Topic: Poll/What is your profession? ( would love to hear from Media or Journalists)
NP40
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6711
posted
47 year old dad of a teenager who was very ill with lyme and babs. After a year of abx therapy he's doing very well, in remission.
Attended college with major interests in English and art, so naturally, I ended up being a stockbroker ! LOL
One third partnership in brokerage firm, of which I sold out about 4 years ago.[ Burn out] Sold another business as well about two years ago. [Bar/Restaurant]
Started an employment recruitment business which is now run by a manager. Day traded for a year while my son was ill so I could be home with him. Once he recovered, I finally decided to do something I really enjoy. [Graphic artist for a large company]
Posts: 1632 | From Northern Wisconsin | Registered: Jan 2005
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I am 46 and am a herbalist. I own an herbal manufacturing company that manufactures tinctures, salves, oils, syrups, teas & more. I have been sick for 10 years with lyme induced MS. No longer ambulatory.
Posts: 85 | From Eugene | Registered: Jun 2005
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posted
hi there--admire the ambition. I, too, want to write a book. Perhaps you will motivate me.
I am an ultrasound technologist who specializes in high risk Obstetrics and Gynecology. I am an unemployed, disabled ultrasound tech right now.
I have been ill for approximately 16 years. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, possible lupus, dgenerative disc disease, osteo arthritis "beyond my years", possible multiplesclerosis, interstitial cysitis, endometriosis just to name a few--LOL. I have moved around a lot due to my husband's work and have been to about 40 specialists over the years. I was either referred to a psychiatrist or looked at as if I was a hyperchondriac.
I have done everything from being a server, bartender and restaurant manager to owning my own day care facility and a house cleaning and catering business.
I became a sonographer in 1999 at he age of 40- and proceeded to fall apart.
I had 5 surgeries in 4 years and was diagnosed with lyme disease Feb of 2004. I have not worked since. I was on IV antibiotics for close to a year and came down with NASH-non-alcholic hepatitis and had to quti treatment for lyme because the treatment for NMASH is to avoid any unecessary medications.
I am trying to exercise and eat less to loose weight and hope to return to work part time in the near future.
Sorry , I am long winded
Cathy
-------------------- There is light at the end of the tunnel. I went from existing to living again. You can too! Posts: 192 | From Myrtle Beach, SC | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
52y.o. psychotherapist who specialized in treating high functioning clients-- professionals, business people, etc. I was infected at 25 y.o. while in graduate school in MI. Undiagnosed until Aug. 2004, yet managed to finish school, marry, and have a career. I was eventually forced to retire early, though, due to progression of illness.
Thanks to....was it Mycoplasma?..for putting the question out there. There's still a part of me that thinks I MUST have been stupid or naive to have not found LL tx sooner. Helps to see that other intelligent people also had trouble finding answers.
Posts: 40 | From Arizona | Registered: Dec 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
I'll have to go back & read the 1st part of this thread with folks' responses....looks interesting.
I'm 56, and worked 30 years 6 months until I "left" work due to my extreme health problems and left with NO BENEFITS!!
5 years as keypunch/data entry operator. about 26 years as a secretary typing many types of legal agreements (30-50 different types thru my many jobs in a state agency).
I was lucky enough my hubby was a retired state employee WITH benefits, so able to go on HIS retiree health insurance & MED COVERAGE! I would have only had 1.5 yrs. of COBRA coverage & then nothing!
I was undx for 34 years until July 04 when CHRONIC LYME was dx by IGENEX and confirmed again this fall at Bowen...lyme & NO CO-INFECTIONS.
My illness started at age 21 with mononucleosis and fatigue. Then the many other things started happening:
extreme sensitivity to lights/glare/reflections; sounds/noises, chemicals....perfumes, after shave, smoke on smoker's clothing really bad, some office supplies, cleaning supplies for work bathroom was the bits, etc.
irritable bladder/bowel; lived in bathroom & still do...LOL
migraines/headaches, many types of stomach problems; painful periods; underactive thryroid,
my left leg would go out on me...they think pinched nerves; so gave me meds for muscle relaxer for MS/spinal cord injury patients;
extreme fibromyalgia pain for 30+ years, and dx 14 yrs. ago; chronic fatigue since mono;
memory loss...was to the point I thought I had EARLY ON-SET Alzheimer's/dementia. I knew the symptoms only too well; my 40-year old sister-in-law died of this mind-robbings disease after having it 8-14 years.
Sure I've forgotten other symptoms from our lyme list, but you get the gist.
12 surgeries -- each one has been worse than the others & gotten many blood transfusions! Think I got bad blood at least twice. Now, that I know I have been so sick with lyme for 35 years....no wonder I had so many complications with many of my surgeries.
Took 5 years of hell to finally be approved on my 2nd SSDI benefits claim 7-1-05 going back 3 of my 7 years being off work! You've got to be a fighter to get thru this horrible process.
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posted
Well, I am 55 and used to be a teacher in primary school but that career ended 16 years ago when I was diagnosed with M.E. (CFS)
I was probably infected with lyme 27 years ago, at least that's when I was bitten, and had many years of 'mystery' illnesses before finding out that the ME is probably being caused by lyme and also chlamydia pneumoniae.
Posts: 51 | From England | Registered: Oct 2005
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Marketing co-ordinator for large aftermarket auto parts firm. Bit in 2002. 14 year-old bit in 1998. 18 year-old diagnosed with diabetes in 1994. Feel like I've been in the trenches forever.
Posts: 260 | From Virginia | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
50yrs(OMG!) and a little more. Married, mom of 3 grown (but one Asperger's who could leave but won't yet). at Peds RN 22 years (other areas before). Disability x1-1/2 yr. Also, chronic HCV post blood transfusions, 21 yrs. Ticks attached 1996, after wood gathering in mountains. Large, red ring rash on belly in May 1996, followed by a year of giant hives over entire body. 1997: dx as bipolar due to mood swings irritability to severe depression. STILL being treated as such and I never have completely bought the idea. Cognitive problems, severe intermittent fatigue, mood problems caused inability to continue working. I LOVED MY JOB and I was good at it! I WANT MY LIFE BACK! One week ago, my FP drew Lyme titers--I asked for Western blot. We'll see when the titers get back. Live in Central Calif. Anyone know LLMD in this area, please e-mail me. Thanks.
Posts: 4 | From California | Registered: Dec 2005
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I'm 63, retired IBM'er (my blood flows Big Blue) IT executive ... I don't have Lyme.
My daughter, Lori B, 36, teacher ... Symptomatic w/various sx for 10 yrs prior to total disability and dx in 1996 ... 4 yrs aggressive treatment got her back to 90+% by Jan 2000. Entering her 7th year of living free of Lyme symptoms. Her story is at: http://www.angelfire.com/nj/lorib/
And that, folks, is why my wife, Angela, and I are here at LymeNet.
-------------------- Lou B Posts: 2200 | From Mount Hope, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Oct 2000
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I'm 49, nurse, massage therapist, social worker in my former life. Mother of a wonderful 18 year old daughter, wife of a the kindest, most beautiful man on earth.
Probably sick for almost 20+ years after a bad accident. I believe lyme was opportunistic and got me around 8 years ago. Finally diagnosed by my sister-in-law reading an Amy Tan article. Aggressive treatment for almost 5 months with already some improvement.
Lymenet and my family are my anchors. Oh yeah and my 3 dogs. Posts: 460 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
Im 42, artist and own medical education company with my husband.
One year till diagnosed, $20,000 worth of usless test and lyme-ignorant drs. Been on abx about 4 weeks - just starting to live again.
Planning an active campaign in CT where I lived undiagnosed and went to school in LYme! Have already sent studies, articles and info. to my (no longer) PCP. Will be rolling out more letters and information to other PCP's, neurologists and ID's in my state with the use of our company resources.
I know the Connecticut writer for the New York Times...she may be interested in my story.
PM if you want to share information!
-------------------- We are spiritual beings on a human journey...
GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 259
posted
I am a little old housewife, retired, now 74 years old. Used to be the Executive Assistant to the CEO of a large company. I am perfectly well and Lyme suffering for me is already in the distant past.
I attribute my recovery to a wise medical doctor and to the common sense that I inherited from my parents: If it's toxic, it's toxic and eventually kills.
Take care
P.S. And most of you know how I am spending my time now.
Posts: 9834 | From Washington State | Registered: Oct 2000
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caat
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2321
posted
I'm 45. Used to be an abstract expressionist painter and a sculptor. Used to be my life. 11+ years ago I got so sick I could no longer paint, let alone sculpt. I worked big.
Hard to tell when I contracted lyme (& ?? bart/babs or whatever else). Grew up in NH which has one of the highest pos tick rates. I've hiked and camped out all over the US. Now live in northern California which has several species of disease organisms which haven't been identified very well.
Was diagnosed with CFIDs/Fibromyalgia after several years. Started to get rank meningitis years after that- about 3 1/2 years ago maybe. Was unable to find any doctor who would treat me at that time so started doing a lot of reading and treated myself. Nuerological symptoms improved immediately with high dose doxycycline.
Later was able to get 4 weeks of rocephin to which was added flagyl and then 4 weeks of high dose ceftin which tinidazole was added to. I feel this got rid of the lyme and I am left with more than one co-infection. Still ill.
Posts: 1436 | From Humboldt county ca usa | Registered: Mar 2002
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trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
Wow! What a group and how'd I miss this ONE?
33 yrs old.
Artist and art teacher for 15 years. Now unemployed b/c of two things: 1. Too Sick 2. Had to move to CA for better docs (LLMDs) and they do NOT teach art to the elementary kids here.
It is a crime.
Still do creative stuff, but not affiliated with any galleries now.
Diagnosed Lyme since I was 18 yrs old...1991 with multiple rashes. Undertreated, but managed to do JUST FINE for 10 yrs, no sx.
Reinfected by BLACK AWFUL BITING FLIES in Maine in year 2000. After one year treated with IV and orals. Had remission for 3-4 years. no sx again!
Now am relapsed for unknown reason.
Sad and lonely and broke and substitute teaching, Trails Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
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I'm 37 and a freelance writer. I mainly write marketing materials for corporate clients, but also write press releases and an occasional article for the local paper or trade publication.
I've been noticeably ill since mid-2005 and was diagnosed with Lyme in December.
David95928
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3521
posted
I am a fifty-five year old professor and Licensed Clinical Social Worker/psychotherapist. Fortunately, I was able to hang on and continue working through the worst of it and now am mostly well. Probably I was infected in 1985 and diagnosed in 2003. My first clear Lyme symptom was numbness in the legs in 1991 while I was in doctoral study in Massachusetts.
I live California in the foothills of the northern end of the Sacramento River Valley in a house that I designed and (mostly) built myself. I have a wonderful partner and two pug dogs that bring us immesurable pleasure.
We are trying to lay groundwork to be able to leave the country if the political situation gets too dangerous. Living in California, we figure we will have a couple of years of warning.
My treatment has been Bicillin and Biaxin throughout. It's simple.
-------------------- Dave Posts: 2034 | From CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Age 64, semi-retired award winning Master of Photograhy and Master Artist, Doctor of Motors, among other degrees.
Also was in printing business for a little over 12 years, ended as journeyman printer, but did it all at one time or another.
Photographer for over 40 years now, portraits for most of it but about ten years in Fine Art Photography. Was doing 25 to 30 shows a year, down to 5 this coming year. May start a part time gallery here once we get our "new house" ready to move into. Right now in this old home/studio.
Got bit back in October 1999, got treated with cipro for 24 days in March/April of 2000. Doc won't give new abx or test, so self treating for past 2 months with mostly herbs, but also some abx. It got really bad this past fall, so HAD to do SOMETHING.
Father of five. Married now, but not to first wife.
posted
I'm a business owner. I'm 37 years old. I've been getting sicker over the past two years, but looking back I think I have had this disease for a very long time.
Posts: 50 | From Virginia | Registered: Jan 2006
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posted
21-year old, Industrial Engineering student. I am being helped by a Lyme-Literate Chiropractor (LLDC?) and I think when I graduate I will go on to do much of the same.
I've been sick all of my short life. I live in PA yet I don't recall ever being bitten; I may have received Bb from my mother who has many Lyme symptoms but has never been tested. My Bowen test came back a 128 and positive for Babesia. It is also suspected that I have amalgam illness and toxic exposure to basement mold.
I have rifed 3 times and been on Samento for 2 weeks back in November and I finally stopped herxing. I am going to explore KMT and DC as well as get my fillings replaced. Finally, I am really big into the super-high fat/high protein diet which helps tremendously; I avoid sugar and starch like the plague; cholesterol and saturated fat are my friends.
I'm gonna beat this thing.
Posts: 45 | From Pittsburgh, PA | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
My husband is the Lymee, he is 57.. has had it for at least 18 years, was treated with IV's in 1997, and then orals off and on until this most recent episode knocked him off his feet. He has been on IV's again for 90 days, until liver went out of whack and the meds are on hold right now. He is an electronic technician, works for the RR, for 39 years. I am 48, and an RN in a family practice clinic. Thanks to this web site, and this thread for helping us to KNOW we are not alone.
Posts: 6 | From Minnesota | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
I've had Lyme and Babs for 3.5 years, misdiagnosed for a year.
I'm a writer and am currently in the middle of production on a TV documentary, "UNDER OUR SKIN" on Lyme disease. We're still looking for tax deductable funding to finish production. Every little bit helps.
I'm hoping that this film will help a lot of people get proper diagnosis and treatment.
You can view our trailer (under VIEW SAMPLE) in the left column of this website:
posted
I'm 55 [ ] and believe I've had Lyme for at least 47 yrs...may have been born with it. I was not diagnosed until 5 1/2 yrs ago. I retired from teaching on disability 13 yrs ago.
I was dxd with "fibromyalgia" 25 yrs ago. Numerous other lovely dx's since then.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
Classical oil portrait painter Sick X 20 years. Now working a little in clay.
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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trueblue
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7348
posted
I spent most of my working career(15+ years) in Graphics: printing, silk screen, sign making. Lots of chemical exposure!
I left that and was retrained to be an energy conservation technician in 1990 and did that for 4 years until going out on disabilty.
I was diagnosed in 1993 and was probably sick for 12+ years prior. So about 25 years which is a little more than half my life, I'll be 49 next month.
-------------------- more light, more love more truth and more innovation Posts: 3783 | From somewhere other than here | Registered: May 2005
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Remember the rash. It was about 11 years ago. Always wondered what it was.
My body completely "broke" 4 years ago. 1.5 years ago went to a doctor I heard of that was an expert in chronic pain. Luckily, he was a lyme expert and so many other things. This is when I found out I had lyme.
Used to be a manager at an IT company. Subsidiary of IBM.
Posts: 856 | From Texas | Registered: Jan 2005
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42 years old. Sick for the last 17. Undiagnosed until last summer when it was clinically confirmed (showed almost every symptom in the book). Received confirmation of the clinical diagnosis through IGENEX. Tested positive by CDC standards.
I grew up in the Okanagan and vacationed in the Kootenays - both Lyme endemic areas in British Columbia.
I work as a policy director with an environmental organization.
Currently using herbal and naturpathic protocols to treat Lyme. Giving myself a year to decide whether to take antibiotics.
posted
I'm 46 years old. Was a competitive adult skater, ballet, yoga - top physical shape. Profession was a registered nurse= pediatric home care for technology dependent children in the Phila metro area. Probably bit Oct 2003. No rash, no symptoms until Mar 05- woke up about paralyzed. Living with parents who take care of me now. Multiple coinfection aggressive tx/ ivs 6 months and all other anitibiotics- still declining. Folks, I am trying to get approved to write articles on tick born diseases for a nursing journal so some other professionals get educated. Wish me well! Was able to get out of bed today!!!Lyme disease doesn't belong in the super bowl- the toilet bowl Posts: 719 | From Delaware | Registered: Jan 2006
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I was first ill in '92 got quite a bit better after vit B12 injections a few years later and managed to live a reasonable life. Got bit 2 years ago then sick again.
I now work at home and I invent things (Mostly electronic) for people.
Before that I worked in communications all around the world - mainly in poor countries such as Africa and the middle east.
I am 33.
Posts: 27 | From Mars | Registered: Jan 2006
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AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
I am 29.
Lyme symptoms started sept 1987. (I was 10)
Diagnosed in and disabled since 2000. (at age 23)
I was in college when I became disabled but after I am well and can finally finish school I will be an art teacher.
-------------------- nan Posts: 2135 | From Tick Country | Registered: Oct 2000
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ArtistDi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2297
posted
I am an artist/independent curator and was an art professor until I really fell ill five and 1/2years ago.
I am 47 years old, but believe my first bite happened when I was 20-21 years old in college. Circular rash on my ankle and was told it was ring worm.
Had various symptoms of joint pain, IBS, etc. throughout the years along with chronic sinus problems, but still managed to live fully, then five and a half years ago....bam...my whole world came tumbling down.
Posts: 1572 | From Hatfield, MA, USA | Registered: Mar 2002
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posted
43 years old, registered nurse for 20 years.
3 bullseye rashes in 1992 followed by eye pain, floaters,joint pain then full-blown neurologic syndrome about 6 months later. Saw llmd about a year later, treated for about 4 months (my choice)still sick for about 4 more years but not as bad.
Mild symptoms from about 1997 on until 2005 then sudden full-blown neuro syndrome again after surgery. All neuro testing negative.
I see llmd in 2 weeks.
Posts: 340 | From Ohio | Registered: Oct 2005
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kgg
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5867
posted
Registered Nurse, unable to work. Have had lyme since I was 10, 38 years ago. Not diagnosed until July, 2004.
Karen
Posts: 1846 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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I am a 38 yr old that has been a hairstylist for 20 years, owned my own salon since 2000. I thought i hurt from standing on my feet all that time.
I think I have had lyme for 5-6 yrs although remember a bite at 20 yrs of age.Had almost every symptom.
Just found out 13 yr old daughter also has lyme, she was treated amox for 10 days after finding tick imbedded in her scalp. We are both positive by CDC standards via Igenex.
I want to thank KrisKraft for the documentary.... I hope it makes someone LISTEN!!!!!!!
-------------------- I'm gonna get that lyme !!! Posts: 61 | From Erie, PA | Registered: Dec 2005
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I'm 52, and contracted Lyme in 1987, had 5 days of abx but no diagnosis. Progressively got worse, then diagnosed in Dec 2000. Treated with oral abx for 2 years, then alternative rife treatments since then. Work full time as an analyst.
Posts: 546 | From Cascadia subduction zone | Registered: Mar 2002
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] and believe I've had Lyme for at least 47 yrs...may have been born with it. I was not diagnosed until 5 1/2 yrs ago. I retired from teaching on disability 13 yrs ago.![[Frown]](frown.gif)
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