Overcoming Leishmaniasis: A Journey from Diagnosis to Cure

The Beginning of a Medical Journey

It was exactly one year ago when I received my last treatment for leishmaniasis at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. For those unfamiliar with my story, this update might seem confusing, so I encourage you to watch the first episode where I detailed my initial diagnosis and treatment.

Now, I find myself back at the San Diego airport, preparing to board a flight to Washington D.C. via Phoenix. The purpose of this trip? To hopefully receive a diagnosis of "cured" or some variant thereof from the NIH doctors who have been overseeing my treatment.

I can't help but feel a mix of emotions - nervousness, excitement, and a touch of fear. The last time I visited the NIH, they informed me that I needed to restart my treatment from scratch. It's a stark contrast to where I stood a year ago, lost, frustrated, and genuinely fearing for my life.

The NIH: A Beacon of Hope

Before delving into the details of my current visit, it's crucial to highlight the role of the NIH in my treatment journey. This government institution has been instrumental in providing comprehensive care for my condition. They cover all expenses related to my treatment, including:

• Flights to and from Washington D.C.
• Hotel accommodations
• Daily meal vouchers
• All consultations, meetings, and treatments

Importantly, no health insurance is required for this care. This aspect of the NIH's approach to rare disease treatment is something I'll revisit later in this account.

Arrival in Bethesda

After a long day of travel, I finally arrived at my hotel in Bethesda, Maryland. The Residence Inn, located in downtown Bethesda, has become a familiar sight over my past five or six visits. Despite my fatigue, I felt compelled to film and share my thoughts immediately upon arrival, channeling my nervous energy into something productive.

As I settled into my room, I reflected on an email I received recently. It served as a poignant reminder of why I decided to make my journey public in the first place.

A Fellow Traveler's Story

The email came from someone who had been recently diagnosed with leishmaniasis. Like me, they contracted the disease while traveling - in their case, from a bite in Costa Rica. They had started treatment with fluconazole and miltefosine but weren't seeing improvements. After watching my YouTube video, they reached out for help in contacting the NIH.

Fast forward to January, and I received an update from them. They had successfully connected with the NIH and received treatment, including liposomal amphotericin B and miltefosine. Slowly but surely, their wounds began to heal. They were scheduled for a three-month checkup, hoping to avoid another round of treatment.

This story encapsulates why I chose to share my experience publicly. By shedding light on leishmaniasis and my treatment journey, I hoped to provide answers and guidance for others facing similar situations. To my surprise, many people have reached out with their own stories of struggling with rare diseases, misdiagnoses, and the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system.

The Day of Reckoning

The morning of my appointment at the NIH arrived with a mix of sunshine and cold air. As I approached the imposing NIH building, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope tinged with nervousness. The day ahead would involve a series of tests and consultations, each bringing me closer to the answer I'd been waiting for.

Step 1: Phlebotomy

My day began with a visit to the phlebotomy department. Ten tubes of blood were drawn - a standard procedure to check various health markers and ensure the leishmaniasis hadn't affected other parts of my body.

Step 2: Case Manager Meeting

Next, I met with my case manager. These professionals play a crucial role in coordinating care and ensuring patients navigate the complex medical system effectively.

Step 3: Photography

A photographer came to document the current state of my legs. This visual record is essential for tracking the progress of healing and comparing it to previous visits.

Step 4: Wound Care

The wound care team examined my legs next. Their assessment was encouraging - they liked the appearance of my legs and seemed optimistic about my progress.

The Final Step: Doctor's Consultation

Finally, the moment of truth arrived as the doctors entered my room. After a thorough examination and review of all the day's tests, they delivered the news I had been hoping for: I was considered cured.

The emotional impact of this pronouncement was overwhelming. Just a year ago, I had stood in this same room, devastated and scared. Now, I found myself overcome with relief and gratitude.

Reflections on the Journey

As I processed this life-changing news, several thoughts ran through my mind:

1. The importance of fighting for your health and advocating for yourself
2. The value of taking care of your body through proper nutrition and exercise
3. The need to be prepared when traveling, especially to tropical areas
4. The potential for seemingly negative experiences to become gifts in disguise

I also reflected on the impact my story has had on others. By sharing my experience, I've been able to help people find answers and connect with the resources they need. This realization has given new meaning to my ordeal.

A Call to Action

As I wrap up this chapter of my life, I want to use this platform to encourage others:

1. Take care of your health - it's the most valuable asset you have
2. Be prepared when traveling, especially to tropical areas
3. Don't let fear stop you from exploring the world, but do so responsibly
4. If you're struggling with a rare disease or difficult diagnosis, don't give up. Keep seeking answers and advocating for yourself

The Future of the NIH and Medical Research

As I returned home to San Diego, I learned of some concerning developments regarding the NIH. The new administration has implemented a range of restrictions and freezes on many government agencies, including the NIH.

The NIH, as the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, plays a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge and developing treatments for a wide range of diseases. The current freeze affects their ability to communicate with the public, travel, review grant policies, and hold meetings.

While this may be a temporary measure as the new administration settles in, it raises concerns about the future of medical research and treatment for rare diseases like leishmaniasis. As someone whose life was saved by the NIH, I can't stress enough the importance of supporting scientific research and maintaining open channels of communication in the medical community.

Looking Ahead

As I close this chapter of my life, I'm filled with gratitude for the care I received and the support of my family, friends, and viewers who followed my journey. I'm also excited about the future and the opportunity to use my platform to continue sharing important stories.

My channel will be refocusing on the "Day in the Life" concept, showcasing interesting people, cultures, and professions. I'm also launching a new food-focused channel, "Gareth Eats," which will explore the culinary scene in San Diego and Southern California.

Through these projects, I hope to continue engaging with my audience and sharing meaningful content. If you have ideas for future "Day in the Life" episodes or know someone with an interesting story to tell, I encourage you to reach out.

Final Thoughts

This journey has taught me the value of perseverance, the importance of access to quality healthcare, and the power of sharing our stories. While my battle with leishmaniasis has come to an end, I remain committed to raising awareness about rare diseases and the vital role of institutions like the NIH.

As we look to the future, let's remember the importance of supporting scientific research and maintaining open dialogue about health and medical issues. Whether it's leishmaniasis or the next global health challenge, our collective knowledge and resources will be crucial in overcoming these obstacles.

Thank you for following along on this journey. Here's to health, adventure, and the power of human resilience.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa3uDoajcBI