I posted this on the Success Story thread in the General Support section, but I wanted to share it here as well. ----------------------------------------------------
Finally, success!
I'm a frequent reader of this board, but haven't really posted much. I wanted to post my success story to share with everyone and let you know there's hope of getting better, it can happen.
I was diagnosed with Lyme in May 2007 after being sick with strange symptoms for about 6 months. Dizziness, jaw pain, confusion, brain fog, forgetfulness, arm pain, and extreme fatigue were my main symptoms. I never suspected Lyme and was surprised when my doctor, who ran a bunch of tests, told me I had it. (I was one of the lucky ones who test positive)
I grew up in Western PA and had heard about Lyme Disease, but the most I knew about it was something about a bulls-eye rash. I wasn't prepared for how sick I was about to get!
I'm so thankful to everyone on this board who provided lifesaving information for me!! You have all educated me about this disease, and about the nasty politics behind treatment. I've been able to pass along that knowledge to everyone I know (even when they don't ask!), and hopefully we can raise awareness about diagnosing and treating Lyme.
Back to my story - I was diagnosed in May 2007, started on oral antibiotics and sent to an Infectious Disease doc. I've heard the horror stories about them, but my doctor was amazing!!! He was knowledgeable about the disease and gave me IV Rocephin, then continued with the orals after, until I got better.
It took about a year, but I'm so happy to say that I've been symptom-free for 4 months now!! Completely healthy. I had gotten to the point where I didn't think this was a possibility - I thought that I would be sick forever.
Keep fighting! I know how horrible this disease is, and I want you to know there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you to everyone on this board; you are all amazing people struggling with an awful disease. My prayers are with all of you to get better and to be able get back to a normal life. It can happen! Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Yea!! Thanks so much for coming here to tell us!! You are indeed fortunate to have found a cooperative ID doctor! They are rare!!!
( and you found a dr who tested you for it early on .. double yea!! )
I am so happy for you. Have a wonderful life, and continue to educate the public!
Posted by adamm (Member # 11910) on :
Congrats! You think you could give bettyg the info for
your doc so she could add it to the list? Was he an ILADS member?
Posted by lymebytes (Member # 11830) on :
I love a successs story! Wonderful...best of health.
Take care....great news! Please check your p/m's.
Posted by dbourne (Member # 13833) on :
Thanks for sharing your story. I love hearing how people are getting better. I want to be better so bad. I am on my way, thanks for the encouragement!
Posted by Mommy*of*3 (Member # 11688) on :
Congrats!
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
WHOOPIE TIME!! SO HAPPY TO READ YOUR POST!
thanks so much for posting it there and HERE since many folks just SOB, SCROLL ON BY, it!
adam, thanks for putting in the plug for me! **********************************************
kelle, yes, could you provide the below in a PRIVATE MESSAGE to me; the 2 people standing together, so we can make sure this LLMD who treated you is on our GOOD LLMD NATIONWIDE LIST???
here's what we'd like to have IF possible: *****************************************
we need full name SPECIALTY street addy city, state
phone no. fax no. web site or email if possible
cost per hour for 1st visit cost for followups
do they take insurance? what kind? treat by IV or ORAL?
thanks for helping us add to our drs. of around 300 nationwide who are LLMD *****************************
thank you also for continuing to EDUCATE folks, and please continue your ACTIVISM by calling/emailing washington dc on our 2 lyme bills !!
i'm tickled pink for you!! YOU are giving all the NEWBIES HOPE, ENCOURAGEMENT, and just much needed UPPER NEWS!
stop by again and continue letting us know how you are doing!!! we wish you only life's best since you've had life's hell already! Posted by ElaineC (Member # 9857) on :
Congrats! Always good to hear success stories! Posted by Meg (Member # 22) on :
YAY-! Another Success
Thank you so much for posting it for all to read.
Posted by lymednva (Member # 9098) on :
beware of ducks in llmd clothing. if this is the id i think it is he does not follow ilads guidelines for dx, doesn't do co-infections...
need i say more?
i've sent details to bettyg.
Posted by not so sublime lyme (Member # 15185) on :
Congratulations----so good to hear a happy ending.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Where'd she go? I'd be interested to know if she contacts bettyg.
Posted by kellebelle (Member # 12026) on :
lymednva, you're right - I don't believe he's a member of ILADS and he doesn't do coinfection testing. I believe I just got really lucky with treatment. It took a year, but I know that's a drop in the bucket compared to what other people are going through. The good thing about my dr is that he continued to treat me until symptoms disappeared.
I did get my primary care doc to test for coinfections which was negative, and I didn't have symptoms of anything but Lyme. So I guess my case was pretty "straightforward", if you can say that.
Bettyg - For the reasons lymednva pointed out, I wouldn't recommend my ID doc to others on here. You should have all the details, but please PM me if you need more information!
You will get better!! I was so depressed, thinking my life would never be 'normal' again. Just be sure that you're playing an active role in your treatment. I was aware of the meds I needed from reading posts on this board and doing other research, and I pushed to get them. I was fortunate to have a doctor who cooperated with me.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Yes, you were fortunate! I'm so glad you're well. I hope it continues to be so!!
Posted by cjnelson (Member # 12928) on :
I was thinking the other day how we havent had success stories coming out of here lately that I saw and Byron was saying he was seeing it rather
regular at his clinic....i am sooo glad to see one of these come along. it gives hope for sure!!!
what orals did you follow with doses and terms - how long on iv -
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I believe I just got really lucky with treatment. It took a year, but I know that's a drop in the bucket compared to what other people are going through. The good thing about my dr is that he continued to treat me until symptoms disappeared.