Lyme disease: Man spent £25,000 before getting diagnosis

A 36-year-old man spent £25,000 on tests and failed treatments before finally being diagnosed with Lyme disease.

Steven Williams, of Maesteg, Bridgend, was healthy and active when he was hit by extreme anxiety and left bed-ridden and shaking for 18 hours a day.

But despite seeking help from his GP and private healthcare, he struggled to get answers.

There is guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for GPs on the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease in the UK, with antibiotics usually helping most people to recover.

Dr Tim Brooks, of the UK Health Security Agency, said it was important to be aware of the symptoms to get an early diagnosis, and that GPs were able to promptly prescribe antibiotics when patients had the characteristic "bullseye" rash.

He added: "If your doctor does not immediately diagnose you, we recommend you exercise caution, and speak to your doctor for advice before spending money on private tests or treatments, as some private laboratories offer tests and treatment for Lyme disease which may not be supported by scientific evidence."

Video by Gwyndaf Hughes