Dear Pam Chickering-Wilson: As a registered nurse, I strongly endorse the book written by Karen P. Yerges and Rita L. Stanley, Ph.D., Confronting Lyme Disease: What Patient Stories Teach Us, and I recommend it as an educational tool and textbook for nursing students and practitioners.
I can relate to the experiences of other medical professionals described in their book because I was also highly educated and had a very promising nursing career. I was also active in competitive figure skating, ballet, and yoga. However, like the patient, Michelle, in the story "Camelot Remembered," I did not observe the initial tick bite that had infected me.
At the time, I lived in the southwest suburbs of Philadelphia in a beautiful 22-unit apartment building. I did not engage in any outdoor activities that would be considered high risk for tick-exposure. Despite a predominately indoor lifestyle, in February 2005, I woke up nearly paralyzed. Since then, I have experienced a series of hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Following this, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease along with the co-infections: Babesia, Bartonella, and Ehrlichia.
Since I had gone undiagnosed with Lyme disease and these co-infections for about a year, my case of the disease has been very difficult to treat. To date, I have been treated with several courses of IV and oral antibiotics in an effort to arrest the progression of the disease.
The losses I suffered because of Lyme disease have been catastrophic. I can no longer drive a vehicle or maintain my employment as a registered nurse. Most of my personal possessions that I worked so hard to acquire had to be sold as I downsized to adjust to my disabled lifestyle.
Since I am no longer self-sufficient or able to live independently, I had to relinquish my apartment of 17 years and relocate two hours away to live with my aged parents who also need caregiving. Simple errands like going to the supermarket now requires my use of a motorized shopping cart on a strong day. Around home, I frequently use a walker. I am a far cry from the athlete I was only a short time ago as I endure severe visual impairment and neurological dysfunction including seizure activity.
As a result of my own journey with Lyme, I now use my experience and nursing background to promote Lyme disease awareness among the medical community. I am including the book, Confronting Lyme Disease, as part of an educational packet that I distribute to physicians, nurses, and nursing schools. I believe that when we become proactive in learning and in research, we can prevent Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases from becoming devastating, chronic illnesses.
I truly support this wonderful book, Confronting Lyme Disease. It is candid and truthfully depicts the reality of a Lyme patient's life. It is a must read. It may save your life or someone you know and also prevent the life-changing devastation that I have experienced. As for me, I will never recover my losses and will likely spend the rest of my life battling this disease. I hope to spare other individuals this same cruel fate.
Sincerely,
Sandra L Stanaitis, BA, BS, BSN, RN --------------------------------------------------
I have been working with the authors of this book to help reach a nursing professional market. The letter is to go to a daily newspaper which Ms Yerges will be visiting in two weeks.I have donated copies to a nursing department in a hospital in the south and am approaching my alma mater, nursing school, to incorporate into the nursing curriculum. I have also donated copies to local libraries to increase their Lyme reference sections and have been giving copies to people in the geographic area, in now which I live, who have had tick bites.
Thank all of you on this board for support for my poor health and friendship. I also wanted to thank you for support in my projects to help educate and help others. Please keep me in your prayers that my eyesight holds up that I can continue on.
Posted by klutzo (Member # 5701) on :
Excellent letter! I applaud your efforts to help despite your own impairments. May you be blessed with better health. I was misdiagnosed and untreated for 17 yrs., so I know how you feel. You are taking your lemons and making lemonade...bravo! Klutzo
Posted by islandgirl (Member # 5914) on :
Sandra, Powerful, consise, clear and heartfelt letter. Congratulations.
I've read your posts with interest and always admired your smart queries, determination, and help to others.
I send you my wishes for better health, and for strength to keep going as you are doing...educating, learning, and keeping on.
Islandgirl
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
Sandra, Your idea of asking your nursing school to incorporate information about Lyme Disease into the curriculum is excellant.