A quick summary...Bitten by tick in N. Ga Mountains on March 26th 2002. Developed rash and flu symptoms and went to new family doc on March 29th. She told me that "we don't get Lyme Disease in Ga." Wew! I was sure relieved. ha.
3 1/2 years and 20+ doctors later and had to take short term disability from my job as a Sr. Finance Manager.
After 12 years of crunching numbers, I couldn't do my job anymore. Sever fatigue, confusion, horrible joint pains...blah blah...you all know the long list of symptoms. Was diagnosed with depression and anxiety.
I finally found this website...my literal life saver. With two daughters (3 and 5), a husband, and demanding career, energy and a sharp brain was a necessity.
I finally figured out that I probably had Lyme and then spend 6 months locating a doctor who would "believe" me. Tested negative according to the "all knowing" CDC guidelines.
I traveled from my home in Ga to Springfield, Mo to visit Dr. C. After reading so many of your posts about how wonderful he is, I took a leap of faith and made an appointment.
I went out of work on April 1st and was so sick I couldn't even walk upstairs to tuck my girls in. After sticking to the treatment protocol set forth by Dr. C, I was able to go back to work the day after my Birthday (June 26th).
As it turns out, I probably went back about 2 months too soon, but I couldn't wait for some sense of normal again. Also, I inherited a new boss while I was out and wanted to get back to my job.
As luck would have it, he actually has a friend in NY with Lyme. He UNDERSTANDS the disease!! I couldn't believe it. He is letting me work from home a few days a weak and is so understanding when I need to leave early because I am out of gas.
April 24th was my first posting on this website, and I was depressed, confused, sick, scared, alone, frustrated and on and on.
Today, thanks to all that I have learned from this site and speaking to someone I met here, I am LIVING life again.
Sure, it is a daily struggle and I certainly have a long way to go to get back to "normal" (whatever that is), but I feel in control for the first time in a long time.
It is true that knowledge is power. Thank you all for sharing your stories. Lyme is so scary, especially when you are living in a state that doesn't even recognize it.
The things I have learned from this site and others have given me the confidence to FIGHT! And fighting is what I do every day. But at least I know what I am fighting now.
In closing (sorry this is so long)...having to leave work and stay home made me see that I was focused on the wrong things. Prior to getting sick, my career was SO important to me. Moving ahead and making more money were my top priority.
Heh...I sure was missing out. Now my husband and children are all that truly matter. I don't work 65/70 hours a week anymore. I leave work early in order to conserve my energy for my family.
Since I have been back at work, people have told me I seem less stressed and so much more laid back. Me! Can you imagine? Nothing phases me anymore.
I am grateful for the lessons learned as a result of this Disease. THANK YOU DOCTOR C! Thank you for dedicating your life to helping the wondering Lymies who are lost and desperate to find the path to healing.
QUESTION...Over the past 2 months, 3 different people have contacted me through friends and relatives. They were exposed to a tick and have all developed rash, Bell's, flu symptoms.
Doctors have told them "we don't get that here" and sent them on there way. What advice should I give them? I get the feeling they are in denial.
The rash went away and they are feeling better, so they are convinced they couldn't possibly have it. I don't want to be a pest, but I can't just stand by and let someone travel the same dead end road I did.
Thanks for reading this obnoxiously long post. LYMETOO...thank you for your kind post. Note time on post: obviously still suffering from insomnia.
[This message has been edited by Amanda24 (edited 23 July 2005).]
God Bless the Internet and information available. As much medical research I have done over the past 6 months, I am beginning to think I should have been a doctor. When did so many of doctors quit caring about the patients? Or perhaps they never did.
Glad you are doing better. You sure lucked out with getting an informed boss!
Don't know what to tell you about those who may have lyme and aren't doing anything about it at the early stage. I have warned people, suggested to those with CFS or fibro diagnosis that they might have lyme. Have been told "The titer was negative." End of story. Brushed off my suggestion that the tests aren't reliable. Well, you can only try. If they don't follow up.....that is their decision. It is especially frustrating when they do this at the early stage and miss their chance of an easier cure. Not telling everyone they have lyme, just the really suspicious cases.
The big problem is that with so few docs who are knowledgeable, it is a huge ordeal to try and get it treated. So, if people aren't really motivated, they are not going to do all that is necessary.
[This message has been edited by lou (edited 23 July 2005).]
quote:
Originally posted by Amanda24:
I am grateful for the lessons learned as a result of this Disease. THANK YOU DOCTOR C! Thank you for dedicating your life to helping the wondering Lymies who are lost and desperate to find the path to healing.
keep on keepin on!!
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Do not take anything I say as medical advice. I am not a doctor, but I DID stay at a Holiday Inn Express!
oops!
Lymetutu
Enjoy life,
Heather
Your friends are lucky to have
some one that can head them
in the right direction and
maybe change there lives.
I wish I had a friend to
help me 20 years ago--
If your friends need some convencing
have them spend 3 hours reading
posts from this site.
They will read of the tragedy that
has entered these peoples lives
through no falt of there own--
They too where told - Your Fine--
Lyme is Not around here--
So keep after your friends--
because thats what friends do--
--Jay--