I've been reading a lot of the posts here on lyme.net and many of you are dealing with the same issues that I went through during the course of my infection. I wanted to quickly document my history, including symptoms and medications, which may provide some insight for some of you.
TIMELINE
1996 - (Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis) This was always mild until the Lyme Infection. Never required any medication. I don't believe this is related to the infection. Actually diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Identified the HLB-27 tissue marker.
2006 to 07' - (Nervousness and Anxiety) This was a huge problem that was very out of left field. Went though multiple therapists who prescribed different drugs like Klonopin and Zoloft. Nothing worked. Couldn't function and it really effected my work.
2008 - (Epstein Barr Virus) Took a year for my body to overcome this. Out of work for a year. Normally, a healthier person would get over this in 3 to 6 months. Sleeping 18 hours a day is the only thing that really helped me.
- (Decreased Vision) Started having blurry vision, decreased night vision, and eye floaters. This was the inflammation setting in.
2009, Between January and June - (Mercury Toxicity) An absolute nightmare. I could not think clearly at all. DMPS, A 100 bucks a pop, once a week for 3 months to eliminate the mercury. Supplements are cheaper, but will take 4 times longer.
- (TMJ) Very difficult to manage. PT helped. Appliance did not help. Anti-inflammatories did help.
- (Costochondritis) This sent me to the Emergency Room 4 times because it feels like a heart attack. Too bad it took 4 trips and about 20 tests to get that diagnosis. Anti-inflammatories.
- (Increased Joint Pain) Couldn't understand why after 10 years my arthritis was acting up the way it was. Explained by the inflammation from the infection.
- (Really, Really Bad Eye Pain) Was diagnosed with dry eye. Turns out it was inflammation that was causing blurry vision, forcing me to focus and strain my eyes. Motrin didn't help, eye drops didn't help, steroids didn't help. Anti-inflammatories did help.
- (Candida) Sometimes hard to identify, but was manageable with natural anti-fungals. This can manifest in many, many different ways. For me it was extreme fatigue and depression. Anti-fungals like Caprylic Acid and Grapefruit Seed Extract work great. There are dozens of ways to handle this opportunistic infection.
2009, Between June and December - (Lyme Diagnosis, Finally) 5 Month of Biaxin 500 MG twice a day and Cedax 400 MG once a day. Eat lots of yogurt. If you are going to take a probiotic, take it at least 5 hours after the antibiotic or the probiotic will not be effective.
- (Inflammation after Lyme) Prescribed two courses of Methylprednisolone after antibiotics. Continued taking antibiotics and antifungals while on steroids.
- (Candida after Antibiotics) Prescribed Diflucan 100 MG once every other day to allow my body a chance to control the yeast on its own. Strong Probiotics are key. Look for something with 50 Billion live strains of bacteria. Most only have 5 Billion live strains.
- (More Inflammation) Naproxen 500 MG once a day. This was actually prescribed by my rheumatologist but works for the remaining inflammation.
Inflammation caused by the infection is the reason for most symptoms. Even after the treatment is complete inflammation still remains, which makes a lot of people think they still have the infection.
Bottom line is you need to find a RECOMMENDED LYME SPECIALIST if you are running into a series of unexplained health issues.
Besides a little remaining inflammation, I feel great because I had an experienced Lyme SPECIALIST who knew what he was doing. Most infections are curable. Some do relapse if the spirochetes infect the eyeball where they are safe from antibiotics.
I hope this helps some of you. Remember, there aren't many success stories on this web site because most people get healthy and are out living their lives. - Bob
Ps. If you live in the Delaware Valley, I've got people:-)
Posted by abbyjo (Member # 16073) on :
thanks for sharing:)
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Thanks for sharing. I'm glad you're feeling so much better.
Are you still in treatment?
Posted by kitkat32 (Member # 9682) on :
Glad to see you had success and wellness.
Your right...you don't see many success stories because when people are done they don't ever want to think about it again.
I wish you continued health.
kit
Posted by Snailhead (Member # 18091) on :
Thank you Bob, for the encouragement. It really helps to hear from people just like you. God bless you.
Posted by asummers (Member # 18068) on :
Thanks for sharing! I am glad you are feeling better AND the Eagles are having a good season. What could be better.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Thanks, bob!! Yes! Inflammation is a biggie!! Taking something natural to help is good if it will work for the patient.
Please add your story here if you don't mind. It will be "saved for posterity!"
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