posted
I have a friend who was diagnosed with Lyme in August '03 after being undiagnosed for 10 years. She underwent IV Rocephin treatment for 5 months (September '03-February '04)and is currently taking Plaquenil, Zithromax and Doxy.
She is currently in a great deal of pain, severely depressed, and suffering from insomnia. I know that she feels all alone and that no one understands what she is going through. I've tried to get her to post to here or at the very least spend some time reading other peoples' messages, but she really doesn't have access to a computer and she doesn't have much motivation (Which is hard for me to see because before this disease got really bad, she was always on the move and always always telling everyone else not to give up).
Anyway, I think it would be so helpful if she were able to just talk to someone who's had similar experiences. So, if anyone would be willing to speak to her by phone, I would be very very greatful. Please contact me by email if interested.
Thank You, Wes
Posts: 5 | From Ellicott City, MD | Registered: Sep 2003
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I've been printing out posts that were either inspirational or similar to her own ordeal, however, I don't think that it's sinking in that she is not some freak. The Lyme support group in the area we live in (Wasington D.C./Suburban Maryland) won't be meeting again until early August so I wanted to try to get someone for her before then. Long distance rates are not a concern for me, just that she can have someone to speak with once or twice.
Thanks Again, Wes
Posts: 5 | From Ellicott City, MD | Registered: Sep 2003
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Why don't you arrange for her to talk to the coordinator of one of the support groups, either the metro D.C., the central maryland, or Harford Co. Don't have to wait for a meeting! I especially recommend Robin at the central maryland group.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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Thank you all for the advice so far. To answer some of your questions: (1) I think that she's severely depressed because she is scared that this will be her existence for the rest of her life (constantly in bed taking all sorts of drugs...worrying about the date that her disability insurance will expire, worrying that her brain won't ever be as sharp as it once was, etc.). Her pain level had subsided for a couple of months and now it has increased almost to the level that it was before Rocephin, so she's discouraged by that as well. Eating has become a chore for her because of her depression and the fact that her pain sometimes leads to nausea. So she is, literally, miserable. (2) She is resistant to help even though she knows she needs it. Again, the depression prevents her from wanting to do anything for herself
I will try to get her in touch with a support group coordinator, that sounds like a very good idea. I've been trying to educate myself on the disease and have found this discussion group invaluable.
Thanks for the email, cave76.
Wes
Posts: 5 | From Ellicott City, MD | Registered: Sep 2003
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Wow! What a wonderful friend you are! If only more people that post on this site had that kind of support from their loved ones!
Anyway, I was first infected with Lyme while living in D.C. a few years ago. I am planning on moving back to the area and usually fly there about 3 or 4 times a year. So, if you'd like me to meet with your friend or give her a call, I'd be more than happy to do so. My e-mail address is: [email protected]
Lyme is tough to get rid of - but I promise you there IS life after Lyme! I'm living proof of it (after a year and a half of meds), I am finally symptom free!
If I can do anything to help your friend, please let me know!
Best wishes, Stella
Posts: 712 | From Ottawa, ON, Canada | Registered: Sep 2002
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