my visits, I always left feeling like I had received good news – a reminder of how lucky and healthy I was in comparison to many others.
“A lesson from my Grandmother that has always stuck with me is that everyone is fighting their own battle – it might be bigger or smaller than yours – but it’s important to think about others and not just become sucked into your own issues.”
For more information visit www.kelly-anne.com.
Lyme disease contacts:
- Lyme Disease Action (in the UK): lymediseaseaction.org.uk.
- American Lyme Disease Foundation: aldf.com.
Image credit: AM London
First published Autumn 2014
For more in-depth features, interviews and information, subscribe to Arthritis Digest magazine, a popular title that’s published six times a year. Click here for the digital version or tel 0845 643 8470 to order your had copy. You’ll know what your doctor is talking about, what new drugs are in the pipeline and be up to date on helpful products.
