The most devastating part of theses diseases has been the way it affects my mind. It scares me.
I just tried to take an online non verbal IQ test. I didn't get the actual score but it said my "performance is below average". I used to have a high IQ. Now I am retarded!
That is not a joke. It is real and it is so depressing. I can't concentrate or remember. I don't know how to describe it. Drugged, drunk, dementia?
So if I am "not there" any more. Where am I? Is who I used to be gone forever? Will I ever recover? Will I ever be able to think again.
Along with this goes depression and lack of motivation. I try so hard to get well but I am not getting there. I have been treating over three years. Every time I begin to improve I relapse. It feels hopeless.
Babesia duncani came on really strong - suddenly - and it is so hard to get rid of. I don't understand why.
Posted by lyme in Putnam (Member # 11561) on :
I wish I had an answer. I just say keep trying. Not too much choice. Mind in bubble of unreality today. Last night just me. Don't understand it, try to to heal, but there's no reasoning with this. Hold on and keep goin. I wish I had an answer and wonder if I get back o me that I used to be. I miss my life. Hold on and keep goin.
Posted by BoxerMom (Member # 25251) on :
Taking an IQ test with a brain infection is masochistic.
Next time, try taking it drunk. You'll have a better shot.
You are still smart. You have an infected and inflamed brain. And, you spend all your time thinking about Lyme.
If there was Lyme Jeopardy, you would win for sure. When it comes to "Where did I leave my keys?" Jeopardy, don't bother. You lost your keys because you filled up your brain with Lyme. Find someone to hotwire the car.
I'm with Lyme in Putnam. You just keep going. And then you keep going. That's what it takes.
B.duncani is a b**tard, for sure. Keep kicking its butt. You can get your brain back.
Posted by apljack (Member # 14233) on :
I've got most of mine back and you will too.
Good luck.
Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :
At one point, I felt like I was just holding onto to my mental capability by my fingernails, like you would hold onto that limb that sticks out after falling over a cliff. Just desperately hanging on, hoping.
I can read now and don't make as many mistakes in words. However, still feel like my vocabulary is pretty limited and can't think of words I want sometimes.
Compared to not being able to read, this is improvement.
Posted by Haley (Member # 22008) on :
This is also my worst symptom. I believe there is hope as I have had glimpses of getting my brain back.
I recently did brain mapping through nuerofeedback. He told me that I am intelligent but that a certain brain wave that effects memory etc was in the bottom 3 %.
I have to believe I can get my brain back otherwise I'm in big trouble. It's a good thing that you know it is caused from Babs, now you can pound the Babs. I am hitting Babs next. I think that is going to be my turn around time.
Hang in there.
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
Thanks for the encouragement and insight. So true about lyme jeopardy.
The image of hanging on to the tree limb off a cliff sounds just like it is. I am glad you are doing better.
That is interesting about the brain wave for memory.
I will keep going, just like you do L in putman. I know how much you struggle.
Posted by chiquita incognita (Member # 30381) on :
Ginkgo helps to oxygenate the brain, studies have shown:
DHA from fish oils helps to build nerve tissue: I recommend the Nordic Naturals brand, they consistently 3rd-party test at 0 parts per billion of mercury, PCB's and other contaminants
None of this replaces lyme and coinfection treatment, only as adjunct to assist the brain in concentration and focus.
Posted by norcal (Member # 29829) on :
nefferdun,I offer hope and encouragement.I too suffered from extreme loss of brain function,it was horrible. I have since gotten it back after many months of treatment for babs. I felt like supplementing with ginko and fish oil plus l-acytel carnitine was also very helpful. Think positive if you can,you will win!
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
I sure hope I get there. I don't even remember what is is like to be able to think clearly.
Speaking of Jeapardy, I hate that show. I do not remember one single thing! I just feel stupid. Then I was NEVER a names, dates and places person.
However I can do Wheel Of Fortune so I like that show. It makes me feel normal.
On the plus side, having a poor memory means I can watch the same movie twice with just a vague recollection that I have seen it before. Not too good for my husband though when I check out the same movie 2-3 times!
I take a lot of supplements and I can't say that any of them really help my mind. Anything that was mentioned anywhere I have taken at one time or another - and for months (even years).
Besides the memory loss and confusion,I don't want to do anything. I have no motivation. I just don't care any more.
Usually I come out of this in the spring. But I am not getting a lift YET. I hope spring comes again this year. I am waiting for the thaw.