Lyme disease : the light at the end of the tunnel for Simon Martin

Photo QMI Agency

Emilie Valley

Monday, 10 July 2017 17:18

UPDATE
Monday, 10 July 2017 17:18

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A man from Shawinigan, Simon Martin, could not hope for a better new. After a fight of 12 years of age against Lyme disease, its treatment in the u.s. is finally recognized in Québec.

“My doctor has agreed to work with my doctor in the United States to do a follow-up of the treatment and adjust the medication in Quebec,” said Simon Martin.

Getting to that point has not been easy. It all started with a simple tick bite while he was hunting. But he had to fight to get a diagnosis, even going so far as to the United States to get it.

“It is absolutely necessary to find a solution for that other doctors follow suit. It is necessary to seek treatment, one has the right to heal,” he adds.

To the régie de l’assurance maladie, it is explained that for a medicine to be reimbursed by the government or by a private insurer must be licensed by Health Canada. If it is a drug of the exception, as is the case for Simon Martin, a doctor should take the treatment.

“We talk about $ 20,000 per year, and there, it will allow me to pay back 10 000 to $ 12,000,” says he.

The father of the family finally sees the light at the end of the tunnel and its close also.

“It is a gift from heaven. It is so beat to come to this conclusion-there,” said his mother, Louiselle Martin.

The Shawiniganais will not let go of the piece. It intends to continue to fight for other victims of the disease. In 2016, 179 cases have been reported in Quebec. There were only 32 in 2011.