Lyme rage: the explosive symptom that can destroy relationships by Fred Diamond
"We often focus on the physical symptoms of Lyme disease such as joint pain, neuropathy, and fatigue. But there’s another symptom that hides in the shadows, misunderstood even by some healthcare professionals: Lyme rage.
This intense, sometimes explosive emotional reaction can alienate friends, damage families, and leave survivors questioning who they are."
Fred Diamond is based in Fairfax, Virginia. His popular book,
“Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know”
is available on Amazon.
The e-version (pdf) of the book is always free to Lyme survivors. PM Fred on Facebook or LinkedIn for your copy.
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
I have heard of it but never experienced it.
Maybe others will step forward with their experiences.
Posted by Ann-Ohio (Member # 44364) on :
"Lyme Rage" comes up in this article/video.
This mom passed Lyme on to her children. The article has a long list of what is covered in the interview video.
Encephalopathy causes this. It makes you into someone you don't recognize, and while you know the behavior is not "you", you are virtually helpless to stop it. It is explosive.
You will be horrified and truly remorseful for the behavior, only to be doing it again 5 minutes later. You can only hope to direct the rage toward inanimate objects.
One of my many strategies was to go into the garage and smash glass recyclables on the concrete floor. Sweep. Resist urge to slash wrists with shards. Repeat.
Lyme is an evil disease. I am grateful every day that I am well, and my offer to help anyone who asks is always open.
Posted by aklnwlf (Member # 5960) on :
Phoiph I had really horrid neurolyme and encephalitis. I'd fly into crazy rages and just felt plain crazy.
Ice helped with the encephalitis head pain and was RX'd Diamox from my LLNP for the swelling.
All of my symptoms were neurological and cognitive.
I couldn't read, watch TV, balance my checkbook, I'd get lost driving, etc.
I honestly am surprised I lived. During most of my treatment for Lyme I lived alone, thank God!
It was hell!
Posted by Phoiph (Member # 41238) on :
So glad you made it through that and are doing better, aklnwlf.
I think there is a neurological element with most Lyme, but for some it goes straight to the brain and nervous system.
Do you know what strain of Lyme you have/had? Mine was B.garinii, which is more of a European strain known for neurological manifestations.
I had never even been to Europe at the time, but later learned it has been found on sea birds here in the US.
Posted by grandmother (Member # 19908) on :
I have had it twice and learned to control it. Controlling it is a little like swallowing your tongue but it can be done. I have known other people who had it and I sent one to my LLMD. It can be controlled but it's not easy. I have known people who gave it to God or gave it to the air... Whatever works for you.
Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :
Not surprising because the bacteria do cross the blood-brain barrier!