As a newbie adjusting to this website, I think I've read far too much at one sitting. Anyone else get overwhelmed by all the information?
I feel hopelessly confused by years of doctors minimizing aches and pains and calling them everything from hypoglycemia to herniated discs to mono to allergies to chemical senisitivities. I've been on yeast diets, otoscerosis diets, the "Fat Flush." I've taken vitamins and bentonite clay and silver nitrate and abx. I've gotten umbrella categorized to death with symptomatology sounding identical for a myriad of diseases. I barely got over a ruptured appendix to slide into the home base of Lyme Hell.
Now I'm trying to wrap my mind around co-infections. I know I have a good LLMD, but after years of suspecting ineptness from countless doctors, I can't help by try to self-diagnose and self-educate. .....But now I'm overwhelmed.
anyone else experience this?
I refuse to be whupped by some curly, cork-screw-butted spirochete!
Gotta breathe.
Posted by Nal (Member # 6801) on :
Yes, I definately get overwhelmed. And scared sometimes. For whatever reason some of the information I come across will scare me to death!
I think one thing we have to remember is that the people on this board are wonderful and I cherish all of their advice and help. However, no one can replace a dr and its important to have one you trust.
Take the advice and info here and make the best choices and decisions for you.
Nancy
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
Hello, and welcome.
Yes, the information on here can get way overwhelming. My suggestion is to start with reading through the newbie links. Do searches for specific questions you have, and ask if you don't find the answer.
There is a lot of information that moves through this board. It's too much for almost everybody. You don't need to read all of it. Just what you need or are interested in.
Also remember that Lyme is different with every person. Just because you read some of the worst cases, it doesn't mean that you will be the worst case. That's important, because there is some scary stuff out there. But if you get too frightened, you'll be too stressed to heal.
I also understand not trusting doctors. It is important to maintain control of your own treatment. And it's ok to raise issues of coinfections with your doctor to see the reaction.
But take time to breathe. It's not a really short road to recovery. That can sound bad, but it means that you don't have to rush. Take time to learn and take time to rest so you can take care of yourself.
Best of luck.
-Aniek
Posted by chroniccosmic (Member # 7789) on :
Definitely! It is soooo much to process.
I had to limit myself to a certain number of time on the computer reading about lyme disease or I became obsessed and didn't go to bed.
Take it slow and it will absorb. There is a lot to learn but rest assured that you will learn many, many shortcuts here that will make up for any time you fear you have lost.
Hang in there! Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
Yes I get overwhelmed too! Reading articals sifting through the scientific,news,etc, and answering people about the same thing I was asking years ago. Over and over trying to help! it just keeps coming all information,questions questions questions.
Its very hard trying to answer sincere to ridiculesly absurd, which may be intentional or a case of true lyme brain its hard to stay cool and collected.Thats my side of the story.
But I always try to remember how lost I was when being infected badly and not understanding even some basics of this disease.
All I can say is keep reading and keep treating. And try to hold on. Remember sometimes its good to take a break when your head gets full and you dont feel good.
Hang in there and persist and you will persevere Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by wiserforit: I barely got over a ruptured appendix to slide into the home base of Lyme Hell.
I refuse to be whupped by some curly, cork-screw-butted spirochete!
Gotta breathe.
OK, that's IT!! We're KEEPING YOU FOR SURE!!!!!
Gotta have the comic relief....much needed around here!!
Yep, been overwhelmed. Felt stupid. Mad at doctors. Depressed that I wasn't dxd earlier than the 42 yrs it did take....but all in all, things turned out well!
They will for you too!!!!
Hang in there!!
Posted by elley0531 (Member # 9434) on :
its extremely overwhelming. I'm new here as well (although even though its only been 2 months I feel very much apart of things since this baord is so welcoming).
Its a whole lot to take in, and my advice is to just take in what you can, a bit at a time.
Doing too much will only make you frazzled and stressed...but thats the other thing. People on this board help ease the stress load alot. There is always someone to relate too, and always someone who is having similar problems, or has had them, etc.
Between my llmd and this site I feel fairly equipped to fight back...but it took some time to get that confidence.
You doing the right thing, just try to keep the mental impact manageable. Posted by wiserforit (Member # 9732) on :
I was horn-swoggled by kiddy duties and couldn't get to the computer. It was so nice to return and find six replies! Hope it isn't gauche to answer everyone in a large thank you, so here goes!
Dear Nal, Aniek, chroniccosmic, treepatrol, Lymetoo, and elly351,
THANK YOU! for the thought you all put into your replies! I helps to be validated when overwhelmed.
Nal, I definitely get scared to death about some things. That said, you are right, I think it will be really helpful to take people's abx experiences and try it on with my LLMD.
Aniek, you had great stress advice! I've already experienced backsliding from the stress of minor arguments when I get snarky at my family. I'll try and not stress myself on too much reading at one time!
chroniccosmic, ironic but I didn't realize how obsessed I get when I log on at 2 or 3 a.m. when I can't sleep. Duh! Can't sleep....why not scaring yourself silly by reading every entry for the past 30 days (just kidding ) Note to self: don't do that.
treepatrol, "keep reading and keep treating and hold on." Sage Mantras! I don't know if you saw the movie "Finding Nemo," but the really forgetful fish (voice by Ellen DeGeneris) had a great mantra that I repeat when freaked out by symptoms: "Keep on swimming, Keep on swimming." If you haven't seen it, it holds up for adults wonderfully. Your "Hold on" will work too!
Lymetoo, 42 years!? "I am not worthy..." You have such lightness and fun humor and wisdom! Thanks for deciding to hold on to me!
elly, "keep the mental impact manageable" was great! sometimes, the forgetful fog of it all reduces the mental workload out of sheer defect! Problem is, I LIKE to think about details.
I send my best to you all,
wiserforit
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
treepatrol, "keep reading and keep treating and hold on." Sage Mantras! I don't know if you saw the movie "Finding Nemo," but the really forgetful fish (voice by Ellen DeGeneris) had a great mantra that I repeat when freaked out by symptoms: "Keep on swimming, Keep on swimming." If you haven't seen it, it holds up for adults wonderfully. Your "Hold on" will work too!
I saw it and enjoyed it about 7 times you now how cable runs it over and over. Very funny
![[hi]](graemlins/hi.gif)
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[lol]](graemlins/lol.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[bonk]](graemlins/bonk.gif)
) Note to self: don't do that.![[bow]](graemlins/bow.gif)
"I am not worthy..." You have such lightness and fun humor and wisdom! Thanks for deciding to hold on to me!