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#4803 - 01/26/10 04:07 PM
Cheeseville Lymie needs Lyme-Friends
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rachel_d
New Researcher
Registered: 01/26/10
Posts: 6
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Hi from Cheeseville,
I guess my story isn't much different from most others with the Lyme experience, although as you may all empathize, to be the one with Lyme around those who don't have it and are very ignorant regarding it, my story to them is alien.
In July, 2008, I spent ONE NIGHT camping in Bayfield, Wisconsin on one of the Apostle Islands, a dream come true. This night, I also was bitten by a triple-loaded tick who infected me with Lyme, Babesia and Mycoplasma. I became very very sick.
Initially, my worst symptoms were terrible abdominal pain (babesia). I had a upper endoscopy with biopsy, pH probe placed and colonscopy done which all were normal. So, they thought I was have food sensitivities and started me on chronic low doses of steroids. After a few months of that, a head CT, sleep study, EKGs, holter monitors, antidepressants, antianxiety meds, numerous other meds and TWO referrals for an inpatient stay at the nearby mental facility, I REQUESTED a lyme test.
It came back POSITIVE and I was started on doxy. Of course, I felt terrible (herxing)on it for five days until my Western Blot came back as only one band positive (because of the STEROIDS! DUH!!!) I was taken off doxy and told there was nothing they could do for me. This is ten doctors later.
The next June, my symptoms getting worse and worse, I finally was hit with the arthritic portion of our special. I knew immediately it was indeed lyme and literally guilted a friend who was a nurse practitioner to start me on antibiotics. Within five weeks, I was SYMPTOM FREE. But, as we all know, this was not the happy ending I was hoping for.
Six weeks later my symptoms returned TEN-fold. I finally found a LLMD and was diagnosed with lyme, babesia(positive titre and FISH) and mycoplasma.
After six nonresponsive weeks of doxy, amoxicillin and artemesinin, he has started me on the Jemsek Protocol of Mepron, Zithromax, Artemesinin and Flagyl. I'm currently beginning the second week and am as sick as a dying dog. Mostly, I'm nauseous and have extreme stomach upset and diarrhea. I don't really feel as if I'm herxing, more that I'm responding to the poisons in my body.
I'm now close to being very sick for two years. I'm a single mom now working 50% as a teacher. I am trying to be positive and repeat positive statements to myself every day many many times, but I have to admit, I'm going deeper and deeper into that pit of doubt and fear. Nothing seems to be working. I am alone in this fight and really need some lyme-friendly supporters.
Thanks for reading my story,
Rachel D
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#5408 - 09/27/10 11:07 AM
Re: Cheeseville Lymie needs Lyme-Friends
[Re: rachel_d]
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Elle
New Researcher
Registered: 09/27/10
Posts: 2
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Rachel,
I feel for you. What a horrible story. This is a horrible disease and if you don't have it, you don't understand. We all need friends. I'm about to ditch my boyfriend of 2 years because he just thinks Lyme is no big whoop and that I'm dramatizing.
I highly suggest you read Buhner's book, Healing Lyme, and a book called Cure Unknown, as well as Bryan Rosner's book on the 10 Best Lyme treatments and educate yourself as to the adjunct therapies for Lyme. Have immaculate nutrition and take the supplements recommended in these books. The key is to boost the immune system so your body can help heal itself.
Have hope, baby girl! Don't let yourself fall into the pit of despair because it'll only negatively impact your immune system. I know it's hard but work at staying positive.
Elle
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