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MORE INFO
Cole’s CD, “Angel’s Wing” is available online.
More information about LYME DISEASE and its symptoms visit the LIFELYME.ORG at the Web site.
| Julie Cole didn’t plan on waging war against a devastating disease. Her husband, – who usually just goes by “Cole” – was an accomplished musician, working on a successful career. As a teen in the 1970s, Cole didn’t notice the tiny tick that embedded itself under his skin as he hunted with his father and brother, but that tick would change his life forever.
Around the same time, researchers in and around Lyme, Conn., began investigating strange rashes and swollen joints in patients who had suffered tick bites. Research dates back to the early 20th century; however, the disease didn’t have a common name until 1976 when a number of cases erupted around the Naval Submarine Base at New London, Conn., and in the nearby village of Lyme.
The black-legged deer tick that bit Cole carried Lyme disease, an illness that has initial symptoms similar to flu: fever, headache, chills, body aches, fatigue and a skin rash. If diagnosed and treated promptly with antibiotics, the prognosis for patients with Lyme disease is good. If misdiagnosed or untreated, the infection can spread to a patient’s joints, heart and nervous system.
Cole’s disease went undiagnosed and misdiagnosed for years. Meanwhile, the bacterium worked its way through his body, wreaking havoc as it went. Joint pain and swelling were particularly troublesome for the talented pianist. Inflammation of the membranes of his central nervous system, cardiac problems and heart disease, chronic joint and muscle pain, numbness and weakness in his limbs, and impaired muscle movement have occurred randomly throughout the years, stumping doctors. Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and changes in moods and sleep habits caused difficulties at work and at home. The most debilitating symptom Cole has had to deal with is the extreme fatigue and weakness the disease brings with it.
After years of frustration, the Coles happened to find Dr. Luke Lentz of the Lentz Lyme Clinic in Destin. Lentz was able to diagnose Cole’s illness accurately in 2007 with the use of a detailed patient history and blood tests.
Cole has taken numerous courses of antibiotics. The spirochete bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi that causes Lyme disease is a chameleon that changes form in the body, making it harder to eradicate. Recently he’s also been diagnosed with “biofilm,” a condition in which the bacteria create a protective barrier against antibiotics.
Today, the Coles have begun a crusade to educate others about the devastating effects of the disease. Julie Cole speaks to any person or group who will listen, educating and informing them of the need for early and accurate diagnosis by a “Lyme-literate doctor.” She shares literature and a slide presentation to help others who may be suffering with the disease and to inform those who aren’t about prevention. She shows the award-winning documentary film, “Under Our Skin,” at every opportunity.
Cole has recorded a CD of his original music, quiet contemplative piano pieces, to help further their efforts. Proceeds from the CD, are dedicated to Lyme disease research and treatment.
“Together, one day at a time, the Coles are waging a valiant fight against a deadly disease, and waging it graciously by giving back to the community,” said their pastor at St. Margaret Parish, Father Rick Dawson. “His music is so inspiring, but the real inspiration comes in knowing them and the grace-filled presence they bring wherever they go, in spite of the tremendous pain and difficulty they face.”
Be kinder than necessary,
for everyone you meet is fighting
some kind of battle."
— T.H. Thompson and John Watson
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