I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease when I was 17 years old. They told me I had been infected 8 years prior to being diagnosed.
I was treated and it was a horrible ordeal. Slowly but surely I've gotten to the point where I can live a normal life.
I have worked and gone to school full time for the last 4 years. I am now 25.
Last spring I noticed that I was having a really hard time studying. For the first time in my college career I was afraid I was going to fail two of my classes.
Then this past summer I worked full time and took a class. Again, I really struggled in school and as the summer went on, my energy was slowly depleted.
By the time this semester started I was exhausted and all I wanted to do was sleep all day. I dropped down to going to school part time.
The fatigue has gotten worse and worse as the months go on. I'm suffering from worsening joint pain, vertigo, nausea, and headaches.
I don't absorb a thing in school. Even going part time, I'm struggling with my course work.
Every time I sit down and try to study, I just burst into tears, because I just can't seem to make any sense out of what I'm looking at on the page.
Even after treatment, I've had some joint pain and fatigue, but it's just gotten so bad. I'm so afraid that I'm relapsing.
I just don't want to go back to where I was those years when I was horribly sick. I want to finish school and live a normal life!
I was treated pretty thoroughly with antibiotics (IV and oral) for about a year and a half. Is it possible that I am relapsing after all these years?
Will I always relapse for the rest of my life? I'm just so scared right now. I don't want a whole life of this.
It's so nice to get on this discussion group and realize I am not alone.
Thanks,
Becky
[ 10-25-2009, 07:07 PM: Message edited by: rafdoodgy ]
Posts: 8 | From Kansas City | Registered: Oct 2009
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Dekrator48
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18239
posted
Becky,
Welcome!...even if this isn't exactly the place you probably wanted to be!
It is possible that you are relapsing.
I'm not sure if you were treated for any coinfections such as babesia, bartonella, ehrlichia etc...but they could be adding to your symptoms.
The faster you find a Lyme literate MD , get an eval, and address your symptoms, the better your chances are of recovering again.
If you do not have a LLMD you can go to the Seeking a Doctor board here and post.
Also, go to the Medical Questions board and post there too....many more people will see your post and reply.
If you have not read Dr B's 2008 treatment guidelines here they are....
You are young and have your whole life ahead of you.
You made it through this once before and you can do it again.
Don't delay...start reading and looking for a LLMD who will follow ILADS guidelines.
You have come to the right place for support.
There are many intelligent, helpful people on these boards.
All the best to you.
-------------------- The fibromyalgia I've had for 32 years was an undiagnosed Lyme symptom.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29:11 Posts: 6076 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Nov 2008
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posted
Yes, make sure you don't have any coinfections. I would say it's very possible you are relapsing...and it's also possible you were bitten again and didn't know it.
Welcome!! So were you seeing DR B in KC?
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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daisyrlb
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15686
posted
I relapsed, and was very discouraged to say the least.
BUT I did get well again and have been symptom free since March this year.
I learned that attitude is so important--it could bring me down, way down or lift me up.
I share my experience under "General Support, Success Stories". My story is near the bottom of page 2. As you read it may you be encouraged.
I am a Lyme Survivor, Thank God!
Posts: 2188 | From Oklahoma | Registered: May 2008
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
Welcome to Lymenet! I'm so glad you found us! You've come to the right place for education and support!
The following is some links that may be helpful to you:
People seeking doctors might be able to get help from their state online information and support group. Nearly 3,400 people belong to state groups. Some of the groups are small but more than 20 of them have 50 or more people and seven have over 100.
The groups are moderated and you have to apply. Most don't allow doctor names, but once on the group, you can ask for doctors in a certain area and ask people to email you privately.
This explains the medical politics around Lyme, and why you need an ILADS-educated or ILADS-member LLMD (and there are also some ILADS-member LL NDs (naturopathic doctors):
ILADS The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) provides a forum for health science professionals to share their wealth of knowledge regarding the management of Lyme and associated diseases. www.ilads.org
They will also send you a ``test kit'' with their required form, all the test vials, & box to ship it in. Be sure to download Igenex's required form. MD, DO, ND, AC, DC are all fine** must sign, date, and show diagnosis code on there why he's ordering the test.
Optional tests include: co-infection panel for your area of country and PCR whole blood
Igenex is pre-pay/out of network for most insurances. If you are on medicare, Igenex will file the paperwork & it's free to you.
Betty's suggested posting guidelines: Many of members have neuro lyme, and it is hard to read long solid block text and be able to comprehend.
For easier reading, please edit your post by clicking the ``paper pencil' icon to right of your user name, which opens up the subject line and body text.
You can break up your longer paragraphs into smaller paragraphs. Please hit ``enter'' key twice after each paragraph, also.
Go to left hand corner and mark box to receive `all replies', and click edit send.
Thank you for posting in a manner that makes it easier for all to read and help others.
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just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
posted
'some' suplements help sxs also. hard part is finding which one helps you and which dont.
Its trial and error for sure!!
Welcome aboard,at least there are a couple choices for your selection in YOUR state.
Welcome aboard!! Stay around and talk with fellow people who CAN relate.
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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