I just want to start out by saying that I am in awe of so many of you. How strong you are as you face this horrible disease, how kind and caring you are sharing your experience, advice, and information with others. I have the utmost respect for you.
I do not have Lyme Disease, but my boyfriend does. He's been sick for approximately a year and a half. I didn't know much about Lyme when I first met him, but I've been studying up since then and every day I feel I learn more and more horrific details about the disease, the lack of insurance coverage, lack of awareness, etc.
My boyfriend went on IV Rocephin for 6 months at the end of last year (I met him while he still had the PICC Line in), came off in January and just recently relapsed and was put back on IV (we do not know how long this next round will last.).
I'm writing because I want to know if any of you have insight into what I can do to help support him. He had to move back in with his parents when he got sick, but luckily, he has a great support system there. Anxiety has been a big issue for him and while he takes anti-anxiety meds as needed, it doesn't always help. I feel that there HAS to be something more I can do to help!
I just thought some of you may have loved ones who have stepped up for you. I wanted to see what they have done to make you smile or feel a little better - even for a moment.
I'm definitely making sure to listen to him, visit whenever he's up for it, etc. But I worry about him getting depressed.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
Sarah Posts: 2 | From Northeast US | Registered: Apr 2012
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- How sweet you are to write that note. I don't have energy to reply other than to mention that
anxiety is most often due to toxicity issue - the borrelia spirochete is very toxic and
liver issues are common for those with lyme so liver support is vital.
The best help for anxiety caused by lyme:
INFECTIONS MUST BE TREATED and also assessment for other TBD (tick borne infections). Bartonella is just one that can cause anxiety and mood shifts.
Be sure to have an ILADS-educated Lyme Literate doctor
Good support supplements, exceptional foods (and avoid fake foods), and good self-care habits.
Anxiety can be a magnesium deficiency, common with lyme.
Top supplements to calm anxiety:
MAGNESIUM - a good quality, from a good source.
FISH OIL (OmegaBrite)
HOLY BASIL (Tulsi)
B-5
ADRENAL SUPPORT -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Adrenal support will help decrease anxiety: ----------
posted
How kind of you to come here and ask. I'm sure he appreciates your support.
First of all, I've seen a lot of people's health turn around with the right kind of treatment for them, including IV treatment,
so I'd say patience and a realistic right to be hopeful for a healthier future, that it is possible to feel better, and that we have to weather out the getting-there process.
Second, as a Lyme patient who didn't know I was a Lyme patient, I found many ways I needed to alter my life.
I think it's important that someone who's ill have an opportunity to still have pleasure in the ways that we can, for some quality of life.
So my opinion is, any way that you can support him in participating in things he enjoys doing is "good medicine" and will help combat depression.
And to know his capacity to be present may fluctuate, based on how he's feeling. It takes a lot of flexibility for ill people to manage, and for those who are with them.
Gotta run, but those are my comments for now.
Thx for being here -
PS Just saw we are responding at the time, Keebler - thx for all the help you offer here!
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- (thanks, Robin)
Sarah,
Sharing health information may or may be something he'd want from you but just ask if he'd like that - and discuss the range of involvement in what areas would work for both of you.
Also know that whatever you learn for him, you are also learning for yourself and all others you know. Lyme is something everyone needs to learn about.
As Robin says, the most important thing is proper care for the infection(s). While supporting the body & spirit.
For other things? Just like with any relationship:
Share funny movies, cartoons, the best places to go with little stimuli, stuff OTHER than medical stuff while being aware of what may or may not work (especially if the senses are stressed as is common with lyme).
If he has hyperacusis, you might find musical selections that work for him. That's a very hard job, actually. For instance, if percussion, deep bass or surprise shifts are out, it narrows the choices -- but there are still options.
Just ASKING, talking (and knowing when he needs quiet). A simple question, a kind look, a tender touch - all hold so much power and love.
We can also be together and not have to talk, watch TV, etc. Nature and art are nice to have around us as we just appreciate the moment and being with each other.
Believe it or not, this time may prove to be a very valuable experience as you both come to appreciate what matters most. Still, I hope he sees improvement soon, followed by a solid remission.
Take care, now. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Should we mention that many LLMDs now believe we can pass this disease to our partners via intimacy activities?
Not sure if you've read that in your research, but there is cause for concern in my opinion.
Posts: 331 | From West Coast | Registered: Jan 2012
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