posted
Hi I am new to this board and feel that I need another outlet besides burdening my husband with all my lyme complaints. I have had lyme disease for over 10 years and was just diagnosed a year and a half ago. I am currently taking Tetracycline 1500mg a day and find that my psychological symptoms seem to be getting worse. I have so much anxiety that it is almost impossible for me to leave the house. I have had to reduce my work hours due to the anxiety, fatigue, brain fog and joint pain and this has put a financial burden on my family. I am feeling so stressed out and depressed lately. I wonder if I will ever feel healthy/ normal.
Posts: 14 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Sep 2010
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Dekrator48
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18239
posted
manynaps,
Welcome to lymenet.
There are alot of people here who can help and support you.
Check out all of the different boards.
Are you seeing an ILADS trained LLMD?
I am sorry that you are feeling so stressed and drepressed.
I understand the toll that lyme disease can take on a person and their family.
I have had lyme for 23 years.
I am getting better slowly, so please do not lose hope.
I am saying a prayer for you.
Take a look at last week's God Thought thread...you can find hope there...and then feel free to join us on this week's God Thought thread if you like.
-------------------- 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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daisyrlb
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15686
posted
manynaps,
So sorry for your pain and suffering. I know others who have been EXACTLY where you are and they did get better. Never, ever lose hope!
Just said a prayer for you.
Posts: 2188 | From Oklahoma | Registered: May 2008
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
I also suffer from severe depression and anxiety disorders.
I strongly suggest finding a therapist who specializes in chronic illnesses/pain,
My therapist helps me immensely. I find it is better than meds!
Sometimes herxing can cause an increase in mental symptoms. Sometimes they can be side effects from meds.
who knows if you and I will ever feel healthy and normal again.
But we have no choice but to fight through it. I think it is important to treat the symptoms of Lyme (depression etc) while you treat LYme. SO an antidepressant may help you get through this time. Maybe if fatigue is a problem you could take a med to help with that (like ritalin)You can always stop it in the future when things are better.
I really hope things ease up for you.
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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posted
Hi, and welcome. There are a lot of reasons associated with Lyme disease and coinfections why people feel anxiety and depression. You could be feeling worse right now because the medication is killing the pathogens and there are toxins in your system. It might help to try some detoxing, maybe the detox bath.
If you are like me, the realization of what is involved with treating (and having) Lyme can be cause for anxiety and depression as well. I was pretty upset right after I found out what had been making me sick for so long. What keeps me going is the knowledge that lots of people do get better over time. I have been on antibiotics for a year now and am much better off now than I was a year ago. I still have a long way to go, but I am back in my life. You now know what was wrong and you are starting treatment. That is a huge step.
Have faith that things will get better, and keep reading. There is a lot of wisdom here. If it seems appropriate, maybe at least in the short term, meds for anxiety and depression could maybe help you get through things right now.
Posts: 212 | From San Francisco Bay Area, California | Registered: Aug 2010
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fflutterby
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28081
posted
I am having very bad anxiety. My Dr. suggested I try "Rescue Remedy". I am getting it today. I have heard great things about it and it is reasonably priced.
-------------------- Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength Posts: 1367 | From North Jersey | Registered: Sep 2010
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fflutterby
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28081
posted
it's ok to take Rescue Remedy even if you have to take the ativan. i'm on clonopin for axiety and panic attcks.
I also use RR if needed in between. Don't like taking alot of meds either but sometimes we need them to manage our symptoms.
inow have another new neuropsych diagnosis of ADD to add to the list.
I used to be so healthy before this disease which is chronic now. I had lost hope of getting better but you all are giving me hope that even in the chronic phase ther is treatment.
I will pray you get better!
-------------------- sprite8 Posts: 38 | From MA | Registered: Sep 2010
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long history of depression which is hard to treat.
On meds. helps alot. I also have had lyme for more than 10 years. no one believed me in the early stge."Too young to have artritis, take hot showers, you're sressed, etc."
then came the fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Some dr.s thought I just neede counseling.
Now I have chronic lyme. Funny thing is, I work at a drs. office and none of them believe in chronic lyme.
I was treated a while ago but gave up due to the cost and frustration. Bad choice because now I know it takes years for results sometimes.
Went to fibromyagia clinic in Boston under my NP's advice they didn't believe in chronic lyme either so I stoppe anibiotics as they suggested. Bad mistake. BY then so confused as to what to do. too many people telling me different things.
I am seronegative except for a couple of bands specific to lyme. Some other labs abnormal.
Now I know I need to see a llmd. Just confused as to who. Can,t drive long distances and hard because they don't take insurance. The only one close to me and takes insurance is contoversal.
Don't know if I should just go to him for now so I can get started on antibiotics again and worry about the other issues re: his practice later.
anyway welcome you are not alone!
-------------------- sprite8 Posts: 38 | From MA | Registered: Sep 2010
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posted
Welcome. You have to believe that one day you will feel normal again!!!
It has happened for many people and for those it has not happened for yet, it will. Just keep treating and working with you doctor.
Posts: 581 | From CT | Registered: May 2008
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