I doing some research for a book I am writing ( I also suffer from Lyme) and am taking a poll.
What is your profession and age (if possible) and how long have you been ill?
Any journalists or media professionals out there?
Thanks!
Chris
Posted by cantgiveupyet (Member # 8165) on :
I'm 30 years old and Im a corporate accountant
I was bit in 2000 that i know of because I had to remove the tick from my stomach. I was sick soon after with a sore throat that lasted months....and then the big one hit in May of 2005...I havent been well since May13th.
Posted by Andie333 (Member # 7370) on :
Chris, I had undx Lyme for 9 years and have been on abx now since June. My body gave out completely last February.
Most of my professional life, I was a journalist with bylines in about a half dozen national publications. I can no longer work on that level and haven't been able to for several years. Recently, I've been working with kids, which is something I love.
I swear I'm going to beat this thing!
Andie
[ 13. February 2006, 12:10 AM: Message edited by: Andie333 ]
Posted by Nal (Member # 6801) on :
Im a stay at home mom to 3 girls-youngest is 2. I was sick for 5 years before being diagnosed this past April. Im only 33 and feel like I am 92 most days.
Nancy
Posted by AlisonP (Member # 7771) on :
Hi,
I did some print journalism and worked briefly for CNN, but at the end I was an executive assistant.
Cheers,
Alison
Posted by bugabooboo (Member # 7383) on :
I'm an RN.
I worked in a large clinic until just over a year ago....surrounded by Dr.'s.
Went to several of them over 3 year time period.
Finally diagnosed myself when I found Dr. Burrascano's guidelines on the web.
Found my Dr. on this site.
In treatment 15 months. Lyme Disease 4 1/2 years.
Bug
Posted by yikes44 (Member # 8148) on :
I'm 21 and a student (barely ;P).
Had Lyme undiagnosed for 17 years or so. Tomorrow will make 2 weeks of treatment for me.
Posted by groovy2 (Member # 6304) on :
Hi Chris
I work in the TV production and indy movie industry--
I got bit in 1986 in Austin-- Big Lyme Bullseye on leg-
I went from a young man in good health to feeling like I was 80 in about 3 months--
Around 10 years ago my health was so bad that I had to make a career change to one I could do that was not physicaly hard and that I could sit down alot--
I always thought I would like to make movies so I figured I would give it a try---
I read a lot of books and I started working for indy movie productions
I bought a good editing system and spent many hours learning how to edit video ---
Over the last 4 years my health went down hill so much I could not work as camera man any more--
I am really lucky I learned to edit because I have been able to work from home mostly now-
I figured out I have Lyme about 3 years ago by seeing a TV show on Lyme-- I had been to many doctors who did not have a clue-- They should have tho --
I did more research and found Lymenet-- Then I found a LLMD -- I was very Lucky-
The people on Lymenet saved my life-
Over the last year my health has gotten so much better I have been able to think about producing a 10 minute short soon--I am excited --
You can get better I have --Jay--
Posted by mylyme2006 (Member # 8459) on :
blood bank tech (currently not working due to memory problems), age 45, 2 kids, hubby, 3 cats---feel like I'm 90.
Posted by ticked in ri (Member # 7736) on :
I'm an accountant in a managerial position. I don't know when I was infected. Started with strange symptoms in Sept 04 and started abx 11 months later in Aug 05. Now in treatment for about 5 months.
Posted by hopeful123 (Member # 3244) on :
late fifties, 5+ years of Lyme. was a lot of other things, but now ad. asst. I am supposed to remember things for my two bosses.... Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
biology teacher; age 43; lyme for 3 years
Posted by Jillybean (Member # 8071) on :
48, certified executive chef and restaurant owner, diagnosed 3+ months ago, was supposed to see LLMD today, they chnged appt. to the 16th, grrrr.
Posted by brentb (Member # 6899) on :
born with borrelia, not "Lyme", which is a zoonotic disease. Sense highschool (strep complications) I've had chronic fatigue which would have led to a subdural empyema around the age 34. I'm an accountant.
Posted by firecop1066 (Member # 6920) on :
28, police officer currently the school resource officer in a high school (was too sick to work patrol... much better now).
Was infected at least since October 2002 maybe longer looking back...was daignosed finally in March of 2005 and have been seeing my LLMD since April-May doing soooooo much better.....Jill
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
I'm 56; misdiagnosed for 34 years until 7-04!
Editing: Got sick at 21 with mono; never recouped from the chronic fatigue I experienced. Then came the fibromyalgia pain undx, EXTREMELY sensitive eyes to light/glare/reflection and NOISE/SOUND, IBS, stomach, period problems, and you know how the list keeps getting longer.
I NEVER saw a bulls-eye; not one of my 40-50 drs. ever mentioned lyme disease to me. I went to a support group meeting talking about FMS/CFS, and here it was an unadvertised LYME meeting talking about lyme folks have PRESSURE POINTS pain like my fibro!
That's what made me pursue the western blot igm/igg at IGENEX when I heard about it from that support group. I would have NEVER tested otherwise.
With all my memory problems, I felt like I have EARLY-ONSET ALZHEIMER'S/dementia. My brother's wife, 40, yes 40, died of this mind-robbing disease in 93 after 8-14 years of it. Treated for severe depression!
Feel & move like a 90 yr. old. Do I want to live another 10-30 years like this, NO!
I wish every dr./specialist who examined me in 35 years could have the opportunity to walk in our LYME shoes for 1 month. You bet changes would be made!
[ 04. February 2006, 03:18 PM: Message edited by: bettyg ]
Posted by jloisu (Member # 7538) on :
I'm 29 and an Engineer, but have my prerequisites out of the way for med school when I got sick. When I get better I'm headed for med school and gonna shake up the medical community when it comes to Lyme treatment...
Posted by sweet pea (Member # 6495) on :
Hi Chris,
I'm a historic preservation consultant, frighteningly close to 40, and I've been sick since June 2004.
P
Posted by chroniclymie (Member # 7697) on :
52 year old disabled retired mangled dentist. Lyme untreated 7 years, treaed 5 years 5 surgeries, 3 root canals,mitral valve prolapse, 5 years on vioxx. 5 years on and off abx. now living with old people in west palm florida on ssdis, workman's comp, and private disability
Posted by Lymelighter (Member # 5310) on :
DocDave, That you!? I saw your rightous Fedship on Flagler. You smoke the Donald at 18 yet?
Oh yeah, me, my turn? Well, I'm a retired gameshow host currently living in the Caribbean.
[ 03. January 2006, 08:36 PM: Message edited by: Lymelighter ]
Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :
50 years old. May have had Lyme since I was 6 yrs old as 21 ticks were pulled from my head at that time, but was never symptomatic until 10 yrs ago. At that time I had extreme fatigue and some joint pain if I was on my feet too long. Lyme tested negative as did everything else drs could think of, but 6 mths of hit/miss antibiotics cleared me up. No more symptoms until 4 mths ago when extreme migrating joint pain began. Diagnosed with and treated for Lyme right away. Definitely doing better and hoping to again be well by 6 mths. My entire career has been and continues to be in the insurance field.
Posted by swohio (Member # 8283) on :
age 44, cat scan repair, misdiagnosed 18yrs, on treatment now for 9 months, self diagnosis with most of the info obtained from this website
Posted by mycoplasma1 (Member # 6377) on :
Thank you all, this is great!
Chris Posted by lingolady (Member # 8042) on :
I'm 52 and a HS foreign language teacher. Negative tests 1998-2000, hence MS diagnosis. Diagnosed positive lyme with LLMD and Igenex test this past August. Still mobile but it's tough. I think I'm in this for the long haul.
Posted by Lymied (Member # 6704) on :
35 years old...have been sick at least four years...diagnosed last October...started official treatment November 2nd 2005 - have been everything from a shoe saleperson at Nordstrom, front office manager of a dental practice, to a tech support rep and consultant for a software company. I graduated with a degree in English and I love to write and am pretty good at it when I put my mind to it. Love poetry to read and write. As of December 7th of 2005 I am a graduated Massage Therapist and will take my National Certification test soon. I decided on massage therapy before getting sick...had to put off going to school but eventually got well enough to go and made it. Hoping my hands and body will hold up - I plan on helping Lyme patients with massage and energy work.
Posted by Bluetick (Member # 8467) on :
veterinary technician, 25 years old, originally infected in 1996, undertreated, re-diagnosed in December 2003. Aggressive treatment since February 2004.
Posted by mom2zoecon (Member # 8463) on :
Elementary School Library/Media Specialist, age 35. Advertising Media Buyer/Copywriter prior to gaining Masters in Elem. Ed. Undiagnosed 15-20 years minimum. Diagnosed March 2005. Daughter contracted at birth, took 9 yrs to diagnose- diagnosed August 2005. Expecting son to test positive at age 6. Good Luck- Tina
Posted by clpgotlyme (Member # 7875) on :
I am a stay at home Mom who also does pet-sitting/dog walking when able. I am 46 and was undiagnosed for 13 years until last Spring. Cindy
Posted by Christian1975 (Member # 7090) on :
30 year old IT consultant from Denmark. got bitten in 2000 and got EM but no symptoms. bitten againin summer 2003 and got ill shortly after. Negative blod and negative Spinal + tons of tests showed nothing. got 14 days abx and got better over the summer 2004, then relapse in autumn. Finally found the only LLMD in denmark and got a bowen test spring 2005 and have been on abx since april. getting better slowly.
Posted by millymollymandy (Member # 7703) on :
I'm 39 years old and self employed - I sell antique jewellery.
I was finally tested for and diagnosed with Lyme about three years ago after twenty years of having a variety of health problems.
Posted by Mishelly00 (Member # 5897) on :
29 going on 80!! I worked for the Regional Transit Authority in Mass. Have not been able to work for 2 years now. I believe I was infected about 8-10 years ago when I had so called Mono. Never felt right since. I am going on 2 years of treatment and long way to go. Michelle
Posted by Ann-OH (Member # 2020) on :
Bit in 1986, diagnosed in 1990, improved after about 3 years of treatment, rebit in 1994, had it under control after another 3 years treatment.
Retired college teacher, unable to teach any more, have lots of cognitive problems, back and joint pain remaining.
Ann - OH
Posted by KAM7 (Member # 8207) on :
Lyme Liter...thank you. I needed that laugh. I was getting so depressed as I was going through the thread.
I will be 54 next month. Darn. What was the question?
Let me peak..
Teaching is my profession but teaching doctor's and the public about lyme disease is not what I had in mind.
I do hope to give presentations in schools after I regain my health to other teachers regarding what to look for in a student who possibly may have lyme disease and how to help that student.
How is that for a run on sentence!
DX in Dec. 2004 via a letter from a doc who tested me with Igenex in August or Sept. 2004.
Could no longer work or do routine chores around the house in Sept/Oct. 2001.
Looking back I had symptoms that may have been lyme related since my second daughter was born in 1984.
But, if it was...lyme did not stop me in my tracks till Oct. 2001.
Have you checked www.lymeblog.com? There is a list of writers who have lyme on that web site.
Posted by char (Member # 8315) on :
I am a special ed teacher.
Did you ask for age or did everyone just give it?
42
At home getting better and nursing my kids. Grateful I am not forced to work right now.
I am starting graduate word in counseling. Need to do something new and not so physical.
Char
Posted by aiden424 (Member # 7633) on :
I'm 47 and I got sick April 16,1986 (almost 20 years). I just found out this spring that I have lyme. I was wrongly diagnosed as having chronic fatigue syndrome all those years. I've been on medicare since 1988, but before that I was a customer service rep at a bank. Kathy
Posted by macmcd (Member # 8096) on :
Age 59. Bitten 1993 and when I went to the first doctor I was told that I was just getting old (age 46) and that there was no Lyme disease in the state of Tennessee.
Did talk radio show on computers the became a consultant after the first symptoms set in.
In and out of bad symptoms for 10 years after that. Had to stop working finally 2003.
Private disability insurance company stopped payments in June, 2005 but reversed their decision in December 2005 but say it is not Lyme disease. It is mental illness.
Now live in Kentucky on SS disability and private disability. Spend part of my 120 minutes a day of clarity trying to fight Lyme disease ignorance by operating website LymeBlog News. Top Alexa rated website for Lyme disease in the world.
Any journalists out there your help is badly needed. Get your byline out to millions. It only takes 10 of us Lymies to equal one healthy person. Posted by Limping Lily (Member # 5099) on :
I've told it before, but I'll tell it again; I'm 59, been infected since 1956 (49 years), and no doc ever put 2+2 together to make ANY diagnosis,I was a 'malingerer' because my 'too many symptoms' did not fit any established disease.Ergo,no treatment. Of course, I never got well, just better occasionally. I got bit (by a mosquito) in 1993, developed a bullseye,treated for 60 days, then in 2001 got a really nasty ,huge EM rash ;was inadequately treated,really sick in 2002.Till June 2005 was making some progress;got bit twice in two weeks, and was infected with Ehrlichia plus new Lyme.I am doing much better since having pulsed Minocin low-dose, then cat's claw (not Samento)in either liquid or powder with Echinacea.I finally have more energy! I am a professioal gardener, so I will always be at high risk (I also fly-fish); I spend so much time outdoors most of the year, it's a wonder that I'm not always covered in ticks - ugh! I think the answer to the problem is cleanses, nutrition, and herbs, not abx -- hate those yeast infections!
Posted by suel (Member # 8198) on :
I am 43yrs old just diagnosised in October 2005, Just saw LLMD for first time today found out from her infected for many years did not know. I am now on temporary diability until Feb 2nd I do work for a bank as a teller supervisor.
Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
I am 47 & have had lyme 20 years.Mis diagnosised for 7 years with CFIDS.Found a LLD & got 5 weeks abx in 1994.
Big relaspe three years ago .I was a classical portrait painter with a BFA. Now I can't remember how to paint,or have the concentration or energy to paint.
I am a litlle better now but was almsot catatonic before I started abx three years ago.
I am eternally grateful to my LLD for saving me from ending up in an nursing home being spoonfeed apple sause.Thanks to my doctor I now have some good days in which I have taken up sculpture.
This is not how I thought my life would turn out but I try everyday to dwell on the positives things in my life.
My love for my husaband ,family,my two dogs and the little things in life I can still do.
Posted by BJG (Member # 4723) on :
HEY ALL, I AM 57, PRIVATE PRACTICE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR. HAVE HAD LYME 4YRS. TWO YRS MISDIAGNOSED. TRIED LOTS OF ABX, NOW RIFING.
PEAC E, BJG
Posted by surg (Member # 6937) on :
Age 42. Never found the tick. Really sick in 2002 and started getting sick in 1989. Physical Therapist part time.
Posted by christelleny (Member # 6719) on :
I'm 30 something (can't remember the exact figure most days - no kidding).
I was infected around 1980. I made it through OK with only "minor" symptoms for years. Full blown infection took me by surprise in 2002.
I used to work as a Marketing Executive. Had to quit, because I was too sick to handle the stress.
I'm now a translator/Technical Writer. The paycut was well worth it. I'm doing much better! Posted by Panchito (Member # 4880) on :
I m 30, and am a business development and project manager in a generic pharmaceutical company.
Posted by Michelle M (Member # 7200) on :
48 years old. 13 years for the same employer as a paralegal in a criminal defense trial firm. How I got through last summer I don't know. Bitten about four years ago; few bodily problems but blinding headaches drove me to an eventual diagnosis.
I feel very lucky that in 7 months of treatment, I'm nearly there.
To me, it's crucial to think positive and especially to laugh at yourself - easy to forget but important.
I may be almost 50, but I feel about 30, and I intend to act approximately 25 at every possible opportunity...
Michelle
Posted by mjo (Member # 7876) on :
54 years old, currently a substitute teacher when I feel well enough. Have been cashier, interior designer, waitress, bartender, truck driver, driving instructor, flight attendant, and mother.
Probably had Lyme since mid 80's before complicated birth of son, but no specific signs until tick bite on ear in 2001 that produced tinnitus questioned by me as LD but not recognized by docs/specialists as LD; next bite 2003 duck said was not LD but tested anyway (too early) developed rash several months later and hearing loss, still went undiagnosed; next bite 2004 acquired Erlichia and was physically devastated, developed encephalitis but went undiagnosed for Erlichia and LD another six months.
Son has had a very rough life, multiple problems. Finally diagnosed after 10 years of searching as Asberger's Syndrome. Wonder if he has Lyme too?
Treatment started 1/2005, Better, but not well yet.
Posted by NUTBOBUTT (Member # 7242) on :
I'm 37 and an LPN. Was bitten summer of 2004. Just thought I had the flu then BAM! that November came the joint and muscle pain. Getting better but wondering if I'll ever have a day that I won't have some pain.
Posted by mycoplasma1 (Member # 6377) on :
Thanks all!
Guess I should go now.
I was an actor and producer in Los Angeles until 2 years ago when I became too ill and had to move back to NY with my family.
First started having symptoms in 96' but nothing that caught my attention until 2000.
First diagnosed with CFIDS.
I now have Borrelia, Mycoplasma P. CMV, EBV, and according to an intuitive, a Prion Disorder.
I am 36.
Thanks and be well all.
Chris
Posted by Talktel (Member # 7980) on :
Hi,
I'm a 46 year old freelance print journalist who has had Lyme since 2003. I was undiagnosed for a year but even after dgx was not treated with appropriate abx for Lyme and newly dgx multiple coinfections untill recently by another LLMD. I've written about Lyme for my paper, but due to my setback of Lyme symptoms, I've stopped writing in the past months. I'm fortunate that my editors are very understanding about my medical condition and are waiting patiently for me to return. I hope to improve with my current treatment and want to resume writing soon. We lymies have got to think positive, although some days that seems really hard!
Lymehead
Posted by Talktel (Member # 7980) on :
Hi,
I'm a 46 year old freelance print journalist who has had Lyme since 2003. I was undiagnosed for a year but even after dgx was not treated with appropriate abx for Lyme and newly dgx multiple coinfections untill recently by another LLMD. I've written about Lyme for my paper, but due to my setback of Lyme symptoms, I've stopped writing in the past months. I'm fortunate that my editors are very understanding about my medical condition and are waiting patiently for me to return. I hope to improve with my current treatment and want to resume writing soon. We lymies have got to think positive, although some days that seems really hard!
Lymehead
Posted by Boomerang (Member # 7979) on :
What an interesting thread! Good to read about some people who are feeling better. I'm not the sick one in our family...hubby is. He was diagnosed end of September....... not really sure when he first contracted Lyme. He gets easily 35+ tick bites a year...
His main problems are neuro........doing a bit better now.
It would be interesting to read a similar thread about what treatments everyone is doing.
Best wishes to all.
Posted by NP40 (Member # 6711) on :
47 year old dad of a teenager who was very ill with lyme and babs. After a year of abx therapy he's doing very well, in remission.
Attended college with major interests in English and art, so naturally, I ended up being a stockbroker ! LOL
One third partnership in brokerage firm, of which I sold out about 4 years ago.[ Burn out] Sold another business as well about two years ago. [Bar/Restaurant]
Started an employment recruitment business which is now run by a manager. Day traded for a year while my son was ill so I could be home with him. Once he recovered, I finally decided to do something I really enjoy. [Graphic artist for a large company]
Posted by earthsong15 (Member # 7471) on :
I am 46 and am a herbalist. I own an herbal manufacturing company that manufactures tinctures, salves, oils, syrups, teas & more. I have been sick for 10 years with lyme induced MS. No longer ambulatory.
Posted by griswoldgirl (Member # 5365) on :
hi there--admire the ambition. I, too, want to write a book. Perhaps you will motivate me.
I am an ultrasound technologist who specializes in high risk Obstetrics and Gynecology. I am an unemployed, disabled ultrasound tech right now.
I have been ill for approximately 16 years. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, possible lupus, dgenerative disc disease, osteo arthritis "beyond my years", possible multiplesclerosis, interstitial cysitis, endometriosis just to name a few--LOL. I have moved around a lot due to my husband's work and have been to about 40 specialists over the years. I was either referred to a psychiatrist or looked at as if I was a hyperchondriac.
I have done everything from being a server, bartender and restaurant manager to owning my own day care facility and a house cleaning and catering business.
I became a sonographer in 1999 at he age of 40- and proceeded to fall apart.
I had 5 surgeries in 4 years and was diagnosed with lyme disease Feb of 2004. I have not worked since. I was on IV antibiotics for close to a year and came down with NASH-non-alcholic hepatitis and had to quti treatment for lyme because the treatment for NMASH is to avoid any unecessary medications.
I am trying to exercise and eat less to loose weight and hope to return to work part time in the near future.
Sorry , I am long winded
Cathy
Posted by azfan (Member # 8482) on :
52y.o. psychotherapist who specialized in treating high functioning clients-- professionals, business people, etc. I was infected at 25 y.o. while in graduate school in MI. Undiagnosed until Aug. 2004, yet managed to finish school, marry, and have a career. I was eventually forced to retire early, though, due to progression of illness.
Thanks to....was it Mycoplasma?..for putting the question out there. There's still a part of me that thinks I MUST have been stupid or naive to have not found LL tx sooner. Helps to see that other intelligent people also had trouble finding answers.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
I'll have to go back & read the 1st part of this thread with folks' responses....looks interesting.
I'm 56, and worked 30 years 6 months until I "left" work due to my extreme health problems and left with NO BENEFITS!!
5 years as keypunch/data entry operator. about 26 years as a secretary typing many types of legal agreements (30-50 different types thru my many jobs in a state agency).
I was lucky enough my hubby was a retired state employee WITH benefits, so able to go on HIS retiree health insurance & MED COVERAGE! I would have only had 1.5 yrs. of COBRA coverage & then nothing!
I was undx for 34 years until July 04 when CHRONIC LYME was dx by IGENEX and confirmed again this fall at Bowen...lyme & NO CO-INFECTIONS.
My illness started at age 21 with mononucleosis and fatigue. Then the many other things started happening:
extreme sensitivity to lights/glare/reflections; sounds/noises, chemicals....perfumes, after shave, smoke on smoker's clothing really bad, some office supplies, cleaning supplies for work bathroom was the bits, etc.
irritable bladder/bowel; lived in bathroom & still do...LOL
migraines/headaches, many types of stomach problems; painful periods; underactive thryroid,
my left leg would go out on me...they think pinched nerves; so gave me meds for muscle relaxer for MS/spinal cord injury patients;
extreme fibromyalgia pain for 30+ years, and dx 14 yrs. ago; chronic fatigue since mono;
memory loss...was to the point I thought I had EARLY ON-SET Alzheimer's/dementia. I knew the symptoms only too well; my 40-year old sister-in-law died of this mind-robbings disease after having it 8-14 years.
Sure I've forgotten other symptoms from our lyme list, but you get the gist.
12 surgeries -- each one has been worse than the others & gotten many blood transfusions! Think I got bad blood at least twice. Now, that I know I have been so sick with lyme for 35 years....no wonder I had so many complications with many of my surgeries.
Took 5 years of hell to finally be approved on my 2nd SSDI benefits claim 7-1-05 going back 3 of my 7 years being off work! You've got to be a fighter to get thru this horrible process.
Posted by Elinor (Member # 8174) on :
Well, I am 55 and used to be a teacher in primary school but that career ended 16 years ago when I was diagnosed with M.E. (CFS)
I was probably infected with lyme 27 years ago, at least that's when I was bitten, and had many years of 'mystery' illnesses before finding out that the ME is probably being caused by lyme and also chlamydia pneumoniae.
Posted by SuZ-Q (Member # 5903) on :
Marketing co-ordinator for large aftermarket auto parts firm. Bit in 2002. 14 year-old bit in 1998. 18 year-old diagnosed with diabetes in 1994. Feel like I've been in the trenches forever.
Posted by 1stimpy (Member # 8517) on :
50yrs(OMG!) and a little more. Married, mom of 3 grown (but one Asperger's who could leave but won't yet). at Peds RN 22 years (other areas before). Disability x1-1/2 yr. Also, chronic HCV post blood transfusions, 21 yrs. Ticks attached 1996, after wood gathering in mountains. Large, red ring rash on belly in May 1996, followed by a year of giant hives over entire body. 1997: dx as bipolar due to mood swings irritability to severe depression. STILL being treated as such and I never have completely bought the idea. Cognitive problems, severe intermittent fatigue, mood problems caused inability to continue working. I LOVED MY JOB and I was good at it! I WANT MY LIFE BACK! One week ago, my FP drew Lyme titers--I asked for Western blot. We'll see when the titers get back. Live in Central Calif. Anyone know LLMD in this area, please e-mail me. Thanks.
Posted by Lou B (Member # 64) on :
What an interesting group!
I'm 63, retired IBM'er (my blood flows Big Blue) IT executive ... I don't have Lyme.
My daughter, Lori B, 36, teacher ... Symptomatic w/various sx for 10 yrs prior to total disability and dx in 1996 ... 4 yrs aggressive treatment got her back to 90+% by Jan 2000. Entering her 7th year of living free of Lyme symptoms. Her story is at: http://www.angelfire.com/nj/lorib/
And that, folks, is why my wife, Angela, and I are here at LymeNet.
Posted by chroniccosmic (Member # 7789) on :
Hello all,
I'm 49, nurse, massage therapist, social worker in my former life. Mother of a wonderful 18 year old daughter, wife of a the kindest, most beautiful man on earth.
Probably sick for almost 20+ years after a bad accident. I believe lyme was opportunistic and got me around 8 years ago. Finally diagnosed by my sister-in-law reading an Amy Tan article. Aggressive treatment for almost 5 months with already some improvement.
Lymenet and my family are my anchors. Oh yeah and my 3 dogs. Posted by Isilme (Member # 8578) on :
I'm 26, an LPN and work full time in a long term care facility.
I was first dx with Lyme in 1994 (I think I was 14 y/o at the time) but I've been sick for more than 12 years.
Got my western blot results yesterday. I'm highly positive for Lyme again (for the third time) by LabCorp testing.
I'll be finding a LLMD asap.
~Kelly
Posted by humanbeing (Member # 8572) on :
Im 42, artist and own medical education company with my husband.
One year till diagnosed, $20,000 worth of usless test and lyme-ignorant drs. Been on abx about 4 weeks - just starting to live again.
Planning an active campaign in CT where I lived undiagnosed and went to school in LYme! Have already sent studies, articles and info. to my (no longer) PCP. Will be rolling out more letters and information to other PCP's, neurologists and ID's in my state with the use of our company resources.
I know the Connecticut writer for the New York Times...she may be interested in my story.
PM if you want to share information!
Posted by GiGi (Member # 259) on :
I am a little old housewife, retired, now 74 years old. Used to be the Executive Assistant to the CEO of a large company. I am perfectly well and Lyme suffering for me is already in the distant past.
I attribute my recovery to a wise medical doctor and to the common sense that I inherited from my parents: If it's toxic, it's toxic and eventually kills.
Take care
P.S. And most of you know how I am spending my time now.
Posted by caat (Member # 2321) on :
I'm 45. Used to be an abstract expressionist painter and a sculptor. Used to be my life. 11+ years ago I got so sick I could no longer paint, let alone sculpt. I worked big.
Hard to tell when I contracted lyme (& ?? bart/babs or whatever else). Grew up in NH which has one of the highest pos tick rates. I've hiked and camped out all over the US. Now live in northern California which has several species of disease organisms which haven't been identified very well.
Was diagnosed with CFIDs/Fibromyalgia after several years. Started to get rank meningitis years after that- about 3 1/2 years ago maybe. Was unable to find any doctor who would treat me at that time so started doing a lot of reading and treated myself. Nuerological symptoms improved immediately with high dose doxycycline.
Later was able to get 4 weeks of rocephin to which was added flagyl and then 4 weeks of high dose ceftin which tinidazole was added to. I feel this got rid of the lyme and I am left with more than one co-infection. Still ill.
Posted by trails (Member # 1620) on :
Wow! What a group and how'd I miss this ONE?
33 yrs old.
Artist and art teacher for 15 years. Now unemployed b/c of two things: 1. Too Sick 2. Had to move to CA for better docs (LLMDs) and they do NOT teach art to the elementary kids here.
It is a crime.
Still do creative stuff, but not affiliated with any galleries now.
Diagnosed Lyme since I was 18 yrs old...1991 with multiple rashes. Undertreated, but managed to do JUST FINE for 10 yrs, no sx.
Reinfected by BLACK AWFUL BITING FLIES in Maine in year 2000. After one year treated with IV and orals. Had remission for 3-4 years. no sx again!
Now am relapsed for unknown reason.
Sad and lonely and broke and substitute teaching, Trails Posted by Colorado Janet (Member # 8631) on :
I'm 37 and a freelance writer. I mainly write marketing materials for corporate clients, but also write press releases and an occasional article for the local paper or trade publication.
I've been noticeably ill since mid-2005 and was diagnosed with Lyme in December.
Take care!
Posted by David95928 (Member # 3521) on :
I am a fifty-five year old professor and Licensed Clinical Social Worker/psychotherapist. Fortunately, I was able to hang on and continue working through the worst of it and now am mostly well. Probably I was infected in 1985 and diagnosed in 2003. My first clear Lyme symptom was numbness in the legs in 1991 while I was in doctoral study in Massachusetts.
I live California in the foothills of the northern end of the Sacramento River Valley in a house that I designed and (mostly) built myself. I have a wonderful partner and two pug dogs that bring us immesurable pleasure.
We are trying to lay groundwork to be able to leave the country if the political situation gets too dangerous. Living in California, we figure we will have a couple of years of warning.
My treatment has been Bicillin and Biaxin throughout. It's simple.
Posted by AP (Member # 8430) on :
I am a 23 year old Able Seaman in the Civil Service. (I steer Navy Ships around the world).
I've been sick for 13 months, was diagnosed a year ago today. Not sure how I got Lyme Disease.
Posted by JimBoB (Member # 8454) on :
Hi good thread.
Age 64, semi-retired award winning Master of Photograhy and Master Artist, Doctor of Motors, among other degrees.
Also was in printing business for a little over 12 years, ended as journeyman printer, but did it all at one time or another.
Photographer for over 40 years now, portraits for most of it but about ten years in Fine Art Photography. Was doing 25 to 30 shows a year, down to 5 this coming year. May start a part time gallery here once we get our "new house" ready to move into. Right now in this old home/studio.
Got bit back in October 1999, got treated with cipro for 24 days in March/April of 2000. Doc won't give new abx or test, so self treating for past 2 months with mostly herbs, but also some abx. It got really bad this past fall, so HAD to do SOMETHING.
Father of five. Married now, but not to first wife.
JIM. Posted by MizMo (Member # 8389) on :
39 year old, Self employeed working with my hubby - we have a Bait & Tackle shop.
Sick going back 8-9 years (I still have to go back in my file to try and pinpoint it). Worse symptoms last 2 years, diagnosed fall '05 with Lyme.
Mo
Posted by skbland (Member # 8644) on :
I'm a business owner. I'm 37 years old. I've been getting sicker over the past two years, but looking back I think I have had this disease for a very long time.
Posted by Big B (Member # 8229) on :
21-year old, Industrial Engineering student. I am being helped by a Lyme-Literate Chiropractor (LLDC?) and I think when I graduate I will go on to do much of the same.
I've been sick all of my short life. I live in PA yet I don't recall ever being bitten; I may have received Bb from my mother who has many Lyme symptoms but has never been tested. My Bowen test came back a 128 and positive for Babesia. It is also suspected that I have amalgam illness and toxic exposure to basement mold.
I have rifed 3 times and been on Samento for 2 weeks back in November and I finally stopped herxing. I am going to explore KMT and DC as well as get my fillings replaced. Finally, I am really big into the super-high fat/high protein diet which helps tremendously; I avoid sugar and starch like the plague; cholesterol and saturated fat are my friends.
I'm gonna beat this thing.
Posted by joanh (Member # 8206) on :
My husband is the Lymee, he is 57.. has had it for at least 18 years, was treated with IV's in 1997, and then orals off and on until this most recent episode knocked him off his feet. He has been on IV's again for 90 days, until liver went out of whack and the meds are on hold right now. He is an electronic technician, works for the RR, for 39 years. I am 48, and an RN in a family practice clinic. Thanks to this web site, and this thread for helping us to KNOW we are not alone.
Posted by KrisKraft (Member # 4329) on :
I've had Lyme and Babs for 3.5 years, misdiagnosed for a year.
I'm a writer and am currently in the middle of production on a TV documentary, "UNDER OUR SKIN" on Lyme disease. We're still looking for tax deductable funding to finish production. Every little bit helps.
I'm hoping that this film will help a lot of people get proper diagnosis and treatment.
You can view our trailer (under VIEW SAMPLE) in the left column of this website:
I'm 55 [ ] and believe I've had Lyme for at least 47 yrs...may have been born with it. I was not diagnosed until 5 1/2 yrs ago. I retired from teaching on disability 13 yrs ago.
I was dxd with "fibromyalgia" 25 yrs ago. Numerous other lovely dx's since then.
Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
Classical oil portrait painter Sick X 20 years. Now working a little in clay.
Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :
I spent most of my working career(15+ years) in Graphics: printing, silk screen, sign making. Lots of chemical exposure!
I left that and was retrained to be an energy conservation technician in 1990 and did that for 4 years until going out on disabilty.
I was diagnosed in 1993 and was probably sick for 12+ years prior. So about 25 years which is a little more than half my life, I'll be 49 next month.
Posted by tequeslady (Member # 6832) on :
Remember the rash. It was about 11 years ago. Always wondered what it was.
My body completely "broke" 4 years ago. 1.5 years ago went to a doctor I heard of that was an expert in chronic pain. Luckily, he was a lyme expert and so many other things. This is when I found out I had lyme.
Used to be a manager at an IT company. Subsidiary of IBM.
Posted by gwenb (Member # 7217) on :
42 years old. Sick for the last 17. Undiagnosed until last summer when it was clinically confirmed (showed almost every symptom in the book). Received confirmation of the clinical diagnosis through IGENEX. Tested positive by CDC standards.
I grew up in the Okanagan and vacationed in the Kootenays - both Lyme endemic areas in British Columbia.
I work as a policy director with an environmental organization.
Currently using herbal and naturpathic protocols to treat Lyme. Giving myself a year to decide whether to take antibiotics.
gwen
[ 31. January 2006, 10:25 PM: Message edited by: gwenb ]
Posted by Sue vG (Member # 3143) on :
50...geologist...had lyme for 4.5 years, maybe longer.
Posted by iceskater (Member # 8655) on :
I'm 46 years old. Was a competitive adult skater, ballet, yoga - top physical shape. Profession was a registered nurse= pediatric home care for technology dependent children in the Phila metro area. Probably bit Oct 2003. No rash, no symptoms until Mar 05- woke up about paralyzed. Living with parents who take care of me now. Multiple coinfection aggressive tx/ ivs 6 months and all other anitibiotics- still declining. Folks, I am trying to get approved to write articles on tick born diseases for a nursing journal so some other professionals get educated. Wish me well! Was able to get out of bed today!!!Lyme disease doesn't belong in the super bowl- the toilet bowl Posted by Starship Trooper (Member # 8546) on :
I was first ill in '92 got quite a bit better after vit B12 injections a few years later and managed to live a reasonable life. Got bit 2 years ago then sick again.
I now work at home and I invent things (Mostly electronic) for people.
Before that I worked in communications all around the world - mainly in poor countries such as Africa and the middle east.
I am 33.
Posted by AZURE WISH (Member # 804) on :
I am 29.
Lyme symptoms started sept 1987. (I was 10)
Diagnosed in and disabled since 2000. (at age 23)
I was in college when I became disabled but after I am well and can finally finish school I will be an art teacher.
Posted by nan (Member # 63) on :
69+
taught 1st grade for 23 years
slymed in '94 and again in '97; dx in 2000
living proof that 21 days of doxy doesn't cure!
forced into early retirement
Posted by ArtistDi (Member # 2297) on :
I am an artist/independent curator and was an art professor until I really fell ill five and 1/2years ago.
I am 47 years old, but believe my first bite happened when I was 20-21 years old in college. Circular rash on my ankle and was told it was ring worm.
Had various symptoms of joint pain, IBS, etc. throughout the years along with chronic sinus problems, but still managed to live fully, then five and a half years ago....bam...my whole world came tumbling down.
Posted by pattilynn (Member # 8065) on :
43 years old, registered nurse for 20 years.
3 bullseye rashes in 1992 followed by eye pain, floaters,joint pain then full-blown neurologic syndrome about 6 months later. Saw llmd about a year later, treated for about 4 months (my choice)still sick for about 4 more years but not as bad.
Mild symptoms from about 1997 on until 2005 then sudden full-blown neuro syndrome again after surgery. All neuro testing negative.
I see llmd in 2 weeks.
Posted by kgg (Member # 5867) on :
Registered Nurse, unable to work. Have had lyme since I was 10, 38 years ago. Not diagnosed until July, 2004.
Karen
Posted by Gretchen P (Member # 8403) on :
I am a 38 yr old that has been a hairstylist for 20 years, owned my own salon since 2000. I thought i hurt from standing on my feet all that time.
I think I have had lyme for 5-6 yrs although remember a bite at 20 yrs of age.Had almost every symptom.
Just found out 13 yr old daughter also has lyme, she was treated amox for 10 days after finding tick imbedded in her scalp. We are both positive by CDC standards via Igenex.
I want to thank KrisKraft for the documentary.... I hope it makes someone LISTEN!!!!!!! Posted by efsd25 (Member # 2272) on :
I'm 52, and contracted Lyme in 1987, had 5 days of abx but no diagnosis. Progressively got worse, then diagnosed in Dec 2000. Treated with oral abx for 2 years, then alternative rife treatments since then. Work full time as an analyst.
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
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E,![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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] and believe I've had Lyme for at least 47 yrs...may have been born with it. I was not diagnosed until 5 1/2 yrs ago. I retired from teaching on disability 13 yrs ago.![[Frown]](frown.gif)
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