"Dedicated to finding effective solutions for bird mite infestations of humans and their environment, encouraging those afflicted, facilitating research and a better understanding of human parasitosis."
_________________________
Mental Anguish
If you have been dealing with a parasite infestation for any length of time, you quickly come to realize that the 'mental anguish' is as hard, or even harder than the physical torment. The relentless biting, itching, crawling sensation and lack of sleep are the physical symptoms that can propagate a whole host of secondary issues. For those having to deal with a parasite infestation, it is important to acknowledge this as part of the battle each day.
_________________________
"You are sure right about the mental anguish this causes. I agree that it is tough to pretend like there isn’t anything wrong when I am itching and scratching like crazy. I don’t know how I can “win” this war if I keep the mites to a minimum at home but they are all over the work site area…There are days when it is all I can do not to break down and cry at work. (I do at home with no problem!) So many people do not understand and especially the doctors who should be there to help us…It gets to be discouraging." D.
____________________
A bird mite infestation can significantly affect a person's quality of life. It is hard to maintain a constant struggle against these unseen predators day and night and still work full time, take care of family obligations, and do all the other mundane things in life that are often taken for granted. After a while it may become almost impossible to maintain a normal lifestyle, and it can take its toll on the person and family relationships.
The financial burden can be a significant source of mental stress. It is very expensive to fumigate a home and to sleep in hotel rooms for many nights. And even if this is not done, some have had to discard furniture, carpeting, clothing, etc. Many have ended up moving when the mites could not be effectively eradicated from the home. Going to a doctor and buying medications is not cheap, as well as constantly buying different chemicals and cleaning products on an ongoing basis. Also, taking time off from work can be a financial and mental burden.
Social isolation is a real concern with a mite infestation. Since this problem is not common, others may not understand what you are dealing with. Those who have never gone through this, or even heard of it, have no idea how seriously it affects a person's life. It makes it all but impossible to tell friends and coworkers what you are going through. This lack of a support system can make the depression worse. And a person does not want to feel like they are somehow contaminating others, and so may limit their social contacts. It is not well understood how these parasites choose a host. Some people in close contact may be bothered by them, and others may not be.
Bird mites are most active at night and the lack of quality sleep over a prolonged period can often lead to depression. This fact is well documented in medical journals. REM sleep is the deepest and most restful sleep we can get, and this occurs late at night, and that is the time when bird mites are most active. It is important to get adequate sleep; even if it means going to a hotel room occasionally.
The lack of sleep is one of the most devastating aspects of a bird mite infestation. Benadryl, an anti-histamine, can be helpful on nights when sleep is illusive. Benadryl also helps reduce the reaction from the bites.
A person can grow weary from fighting these battles everyday. It can often feel like a relentless enemy is stalking the afflicted individual. Sometimes it is the intense itching or rash on large areas of the body, which can last for days on end. Other times it will be the crawling and biting that causes most of the battles.
It can often seem like an emotional roller coaster. Some days it may seem like the situation is finally under control, and then other days (and nights) it can seem overwhelming, like there has not been any progress. And discouragement is often the end result.
When it seems like there are no answers for this relentless affliction, a person can get very discouraged. Discouragement and depression can lead to suicidal thoughts, when it seems like the only way out from this living hell. It is hard to go through something this difficult for a long period without losing hope. There are some who have attempted suicide due to a long-standing parasite infestation. An anti-depressant may be needed for a period of time if the person and their doctor feel it may help.
In some cases, the person is told by the doctor they have scabies. They inevitably are unable to get rid of this problem with scabies treatment, which leads to further frustration and unanswered questions. Some people have done numerous scabies treatments and have inflicted serious damage to their skin.
Elimite, a 5% Permithrin cream frequently prescribed for scabies, is not effective against bird mites. The scabies mite is smaller and more fragile than bird mites, and people with a bird mite infestation have not had much success with this product.
Not being taken serious by medical professionals can make this dilemma very frustrating. Most people have no reason to confabulate symptoms of parasitosis, and should not be labeled as delusional by doctors who are not familiar with parasite infestations. Most all bird mite sufferers can state when the problem first occurred, and have been able to identify the source. One study by the Oklahoma State Dept of Health and the NPA verified that many of those with a sensation of biting and crawling on the skin and labeled as 'delusional', did indeed have very small parasites on their skin. But this could only be verified under high magnification by someone knowledgeable in parasites. This cannot be verified with just a casual glance in a doctor's office.
The inability to quickly eradicate these mites, as well as the lack of good information by the medical community, can make one question their sanity at times. It is at these forums where you come to realize that others are going through very similar situations. The only label that may be somewhat accurate with a parasite infestation, is the somewhat obsessive-compulsive behavior required to daily clean, vacuum, spray for mites, etc.
Finding a way to cope is vital when dealing with this affliction. Laughter and prayer are often our most effective coping mechanisms, and both are difficult to do with a parasite infestation. It can really affect a person's faith and what they believe in, as unanswered prayers can make it hard to believe that anything good will ever come from this. People who have been through this and have come out the other end are better able to sympathize and encourage others who have to deal with this kind of adversity, so that is a good thing. And when we are able to share our experiences and effective solutions with each other, the better off we all are!
________________________________________
A PRAYER
Dear Lord,
I know that sometime, somewhere, some type of Gethsemane awaits me. Just as it did you. I know that someday a dark night will fall upon my soul. Just as it did yours. But I shudder to think about it, about the darkness and the aloneness and the despair.
Someday I know I will wrestle with circumstances that are beyond my control, that some sort of suffering will pin me to the cold, hard ground.
Help me when it is dark and I am alone and afraid. Help me to put my trembling hand in yours and trust you with my life. And with the lives of those I love.
(Ken Gire, excerpt from "Moments With The Savior")
