But I did have two more questions...

Can I go in the sun?

Have any of your doctors prescribed you with pain medicine? Or do you have any suggestions to alleviate the pain?

Thanks

I am just trying to stay positive, but as a 25 year old, who feels like I am 90, I am just very discouraged for many reasons.... mostly, a) its the summer b)I have 2 weddings I am in, and couldn't even attend one of the bridal showers, and don't even have the energy to be in it, and also look/feel horrible c) I am lonely/ depressed and my friends are always out, even though they are taking care of me I do not want to go out.

I am normally SO active and happy, and for the past 3 weeks I have been miserable...now that I am diagnosed and on meds, I am hoping things will look up.

First question...I have not even been able to get myself out of bed, my right arm and leg are just numb...it hurts to type this, or even drive, and write. I have a drs note for 4 days off, and she said more if I wanted to. I am just so scared I am going to get fired from my job and/or not be able to pay bills, and afraid they do not understand how much pain I am in. Did anyone take a leave of absence? Is this something that disability or Social Security covers? I am so young, I have never experienced anything like this.

I know you can't drink...for how long after the medicine??

I have gained weight, and there is nothing that I can do about it...any suggestions for diets? Even though I just eat whatever now to make me feel somewhat better. I normally work out 3-5 days at the gym, and I now can't even walk up the street now!

I had bloodwork done again yesterday, I guess some tests after I have been diagnossed. 12 FREAKING VIALS of blood, I nearly passed out!! Anyone have this before?

How do your friends support you? Do most of them understand your pain? I feel like mine don't. I guess I am just really sensitive right now. I mean, they know this is serious, but I don't think they get how I sleep either w/ ice packs on my hands or a heating pad on my neck.

Sorry this is so long winded, I type really fast. I really appreciate any responses. I am sure that I will be on this a lot...I often have lots of stupid questions like these. Its good to know there is a support group out there!

Thanks for listening!

OHHH one more thing, can I go in the sun??

What you have been describing is all so typical of anyone with Lyme Disease.

When you say that you had 12 vials of blood taken, then "they" must be trying to look for some other reason for you illness.

This can be dangerous in a way...that way being when they don't find anything, they'll label you not sick. And, then the insurance you have will have a good excuse not to pay for you treatment.

If you are not seeing a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD) and it appears that you are not, my suggestion is to not waste anymore time with a "duck" (a doctor who knows absolutely nothing about Lyme Diseae (LD). So, if you have not yet, go over to the Seeking a Doctor forum and post there to try and find a doctor who knows how to treat Lyme.

Make sure that s/he is a member of ILADS.

This is a very complicated disease and will require patience and time to get you better.

I havent' read your other posts yet so I may be redundant in my answers and questions. Have you had LD for a long time?

Many, many, me included, are now getting SSD or SSDI. LD is not on their list of illnesses, but, since LD can produce so many symptoms, the Social Security Administration really looks at what the illness prevents you from doing. But, that is a very long road to get to the point of actually getting a check. Took me 3 years and 10 months to receive mine.

Can you go into the sun? Well, that depends on the antibiotics (abx) that you are taking. Doxycycline (Doxy) is one of the worst and you MUST stay out of the sun while taking it.

About drinking, some people do, but, most do not as you need to be aware of the bad effects that alcohol can and does to your body. I used to love drinking beer and a bottle of wine every now and then. I found that drinking any amount of alcohol does not sit right with my body...so I just don't drink anymore.

I may have a glass of champaine at my wedding in a 12 days from now.

Weight gain is fairly common as with LD, you just don't burn the energy you used to burn.

Also, my LLMD, Dr. C of MO, says that pain and fatigue, or fatigue and pain are the number 1 and number 2 complaints of his patients.

I take Hydrocodone every day. I just got off the Duragesic patch which is a very high dose of pain medicine. If you are in pain, then, by all means, ask your doctor for something.

As for friends, I only have one now (besides the ones I have met here on LymeNet), and, the reason for her sticking with me is because she doesn't work and is sick also with diabetes and heart problems.

All the others have fallen by the wayside.

This is a tough disease to irradicate and you have to toughen up. Sorry for being so blunt.

Someone will be along soon with the Links for New Lymenet Members, I'm sure. But, wanted to let you know that you are not alone in this. Come here often...use us, and by all means, start reading and then read some more.

Good luck in you process to wellness.