posted
Are you still taking larger doses of abx, or do you lower them in order to be able to handle working? I need to go back to work at least in the next 2-4 months before losing home and everything. I've always worked hard and worked my way through college and supported myself to now lose everything I've worked hard for.
I've only been on abx for a little over a month, and now having to take a few weeks off, because my body is going into shock. I was not this sick before starting.
I was at least still able to do light yard work or go grocery shopping, and clean house...
Not sure if this extreme reaction is good news, because it's doing it's job better than having less of a reaction or what?
-------------------- Never walk through a cornfield backwards.
Dave6002
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9064
posted
I am working normally full time and still on abx, but 95% recovered (at work, I feel I was 100% recovered)in about a year and a half,which I thought is a miracle.
Before I returned to work, I had same worries as yours, and at the beginning, I was pretty symptomatic and my work was very stressful.
Now I am with a normal life and confidence to conquer this monster, enjoying working.
In 2 to 4 months, working shouldn't be a problem for you,as you are young, look healthy(pardon me) and can function partially, better than I was.
By the way, what symptoms you have and what abx you are on?
Just abx may not be enough.
I found garlic juice, Buhner's herbs are very helpful.
Dave
Posts: 1078 | From Fairland | Registered: Apr 2006
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
Kendrick,
Everybody is different. I've been working and going to law school throughout treatment. I did work 4 day weeks for a few months this past summer, but that was it as far as cutting back.
I've always found I do better when I'm busy. It takes my mind off being sick.
But I also have never had cognitive symptoms, so that helps. Most of my symptoms are pain, which are controlled with meds.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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Vermont_Lymie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9780
posted
Hi Kendrick,
It is difficult. We do what we can.
I must work, but was able to take several weeks off this summer, which really helped. Just this past month, I stayed on a lower dose of abx so that I could get past an especially busy work time without herxing.
Now I am ramping up, and I feel it, and still trying to get by through reducing my workload as much as possible without jeopardizing the main content of my work. Buhner's herbs have helped me in conjunction with abx and a spouse who helps out with domestic stuff. And, what has helped most, is the fact that after six months of treatment, I am better and still making progress.
good luck -- VL
Posts: 2557 | From home | Registered: Aug 2006
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posted
That "extreme reaction" is pretty common, unfortunately. I was already disabled when I began Lyme treatment, so it was "easier" for me in regard to work.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
I should add, that I hired a cleaning service for my apartment before I started treatment.
I had to because I lost the use of my hands for about a year before diagnosis. So cleaning the bathroom was just impossible.
I kept them because I just don't have the energy between work, school and Lyme to clean. I also sometimes drop my laundry off at a wash/dry/fold. And I rarely cook for myself.
I know everybody can't afford these things. But I'm single so there is nobody to help around the house. And if it's the difference between working or not, then it might be cost effective.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
I've just returned to work fulltime after being on abx for a year and a half.
I'm nervous about it. Still have some cognitive issues, some pain in hip and a bit of numbness, but without my doing this, I was afraid we were going to lose the house.
I'm also still taking abx for Lyme, Bart and Babs. If I know I've got something especially stressful coming up, I shift the abx schedule around, particularly with the rifampin. That can kick me to the curb.
In addition, I take all my supplements, Chinese herbs. I continue using essential oils and detox foot pads. Plus, I make sure I get my weekly acupunture treatments.
Six months ago, I wasn't sure I was ever going to be able to work again. So this improvement is really welcomed.
I know stress can really exacerbate Lyme symptoms for me, so in my case, I had to weigh the stress of going to work against the stress I'd feel with constant money pressures along with trying to completely rebuild my business.
For me, this route seemed a lot less stressful in the long run.
I do think it's different for everyone, though.
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
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posted
I started treatment the very day I was to return to work after being sick all summer. Two weeks later, it became necessary to go on medical leave for awhile because I needed more rest than I could get working. My principal was unsympathetic and I will leave it at that.
Stress does affect how well you can get through this. You are very smart to keep the household help. Extra rest is important too.
Posts: 48 | From Wisconsin | Registered: Sep 2006
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What is your work situation like? I've been able to work throughout lots of treatment, some of it pretty punishing, but I've been at my job a very long time and have lots of annual and sick leave and unerstanding management. Can you get them to be flexible with you at all?
monkeyshines
Posts: 343 | From Northern VA | Registered: Oct 2004
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