Hello folks from the South Texas area. I go to this site almost every day just to see what other folks are having to deal with. This is an appeal for your support. If this does not get any replies, then I am going to go for an ad in the local newspapers.
I will tell you a bit about myself. I am 48, married, female, contracted Lyme in Feb. of 2003. My profession is a wildlife biologist although I am not working at this time.

I don't know how many people in the Coastal Bend have Lyme disease, although I have heard at least from different sources, about 8-9 people. I am sure there are more.

This is my second post on this subject. I would be thrilled and happy to organize a support group here in the Corpus Christi area. I believe my church would allow me their facilities for us to meet.

I will be totally honest with you, I need the support as well. I used to work really hard, and loved my job. I was an endangered species biologist. Now you know where the little bugger got me. I was counting endangered plants in Starr County, Texas, near the Rio Grande.

I need to help others with this disease if I can, and if starting a support group helps me help you, than I would feel I have a purpose, because right now I am feeling pretty useless.

If you would please email me, and let me know if you are interested, I would really appreciate this kindness.

Protocol for the meeting you ask: Let's see what happens when we meet, and we can discuss it. I will get the materials from LDA or ILADs on support groups and we can discuss the protocol.

My family owns a house at Lake Corpus Christi that we can go to for outings just for the day or the weekend. It's cheap. We can talk Lyme or not. We can swim, barbeque, sing stupid songs, etc. I would not at all mind sponsoring this first group outing. I am sure my family will help. They are lovely wonderful Christian folk, who are a lot of fun.

Please allow me to do this for you and in turn you will be doing me a great favor, having purpose.
Loretta

You sound like a very nice person, I wish I lived closer to you in Texas( I'm about four hours away from you)

I bet you will get the folks to come on in, since you seem very friendly and sincere

You should post the group under support group listings on the home page of Lymenet--of course--once you decide your location and dates

YIPPEE for YOU!!!

It is a wonderful thing to give back by beginning a support group...and it sounds like you have the perfect places already picked out. (can I come to the house on the lake?)

Though your numbers may be small now, you will see a dramatic increase if you keep getting the word out!

Our little group began with only three people...and now we are up to 75+...and I am certain that there are more out there looking for us!

Your local paper is an excellent way to spread the word...release your info as a PSA...and get the radio and news channels involved as well.

Before you know it...you will be a force to be reckoned with.
(we all know how big things get in Texas, right?)

My best,
Melanie

Lyme of course here is very contraversial just at it is everywhere else. Why, do you ask, supposedly there is no Lyme disease in Texas, or at least that is what my primary care physician's partner said.

As well, there are no Lyme Disease specialists in the area, although i will have to admit, my LLMD is an angel.

Once again, you Coastal Bend or South Texas folks, give me a holler.

It is time to get together and grab the kind of support that only a fellow Lymey can give.
Loretta