As I sit in a hotel room, a place my late husband, David, booked with his Marriott points for our daughter’s return to college, I can’t help but feel a wave of grief wash over me. It’s been nearly a month since his unexpected passing, and being here at his alma mater is an emotional challenge. David was not only our family’s navigator with directions and reservations, but he also infused our lives with his immense passion for the campus he cherished.
I am grateful for my supportive family who joined me on this journey, standing by my side as we grapple with the void left by David’s absence. Yet, the memories of places he loved are bittersweet, stirring feelings of loss in both me and my children. My son, now a high school junior, is left without a father to guide him through critical milestones—learning to drive, discussing relationships, or choosing a college. David was our rock, devoting himself to us without reservation, and it is heartbreaking to realize how much we took for granted during his life.
The Unexpected Tragedy
The most painful aspect of this story is the unexpected reason for his death. David was in great health, focused on improving his fitness through diet and exercise when he suddenly developed a fever. Having known him for 26 years, I could count on one hand the times he had been sick; so, a fever was a serious concern. After several days with no additional symptoms, he sought help at urgent care. He had been experiencing severe night sweats, necessitating multiple changes of clothes and bedding. The diagnosis? A “raging kidney infection,” with a prescription for antibiotics. Although the fever and sweating subsided, he remained weak and unwell.
Days later, after returning home from work, he collapsed into bed, only to wake briefly to mention that he had vomited. The next day, he called me from work, feeling terrible, and decided to go to the emergency room. My daughter and I rushed to meet him, only to find him jaundiced, with yellowed skin and eyes. He was admitted for further testing, but despite the efforts, doctors struggled to find a diagnosis as his condition worsened.
In less than twelve hours, he went from chatting and joking to being in the ICU on a ventilator, with all tests yielding negative results. The doctors informed me that he was in septic shock, attributing it to alcohol consumption, which seemed unfounded. After three days in the ICU, with his liver bilirubin levels rising, he was transferred to a specialized hospital for liver dysfunction.
The barrage of tests continued there as the medical team worked to stabilize him. They placed him on dialysis and intermittently awakened him to assess brain function. After two days, he showed signs of respiratory distress, and the prognosis was grim.
A Glimmer of Hope
Then, a glimmer of hope arrived when a doctor informed me they finally had a diagnosis: David’s blood tested positive for Babesia, a tick-borne illness that attacks red blood cells. Given David’s asplenic condition, this infection was particularly perilous. They promptly administered the correct antibiotic and transfused his blood to replace the infected cells with healthy ones.
The following day, there were small signs of improvement—his blood pressure stabilized and breathing appeared less labored. For the first time in days, I felt a spark of hope as I left the hospital, believing he was turning a corner. My children were eager to visit the next day, convinced that we were past the worst of it.
Tragically, at 4:30 a.m., I received a call from the doctor urging me to come to the hospital. In disbelief, my parents and I rushed to his side, only to witness his blood pressure plummet and his heart failing. Within two hours, I watched my beloved husband of 23 years take his last breaths.
Raising Awareness
Losing someone so young is always a tragedy, but David’s death feels particularly senseless. He passed away due to a tick bite, and the infection he contracted is not well-known. Had the doctors diagnosed him even a day or two earlier, could we have changed the outcome? We will never know.
My intention in sharing this story is not to evoke pity but to raise awareness about this potentially fatal parasitic infection, particularly for those who are asplenic or immune-compromised. If we had been better informed, perhaps the outcome might have been different. For more insights, I encourage you to explore this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, as well as our own guide on at-home insemination kits.
In summary, the sudden loss of my husband, David, due to a tick-borne illness has been devastating. This experience highlights the importance of awareness regarding such infections and their risks. My hope is that by sharing our story, we can help others recognize the dangers posed by tick bites and take preventive measures.