Believe me...I DO realize that this is overwhelming! That is why we are here...to help in anyway that we can
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rhonda
Sorry that your family is caught up in this. With proper treatment you should all get much better.
Many of here were not big fans of Drs eithet. You'll just have to get over it. There is a place for adjunct therapies, but long term antibiotic is need too.
Mel
You don't have to give up and shouldn't give up your natural remedies. YOU MUST FIND AN LLMD AND GET PROPER TREATMENT.(Yes I meant to yell.)
Many of us also see Naturopathic and Holistic Drs. who help us with detox and immune building. I believe both types of Drs. are essential in recovery.
I am not a Dr. but 200mg doxy is no where near enough and 14 days is a drop in the bucket. Please seek help.
This is scary,yes. But, you can recover and so can your son. The more read, the more you will see that it is possible with proper treatment. You will get better if you find a good LLMD. I am gettting slowly better after 12 weeks of treatment. THis is only the beginning for me.
Go to seeking a Dr. on this bard and post there.
Peace and Health,
Arlene
However, 11 years of all kinds of natural treatments never managed to put a dent in what I now know was Lyme disease.
You need to keep learning. this is a difficult disease. Doctors are misinformed, and even the most knowledgeable won't always have the answers.
But you will have a much better chance by seeing someone who is very knowledgeable and successful in treating lots of patients. We call them Lyme Literate MDs (LLMD).
My son, who was less ill than I, is recovering very nicely. I'm coming along more slowly, but am much better than last year.
You need much better treatment than you are receiving. Higher dose, and MUCH longer. I'm sorry that my file with links isn't available, but I'll give you a few to get started.
International Lyme And Associated Diseases Society
Dr. Joseph Burrascanno's Treatment Protocol
I can so relate.
Have been ill for years-since child--but with episodes of wellness. Would only use natural and alternative treatments--except when hospitalized.
Then they would have me captive-IV's strung around like snakes--all full of pretty colors--and usually full of steroids.
When the Lyme and co-infections hit, I swore I would not do abx. Tried homeopathy-all my old stand by alternatives--probably felt a little better but:
When I kept sliding down the hell-hole and feeling like I was not long for this world--sicker than sick--I was so desperate.
I welcomed the abx.--bring 'em on--help--and when they did help-man, was I grateful for them.
You will be, too. Just please follow the advice here from those who have told you to find a good LLMD---no--no--an infectious disease guy just won't do. I went that route, too.
My daughter had a nightmare LD story--shes doing really well-normal life--going to retest her next week just to check status.
Have a 35 y.o. son who is extremely fatiqued and has some funny symptoms--he works for UPS so -yeah--worn out--but hmmmmm-I have concerns.
Anyway--please do the right thing--I second *read-read-read*--but don't get frustrated if brain won't co-operate. Come here and stay as long as you can--you will get good advice.
Wishing you lots of luck-courage--and better days ahead--there is a light ahead.
Chocolat
Welcome to LymeNet! AND to the Colorado Support System!
The replies so far have been extremely informed...yes, there usually is no getting around the abx route. You have an infection that needs curing...
I will start you off with the New Member links. I know there is MUCH here to go through, but PLEASE do try to read as much as you can, so you will become your own best advocate for proper healthcare.
LymeNet Links for new members: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/009342.html
Dr. Joseph J. Burrascano's Guidelines: http://www.ilads.org/burrascano_1102.htm
Rose's 15 Facts for Newcomers: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/011977.html
Symptom Check List: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/021063.html
Abbreviations for Lyme-speak: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/020494.html
Making the most of your LLMD visit: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/020605.html
Camp A and Camp B: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/021395.html
Something to share with friends and family members: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum3/HTML/008886.html
Believe me...I DO realize that this is overwhelming! That is why we are here...to help in anyway that we can !
So, why don't you email me, and we will give you a proper CO welcome, OK?
My very best,
Melanie
PS...thanks Ann-OH for the head's up!!!
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C O L O R A D O * S U P P O R T * S Y S T E M
[email protected]
[This message has been edited by Melanie Reber (edited 14 July 2004).]
My mother was diagnosed with Lyme last year. After her diagnosis she encouraged my brother and I to be tested.
I did not want to listen to her. Sure I had terrible fatique but I was not sick!
It is called DENIAL!
I now know that not only do my brother and I have Lyme but my husband has it as well. My children are also being tested.
One thing to be thankful for at this point is that you have discovered the source of your illness. As you deal with it you gain knowledge that can be used by your son or any others that may contract the disease.
My mother paved the way for us, so to speak. She knew what tests needed to be ordered and what doctors to see. It is often very difficult to find a good Lyme Literate MD or even reliable testing.
Also because of my mother's illness our own was caught in time to spare us much of the missery that she endured.
So as you deal with your own illness take some comfort in knowing your experience could help your son.
Best of wishes to you as you begin this journey. We will be praying for your recovery!
SC
One of the things not mentioned in previous messages is the fact that the feelings you are feeling....the seeming inability to cope and being overwhelmed are also symptoms of the neuro-infection part of this disease.
The fact that you can't seem to keep things in perspective and get anxiety or depression are also symptoms...I was an arrogant(confident) sports person able to beat anything that came my way at one time in my life...this disease has reduced me to a guy who second guesses himself and at one point became agoraphobic because of the lack of confidence and fear that I could'nt control my emotions any longer....these things can be controlled...first you must reallize why there happening get a good LLMD and remember from now on if you can't explain it(symptoms physical and emotional or psychological) it's the Lyme disease doing what it does....
Don't give up though...and yes I tried alternative medicines as well as Psychic healers etc etc and unfortunately the only thing that get's me back on track is IV ABX and so I keep haveing to go back to them so far in my progression.
Start keeping records of or a callendar of weird stuff you can share with us and your family and most of all your doctor. It is a great help in helping your LLMD help you.
the zman
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I hope you feel better and remember that this disease generally moves slowly in whatever direction it is going.
Bob
loved what you said to Rhonda--had to hear that myself--
It really hit home-
A lot of excellent input here-
After 8 months-just beginning to be able to read and comprehend what goes on here at Lymenet-such great folks-
Thanks--to those of you who care to give to others their very best----corney--but, oh-well--
Chocolat