posted
I was diagnosed a few months ago, with both Lyme and babs, after over 17 years of mysterious symptoms. Since I was fairly functional, I was doing gentle alternative treatments, such as the salt/c and cat's claw, being afraid to begin heavy-duty antibiotics.
A few weeks ago, my best friend, boyfriend and dear love of many years died very suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart-attack. I was not there at the time. I am still in shock. We both worried so much about my health, we never dreamed that he was the one in terrible danger. We had never quite gotten around to getting married - we thought we had plenty of time. He was a young man.
The shock and stress has sent the Lyme into over-drive. My doctor has insisted that my condition is bad and has started me on Zithromax + Artemisinin. So far, it is making me feel much worse, but to not treat would also be dangerous...
There are so many different abx approaches out there - and if I were not in my present condition - I would research them more carefully - but I simply cannot read just now. My doc is very good - but I think that this board is more up on the newest and latest than any doc can be...
I guess I need advice or even a mentor at this point. I need to know more about the best way and combination of abx to start with. What about ketek? What about IV clindamycin etc.? I know that he would have wanted me to keep fighting and researching not give up, although I am tempted to give up right now.
And of course, being a Lymie, I was very isolated and not very social, lacking the energy for socializing. What a mess. Financially, I will have to go on disability too, as I simply cannot do my job anymore. This has got to be the toughest time I can imagine living through... although I don't want to let myself drown in tragedy either - other people survive worse...
Thanks so much for listening. Any advice/encouragement is greatly appreciated.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I had a friend who went through the same thing recently. She thought she had plently of time to get married and her boyfriend died of a heartattack at work. They were dating for 10 years, and were in no hurry. It has been very difficult for her to deal with. But she is healthy.
You on the other hand, have to really take care of yourself. Your doctor sounds like he knows what hes doing. Zith/mepron or art. is the best way to treat babs. With babs you will have a higher emotional lability and depression. If you are treated properly, you will be able to handle situations better.
If the zith/art is making you herx really bad you can cut back so you don't herx yourself to death. My sister who is on zith/mepron takes a childs doseage, and is doing well with that dosage. Maybe you can ask your doctor if you can start out on a low dose. I do know that with art you have pulse it, (3 days on, 4 days off).
I hope you get through this ok. My prayers are with you. Lisi
posted
Oh BB, that's terrible! What heartache and pain you are going through! I'm SO sorry!
I think zith and art is a very good way to treat babs....just go with that for awhile. When you begin to plateau, your dr can try something else. You may be able to clear the babs completely and won't have to worry about changing meds!
Hang in there sweetie....and come here more often now, so we can support you.
Hugs from your friends!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
Prior to diagnosis, I had a similiar thing happen to me (while in college). I had never been symptomatic for anything "chronic"; however following the sudden death of my boyfriend, is when I began seeing increased illness and strange symptoms!
From that day until my diagnosis, was 17 years.
I hope you resume making lyme progress and that you find a way to deal w/ your loss and grief. My heart goes out to you.
I'm w/ Lymetoo - I think your doc has given you a good combo to start with - the key is patience.
Sherry
-------------------- Posts: 704 | From Huntsville, Texas | Registered: Oct 2000
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dontlikeliver
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4749
posted
I'm sorry about your loss Posts: 2824 | From The Back of Beyond | Registered: Oct 2003
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
BB,
My heartfelt sympathies go to you on your unexpected loss@! I'll keep you in my thoughts/prayers. Take it an hour at a time.
I'm so sorry! Don't know you but do know your struggles. Be very kind to yourself now, that's my best advice. I'm too new to have any real medical advice but e-mail any time as I'm no stranger to loss. You are in my prayers.
Posts: 460 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2005
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
posted
Dear BB: I am so sorry about the death of your boyfriend. I'm glad that you had the time together that you did.
Carol
Posts: 6947 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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hiker53
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 6046
posted
I cannot begin to imagine your pain and I will pray for strength for you. Hiker
-------------------- Hiker53
"God is light. In Him there is no darkness." 1John 1:5 Posts: 8890 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004
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Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
I'm so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
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posted
Thank you so much, Lisi, Lymetoo, Sherry, Liver, Betty, Chronic, Carol, Hiker and Andie, and everyone else who's out there.
Your support is sooo helpful in the face of such a difficult time. So glad this board is here. (And yes, I will be around more often).
I will stick with my zith/art combo for now - I'm glad its the right thing to start with. I will have a million more questions as things continue - and hope that if I feel better I can help to answer some, as well.
dmc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5102
posted
I am so sorry you are in such heartbreak and sorrow. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Posts: 2675 | From ct, usa | Registered: Jan 2004
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posted
Words just can't express how sorry I am that you have lost such a special person in your life. It's traumatic anytime, but especially when the loss is so sudden.
Will pray that you receive the support and comfort you need at this difficult time in your life.
We're here for you and will help in any way that we can.
Posts: 4638 | From South Carolina | Registered: Mar 2001
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Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
Oh Dear Borrelia Brain,
The shock and loss you must be feeling. I am so sorry.
Nine years ago I was an EMT with a local fire department and was at my regular job when my beeper went off and it was a call for a man down at the local mine. I knew in an instant it was my boyfriend, and I knew in the same instant that he was dead. It was a freakish accident, water pump malfunction in one of the mine shafts, bad wiring, electrocution. I do not know how I survived the next weeks, months, but for help from friends, family, carrying me, helping me with my baby, helping me put one foot in front of the other. He was 41.
Keep putting one foot in front of the other and lean hard on those who love you and let them help you.
Including us, of course.
Love,
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
BB; Sorry about the loss; was on Ketek and it caused liver problems. I liked it , however, I like my liver a lot better. You are in our prayers.
Posts: 560 | From PA | Registered: Apr 2001
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