I have been treated for Lyme for about 3 years now,I.V. and oral antibiotics and have had some heart arrythmia problems. This has caused a fear of being alone because I have had two situations where I have had to call 911 for help. Each time I am by myself I am extremely nervous and this fear has crippled me. I do not drive alone either. Does anyone else have this issue and if so how do you deal with it? I really don't want to resort to drugs as I am taking so many pills already. Thanks!
Posted by Andie333 (Member # 7370) on :
Hi, AMK!
I have only been dx with Lyme for about 4 months, but in that time, I've already had to have the ambulance show up and take me to the ER (full body paralysis).
I've never in my life felt afraid to be alone...until that incident. Now, it's something that always concerns me.
I have a s/o who constantly has a cell phone around. We developed a ring code that signals emergency.
Still, I don't want someone to feel constantly tethered to me, so there have been times I've asked neighbors where they were going to be during a given period of time...and asked if I could call in the event of an emergency.
I don't love the idea of asking for help, but I've just realized I can't manage this whole disease alone...not can the two of us.
Until I'm a lot more healed than I am and without any periodic symptom surprises, I guess I'm just going to have to be sure someone is always nearby.
Andie
Posted by pq (Member # 6886) on :
FWIW,
have someone from your local community centers of most kinds check up on you by phone; e.g., senior citizen; lion's club; women's organizations; women's clubs,etc. Find out who would be willing to take you to the hospital if the need arises.
Posted by cindy_leigh (Member # 3514) on :
I have felt that way at times, too. I keep a cell phone in my pocket, and I've found that a low dose of anti-anxiety meds help me out.
Posted by Lisianthus (Member # 6631) on :
amkdiaries,
Have you ever been treated for Babesia? High anxiety, extreme fear, and paranoia are common with those who have babs.
Do you have any other symptoms?
20. What signs and symptoms would lead a doctor to suspect a Babesia infection in a patient? How many strains of Babesiosis have been identified and how many are commonly tested for in commercial labs?
The following signs/symptoms may be present in those infected with Babesiosis: Fatigue* Arthralgias* Myalgia* Drenching sweats* Headaches* Emotional lability* Depression* Dark urine* Splenomegaly* Dizziness* Nausea and vomiting* Cough* Dyspnea* Fever* Chills* Hepatosplenomegaly* Jaundice* Malaise* Shortness of breath* Bleeding tendencies, bruising* Thrombocytopenia* Hemoglobinuria* Hyperesthesia* Pulmonary edema* Encephalopathy* Low to normal range leukocyte counts* Possible elevated levels of dehydrogenase, bilirubin, transaminase* Anorexia*
Approximately 25%- 66% of Babesia patients are known to be co-infected with Lyme disease. These symptoms may continue for long periods of time, decrease, then return. A low Babesiosis titer (IgG) often indicates a chronic infection.
An acute or current infection may show a higher reading on the IgM test initially. There are over 100 species of Babesia in the United States but only ONE or TWO species are currently checked by commercial labs.
They are just finding out now about the fear and paranoia associated with babesia.
Lisi
Posted by Linda LD (Member # 6663) on :
Lisi
What a great post!
L
Posted by Lisianthus (Member # 6631) on :
Thank you Linda.. Posted by Beverly (Member # 1271) on :
amkdiaries,
I have Babesia and had high anxiety/fear, which first started to go away while I was on Plaquenil. Good luck to you.
Great post Lisi! Posted by HEATHERKISS (Member # 6789) on :
Maybe its babs....... maybe not. I think anyone in your situation would feel the way you do. Sounds like a very normal reaction!!!!
You absolutely should have people near you at all times at this point in your recovery.
The cell phone in the pocket is a very good idea.
We're here,
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Wow, thanks for the info on the babesia. I saved it for future use, Lisi!
amk....I understand your fear. I've had heart problems too. I'm taking atenolol, which keeps things OK most of the time.
I've been treated for babesia, which I KNOW was causing my heart problems....as they began when I was taking meds for babesia several years ago.
I also found that after going on an anti-depressant [NOT an SSRI] that my anxiety and fear levels went WAY down to nearly non-existent.
I'm glad you have a cell phone and can call for help easily. That should make you feel a bit safer.
Posted by brodiemac (Member # 7232) on :
My husband totally understands that fear. He gets up every morning after I have left for work so is immediately alone. He says the fear and nervousness crowd in within minutes of waking. He forces himself to do some chores and then goes out to visit relatives or friends just about every day. I have not dared leave him alone overnight for more than a year. He knows the fear is irrational since nothing has happened to him through being alone - but he still cannot stop it.
Posted by DolphinLady (Member # 6275) on :
When I was weaker and in more ill health early in my treatment I was afraid to be alone. I was especially afraid of going downstairs or while taking a shower. I had trouble swallowing then too so eating was difficult and scary as I would often choke on food.
I was prone to black-outs so I was afraid I was going to fall and hurt myself going downstairs or while showering.
I'm two years into treatment and love my alone time again - no more fear! I feel free again, stronger and more independant AND grateful for my regained health!!!
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