I have every symptom of Lyme Disease and although I don't meet CDC requirements, I did have a positive #41 and IND on #39. My CD57 count is 42 and my Vit. D is <7 . I had a sed rate over 100 only to fall to normal 24 hours later with no treatment, so they said it must have been a lab error. As I told you guys, the LLMD I saw gave me the clinical diagnosis, but the Infectious Disease Dr. I saw said, no way, this is possible.
My family thinks all of this is just anxiety and perhaps a psychological disorder. Although, I do admit anxiety is part of the disease, it is only secondary to the disease.
While in the hospital, they sent a Psychiatrist in to talk to me 3 times. Because all of my testing came back negative, my discharge diagnosis was "Chronic Anxiety". I just looked at them and laughed, as I know this is only a symptom of the bigger picture.
When does anxiety cause terrible stiff neck, or terrible body aches and weakness, and memory problems, confusion, a dropping right eye, etc. ?
No matter what I do, I can't get my Husband or Parents to believe me. They trust the Infectious Disease Dr. over the the LLMD I saw, who was an OBGYN with great Lyme training. They love and support me in getting well, but I can tell from their questions that they don't believe in Chronic Lyme Disease or at least that I have it.
I have trouble understanding all of this, so I know it's hard to fathom because you can't see it. I'm so tired of trying to explain myself to everyone. What do you do ? It's hard enough to try and get well without this added stressor.
Shannon
[ 02-06-2009, 09:35 PM: Message edited by: VeryNew2Lyme ]
Posted by bystander (Member # 11893) on :
If you think they are supportive enough to watch the film Under Our Skin, order the DVD.
They'll be able to see other people with lyme suffering, and suffering with not being believed.
Good luck.
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
Order the DVD "Under Our Skin" and let them look at it. That helped my family to really understand the whole picture of Lyme Disease.
Also, you finally have to come to the harsh realization that unless someone walks in your shoes, they will never 100% "get it".
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
What happened to the post that you had previously with the same subject line?
I won't repeat everything I said in that one but aside from the Under Our Skin movie, consider looking at Pamela Weintraub's blog and printing some articles off for them. Also see if they will read her book "Cure Unknown".
Terry
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
You have the same post over in General Support. Why not remove this one in Medical? It really should be in Support.
Posted by ticked-offinNc (Member # 15420) on :
Shannon.
I am so sorry you are going through this. It can really hurt your feelings, and make you feel pretty alone.
Your family wants your illness to be something simple, that can be fixed, something familiar.
Most people know nothing about Lyme.Can you order a copy of Under Our Skin? Then they can SEE what it is like. I believe it will take time for them to understand, and accept. I think it takes a while for it to sink in, for them and us.Its kind of like a grieving process for everyone
Just focus on what you have to do to get well, and because they love you, they will come around. I had my family read some of the posts here, and some of Bettys newbie package.
Everyone here understands, so come here for support. It will get you through.
Trust yourself.Give yourself time.They cant really understand, because they dont have this illness.Thats why this site is so important. I hope that helps Shannon.
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
I agree, how did this happen?
What happened to the post that you had previously with the same subject line?
Thanks,,,,,,
Posted by METALLlC BLUE (Member # 6628) on :
Message me privately, I'll help you take care of them.