Conner Flowers, the brother of Southern Charm star Olivia Flowers, passed away at the age of 32 in January 2023. His cause of death has not been publicly revealed, but his sister has opened up about his health struggles with Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can cause various symptoms and complications. In this article, we will explore how Lyme disease affected Conner’s life and what we can learn from his story.
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What Is Lyme Disease and How Is It Transmitted?
Lyme disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Ticks are small arachnids that live in wooded and grassy areas and feed on the blood of animals and humans. They can carry different types of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause diseases in humans, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis.
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States, with about 30,000 cases reported each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the actual number of cases may be much higher, as many cases are not diagnosed or reported. Lyme disease can affect people of any age, gender, or race, but it is more common in children and older adults.
What Are the Symptoms and Stages of Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease can have different symptoms and stages, depending on how long the infection has been in the body and how it affects different organs and systems. The symptoms can vary from person to person and can mimic other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose.
The first stage of Lyme disease is called early localized Lyme disease. It usually occurs within a few days to a few weeks after the tick bite. The most common symptom is a rash called erythema migrans, which appears at the site of the bite. The rash is often circular, red, and expanding, and may have a bull’s-eye appearance. However, not everyone who has Lyme disease develops a rash. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat.
The second stage of Lyme disease is called early disseminated Lyme disease. It usually occurs within weeks to months after the tick bite. The bacteria spread through the bloodstream and can affect different parts of the body, such as the heart, nervous system, eyes, joints, and skin. The symptoms may include irregular heartbeat, facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord), nerve pain, vision problems, arthritis (inflammation of the joints), and multiple rashes.
The third stage of Lyme disease is called late disseminated Lyme disease or chronic Lyme disease. It usually occurs months to years after the tick bite. The bacteria persist in the body and can cause chronic inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues. The symptoms may include chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment (memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating), depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, chronic pain, numbness or tingling in the extremities, and skin changes.
How Is Lyme Disease Diagnosed and Treated?
Lyme disease is diagnosed based on the patient’s history of exposure to ticks, symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The most common laboratory test is a blood test that detects antibodies against the bacteria. However, this test may not be accurate in the early stage of the infection or in people who have been treated with antibiotics. Therefore, a negative test result does not rule out Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics that kill the bacteria. The type and duration of antibiotic therapy depend on the stage and severity of the infection. Early treatment is important to prevent complications and long-term effects. However, some people may still experience persistent or recurrent symptoms after treatment. This condition is called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) or chronic Lyme disease. The exact cause of PTLDS is not clear, but it may be due to residual bacteria or immune system dysfunction. There is no specific treatment for PTLDS other than symptomatic management.
How Did Lyme Disease Affect Conner Flowers’ Life?
Conner Flowers was diagnosed with Lyme disease when he was 15 years old, according to his sister Olivia Flowers. He had been misdiagnosed several times before he received proper testing and treatment from Dr. Jemsek, an infectious disease specialist who treats patients with chronic Lyme disease. However, by then he had already suffered severe internal damage from the infection and its complications.
Olivia Flowers said that her brother was a creative, confident, and active person who loved sports and entrepreneurship. He was an avid golfer who was ranked state-wide. He also had a fun-loving personality and a kind soul. However, Lyme disease took a toll on his life and affected his physical and mental health. He was very private about his struggles and did not want to burden others with his pain.
Olivia Flowers said that she wanted to raise awareness about Lyme disease and its impact on people’s lives. She said that Lyme disease is an insidious disease that can cause devastating consequences if not diagnosed and treated early. She also said that there is a lack of education and research on Lyme disease and its treatment. She urged people to be vigilant about tick prevention and to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of Lyme disease.
How Can We Prevent and Protect Ourselves from Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease can be prevented by avoiding exposure to ticks and their habitats. Some of the preventive measures include:
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when outdoors, especially in wooded and grassy areas.
- Tucking pants into socks and shirt into pants to prevent ticks from crawling under clothing.
- Applying insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin and clothing, following the product instructions.
- Treating clothing and gear with products that contain permethrin, which can kill ticks on contact.
- Checking yourself, your children, your pets, and your belongings for ticks after being outdoors. Pay special attention to the head, neck, armpits, groin, and behind the ears.
- Removing any attached ticks as soon as possible, using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick. Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or alcohol.
- Seeking medical attention if you develop a rash or any symptoms of Lyme disease within a few weeks after a tick bite.
Lyme disease is a serious infection that can affect anyone who is exposed to infected ticks. It can cause various symptoms and complications that can impair the quality of life of the affected person. Conner Flowers was one of the many people who suffered from Lyme disease and its consequences. His sister Olivia Flowers has shared his story to raise awareness and to honor his memory. We can learn from his story and take steps to prevent and protect ourselves from Lyme disease.
