seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
I'm curious how many of you that have beat TBIs (i.e., remission, cure, whatever) went back to w a full-time job at a high level of functioning?
I guess if you didn't work before you got sick, it doesn't apply. I realize this is a question which can't be completely answered if healthy people left LN.
Basically, I'm wondering how many could beat this disease when you toss on the big stressors as main income earner, high-paced career. Did you have to give this up to 'win' the battle?
I just don't see much to any of this story here and it concerns me. It seems like the ones who do get better have many, many resources at their disposal in terms of treatment options / finances. It's an interesting topio.
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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Keep hope. Hold on to it. The dream is still possible. What matters most is how you can achieve your goals. In your case, what has to happen? Each patient's case is unique.
Yes, many get better with treatment and get back to work and meaningful lives. Some have to alter their ideas of what all that means.
Remember that many here did not get treatment right away - or at all. Many here have to figure it all out for themselves due to lack of LLMDs and LL NDs around the country/world.
The successful folks are out having life. GiGi is just one example of success, even with a brand new book just released.
Scott, too . . . see the Success Stories in General. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
GiGi wrote a book? Wow. What's the title?
Yes, I agree when you catch this is the huge issue. It's so sad all docs can't be more observant/willing.
I thought Scott never stopped working if I read his story right. I guess my topic relates to people disabled enough to have to stop functioning/working and then recover back to where they were pre-Lyme.
There's another issue such as do you need to be on 10,000 maintenance supplements to stay afloat, but hey I'd be happy to eat horse #### daily if my symptoms went bye-bye. lol.
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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posted
lol Seek. Me too. I was telling my mom last night all of the things I would give up to not live in pain and to be a functioning 28 year old young single mother. While I was not working the moment I got sick (was a stay at home mom to a toddler), I remember what I felt like when I was working (military) and it sure didn't feel like this and there is NO WAY I can work right now (alimony will run out early next year).
I was also wondering how many of us work and what kind of symptoms they still live with. I could be able to work with some of the symptoms and some are so mind blowing painful, that I know I couldn't handle working.
I didn't know GiGi wrote a book? I would also like to know the title.
-------------------- ---Beautiful Disaster--- IgeneX WB: IgM: 18+, 31+, 41+, 58+, IgG: 31++, 39 IND, 41++, 31kda Epitope Test: Positive Labcorp: IgM: 23+, 41+ No LLMD due to money since Sept 2008. Was on Doxy, I.V. Rocephin (30 days), Flagyl. Also dx with Bartonella. Posts: 139 | From United States, East Coast-ish | Registered: Aug 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
ping
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6974
posted
quote:Originally posted by Keebler: -The successful folks are out having life. GiGi is just one example of success, even with a brand new book just released.
Are you sure the same person on this site wrote this book?
To seekhelp - I worked for the full 7 years that I was in tx with abx, Mepron, etc. for Lyme & co-infecs. It wasn't easy, terribly difficult at times, but I've made it through (so far). I had to back off the abx and restart a few times and I didn't get drawn into taking all the various supplements; which I attribute to some of the success of my remission. As for the "pre-Lyme" stance, forget it. No one who has experienced Lyme will ever be the same; the experience changes you forever. Not only that, you can't turn back the hands of time, so "pre-Lyme" is non-existent. The fact is, you're older.
Please don't buy into the "anti-abx" position. Yes, they can create problems of their own, but those problems can be resolved. If people don't want to take the abx route, that's their business, but abx have truly proven themselves as wonder drugs for me and many people on this site, who would be dead or completely unrecoverable without them.
ping "We are more than containers for Lyme"
-------------------- ping "We are more than containers for Lyme" Posts: 1302 | From Back in TX again | Registered: Mar 2005
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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ping,
Good catch. Thanks. No, it is not the same person. I made an assumption, oh, my!
Ping has some great points about the power of abx. How many of us here never got the medicine we needed? Still don't?
Yes, there are some dangers with abx, however, Burrascano and other have done an excellent job in identifying major supplements that will help to avoid some of the dangers (i.e. with liver protection, etc.) . . .
And there are also other ways to work with and around this.
This is a multi-faceted approach. It's very intricate and - yes - complicated. But focus and stay the course. Others have gotten better. It is possible. It happens.
ping
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6974
posted
LOL! No "catch" to it, Keebler. When I read the excerpt, I just had to question it. Thanks!
ping "We are more than containers for Lyme"
-------------------- ping "We are more than containers for Lyme" Posts: 1302 | From Back in TX again | Registered: Mar 2005
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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Even if the GiGi here did not author a book, she has achieved a nice level of success over lyme - with great research and many methods.
And the GiGi who authored the book appears not to have dealt with lyme but seems to interview those who have made some strides against it.
Whatever path we have before us, whatever bank account, we have to be careful not to let fear and defeat kidnap us. We may have to adjust our expectations - for now - and muddle through a lot but it is possible to get better. Yes, others have done that.
And for those who had to quit working, well, this ain't no walk in the park. Getting well is hardest job I've ever had. Each of us has to do whatever we have to do. Work or not - please don't give up on again being healthy.
AliG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9734
posted
Seek- I think you're going to have a tough time getting answers to this here. Generally people who return to work & their former lives only seem to check back in periodically.
I've seen people leave for that reason during the time I've been active here. If you're here for a while, you'll see it happen too.
Stop looking for ways to depress yourself. That won't get you well.
I've gone through the same panicky fears myself over the course of time and managed to work it out in my head.
How's this for something to look to for inspiration? There are PHYSICIANS out there who've dealt with these diseases personally & are now maintaining active practices and treating patients on a daily basis. They're working again.
When last I saw him, Dr.B looked/sounded pretty functional to me.
Does that help you at all?
-------------------- Note: I'm NOT a medical professional. The information I share is from my own personal research and experience. Please do not construe anything I share as medical advice, which should only be obtained from a licensed medical practitioner. Posts: 4881 | From Middlesex County, NJ | Registered: Jul 2006
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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Dr. Martz, too, recovered and went back to work (before he retired to write).
This report summarizes what we believe to be the first verifiable case of a significant and progressive motor neuron disease (MND) consistent with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis that resolved during treatment with i.v. ceftriaxone plus oral atovaquone and mefloquine.
The rationale for use of these antibiotics was (i) positive testing for Borrelia burgdorferi and (ii) red blood cell ring forms consistent with Babesia species infection. The patient has continued to be free of MND signs and symptoms for 15 months, although some symptoms consistent with disseminated Borreliosis remain.
-======
Google: ``Dream Doctor'' ALS, MARTZ for full interview/article with Dr. Martz
Life is different once you have TBD. You may find new opportunities that you never even thought were possible.
Like the park ranger from Under our skin. He is now an author. Does that make him any less succesful than his previous career? Not in my opinion. Please do not define "success" as what you "used" to be.
There is a huge world of opportunity out there, and Lyme may just lead you to one you never even dreamed of. Don't put your self into a box.
All may be revealed to you one day when you least expect it.
Wizard
Posts: 252 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2003
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ping
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6974
posted
quote:Originally posted by WIZARD: Seek,
Life is different once you have TBD. You may find new opportunities that you never even thought were possible.
Like the park ranger from Under our skin. He is now an author. Does that make him any less succesful than his previous career? Not in my opinion. Please do not define "success" as what you "used" to be.
There is a huge world of opportunity out there, and Lyme may just lead you to one you never even dreamed of. Don't put your self into a box.
All may be revealed to you one day when you least expect it.
Wizard
Yep.
-------------------- ping "We are more than containers for Lyme" Posts: 1302 | From Back in TX again | Registered: Mar 2005
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I did not work full time (aside from taking care of my family, and yes I have six kids), but I was very active. I'm now getting back into an active roll.
I am training to be a pilates instructor, I'm chaperoning almost every event during the marching band season (this is a lot), I'm making meals from scratch, I'm making fermented foods, etc. I'm up and functional all day without needing rests or naps anymore than the "normal" person.
I would think twice about getting back into a highly stressful job because stress can bring lyme back out, but I think it's reasonable to expect to be fully functional .... I don't think you will have to settle for partially sick.
I am not taking a ton of stuff, just Depyrrol in the morning, iron at lunch, oil of evening primrose and magnesium at dinner. I sometimes add cleanses to that. I use the Bionic once per month.
Keep fighting. I never dreamt that full remission was possible, but it is.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
I don't know that you can get a reasonable response to your question here since the folks who have recovered enough to be that busy probably don't check this board often.
Posts: 727 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2006
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beths
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18864
posted
I went back to work after 2 years off-I work part time, but am very busy with 2 kids, keeping a home etc. I only worked part time before. Big difference is I now make time for exercise everyday, I'm still on meds (pulsing). Most days I feel pretty good. I was happy last week to be sick from something as "normal" as a cold!
Posts: 1276 | From maryland | Registered: Jan 2009
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cactus
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7347
posted
Many of our LL docs have recovered and work full-time. That's often why they are driven to learn more about treatment for TBDs.
Most of them work more than full-time, and I would say they work under stressful conditions.
Dr B is one of them. My own LLMD is another. And there are many more.
Personally - I'm not back to that level yet but still hopeful.
-------------------- �Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?� - A.A. Milne Posts: 1987 | From No. VA | Registered: May 2005
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posted
It can be done. I am back to work full-time at a very intese job that I LOVE. And that's after literally laying on the couch for 18 months unable to work, drive or parent.
The only thing is: I am petrified of relapse, just discontinued treatment and now I'm on PRENESONE for a severe drop in platelet count that could be lyme treatment related- I was on a ceftin/zithro combo.
SO, I have to be oh so careful including rest, rest, rest, eat the right foods and not stray off the healthy path AT ALL. For example, I had 2 glasses of wine a few months ago and it caused a 5 day hangover.
On the other hand, I am really working, my brain is working terrific, memory, concentration all good. And, after staring at the wall and thinking I might never work again, every day at work is FUN, a pleasure, enjoyable.
My treatment was 1 year orals, 10 weeks IV, 1 year oral with rife, detox, detox, detox. I'm not in the success category yet, because I have this other blood/platelet health issue but . . .
Posts: 524 | From Hudson Valley, NY | Registered: Jul 2007
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I switched to part time in Dec, 'round the time of my dx and start of treatment.
I was awful for months leading up to this change, sneaking in late and out early, using my leave up as fast as I earned it, etc.
I'm still officially part time, but I am starting to work longer hours to see if I can handle it. I hope to make the official return soon, maybe even in Oct.
I'm still symptomatic and in treatment, and wouldn't consider stopping at this point. But the worst of the fatigue and fog (those being the two that made work so difficult for me) started to greatly improve in August.
Knock on wood for me, and don't give up for you!
Posts: 455 | From Was in PA, then MD, now in the Midwest | Registered: Nov 2008
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