Hi Amanda. I am an expert in proving that emotional problems and stress will definitely affect your Lyme problems. Last year I went thru a divorce after 31 years of marriage. It was either leave or stay and die trying. I chose to leave and can honestly say it saved my life.Thankfully my kids are grown and my ex and I are still friendly. It has made an extreme difference in my healing process and dealing with all my illnesses. I also had to quit my job of 30 years about the same time. I've applied for disability and should be getting it any day now.
I was always a person that put everybody first before myself. I thought it was what every good mother had to do. When I became sick 4-5 years ago I had to let others take care of me and think about myself without feeling guilty everytime I did something.
The best advice I can give anyone is don't feel guilty about doing what your body demands. Resting, exercising, sleeping, long hot baths, telling people no I can't do it, and don't think about what you can't do anymore just be happy for the times you can do the little things.
My life is much happier now and my body is reacting to treatment for Lyme and Babs. I have a long road ahead but I have the peace I needed and the relief of less stress has been a life saver for me.
I have been open and expressed my physical and emotional situations to my family so they try and help me every way they can. Maybe you can tell your boyfriend and your co-workers enough about the Lyme that they can understand the seriousness of it and how the stress effects it.
Hope I've helped you in some small way. God bless you and all my Lymie friends in here.
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Debbie V.