Episode 522: Babesiosis Battle - an interview with Doug Morrow

1 year ago

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Doug Morrow, a retired Hofstra University professor and professional musician, shares how a family outing to the Morton Bird Sanctuary in April 2012 changed his life. Doug went on a picnic after visiting the bird sanctuary with his 6-year-old son, Antonio, and his wife, Diane. He found a tick biting him the day after the picnic. Just months later, Doug developed mysterious, recurring fevers that doctors struggled to diagnose. It wasn’t until a medical emergency during a trip to California that Doug learned he had Babesiosis, a life-threatening parasitic infection spread by ticks.

With the tireless advocacy of his wife Diane and the sharp eye of a California infectious disease doctor, Doug was properly diagnosed and began a months-long recovery that included antimalarial medications, blood transfusions, and natural remedies. Today, Doug reflects on the importance of early detection, preventive care, and maintaining a strong immune system through lifestyle, diet, and love.

🧭 Key Topics Discussed:

✅ Tick bite during Easter break in East Hampton, NY
✅ Early symptoms: intermittent fevers, misdiagnosis
✅ Emergency room visits and missteps
✅ Babesiosis diagnosis and spleen involvement
✅ The critical role of Diane’s advocacy
✅ Recovery, red blood cell destruction, and blood transfusions
✅ Natural repellents and tick prevention strategies
✅ Organic lawn care, tick tubes, and essential oils
✅ Life lessons: stress reduction, nutrition, love, and spiritual health
✅ Reflections on health, gratitude, and retirement

🛡️ Prevention Tips from Doug & Diane Morrow:

Use natural tick repellents with lemongrass, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and white vinegar
Apply frequently, especially during outdoor activity
Maintain short-cut lawns, avoid watering, and plant lavender as a natural repellent
Use tick tubes to reduce mouse-based tick populations
Prioritize organic lawn care to protect local ecosystems
Check for ticks daily – especially on children
Advocate for yourself and your family in healthcare settings

🕒 Timestamped Highlights:

00:03 – Doug’s background: musician, educator, polymath
10:05 – Growing up in Stony Brook and Smithtown; early tick awareness
31:01 – The 2012 tick bite and mysterious fevers
36:58 – Emergency room misdiagnosis and worsening symptoms
45:08 – Babesiosis diagnosis and hospital treatment
52:16 – Return to Long Island and local follow-up care
58:15 – Dr. Clawson’s care and herbal support during recovery
1:02:15 – Acupuncture and natural treatments
1:07:02 – Doug’s current preventive practices and immune support
1:23:26 – Environmental and lifestyle contributors to tick-borne illness
1:26:13 – Final reflections on health, balance, and love