DIXFIELD – A group aimed at supporting people with Lyme disease and their loved ones, and educating the public about the sometimes devastating illness, was launched Tuesday night at Ludden Memorial Library.

More than a dozen people turned out, a figure Susan Holmes believes is just the tip of the iceberg of people in the area who suffer from what she calls a great imitator of many diseases.

It was because of Lyme disease’s ability to mimic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, heart disease, a loss of cognitive abilities, and vision and hearing difficulties that it took more than two years to diagnose her husband’s declining health as Lyme disease.

Jon Holmes, former owner of Holmes Market in downtown Dixfield, began suffering aching muscles, constant fatigue and a loss of appetite.

“It felt like I had the flu,” he said.

But those bouts with constant tiredness got longer and longer so that sometimes he spent 22 hours a day in bed. Jon thought maybe it was his age that caused his declining health, but in his late 50s when everything started, his wife knew that couldn’t be it.

“For 18 months he was complaining of flu-like symptoms,” Susan said.

Doctors in the area couldn’t diagnose his illness. He had dozens of tests to try to find the cause. Finally, a doctor in Connecticut pinpointed the problem.

Now, Jon takes three antibiotics, twice a day.

“As long as I’m on medication, I’m OK,” he said.

Lyme disease, spread by the bite of an infected deer tick, is a bacteria that often attacks the immune system, causing all kinds of symptoms.

Susan started the group to provide support for victims of the illness and their families, and to work toward legislation that could ease financial difficulties related to the disease.

Because it took so many different tests to diagnose the illness, insurance companies often balked at paying for them. For the Holmeses, those tests cost more than $100,000.

Two hospital stays with high, unexplained fevers finally led to a correct diagnosis.

“We are looking for legislation that will require insurance companies to pay for ongoing treatment, and to educate the public and doctors on the reality of disease,” Susan said.

Lynn Lepage Fitzpatrick of Rumford was one of those who turned out Tuesday.

“We’ve been wanting it for a long time. Susan’s been pulling us in, those who have a lot of information,” said Fitzpatrick, who has been suffering with the disease for four years.

She was a teacher in the Benton area when she was diagnosed, and because of the debilitating results of the disease, she moved back to Rumford two years ago to be near relatives who could help her and her family.

She said her whole family has the disease. Her son, Nathan, 12, was one of the many who testified at a legislative hearing in Augusta in June about the difficulty the disease has on its victims.

“We’re thrilled that Susan has started the group. It’s a positive group and we learn from each other. We tend to understand what each other is saying, and we learn that we’re not crazy,” she said. “The more numbers you have, the more powerful you are.”

She’s hoping, with her teaching background, that she can help others become aware of how the disease can be prevented and what can be done about it.

Jon Holmes has advice for anyone who suspects they may have a problem.

“If you don’t feel right and your doctor is not helping, go to a doctor that is Lyme literate,” he said.

The group meets from 6 to 8 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at Ludden Memorial Library.