Over the years, I've heard so many people asking, is there any hope of full recovery from chronic Lyme?
It is to those people that I write this. At about this date in the year 2000, I woke up one morning in Maryland with a deer tick embedded in my thigh. I developed an EM rash around the bite, but was denied antibiotics by the doctor I consulted.
In May 2001, I had become so sick I could hardly get out of bed for at least half the days of each month.
By May 2002, I was several months into treatment for Lyme with oral and IV antibiotics. My herxes were so severe, the herxes nearly killed me a couple of times.
I required treatment for Lyme and coinfections for years. I suffered from many neurological symptoms, endured several bouts of encephalitis and meningitis, had severe fatigue and joint pain, experienced pituitary malfunctions, and cardiac problems. My LLMD stated several times that I was probably in the category of people who would require maintenance antibiotics for the rest of my life just to survive.
This May, I am now off of antibiotics and all other treatments for four years. AND, I just graduated from nursing school, with honors.
Chronic Lyme can be beat!!!! Don't ever give up.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
WOW!!!! Congratulations on the graduation and on beating LYME!!!!
I needed to hear this today, thanks and God bless.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Simply:
WOW. Oh, WOW! So fabulous to hear all this good news.
Off abx for four years now AND "just graduated from nursing school, with honors"
Congratulations to you. Have a fabulous life, now. -
Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
excellent!!!
Posted by Ann-OH (Member # 2020) on :
WOW! That just made my day. I am so proud of you!
Ann - OH
Posted by Dogsandcats (Member # 28544) on :
I am so happy for you and SO proud of you....
What wonderful news!!!
Posted by fatherguido (Member # 25266) on :
Can you tell us how you beat it Maryland Mom?
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Congratulations on getting well and for graduating with honors!!
Thanks for sharing your good news!!
I'm very happy for you!
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Thanks for coming on here and telling us! What a story!
Posted by Lauralyme (Member # 15021) on :
That is FANTASTIC!!
Honors yet! How inspiring!
Posted by lyme in Putnam (Member # 11561) on :
God bless
Posted by triathletelymie (Member # 26456) on :
AWESOME!!!
Great to hear, especially for those of us still deep in the trenches!
Congrats!
Posted by Jane2904 (Member # 15917) on :
Congrats!!!
Thanks for posting. It gives me hope for our daughter.
Posted by Maryland Mom (Member # 2043) on :
Thanks for your well wishes, everyone! I hope my story gives some of you encouragement.
I don't get on this site often anymore since I am well, but I have some close friends who have recently been diagnosed, and that got me thinking about all those who are still in the trenches, looking for hope, looking for the right diagnosis, right doctor, right treatment...
You are ALL in my thoughts and prayers. Don't ever give up!! I hope to read YOUR success stories one day.
P.S. trialthetelymie, I tried to answer your PM, but your mailbox is full.
Posted by Catgirl (Member # 31149) on :
I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy for you! Your story is really inspiring for the rest of us. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by NaNaFer (Member # 27457) on :
I am so excited for you, Congrats in your accomplishments. This lifts my spirits of hope! I have been ill since 2003 diagnosed Aug 2010 only after seeing lyme literate dr. Posted by AuntyLynn (Member # 35938) on :
You are living proof that there IS LIGHT at the end of this tunnel!
Thanks so much for sharing!
May you be blessed, and be a blessing to others, in your new career!
Posted by jlcd1 (Member # 18138) on :
that's so encouraging
thanks for posting and congrats!
Posted by gigimac (Member # 33353) on :
That is awesome! I find this very encouraging. Thank you for sharing this with us.
You are exactly where I aspire to be. I plan on going to nursing school as soon as I am well enough to do so. After everything I have been through I want to get into the medical field.
Thank you again for sharing this and giving us encouragement!!
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
Congratulations! I'm sure your story of hope has inspired many here.
Posted by nonna05 (Member # 33557) on :
So happy for you !!!!!!!!! Posted by Maryland Mom (Member # 2043) on :
Thanks again for all the congratulations!! Studying for NCLEX (state licensing exam) now, and excited about what the future holds.
If only we had a good LLMD near where I now live--I would love to work for one and give back to the people affected by Lyme in that way.
P.S. nonna05, your mailbox is full.
Posted by Tammy N. (Member # 26835) on :
What wonderful news to hear. Some of us feel close to losing hope. It is so uplifting to hear stories like yours. God bless you.
Who was your doc? What treatments were the ones that turned things around for you?
Thanks for taking the time to post.
Posted by Maryland Mom (Member # 2043) on :
I can understand why people may want to know how I got well. I remember all too well how it feels to be too ill to function so much of the time, to feel lost in some hostile, uncharted territory, desperately searching for someone to draw me a map out!
Obviously, what worked for me will not necessarily work for everybody, and I'm sure there are treatments I didn't try that may be quite effective.
That being said...since 2002, I have been treated by 3 different LLMDs. Without giving out names here, I'll just say the first was in Maryland, and after a year he asked me if he could refer my case to a prominent LLMD who was practicing in NY at that time.
I became a patient of the NY LLMD for several years, but after moving further south, I transferred to another prominent LLMD who is now practicing in DC.
I was also under the care of a Lyme literate endocrinologist for several years.
As for the treatments that worked for me: I did many rounds of antibiotic therapy, in various combinations of orals, IV, and IM injections.
I was evaluated repeatedly for coinfections, tested positive and was treated for Ehrlichia and mycloplasma pneumoniae in addition to Lyme. I also did several rounds of Mepron and mefloquine for a Babesia coinfection.
I did mostly pulse therapy in courses of varying lengths depending on the severity of my illness at that time, and the severity of my herxes. I took antibiotic "holidays" at intervals prescribed by my LLMD.
I took a lot of supportive supplements (but only those recommended by my LLMD!), including Mg, multivitamins, CoQ10, fish oil, omega 3 fatty acids, B12 injections, and others as the need arose.
Under the care of my endocrinologist, I started treatment for severe thyroid, adrenal, and growth hormone deficiencies.
I maintained a low carb, high protein diet that included lots of raw veggies and lean meats.
I exercised regularly.
I sought help from my doctor as needed for pain and sleep problems.
And I prayed--a lot!!!
I think that my therapy followed Burrascano's treatment guidelines pretty closely, and for me, it worked. It took about 7 years of treatment before the last of my symptoms finally fell away, and the relapses stopped.
I think the number one most important aspect for me, and for everyone is a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Keep a sense of humor, and celebrate the victories each day, no matter how small!
I hope this helps a little! Posted by kimmie (Member # 25547) on :
You are wonderful to share the good news on your recovery. Congratulations on beating lyme and obtaining your nursing degree. Nursing school is not easy. Good luck on the NCLEX and may the rest of your life be full of happiness and health.
Posted by RZR (Member # 20953) on :
Thank you so much for taking the time to come back here and encourage us!
I have been so discouraged lately and wanting to give up, but you give me hope!
Congrats on the nursing degree!!
Posted by Pony (Member # 32559) on :
This is such an awesome and inspirational story!!!
Thanks for taking the time to come back and tell us about your recovery!
Congratulations!!!
Posted by nonna05 (Member # 33557) on :
Thank You...Sounds like the endocrinologist played a big part in your healing .
Prayer and a good attitude / also...the excersise!
I pray the Lord uses you in a mighty way with your nursing skills... Gods Speed, Nonna
Posted by Rivendell (Member # 19922) on :
Well, there is hope, even after seven years.
Thanks so much for sharing this.
Your patients will be blessed.
Posted by gatorade girl (Member # 24896) on :
Love button!!!!
Posted by Kudzuslipper (Member # 31915) on :
Wow. Thank you for sharing. And congratulations.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
I love it when a plan comes together! Congratulations! Be well and have some fun!
Hugs!
Posted by cozynana (Member # 34270) on :
Thanks for the encouragement. I recently have been depressed hearing about all the people that have not been able to beat this disease. It does my heart good to hear that it is and can be beat. You go girl!
Posted by birdie67 (Member # 35994) on :
I am so happy to hear your great news!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story and give others hope!
Congratulations on your nursing degree, may your future bring you nothing but excellent health and happiness!
Posted by wanthealthback (Member # 34422) on :
Thank you!! As you expressed, I'm in the scared, do i have the right doctor, phase...
I can't thank you enough for sharing. I'm learning to manage. The lessons i need are big.
If you can, please share your doctor's name. I'm in pa and the places you mentioned are reasonable travel distances for my health and budget.
Again, THANK YOU....i will get better.
Posted by jlf2012 (Member # 36002) on :
YAY!!!!!!!!!! So happy for you:)
Posted by chastain (Member # 34236) on :
Congrats! It is always nice to read about success stories on here!
Posted by angelp (Member # 36878) on :
CONGRATS!!!!!
So happy to hear you are doing fabulous...stay that way.
It gives so many people the encouragement to go on and fight till its gone..
Thank you for posting!
God Bless and good health for the future...no more lyme Posted by nonna05 (Member # 33557) on :
Thank you again for coming back and posting ,responding.. You're right we can feel so helpless at times ,even though we are taking everything plus the kitchen sink in..
Time just goes so slow waiting for a sign of wellness and yet a week will go by and I'll still think I just missed a day or two,,.
It's the weirdest thing being held down.....
I just want to take my Happy Camper pill and get on with the show... Hit at 48-49 ish. Waiting ,in my mind to start there and catch=up..Yeah right! Posted by Catgirl (Member # 31149) on :
MarylandMom, thank you so much for sharing all of this (you rock). I needed this today (depressed from an abx I'm on). I am so happy to hear that you made it, and am thrilled that you came back and posted on your success!
quote:Originally posted by Maryland Mom: ...As for the treatments that worked for me: I did many rounds of antibiotic therapy, in various combinations of orals, IV, and IM injections.
I was evaluated repeatedly for coinfections, tested positive and was treated for Ehrlichia and mycloplasma pneumoniae in addition to Lyme. I also did several rounds of Mepron and mefloquine for a Babesia coinfection.
I did mostly pulse therapy in courses of varying lengths depending on the severity of my illness at that time, and the severity of my herxes. I took antibiotic "holidays" at intervals prescribed by my LLMD.
I took a lot of supportive supplements (but only those recommended by my LLMD!), including Mg, multivitamins, CoQ10, fish oil, omega 3 fatty acids, B12 injections, and others as the need arose.
Under the care of my endocrinologist, I started treatment for severe thyroid, adrenal, and growth hormone deficiencies.
I maintained a low carb, high protein diet that included lots of raw veggies and lean meats.
I exercised regularly.
I sought help from my doctor as needed for pain and sleep problems.
And I prayed--a lot!!!
I think that my therapy followed Burrascano's treatment guidelines pretty closely, and for me, it worked. It took about 7 years of treatment before the last of my symptoms finally fell away, and the relapses stopped.
I think the number one most important aspect for me, and for everyone is a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Keep a sense of humor, and celebrate the victories each day, no matter how small!
I hope this helps a little! :)
Posted by Maryland Mom (Member # 2043) on :
I am so glad when I can help and/or encourage some people here!! It breaks my heart to hear of so many people struggling so much. Those of us who have found success of any type in this battle against Lyme all need to pay it forward.
Hopefully, we will all beat this disease eventually!
Posted by Maryland Mom (Member # 2043) on :
Nonna, I PM'ed you earlier today. Hope you're doing okay! Posted by Kudzuslipper (Member # 31915) on :
like, like, like, like, like! Congrats. It is so nice to hear.
Posted by WheelWatcher (Member # 34223) on :
Thank you so much for coming here and sharing your story!
Sometimes it is so hard to find hope.... Stories like yours are very important to hear.
Posted by mlg (Member # 35383) on :
Thank you soo much for sharing!
Congratulations!
And thanks for giving us hope!
Posted by Larae30 (Member # 35220) on :
Thank you for sharing!
Posted by Lo (Member # 987) on :
Many Congratulations to you.
Keep up the good work.
Posted by Bill-c (Member # 37848) on :
Great to hear!!
Posted by fourwinds (Member # 14114) on :
Congratulations! Wonderful news... thank you for sharing that you have recovered!
Posted by Jeff S (Member # 38092) on :
Thanks for some hope !! My daughter was just diagnosed this week after going to the emergency room on sunday with what turned out to be belles palsy. She lives in Baltimore and we are looking for some help and some hope here.. I just joined here last night
Posted by Maryland Mom (Member # 2043) on :
Welcome to Lymenet, Jeff!
I just sent you a PM.
Posted by Lymedin2010 (Member # 34322) on :
Congrats!!!!
I love nurses who have or have had Lyme, they make the best healthcare practitioners.
My sister had Lyme and also graduated Nursing school with honors thereafter.
Continued success and thanks for posting, we all need the encouragement.
[ 07-03-2012, 05:20 AM: Message edited by: Lymedin2010 ]
Posted by CherylSue (Member # 13077) on :
Awesome story! Thanks for coming back and sharing. God bless you!
Posted by philly78 (Member # 31069) on :
I don't know how I missed this thread.
YAY!!! for you. Thanks for sharing.
You're gonna be an AWESOME nurse. Posted by Maryland Mom (Member # 2043) on :
Thanks again, everyone!
I got my license and my official notification that I've passed state boards in the mail today.
I am officially a licensed Registered Nurse! Posted by triathletelymie (Member # 26456) on :
:-)
Woot woot!!!
Posted by Lymedin2010 (Member # 34322) on :
What field will you specialize in? Any interest in the Lyme treatment arena?
If I could change professions I probably would and go into research.
How bad would you say your twitches and tremors were while you were sick? Were they from head to toe? Did you feel like something larger was in your body and squirming or moving around?
Posted by jlf2012 (Member # 36002) on :
Thank you so much Maryland Mom for sharing your deliverance from this hellish disease! I've been so discouraged tonight, but you have given me HOPE to carry on and believe my son and I can get through this. God Bless You!
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