I can't recall how many Chicken Soup Books have been sold now, but it is a lot along with translations in different languages.

He has the first rejection letter framed on his wall. It was from a major publishing company and was very negative.

Not sure what causes this. It seems to happen when I have gotten off the routine intake of food and/or have over done it.

After resting from the presentation, I ran a couple of errands too.

Hopefully, I will be able to do what it takes to get unpacked tomorrow and a few other things around the house.

I try to get Buster out for exercise because there isn't a yard here for him and the apartment is very small.

Seems to wax and wane on it's own.

but you do need the rifampin or levoquin to get the bart...eye stuff is CLASSIC bart!

I even had some dinner tonight that a friend came over and fixed for me. This is good.

I learned there is a school nearby with a fenced in area that I could take Buster too for play time. I am going to try and find it tomorrow.

Buster is a black lab.

I don't think I have been treated for Bart. I wonder if the insurance will pay for the meds. I'll have to give the pharmacy a call tomorrow and see.

I also don't think I have told my lyme doc about the pain in the eye and not being able to move, talk or open my eyes without throwing up.

I tried to record the receipts I have and the cost of the trip tonight. I need to mail the information to CST for the grant.

It is still very difficult for me to sit upright, look at a receipt, and write it down.

I will need to take baby steps with this. At first, I thought I would just mail in what I had and let them figure it out.

But, I need to know more of what is going on so I know who to pay what.

It looks like that will be my project for tomorrow. If I am doing really well..I'd also like to get the laundry done.

And I need to make this small apartment power chair friendly. I learned on the trip that I do much better if I stay off of my feet.

All I can think of right now is to call the thrift shop and see if they want my couch and loveseat. But, then I lay on the couch while watching TV. I don't know if I will have the stamina to sit upright. Sometimes I do. But, most of the time I don't.

If the couch and loveseat go...that leaves the dining table, the power chair, the bookshelves and a rocker that can lay back quite a ways if I take the bar off.

If I were to move, I don't think I would take the rocker, couch and loveseat with me. I might not take the dining room table either. So, I guess the only problem right now is the laying down part while I watch TV.

I was upright for most of the day yesterday. Buster and were out and about for about two hours in the am. I looked for the school that someone told me about with a fenced in area. But, I couldn't find it. I looked in the phone book for the address and couldn't find the name of the school in it.

Still looking for a fenced in area for Buster to play in without his leash.

Still looking for a playmate for Buster too. He liked playing with the other service dogs while in training.

I forgot to put in his ear drops the first week he was here. His ears smell again and he is rubbing them on the floor as they itch. I hope we can get that cleared up again this week.

Health wise. I am not sure what is going on. I feel like I might have finally turned the corner with this. It seemed to start when I started on the mepron and biaxin.

I do know that in the past, I had times when I thought I had finally climbed that mountain and was on the down hill side of it.

But, it didn't last. I sure hope this lasts this time.

I was able to vacuum the house without getting totally drained. I vacuumed while in the power chair. My hope is that I will be able to continue to do this.

I also was able to move the computer into the front room and hook it back up. It has been a long time since my brain was working well enough to do this. It feels great.

I am now sitting upright at the computer as I type this instead of laying in bed with the keyboard on my lap and the screen next to my bed.

I plan on being on the computer much less. I know the body can't handle sitting upright in front of the computer for long.

But, it is a big improvement to be able to do this.

After taking Buster out and about yesterday, I came home and continued to try and get the apartment organized and put things away from turning it upside down two days ago.

I last so much longer if I use the power chair in the apartment to move about.

I still don't understand why as my legs to work. I just don't seem to be able to stand on them for long or walk for long.

It is nice to be in a sitting position longer each day instead of the majority of the day having to be in a reclining position.

I also don't find myself having the shortness of breath if I use the power chair to move my body.

I sure hope this is not a phase and it only gets better from here.

I tend to not want to give myself down time because I am concerned this may not last. So, I am doing what I can now to get caught up with things.

I still need to list medical expenses and find receipts for last year for the apartment manager.

I still need to write a letter to the workmen's comp doc who said this was not work related and give him more information.

I still need to write the workmen's comp attorney and tell him I am no longer in need of his services and will be representing myself. He is not fighting for me.

I still would like to enter my income and expenses on a program on the computer so next year I can just print things out. I did this before coming down with lyme disease. But, have yet to be able to do this for over 4 years now. It will be good to go back to my old way of keeping track of income and expenses.

It will be good just to be able to record income and expenses on my ledger and balance the checkbook first.

I still would like to get the boxes of paper work that are in my bath tub filed.

The priority for today is getting food in the house and fixing it along with hopefully being able to make it to church and get Buster out a few times a day to toilet and exercise. I also would like to take a bath and change the bedding on the bed. And a friend is bringing my laundry over so I hope to get it put away today too.

And I would like to get the list of medical expenses ready for the apartment manager Monday.

It will be highly unusual if all of this gets done today. But, it has been very unusual what I have been able to do lately.

I pray that it lasts.

I am sitting in an oak chair as I type this. My body is all ready starting to ache so much that I can not sit here for much longer.

It seems the power chair is much more comfortable. It also helps if I am not sitting still and moving.

Hopefully, the excedrin that I have yet to take today will help.

It is great when I am out and about with Buster in the power chair. It takes my mind off of the body and on to him. He is great pain meds.

He gets dressed very easily in the am for the day with the exception of the gentle lead.

IT still takes a lot of time to get that on him. I was told to give him lots of treats when he gets it on. I do that. I also use lots of treats just to get him close enough to get it on.

I also was told to put some moleskin around the strap. But, I couldn't find any in this area. So, I purchased a cotton tape. I hope that helps.

I am amazed that I was able to sit upright in the power chair for that long.

I found a fenced in area at a school across town for Buster to "just be a dog". He loved it.

I found a couple more areas on the way home that I will try at another time. They are bigger and will give him more running space.

I also was able to attend a Sunday School Class and church this am.

Sounds like you've got a pretty good, new buddy in Buster. Dogs can get a lot of ear mites, so you may want to try Avon's "skin so soft". Fisherman, and hunter's use this stuff all the time to ward off bugs.

My teeth hurt, I can't seem to put two and two together, the shoulders and back hurt, vision and processing is a weak, eating is difficult, I need to eat soft foods and still have problems swallowing, the lips are chapped and burning...I think the biggest obstacle is the brain mis firing or firing in spurts and not connected.

It has been great to be able to function as well as I have the past two days. I sure don't want it to go away.

There are so many new drugs on the market for heartworm, tapeworm, flea repellants, tick repellants, mites, etc. that I'd really suggest talking to a well informed (emphasis on that; a lot are not hep to the new products) vet to see what you can put together for minimal cost, maximum effectiveness, and minimal negative effects.

I've owned dogs for years and thought I knew a lot about this stuff -- but I no longer feel that I do. Our dog spends a lot of time in the house and wrastling with us, and I am, of course, tick-and-parasite paranoid. So I've scheduled a vet chat for next week.

Another good source is the dog trainer or local dog groomer. But -- the potential long term effects of some of the new products, like Revolution, really make me nervous, although I love the one-pill-fixes all concept. I just don't trust it...

There's a new ear mite product that pretty much ends the ear mite problem for all time. Can't remember the name of it, but it worked wonders on my chronically ear-mited cat. Or is the smelly ear problem because of an infection? One of my dogs had teeny ear canals and keeping infections at bay was an ongoing problem.

I found out Buster likes butter. I have been keeping the food off of the counters to avoid problems. But, I did leave the butter out this am. When we came back from our outing, I looked over and saw him down the butter...paper and all.

Doing better this am, but need to take it slow and easy today...it wouldn't take much for me to hit the wall again...resources are very low.

I learned I need to get vacines updated in May. There isn't a vet in town or a groomer.

But, I will cross that bridge later...too many other things to do right now.

This will allow others to have the gift of a service dog also.

They will come and speak to any organizations that look promising.

I know they recently went to Florida and had a successful trip.

I am trying to think of an organization to contact that might be able to come up with $5,000 or $10,000 but have yet to come up with one. I am open to suggestions.

CST provided as many assistant dogs last year as another major organization. The difference is that the other major organization has a million dollar budget and needs $30,000 for each dog provided.

CST is running on a lot less and is able to provide an assistant dog at $10,000 per dog.

I was reminded of the times I was backpacking and would get a spring shower.

I will always remember the time we hit a spring shower in Aspen Colorado at the Snowmass mountains. That was an impressive one and I came close to hyperthermia. It was to be a day hike to the hot springs.

I don't recall who brought the matches and the hot tea to drink. But, it pulled me out of it.

I also was surprised at how quickly hyperthermia could set in.

Back to dealing with lyme disease....I called the LLMD and he ordered more biaxin.

As soon as I can find someone to drive me the hour away to get to the pharmacy, I will pick them up. I am almost out of the meds I have now.

I am still on biaxin and mepron. I still feel I may be turning the corner here but time will tell.

At least I am able to sit upright for longer periods of time if I stay off my feet and use the power chair and keep moving. Just sitting still doesn't work.

I also am continuing to take two excedrin and have a couple of cups of caffeine the am to help.

But, everytime I am able to sort the laundry I recall those times not so long ago where just sorting the laundry was not possible.

I am thankful for the ability to sort the laundry and hope it doesn't go away.

It has taken all week to get the laundry done. A friend did several loads or me, but I need to put them away. I am doing a little at a time. I also did 4 more loads today. But, two of them were blankets and quilts so they will be easy to put away. The rest is still on my dining room table. Hopefully, I will be able to get them away today.

I have had a few calls on the housekeeping ad. I know I need someone to help, but really dislike the idea because past experiences have been so poor. Hopefully, the new person will be an asset.

I hav

I spilled the box of Tide while on my way there. Now, I need to go to the grocery store and purchase more Tide.

I was completely exhausted and feeling defeated from just putting in some sheets and blankets in the washers.

I had used my power chair to get me there and back.

I was almost in tears because I miss not being able to do the laundry and not have it take almost everything out of me. It seems like it should be a simple task.

When I rolled in the front door there was Buster to great me with his mylar bone and his tail wagging.

That was cool and cheered me up.

My neighbor found my cat and brought him over last night. I had Buster in the front room and the cat in the bedroom.

The cat kept me up all night. He is noctural and wanted to play. He also hadn't seem me in a couple of weeks and wanted lots of petting and to be very near me.

Before Buster, I would let him out at night and he would be waiting for me at the sliding glass patio door in the morning.

I know if I let him out tonight he will not be there in the morning. He doesn't like dogs.

So, what to do. I need my sleep. I tried putting him in the bathroom last night with food and water and a litter box. But, he makes a sound that is very annoying when he is not a happy camper.

Then the dog starts up in the other room.

Rough night...but only because I couldn't sleep. It happens sometimes, but much less than it use to.

Took Buster out to smell the daisey's this am and then came home and caught up on a little sleep. I rested for about 3 and a half hours. I was able to get up and make meatloaf and put purple potatoes on to boil.

I mostly likely did not sleep last night because I am not getting enough food in me during the day.

It was good to be able to do the multi tasking that is involved with making a meatloaf. I brought everything over to the dining room table in order to mix it. I used my power chair to get around. All went well.

I recall trying to sit at a counter and make 3 salads some time ago and the multi movement and tasking was too much. I had to become a couch potato for a while before I could eat dinner that night.

I was at my limit with this and will be reclining again until it is done.

It has been so long I have forgotten how long to cook the meatloaf and what temp to set the oven. So, I winged it.

I reclined near the window this am as the sun was shining through. It felt so warm and toasty. I have arranged the recliner so I can see out now. It is great to be outdoors more with Buster and to be able to see out more when I am indoors. I am not much of an indoor person and am looking forward to being about and about more as I heal financially and health wise.

I was a person with a dog again while I was out instead of a disabled person in a power chair. I like that. I get lots of comments on what a handsome dog Buster is. I like that. I think he does too.

I just need to figure out some way to keep him from waking me up at 3:30, 4:00, 4:30, 5:00. I finally get up at 5:00. There has been times when he hasn't woke me up until 6:00 but that one was rare.

I have tried letting him have a long play time in a fenced in area but that didn't seem to work. I wonder about feeding him later.

I have been feeding him abou 5:30 ish and then taking him out an hour or so later.

I wonder about feeding him later in the am too. He seems to go back to sleep as soon as I feed him in the morning. He seems to take a nap after his afternoon feeding too.

I was told to feed him a cup and a half twice a day while in training. But, when it was time to come home the trainer told me he feed Buster one cup twice a day and to give him lots of treats during the day.

Both the trainer and the head of the CST and other trainers have told me to give him lots of treats for a job well done so I will keep up with this for a while.

I am still having trouble getting him dressed to go out. I think I need to find a treat or two that he wants more than resisting me when it comes to getting dressed.

He does put his two feet on my lap or on the foot rest to get undressed without any treats. No problem getting undressed.

Stopped at Micheal's Craft Store and barely made it out to the car. Laid back for a while and then was able to sit upright the rest of the way home. Also able to listen to a soothing CD while in the car....which is a new thing as it has been too much in the past.

I also used power chair to clean kitchen this am. All of the chores exhausted me but if I kept them short I was able to complete them.

Tried on a pair of shoes while in western shop and started the heavy breathing...still having trouble with multi movement and multi tasking.

Also, just standing upright in store is enough. Body and mind can't handle trying to purchase anything or find something to purchase yet. But, being a lookey loo is very enjoyable at this time.

Friend also took care of lunch. I just ordered what she ordered and she paid for it.

Reading and processing the menu and getting the money out to pay still is more than I can handle at this time. I have given people my purse in the past and asked them to get the money out for me and pay for the meal.

I guess it is the multi movement and multi tasking.

After walking into pharmacy...I wasn't sure I was going to be able to say my name there for a while. AFter being still, I was able to talk.

All is all. I was very pleased with today as I was able to sit upright and be on my feet for quite some time.

The other stuff will come.

Sure hope I didn't over do it and will not be able to go to tomorrow's meeting.

I do plan getting in my camping recliner and watching TV the rest of the night. I was gone from teh house from 9:30 to 5:30 today.

It is a new thing to also be able to be in the camping recliner. Before, I could only sit in it for about an hour and then I would need to lie down.

The Oscar...no
A box of wheaties...no
A ribbon...no
A trophy..no

Hmm...what could we come up with for those who beat this?

Their picture on the hall of infamous lyme web site? Possibily.

Their picture in Lyme Times...possibly.

Their picture on the wall at their doctor's office? Possibly.

An autographed picture of...where is my imagination when I need it?

I think the bumper sticker needs to have the lymenet web site on it.

I am still limited on what I can do before my brain goes south on me. I am beginning to wonder if I will be able to do this.

If I can, it certainly will help in the long run.

It is something that I didn't even think twice about before lyme. Now, numbers are still an obstacle.

I also interviewed a person to help out. I was pretty much out of it and should have told her I would get back to her. Instead, I asked her to start tomorrow.

I also have a person scheduled for an interview tomorrow. Not sure what I am going to do about that.

Sure hope I figure it out soon.

Problem solving and thinking in the head is still not working for the most part.

The body and mind it seems are still paying for being on my feet Tuesday.

Or, it is just the nature of the disease.

I am going to try to move now. I can tell all ready that my body will be very stiff and the connection between the brain and the limbs will be weak.

I am impressed with your determination.

Wondering whether it might help you to do your banking on line. I signed up for it,free, quick and easy. Now my bills are paid with only a couple quick entries and I can see the balances any time day or night.

Since you have quicken, you can then download your banking entries right into it.

It will take some amount of effort in the first few tries, but is really easy after tha first entries.

Just a suggestion.

Keep up the good work with Buster and I hope you are feeling better every day. Both hubby and I have Lyme and know what a roller coaster ride it is!

I did contact my bank and was told they are in the process of working with Quicken and will let us know when it is complete.

I originally thought I would not have to enter everything one by one.

It is so confusing at this point. It will be good to know what I am spending on what and what the running balance is once again.

Buster and I went to the post office together. I did not use the gentle lead. HE did fine for the most part.

We were talking to a neighbor on the grassy area when the sprinklers came on.

I had been meaning to give him a bath. Since we were half soaked anyway, I finished the job.

It wasn't difficult at all. It did take a lot out of me but Buster was no problem at all. He just sat there as I soaked him down and then shampoo, and rinse.

He cleans up well.

My neighbor told me that we are not to use the water the next 3 days because of a notice in the PG&E bill that I did not read.

This does not make sense to me as PG&E does not provide water to us. That is provided by the city.

She said that if we use the water and electricity that they would turn it off.

I don't know about this. I also am not that concerned with the exception that I will do my laundry that is long over due today.

I have two doves making a nest in my bird feeder that is hanging on my patio. It is the coolest thing. I like hearing the noise they make and watching them carry the pieces of sticks.

I sure don't understand why they choose that area. I leave the door open and the dog goes in and out when he wants.

It appears they are both working on the nest. Good concept for parenting. We shall see how it goes when it is raising and feeding time. And they call them bird brain. I think the two legged humoids with much bigger brains could learn from them.

Health wise I continue to be able to be upright until about 10 am if I stay in my power chair. I recline for quite some time and veg in front of the TV until the afternoon/evening.

I will most likely take a break now and then try to do the laundry this afternoon.

Don't know if I will be able to work more on the medical retirement forms, workmen's comp or Quicken but I hope so.

I only wrote one email and then copied and pasted the other one, but my mind and body are shutting down on me. Need veg time again.

I hope this continues and that you get that Workman's comp thing going too!

Give Buster a hug for me!

I walked around the circled area. I think I was on my feet 5 to 10 minutes. I was normal during that time but got back in my power chair just in time. I could feel the body fatiguing. I also tried to run a little. It was as if I was running in slow motion. Connection between brain and limbs still needs improvement. It will come.

Able to type letter to workmen's comp doc yesterday at one sitting. My shoulders and neck were hurting but being able to sit upright and type for that long is new and feels good.

I also think I kept the train of thought going. I will read letter this am to see if it makes sense.

I have a new housekeeper/caregiver. She is pleasant. Makes it about half of the time. But, since I am doing better this is not a big deal.

It helps to have someone else doing these things. I would be snowed under fast if the household chores were not being done right now.

Eventually, I believe I will be able to do these things too along with feeding myself and normal household duties.

Eventually, I think I will be able to volunteer in the classrooms too until I can work myself up to substitute teaching and then full time teaching too. It is slow going.

I do need to get this workmen's comp, Quicken (finances in order), CAlPERS stuff done ASAP.

After that, I need to look into taking a class in order to keep my credential active. I also think I need to work in the classroom for a certain amount of hours. I need to look into this.

I know credential expires in Jan. 2006. Not much time for a lyme brain.

I have been going to a Bible Study class since I came back from training. I have been taking the book with me to study while Buster runs and plays in the morning.

I recently realized that the book is broken down in weeks and has one chapter to read each day. It is do able. The chapters are short.

This means the mind is finally clearing up enough as well as the vision. I sure hope it stays. I have been here before only to loose it.

I also am able to say the Lord's Prayer now in the am and put on the armour of God. So, that part of the brain is working again.

I still need to take small steps and keep it simple.

I don't know how well I would be functioning without the excedrin and caffeine each day.

I did try to cut back on the excedrin and found my body and mind came to a stop quicker in the am.

So, I went back to 2 excedrin. It seems like a small price to pay in order to have the ability to do a little each day.

I continue to get down about 9:00 or 10:00 am and recline in front of the TV until about 5:00 pm. Then, I try to do something again...but not much. I feed Buster. Wait an hour. And then take him out to exercise.

I need to take him out for longer periods of time. The past few nights, he has been restless and I have found myself taking him to the local grocery store parking lot to exercise him while I am in my power chair around 9 pm.

He use to nod off to sleep at this time. Now, he is much more active in the evenings.

I think he is over his ear infection. He seems like a much happier/lively dog lately.

He still puts his head down when I put on the service jacket. I am just doing it for short periods of time.

I also stopped treating him when he corrects the behavior. I think he was working me on that one. It seems it takes 3 tries and then he heals and walks along side the power chair normally.

My next step is to not talk during this time too. I am thinking he is doing this because of the attention he gets at this point, but not sure.

Perhaps he just doesn't like wearing clothes.

It helped that the temperature was good, I had a stream nearby to jump in and out of and boulders to lie on.

But, that was when I was younger.

I am looking forward to when I can take Buster to a place like that to run and play and swim.

I will have clothes on this time. HA!

I am wondering if both doves are taking turns sitting on the eggs.

Just the fact that you're thinking about skinny dipping again, tells me the abx must be working.

It's nice to see you have been feeling better. So happy for your improvements. Can't wait for you to teach again. It's great to see you looking in the future.

Heather

NP40..yep. I must admit, I wonder at times who is training who. They say you need to be smarter than the dog. HA!

I was having a little bit of trouble managing him one evening while we were out. He was off leash. I thought to myself....and you use to manage a classroom full of kids...now one dog is too much for you.

But, the next day went better.

Buster got to meet Zora a couple of days ago. Zora is a black lab guide dog.

But, Buster was more interested in Zora's pool than Zora. He was in and out of that pool a lot during the 30 minutes or so we were there.

I sure hope they let him use the pool here at the apartment when it opens. I am thinking if I go while the kids are in school and no one is using it we will be OK.

I woke up later than usual today. I missed not getting out and watching the sunrise and the sounds of the day at sunrise.

I walked across the carpet in my bare feet and it was wet. The kitchen floor was also wet. My first thought was Buster.

But, it was a lot of water and it did not smell like pee. The more I tried to clean up the kitchen floor the more water there was coming from under the stove and refrigerator. I checked the pantry...the floor was wet in there too. Buster was off the hook.

I took him out and he peed up a storm as usual.

I woke up stiff and foggy this am. When I had breakfast, I noticed I had forgotten to take last nights meds. So, I doubled up this am on the Biaxin and the Mepron.

I also have been doing too much lately. It has been fun being out and about. I also know this will not last as we will be getting triple digit temps soon.

Symptom wise, it still is too much to try and just sit but I seem to be OK if I am moving in the power chair and my focus in on Buster instead of the aches and pains. I still need a lot of down time.

The ringing in the ears has let up and is less frequent.

I also have been able to read a week's worth from the Bible Study. It is only 3 pages a day which works for me. Anymore and I have to have some down time first.

I am hoping I will be able to read this weeks too. I have not tried to read the Purpose Driven Life. But, I have been able to read a few pages each night before going to bed. It is great to have that skill back too. I sure hope all of this lasts. I know I have had this happen before and then went a long time before I could do it again.

The housekeeper finally made it today. It is good to see her. Especially today. I have lots of wet floors and towels and other things from the water draining into the apartment from the roof. He said the gutters were blocked with leaves which caused the water to drain else where. I can understand it coming down the vent that is in the ceiling in the pantry/linen closet. But, I don't understand how some of the other water got where it did.

I called and left a message to make an appointment with my lyme specialist. I have not heard back yet.

I need to rest now. Then I will try to get some more done.

Still working a little at a time trying to figure out where I stand with my checking account, get medical records together (may be too late for this), write workmen's comp, etc.

It is a slow process and I am not sure if it is worth the time and energy to do it but I need to give it a try.

It is nice to have the brain working well enough I can try these things for short periods of time.

I was able to make breakfast this morning because I used the power chair. I could not have done it on my feet.

The problem is that Buster ate my bacon while I was showing the maintenance man the water problems in the pantry.

My mother in law has a dog named buster. She slips up and calls him "BASTARD" sometimes.

At first I thought this was mean. But it is kinda funny.

Dogs can not resist bacon. Whenever I have to leave the room and there is food around.... I'll stick it in the microwave or oven or fridgerator.

I'll have to wait things out once more.

I went to the store to get some water this evening. A lady tried to talk to me but I couldn't take in what she was saying and had to let her known. I tried to fake it at first, but it got to be too much.

Hope to be able to get to the grocery store. Just had a can of stewed tomatoes for dinner last night.

Saw one of the housekeeper workers yesterday while I was out and about in my convertible (power chair).

The interesting thing about this is that I recognized her. In the past, I have had people in my home and not be able to recognize them when I saw them around town. Not sure why. Processing problem? Too exhausted?

Heard from State Fund regarding workmen's comp. They say I have seen a psych and wish to schedule a hearing to complete this process.

Plan on finding out who I saw and writing him or her with updated information.

Also hope lyme doc will write something for me to take to hearing.

Spoke to other teacher who came down sick with same symtpoms 2 weeks before I did.

She said that once medical retirement is approved she will look into seeing my lyme specialist. I feel it is low priority with her. She was dx with chronic fatigue and has not been treated since Sept. 2001, but continues to complain. She will not step out of the HMO box and get help.

I also need to file the I & A form for workmen's comp canceling my attorney.

Health wise I think I am doing well until I over do it.

Yesterday, I felt strong enought to walk for 5 minutes and then even tried to run a little with Buster. When I got home my body was shaking and I was down for quite some time.

So, I am doing OK as long as I continue to use the convertible (power chair) to move my body and have lots of down time.

I was able to get to the library yesterday and check out a few books. I am still able to read a little in the evening at bedtime. I really like having this skill back.

Also am aware that the brain is doing better as I am able to figure out state fund, workmen's comp and tackle the forms.

I can do these things if I have lots of down time and then give them a try. I have had the I and A a week or so now and have yet to fill it out. I hope to do this today.

Computer has been down for the past month off and on. I was able to wipe everything out and restore things.

It seems to be working now but I have not downloaded the printer yet. This may be what caused the problems last time.

CST did not receive my receipts for the two week training. They said if I can re send things they will get a check to me.

I still have boxes of paper work that need to be filed and taken care of.

It is slow going, but I have hopes of being able to do these things.

Still haven't been able to balance check book yet either. Lost data I had entered into Quicken.

Also can't seem to find way to contact Norton to let them know I would like to cancel order or download it again.

Haven't found a resource to contact them yet.

It appears they take your money and then leave you out in the cold.

My brain is hurting just by typing all of this stuff.

I finally heard from the lyme docs office. I have an appointment this month. Need to find ride to appointment.

I also need to find ride to get meds. Drug store is an hour out of town.

Dog needs shots too. No vet in town. Am thinking of calling feed store to see if they have shots I need.

Not eating well. Trying to do other things instead. It is still a trade off...either use energy to eat 3 meals a day or do other things and eat something easy and quick...like yogurt with fresh fruit or pick up a coffee and a scone at Starbucks. Not good.

Still able to sit upright for longer periods of time. Really appreciate this ability.

New housekeepers started. Hopefully, they will work out. When they come they do a good job.

But, call and reschedule a lot. Not reliable at this point. But, since health is doing better I am just thankful for any help I get.

I need to have them fix something to eat for me.

Still breathing heavy when I try to move the body or do multi tasking.

Still have weakness. Thankful for Buster who helps me get up when the body is too weak to get up off the floor.

He also helps pick things up off the floor that I drop.

Buster pulled me out of the power chair yesterday. I didn't have the gentle lead on.

He saw another dog and took the arm of the chair off. I grabbed the arm and was pulled out of power chair. The chest muscles were really sore after that. I figured I pulled something. IT was scary at first. Wasn't sure what was going on with pain in chest. IT is just sore today.

Hard to know when I will be too weak to keep things under control and when I am not until I need to find out the hard way.

Saw a guy digging under the pine trees where I take Buster to exercise. He was getting bones out of the bird droppings. I was amazed at the size of the bones. It must be a big bird that sits up in the trees. It looks like skulls of rats or mice...I assume.

He said he was doing time lapse photography with the bones??

But, at least I was able to sit upright. I was upright until noon. Stayed down until 5:00ish and then back up again. Down again around 6:00. Took Buster out around 6:45 pm.

I was told to take him where other dogs have gone in order to do the do. I began to wonder just how many other poopers he would need to sniff until he felt the urge.

Two hours later, he finally left his deposit.

Every time I gave him the command to go...he went...he peed. I had no idea dogs could pee so much.

So, all in all....I was able to sit upright for approximately 9 hours today. Wow. Most of it was on the move in the convertible (power chair).

A friend stopped by and said she wondered how I would do when the heat hit. She reminded me that this is short lived and I will most likely be back down when the heat hits.

I was able to walk twice today for around 5 minutes each time.

When I came back from the Bible Study, the dishes were emptied from the dishwasher, the carpets had been cleaned and I was told vacuumed 5 times, the clothes were clean and put away, the bed was made and I was so relieved and pleased.

I sure hope Buster and I sleep well tonight.
It seems when I do too much during the day, I am not able to sleep at night??

I have been in a similar place with Lyme. I was on one month IV Rocephin 2 grams a day. Then on 9 or 10 months on oral Doxy, 400 mgs a day. I felt a lot better immediately on Rocephin IV (but that was relative to how I felt-anything would've been better!) But it still took almost this whole year to be completely better. I just got off meds, and I have my life back with all my senses and mind and body.

I am happy and healthy and hopeful for the future. Even a couple of months ago I would not have believed I could feel this way.

Hang on. Keep taking the meds. If something isn't working at all, talk to your doctor. Don't let any doctor give up on you. Fight it.

I wish you well from the bottom of my heart, and everyone else fighting this disease. It's amazing how little people know about it, and it's impact on people's lives.

Keep writing here. Read other people's experiences. Realize that the people who have gotten better don't usually write anymore because we're out there doing life again. But we are well. Believe it, and get through this. I think you can.

I got the fax off to CST...12 pages. It felt good to be able to do this with a clear head.

My fax didn't work so I took it to a local store.

I slept from noon until 4:30 pm. Buster woke me up and then went back to bed. He did that this morning too. Not sure how to break him from that.

Buster and I will probably be out from 5:00 until 8 this evening.

I am still able to read a little each night.

When I tried to make a salad for dinner tonight, I was so worn out I didn't feel like eating it. I also was not able to cook the salmon I had planned on. Perhaps later.

I sat in my power chair to make the salad but the multi movement and tasking is still exhausting.

Sat at a local coffee shop this AM and listened to a local pastor talk about drag racing, Pismo Dunes and Glamis.

I use to do these things so I knew what he was talking about. I was able to follow the conversation for a while, but found myself getting angry at him.

I realized the anger was because it was taking so much out of me to follow the conversation and I was at my limit.

It was not his fault the brain can only listen and process for a limited amount of time.

I learned that some of the cars go through tires worth $6,000 in a few runs down the drag strip.

The fuel costs are in the thousands also.

I know it must be fun, but that use of money in my book is a low priority.

It would be fun to go for a few runs on the dunes too.

I had the ringing in the ears while I was sleeping.

I also heard on Oprah today that if the body has not exercised in a long time it will get dehydrated quickly.

I wonder if that is why I get so dehydrated when I try to move on my feet.

I am fairly new to this discussion group, but have read most of your posts now on this topic. Just wanted to thank you for your posts, they help.

I believe in several of your posts that you mentioned that you have nausea frequently (correct me if I am wrong). I too have had this symptom, and had tried a couple different prescriptions for it to no avail. Last month I had the nausea for a week and a half of so, so went in to see a doc again. This time I was given a prescription that worked. I thought if you were still having problems you might want to try it if you haven't already. What I was given is Ondansetron (Zofran). It is expensive I've been told if you don't have insurance but it has worked for me when nothing else to this point had. I have lost almost 70lbs due mostly to the nausea. Now when I take a pill it completely takes the nausea away.

Thank you for your encouragement through your posts!

It's better than a favorite tv show or novel because the main character is a real person struggling with a real yet downplayed/little understood illness.

I love hearing about your dog, too.

I'm not done reading all the way through yet, but know I will look forward to reading your posts here...what a great idea to chronicle your story and keep everyone up to speed with how things are going!

Thanks!

This post has helped me keep my sanity.

Since I am feeling out of sorts this am, I thought I would try and write about what is going on.

It started last night. I call it the body shutting down. It is couch potato time...only I no longer have a couch. I gave it to the thrift shop in order to make my small apartment power chair friendly.

I cut Buster's time off leash this morning short because I was so low functioning. It is one of those times when movement makes you feel sick to your stomach and an all over sick feeling.

I also had the limbs going numb or to sleep on me again.

Herx time?

I came back from taking Buster out and picked up his bowl to feed him. It took me awhile after I had rinsed the bowl out to recall what I was doing. I just kind of stood there, looked at the bowl in my hand, and the mind was blank.

It didn't last long. Buster looked up at me and I looked down at him and then recalled what I was doing.

Then it was time to fix breakfast. That was a challenge too. Too much movement to fix cereal. Too much movement to scramble eggs. I put the tea pot on and made some tea.

Then pot some water on to boil and poached an egg. Didn't cook it enough but ate it anyway.

Time to get down for a couple of hours and see if things improve.

A friend said she would take me into the pharmacy an hour or so away to pick up my meds. I need to call them around 10 to see if they have them.

Sure which local pharmacies would provide the meds. But, they kept telling me I need to pay cash because insurance will not cover it.

I go to the pharmacy out of town and the insurance covers it.

I also have other important paper work to get down today, but can't do it right now. Hopefully, I will be able to later.

It sure would be nice if the local pharmacy would co operate. But, it also was nice to get out of Dodge so to speak.

Looks like I will be continuing with Mepron and Biaxin. I sure hope it continues to help improve matters.

I tried to go back and read your posts again this morning. That part of the brain is not working yet. I can read them but the processing and replying is still off line.