I have been on Lyme treatment for about 4 months now. I am "happy" to report that it seems to working. What I mean is that I am herxing bad from antibiotics. As I progress through my treatment I do have one question. For those who have recovered or are in remission notice a change in their mindset? I am just worried that the bad thoughts and my new view on life itself from the Lyme disease the past couple years will stick with me.
I understand a lot of cognitive problems correlate with Lyme and the co - infections I am just not sure if down the road I will be able to decipher between what thoughts are caused by lyme and what thoughts are my own that I have acquired.
I hope this question makes sense.
Posts: 15 | From Syracuse, NY | Registered: Nov 2013
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posted
Yeah, I am wondering the same: how to distinguish?
I don't quite seem to remember "normal" but I do notice when I feel better.
Just today I was trying to gauge how I feel in the big picture and even for having a good day I still only feel as good as my mental fog of 2 years ago when I was clearly ill, so it's really hard to know "objectively" what the hell is going on.
Posts: 922 | From Philadelphia | Registered: Sep 2012
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posted
Lyme disease itself can cause depression, so once it is cleared you should not be depressed .. or not AS depressed.
but be sure to clear CANDIDA/yeast or you will still be depressed
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Kudzuslipper
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 31915
posted
4 months is such a short time. You are in the thick of all that is bad. No wonder you are emotionally low. Once you feel better, I believe you will just know which is which. In the mean time, I suggest keeping a journal. It can help decipher if there is a pattern... Be it to monthly flare. Or a reaction to pulsed drugs. I for instance learned that I am worse at the end into the beginning of the month. At first this lasted 7-10 days... But as time went on, it lessened to as little as a day. But even when it was 10 days I was able to know that this too would pass. The journal allowed me to know when it would happen most of the time.
I also figured out that 4 days into my 2 week pulse of flagyl I would get extremely depressed. Again, figuring our what was the cause helped me get through and manage my emotions for the rest of the pulse. And if any pain or depression lasted longer than my norm... It meant I needed to talk with my llmd wether this was good herxing or a side effect.
My favorite way to journal is a weekly planner. I write specifics in each day... But at the very front of the calendar, where all the little months are laid out together... I would black out a really bad day, circle a so so day, and leave a good day blank. Over the months you begin to see a pattern, and you can also see more good days happening, which can do wonders for your mood!
Good luck.
Posts: 1728 | From USA | Registered: May 2011
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desertwind
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25256
posted
Many people who have suffered through a chronic illness report what is consistant with a sub clinical PTSD/PTSS or depression once they feel physically better.
Considering everything that we who have lyme must go through it makes complete sense to have an emotional aftermath of feelings.
It takes time for our emotional selves to heal from the trauma of this illness. You may find that you are the same yet different because of all you have endured.
You may find that it is a balance between the two - your brain healing from lyme and your emotional self healing.
A good Psychologist (LLPh.D.) would be able to help you assess if your continued depressive symptoms are directly from lyme or part of a post traumatic stress reaction and normal emotional healing process. Best to you. DW
Posts: 1671 | From Tick Infested New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2010
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quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo: Lyme disease itself can cause depression, so once it is cleared you should not be depressed .. or not AS depressed.
On days that I feel better than usual, I find that I am emotionally better than usual as well.
So that gives me hope that the more physically good days I have, maybe the more emotionally good days I will have as well.
*fingers crossed*
Posts: 173 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Oct 2013
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