posted
This may seem like a topic for General Support, but I am actually trying to explain to my boyfriend why I cannot STAND talking on the phone. Physically, medically, neurologically, etc....I simply can't stand answering the phone.
This is a relatively new thing for me (a few years) because most of my life I was ALWAYS on the phone, perhaps even addicted to talking! I had lyme for all those years, undiagnosed. But only the past two years or so has the phone become something I can't stand using.
I can text, but as far as talking , I get so stressed out when I have to make a call or answer one. My heart starts racing, I start to get anxious, the heat from the phone (especially the cell) on my head and hand makes me nuts, I ALWAYS have to have people repeat things, even though there is nothing wrong with my hearing, if there is any distraction (and there always is, as I have four kids), then I totally freak out and tell the person I have to go.
I cannot tolerate listening to someone on the phone if there is any background noise; I get frazzled and frustrated.
I know it's lyme related. I just want to be able to explain HOW or WHY.
My mood can go from relaxed to completely stressed out and angry just from talking on the phone. I try to make conversations on the phone very short, but sometimes this offends people (my mother, for one, takes it personally that I don't like to talk on the phone).
Any other weirdos like me?
I appreciate any feedback. CB
Posts: 114 | From NY | Registered: Jul 2011
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Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
You're not wierd, it's the darn Lyme/coinfections!!!
Yes, I have the same problem with the phone - can't remember anything said by me or the other party on the phone. Can't stand holding the phone by my head. I do a lot better if I can use a hands-free headset, but even still I hate talking on the phone.
I will postpone or do anything I can to avoid making a phone call if I can. Anxiety isn't the biggest part of my problem, I just simply hate being on the phone.
And I can't hear or process what's said on the phone very well either. So if the other person has any sort of accent, forget it. I can't understand them.
This whole thing with phones has gotten worse with time for me. About 15-20 years ago, talking on the phone was not a problem (I did have Lyme at this time, but it just didn't have as much of an impact on me at that point). But since my Lyme symptoms have gotten more severe, this problem has also become more difficult. I much prefer texting or email.
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4166 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
I have the same thing. I have a harder time understanding what people are saying on the phone. It is exhausting.
Posts: 87 | From NorCal | Registered: Feb 2008
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karenl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17753
posted
You have to use a corded phone, no cells and only use a good phone with powerful speakerphone.
Posts: 1834 | From US | Registered: Oct 2008
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Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
For me, it doesn't matter if I am on a cell or land-line, with or without a cord. I do fine on the computer, I can play games on my phone without problems, I do fine if I can SEE the other person I'm talking with.
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4166 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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glm1111
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 16556
posted
I had this when I first collapsed back in 83. I would become completely exhausted when on the phone.
Sometimes, I just couldn't talk to anyone in person as I would become completely exhausted.
Looking back, I think it was a combo of the infections and severe adrenal exhaustion. Pantothentic acid (b-5) later helped me with adrenal fatigue as well as the salt/c protocol.
The adrenals need salt(sea salt) for support, and also vitamin C supports the adrenals. The salt also helps kill the infections.
Gael
-------------------- PARASITES/WORMS ARE NOW RECOGNIZED AS THE NUMBER 1 CO-INFECTION IN LYME DISEASE BY ILADS* Posts: 6418 | From philadelphia pa | Registered: Jul 2008
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
This is an interesting thread.
I always start feeling sick after 15 minutes on the phone, but this has happened even before I ever got Lyme. I start shaking from the inside and feel malaise. It almost feels exactly like a hypoglycemic reaction, but my blood-sugars are always normal.
I'm positive that mine isn't from any kind of psychological problem, because it happens when I'm talking with people whom I'm super comfortable with.
For me, this happens both on cell phones and on standard cordless phones. I don't know if it would happen on wired phones, because I've never used a wired phone for more than a few minutes.
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lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
Look up EMF sickness. You can get it from cell phones, cordless phones, and tons of other things we have hanging around our homes.
-------------------- Julie _ _ ___ _ _ lymeinhell
Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
For me it was definitely not EMF problems causing the inability to talk on the phone. Even if I was on the corded land line I could not talk on the phone.
I had trouble enough talking to someone in person, I really just couldn't handle the phone.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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17hens
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23747
posted
As my adrenals healed, this problem completely went away for me.
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
I screen all of my calls. I've even found recently that just my own talking irritates me. I think it has something to do with the vibrations of the vocal chords or something. I can't stand to talk for a long time and I even had to turn over the reading outloud to my daughter because I can't stand to talk for lengthy periods of time. It gets worse and better periodically, so I'm thinking it's Lyme related. Should be interesting to see if that goes away during treatment or not.
-------------------- IgM: [18++,31+++,34++,41++,83-93+] [39 IND] IgG: [41 IND] Positive according to IGeneX. Negative according to CDC. Negative for co-infections. Currently treating for Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia Posts: 225 | From Minnesota | Registered: May 2011
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
I can't do the phone thing either. BEside the brain thing....my arms are weak so IF I am able to be on the phone I use a headset and try and call when I can leave a msg.
I have a TTY on loan but that part of the brain that figures out how to get it working has nto worked either.
I had a short term TTY that I was able to get working.
It helped. But, I learned I still need to limit conversations.
As far as explaining why....sorry....no help there..it just is.
I have pretty much given up explaining to people why this or that doesn't work or I struggle so.
Too exhausting with little to no results.
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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lymeladyinNY
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10235
posted
I hate the phone, too. I hope my sisters don't get too mad at me for not answering the phone so often. I'm sure they've guessed by now that I screen my calls.
My one sister - I love her to death - but she talks on and on about her own (very serious) health problems. I try to give advice but she doesn't listen at all. I get so, so exhausted when I talk to her.
Another sister has the annoying habit of talking to her family while on the phone with me. I just hate that!
I also have a friend with bipolar disorder. She doesn't stop for a breath and will go on and on, at times for 2 hours!
I love all of these people dearly, but talking on the phone with them is a test of will, patience, and endurance. It's just too much for me!
-------------------- I want to be free Posts: 1170 | From Endicott, NY | Registered: Sep 2006
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Brussels
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13480
posted
Eletromagnetic sensitivity. Most people are, but we don't get clear symptoms when we are healthy!
Avoid cordless phones, avoid being too long in front of a computer...
Posts: 6199 | From Brussels | Registered: Oct 2007
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posted
Ooooh, I wish I could avoid being too long in front of my computer. Heck, I have 4 computers in my cube here at work - the main one I use has 2 monitors and one of the two has an audible tone to it.
-------------------- IgM: [18++,31+++,34++,41++,83-93+] [39 IND] IgG: [41 IND] Positive according to IGeneX. Negative according to CDC. Negative for co-infections. Currently treating for Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia Posts: 225 | From Minnesota | Registered: May 2011
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