Topic: Does anyone here suffer with Lyme and live alone?
BackinStOlaf
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23725
posted
I am a 30 yr old woman living alone and I get nervous when I have chest pains and symptoms because I am afraid if something happens, there will be no one there to help me.
Also, what if I have reactions to my medications? it is pretty scary. Anyone else in the same boat? How do you deal with it?
I guess this is not a medical question per se
-------------------- First Symptom 9/09 Multiple docs, negative Labcorp test LLMD: 1/10 Positive Igenex/CDC test Treatment 2/10 2/10-8/10 Amox, ceftin, zith, flagyl Currently: Bicillin, Minocycline, still dealing with severe breathing issues
Posts: 1121 | From New York, New York | Registered: Dec 2009
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Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
I'm sure you will get some good advice here, but just in case you are interested, there is a club on Lyme Friends (www.lymefriends.ning.com) called, "On Our Own" for people with Lyme that live alone.
It isn't super-active, but there is a "wall," and when one person posts, sometimes the others will notice and post again.
My husband goes out of town from time to time (some months it's even 50% of the time) so I can relate in a small way, though not fully.
My heart goes out to you.
I normally just stay brave and get through things as best I can. Just remember 911 is always there if there is a real emergency. Do you have a cell phone? You can always keep that close to you. (though not right up against your body, if you are EMF sensitive like me. I just keep it within reach to the point that if I roll over, I can reach it with my arm).
So if I am on the couch, I always keep my phone on the ground next to the couch. Having my phone makes me feel safe.
TV helps a lot with the loneliness. I like to watch funny shows. That and Lymenet and Lyme Friends.
Meals can be an issue when you are not feeling well, but I have found Amy's microwave dinners to be about as nutritious as I can get in a pinch. The Kashi microwave dinners are also fairly nutritious, but not as filling (which for me is bad, so I'll eat some cheese too to fill up). That, and the boxed organic lettuces are nice because you don't have to rinse them. I will eat them out of the box without dressing. And bagged organic baby carrots. Don't have to rinse those either. They sell all of the above at our Walmart.
Good luck, we are here for you!
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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BackinStOlaf
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23725
posted
thank you!!
-------------------- First Symptom 9/09 Multiple docs, negative Labcorp test LLMD: 1/10 Positive Igenex/CDC test Treatment 2/10 2/10-8/10 Amox, ceftin, zith, flagyl Currently: Bicillin, Minocycline, still dealing with severe breathing issues
Posts: 1121 | From New York, New York | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
Back inStOlaf, I posted this today as well....great minds think alike? It's hard to be on my own. I live in the woods on a mountain with 2 dogs who keep me sane. My goal is to work at my job. Anything else is gravy. I just wish I could find more quality of life. Good luck to you. Blessings, Just Jan
-------------------- I used to be marblenose but my lymebrain could not remember what email account I used to sign in so now I am just jan... bit in 1994 diagnosed in 2004 I have tried every anbx and alternative known to personkind.
NICENESS COUNTS!! Posts: 61 | From orange county new york | Registered: Jul 2008
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posted
Me too. You're right, it can be scary. The only things I have are my friends who, if I didn't show up at work would call out the cavalry and my dad (although he's four hours away).
Hoosiers is right though, keeping the phone by you does provide some comfort. That and the good people here at LymeNet - they are really the only ones who truly get it.
While it does stink to be alone at during all of this, it makes you strong and become your own advocate.
But remember, you have friends here!
-------------------- ---------- Danni Posts: 311 | From Glen Mills, PA | Registered: Jan 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I'd rather be alone when sick than with someone else. And I've had no help with ER doctors for lyme seizures and such - so I am very glad I've finally learned so much about how to take care of myself. We can learn a great deal about self-care and that is very reassuring to me, indeed. Takes away all the fear.
If something happens beyond what I can do, I'll manage (and may or may not call a doctor) but there is so much I can do on my own to correct previously scary stuff that can get out of balance.
You might consider taking a first aid course with your local American Red Cross. And ask your LLMD to work with you on a trouble shooting chart.
I paid a friend to take an emergency homeopathic course (since I am home-bound). She went through everything with me and also brought me a set of course materials and a fully stocked homeopathic emergency kit. It only cost us $40 each - maybe see if a ND (naturopathic doctor) in your area would teach such a course.
You'd also be amazed at just how many emergencies can be calmed with magnesium and fish oil. Amazing. I was so late to learn that information but it has truly come in very handy.
Stonebreaker is also an herbal tincture that everyone should have on hand in case of gallbladder attack (but first read up on it and consult doctor). While my GP helped by phone, while I waited for the Cipro to be delivered, this herb was absolutely instrumental in keeping me out of the ER (and I would not have been able to go, anyway). So, I am so glad it was in one of my emergency kits.
I've also been very lucky to have a good ND nearby and she has taught me many good things - even if she does not know about lyme, she sort of gets that but can help in so many other ways and has been a marvelous teacher so that I can be more self-reliant. -
[ 02-11-2010, 07:16 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Yes, I live alone and have a very hard time when I have terrible symptoms. I go through periods where I feel almost well and try dating again, etc...but then relapse again.
Very difficult as I feel I have to be honest with people I meet about my situation. I just can't keep up with most healthy people though I look healthy, so it is very troubling.
I have missed the best years of my life because of this illness and fear I will never have a family.
Posts: 770 | From USA | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
Yes, I live alone and have a very hard time when I have terrible symptoms. I go through periods where I feel almost well and try dating again, etc...but then relapse again.
Very difficult as I feel I have to be honest with people I meet about my situation. I just can't keep up with most healthy people though I look healthy, so it is very troubling.
I have missed the best years of my life because of this illness and fear I will never have a family.
Posts: 770 | From USA | Registered: Jul 2006
| IP: Logged |
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