I stayed home from work. Felt just awful and flulike this morning although that has let up a bit, but I can't stop from crying.
I was like this on zith for two months this summer. I've been on biaxin pediatric doses the past 3 weeks, and now the same is happening again. I just feel overwhemled and can't cope.
I'm taking 5htp when I remember. How do I cope with the emotional stuff?
I went to a school play yesterday afternoon but had to leave 1/2 way through. The music and the voices were so loud, they were assaulting my senses and making me ill.
I've been to a therpist, but talk only helps temporarily. I feel this is mostly physiological due to lyme and company. Having to work full time also puts pressure on me.
Any suggestions? Feeling the same way I do?
Thanks.
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
Hi Cherylsue, depression and mood changes can be a side affect of (biaxin). Take a look at the site below. I hope you're feeling better!
I'm so sorry you're feeling like this! I wish I could help.
Have you tried watching funny movies? Sometimes that can be very helpful.
Posted by jimmy1 (Member # 33504) on :
CherylSue, so sorry you're having a tough time. You are not alone. We're all with you in this deal.
You're probably right on the money in feeling it is mostly caused by the Lyme. It happens to me from time to time. That wave will come over me and I'll feel weak and dizzy, with overwhelming sadness. Yesterday it was the television, just as you described - literally assulting my senses.
Here's some suggestions that seem to help me:
My doctor has me on a low dose of sertraline to help with anxiety. I take it around noon, as most of my 'problems' seem to happen late afternoon or early evening when I'm spent. It helps.
When I'm in public, I like to have a bottle of water with me or a pack of gum. Sounds silly, but if I start feeling funky, something simple like a sip of water or chomping on gum seems to temporarily derail the sad or confused thoughts, helping me get back on track.
Our poor bodies and souls are under attack. We need to take a moment to be kind to them. Every day, we should do something we're really good at, to remind ourselves we are still 'us'. Maybe it is a hobby or art project, just a household chore for that sense of accomplishment, or maybe just putting on some makeup so we feel better about ourselves.
Do something nice for yourself today. You deserve it!
Posted by CherylSue (Member # 13077) on :
Thank you for your replies. They were helpful. I sometimes think I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with this disease. I've had at least six relapses in the past 11 years with this disease, although it has only been diagnosed in the last four.
Last April, I had a severe relapse on abx and had to take a month off from work. I returned part time every other day until June, and then had a few months off. My mother had a massive storke the day I returned in May. We almost lost her, and in a sense we did because she now is in a skilled nursing home on a feeding tube and seldom talks. That, and another emotional situation, plus the medicines sent me over the edge.
I've struggled with all this when I returned to work full time in August, and sometimes it seems overwhelming. I actually have a beautiful life except for this Lyme Disease. But the fear is paralyzing that I am going to relapse again and suffer the same agonizing symptoms of insomnia, sickness, cognitive dysfunction, etc.
There, that's it in a nutshell. The one good think about work, is that it directs my attention from myself. Now, I wish I hadn't taken the day off, but felt so ill...
Posted by tricia386 (Member # 29623) on :
I am with you Cheryl. I have tears in my eyes as I read this.
My lyme was triggered by the Gardasil vaccine. As well as a host of other problems. Over night my life changed. I am only 25.
I have a wonderful life. A great boyfriend of 5 years who i live with. We were on track to get married b4 I got sick. We travled the world together. I had not a care in the wolrd but when I our next adventure would me. I guess you could say I took life for granted.
I am sad bc I stuck treating this and not living my life like my friends. I am able to work full time but not doing what I want to do. I had to pull out of my masters I am 3 credits short of getting my masters.
I have become obessed with lyme disease. I am 70% most days which is pretty good. My drs. see great progress.
I am just so scared of relapsing. Or never getting better. Or scared of having childern its all of that what ifs. i am even scared of medicine.
I started to see a physcologist who, is well aware of lyme and its manifestations in the mind. However, I am bringing alot of anxiety and depression on myself.
she said that I have basically went through a trama. We are going to be starting a technique they use on post tramatic stress victims.
She said how will you know if you are better if you are always worried and obbessing about lyme disease.
I find myself even when i feel like my old self I do have momments I wonder why am I not worrying. Or why do I feel like this.
I have become stuck in panic mode. Yes lyme can cause anxiety and depression dont get me wrong. however.we cant blame everything on it. Sometimes we are our own worst enemies.
Dont get me wrong this board is great and I dont know what I would do without it. However, this disease has become an unhealthy obession for me.
Posted by hopeful4 (Member # 8486) on :
CherylSue,
Yes, the emotional stuff is another layer of what we experience with lyme and co. I can certainly relate to what you're talking about.
Hypersensitivity to stimulation, like sound, light, large stores, people, people's energy, etc., make it difficult to feel or act "normal."
I think anti-anxiety medication could help. There are times when I think I should have had some.
Also, detox is so important. Try taking a hot epsom salts bath before bed.
Sometimes I use Rescue Remedy, it's a Bach Flower Remedy in a tincture. It has alcohol in it, so instead of ingesting it, I just put a few drops on my wrist and rub it in with my other wrist. It can help lower my feelings of being overwhelmed, or anxious, crying, irritability.
There is another remedy, Yarrow Environmental Solution, from a company called Flower Essences. It helps with calming environmental influences for people who have:
� chemical sensitivities, or other forms of immune dysfunction
� extreme stress
� For those with pronounced sensitivity, which is especially affected when traveling, in large crowds of people or similar taxing situations.
� As a general tonic and strengthener to help the individual to meet harsh technological and environmental challenges in the modern world.
Sometimes it's important to recognize our limitations, and acknowledge that there are certain situations that we should try to avoid being in, as we navigate through illness and treatment.
And I agree with the ideas jimmy1 suggested, too. I needed a reminder as well!
Best wishes.
Posted by gatorade girl (Member # 24896) on :
Hugs to CherylSue. I have all your symptoms. I just want send my support . You are not alone.
Posted by Catgirl (Member # 31149) on :
CherylSue, I'm no shrink, but I've watched a lot of "Dr. Phil." His suggestions for fears are to play them out, i.e., what is the worst thing that will happen if you relapse? Break down each condition that could come up, and answer for yourself how you would deal with each one.
For example, if you get insomnia, perhaps some melatonin or weight lifting (exercise to keep it at bay).
If you don't know or remember how to deal with each of them as they come up, this website is the best place for understanding and advice I've found.
When I'm down about this disease, I weight lift (light weights). It really helps. Also, I LOVE "The Simpsons" every night, as well as Seinfeld, or Southpark. Stay away from the news, and watch some nature when you can.
Right now, I have some horrible vertigo. Just came on me overnight. It's odd, because I was just giving someone on this website some advice about vertigo (ha ha). I refuse to let it bring me down. I know what it takes to get rid of it.
Go out and buy yourself some flowers today at the store(always cheers me up), and hang in there! You're not alone. Posted by tricia386 (Member # 29623) on :
Catgirl wonderful words of advice!
Hugs to all of you who are fighting this battle.
Must think postive!
Posted by tricia386 (Member # 29623) on :
Catgirl wonderful words of advice!
Hugs to all of you who are fighting this battle.
Must think postive!
Posted by CherylSue (Member # 13077) on :
Thanks again for your wonderful replies. Just had another bout of the jags.
Tricia, I'd be interested in the post trauma techniques you will be doing.
I love to walk, but that brings along a relapse.(I have mycoplasma)
I do TIVO my favorite shows, The Mentalist, Csstle, and Revenge. I watch them on the weekend.
And I do obsess, and that is one of my problems. Certainly, about Lyme or situations at work.
Thanks for your suggestions. Your support and words of comfort were uplifting. Hugs, CherylSue
Posted by JenniferMN (Member # 29920) on :
CherylSue...
Do you have a Lyme support group in your area that you can go to & talk to others w/ Lyme, IN PERSON?
If it were not for the Minnesota Lyme Assoc, I never would've even known how to get properly tested (by IGeneX) or found my LLMD. I attend the monthly MN Lyme Assoc meetings RELIGIOUSLY for the information & support that other Lyme patients can give me. It helps that it is IN PERSON. I know EXACTLY how you feel about all of this total insanity!
Posted by CherylSue (Member # 13077) on :
Jennifer, there's none that I know of in my vicinity, but thanks for the suggestion. Anxiety and depression seem to be a common theme in this disease. I hope once it's under control, I will feel differently.
Posted by tricia386 (Member # 29623) on :
Cheryl- Walking causes Myco to relapse?
Posted by lymielauren28 (Member # 13742) on :
I'm in a relapse as well and it has involved a lot of mental/emotional stuff. I can't stop crying either. I have cried on and off (mostly on) for almost a week now. Over nothing. My poor eyeballs feel like they're about to fall out of my head:) Hang in there and know you're not alone...
Posted by CherylSue (Member # 13077) on :
Dr. B. says that mycoplasma is the chronic fatigue germ, and I seem to recall my LLMD saying that. Exertion makes it worse.
Gee, this spring I was taking nightly walks with hubby around the neighborhood. By April, I was toast. Boy, was I sorry I pushed myself, but my CD57 was 125 then. I guess I still had coinfection issues.
Lauren, I know exactly how you feel. Hugs to all who are going through this....the gloomy weather here isn't helping either.
I'm stepping up the 5HTP hoping that will help with mood.
Catgirl, how's your vertigo? Did it die down? Hope you are feeling better.
Posted by ktkdommer (Member # 29020) on :
What about trying SAM-E. It is all natural and sold at Cosco and Rite Aid. I actually purchase for my son through Swanson's online. He takes 400 mgs once a day on an empty stomach. His doc recommended lithium oratate when we were there on Friday. He is already on Effexor but I think the weather change is bringing out the blah.
It has been a long road for you that is for sure. I hope things get better for you soon.
I have had to limit my "Lyme" time per day or I go overboard. I need to have a better balance in my life that is healthy.
Posted by Tammy N. (Member # 26835) on :
CherylSue, I completely know how you feel. It's such a sad and difficult place to be. My heart goes out to you. I am having a particularly difficult time myself..... just got much worse since starting Alinia yesterday (OMG). So hard to be me right now.
You are not alone. You are safe here. It's such a big help, isn't it? having a place like this to come and share, and where we really "get" each other. Sending positive thoughts your way.
My best, Tammy
Posted by nonna05 (Member # 33557) on :
I feel for you and am sorry you are going through this... But when it has you so tired, or sick, or in pain , or feeling like being in a ball /fetal position in a dim room,,,,ALL THE TIME ,.How do you have a no Lyme moment, except for husband taking me to doctors ,I've been in the house since mid-Aug. Talk about crying....
Is this something you've been able to work through or have you always been able to get out and about???
Are you on treatments that let you function or you've just have been blessed with having been able to fight this???
Is this your first time on this med?/ I hate to sound out there..BUT It's at /close full moon and I can usually tell because of how my emotion's are. Then look outside and say oh ya>
I know goofy but it happens.. Lot's of times when I feel weepy, often, I'll ask for just something warm/hot to drink. It settles me down a bit. Nonna
Posted by Fuel1212 (Member # 29312) on :
CherylSue - Did you have these feelings before 5HTP?
Also, I would highly recommend Lithium Orotate. This really takes the edge off and changes your mood.
Your Dr. has this in his office and it goes a long way...
Also, not sure if this matters but, Biaxin gave me major anxiety as well as other weird symptoms.
Prayers for you Fuel
Posted by Kudzuslipper (Member # 31915) on :
Just a hug Cherylsue. ((((((Cherylsue))))))
Posted by kelmo (Member # 8797) on :
You are not alone, obviously. I find it can either be hormonal, medical (reaction to a medication), or simply toxins on the brain that need to come out by way of tears.
Posted by searching4truth (Member # 28481) on :
CherylSue, I apologize for not reading the entire thread, it is late and I am tired, but want to respond to your post. It sounds to me like you are herxing. The flu like symptoms and uncontrollable crying are my tell tale signs of a herx for me. And the fact that it is 3 weeks since you started a new antibiotic. What are you doing for detoxing? Feel free to pm me if you need ideas on how to detox. I am not sure how long you have been treating, so please don't be offended if you already know this.
Posted by Marcie (Member # 10070) on :
So sorry you are having a hard time. I had trouble with Biaxin too when I first started. Keep detoxing and see if that works.
I have this symptom too when I am really bad. It is so horrible becasue you feel so helpless.
Prayers that you will feel better soon.
Posted by DanielleMC (Member # 22997) on :
You most certainly are not alone... I feel the same way, daily. Hope you feel better.
Posted by CherylSue (Member # 13077) on :
Thanks, gals, for your well wishes. I'm back to work today. The mornings are always rough. Feeling a little better this afternoon.
I suspect it's the biaxin, disease, herxing, and emotional struggles that I'm facing. Feeling flulike and tired just makes everything worse.
Your support and encouragement means a lot to me. I hope we all feel better soon, very soon!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[hi]](graemlins/hi.gif)
Nonna