Mother with Lyme disease transmitted it to daughter during pregnancy

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A Mother’s Struggle with Lyme Disease and the Hidden Burden on Her Daughter

Kirstie Haysman, a 36-year-old mother from Watford, Hertfordshire, has spent nearly a decade battling the debilitating effects of Lyme disease. Diagnosed in February 2023, her condition has been a long and painful journey marked by persistent muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and a series of misdiagnoses. What made her situation even more challenging was the revelation that her daughter, Harriet, also contracted the infection—possibly during pregnancy.

Kirstie is unsure how she initially acquired the bacterial infection, but doctors believe it may have been through an infected tick or possibly from birth. She has since become a vocal advocate for awareness, especially after learning that her daughter had inherited the illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while transmission from mother to child is considered “possible but rare,” Kirstie claims three doctors believe this is what happened in her case.

Harriet, now 12, was diagnosed with Lyme disease this year. Kirstie recalls that she first noticed symptoms in her daughter about 18 months ago. At the time, doctors were hesitant to test because there was no visible bite or rash, which are typically the first signs of the disease. After pushing for a diagnosis, Harriet tested positive for both Lyme disease and Epstein Barr virus. The experience left Kirstie feeling guilty and conflicted about sharing the news with her daughter, fearing it would add unnecessary stress.

Despite the emotional toll, Kirstie emphasizes that catching the illness early has helped Harriet avoid years of misdiagnosis. However, the lack of effective treatment options remains a challenge. The CDC notes that untreated Lyme disease during pregnancy can lead to placental infection, but the risk of passing it to the fetus is low. For Kirstie and Harriet, the reality is far more complex.

A Long Road to Diagnosis and Treatment

Kirstie’s journey to diagnosis was not straightforward. In 2015, she was tested for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, both of which came back negative. Doctors initially suspected an autoimmune disorder and prescribed steroids. It wasn’t until 2023 that a friend suggested she might have Lyme disease. Following this, she traveled to Mexico for blood tests and was finally diagnosed.

Determined to find relief, Kirstie raised £20,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to pay for stem cell treatment in Mexico, a therapy not available in the UK. She later returned for a second round of treatment, which was provided free of charge by the doctors who felt she was being neglected at home. While the treatment has helped ease some of her symptoms, she still experiences severe pain, with some days leaving her unable to get out of bed.

Her daughter, Harriet, has also undergone similar treatments, including less invasive therapies such as magnet and light treatments. These interventions reportedly helped her recover quickly, leading to what is known as the “Hertz Lymer reaction,” a sign that the bacteria is dying off. Despite these improvements, Harriet continues to face challenges, including migraines, low mood, and gastrointestinal issues.

Raising Awareness and Supporting Others

Kirstie has not only focused on her own recovery but has also taken steps to support others facing similar struggles. She will be working with the charity team at the Miss Great Britain beauty pageant to raise awareness about Lyme disease and help those affected. As part of this effort, she will be fundraising for ‘Alex’s Wish,’ a charity dedicated to supporting people with joint and muscle pain, particularly those suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

In addition to raising funds, Kirstie aims to normalize the use of mobility aids within the pageant industry. She hopes to show that disability and mobility challenges are part of everyday life and should not be hidden. For her, this work is deeply personal—not just for herself, but for Harriet, who has seen her mother struggle for years.

Kirstie’s story highlights the ongoing challenges of Lyme disease, from diagnosis to treatment and the emotional impact on families. Her determination to seek alternative care and raise awareness offers hope for others facing similar battles.