I'm relatively new to the LymeNet community and to the knowledge that Lyme disease and coinfections are probably the cause of at least many of the myriad of strange and painful symptoms I've lived with long-term.

I've tested positive for Lyme via both the ELISA (sp?) and the Western Blot. I have my first appointment with an LLMD the middle of August.

I've received a warm welcome and helpful, supportive information from the LymeNet community. You guys have been terrific! I am especially grateful for the confidence you've given me in the LLMD I've chosen - Dr. C of MO. What a comfort to know so many others have gone before and had such positive experiences with this physician.

I'm presently interested in seeing if there is currently a support group in the Little Rock, AR area. Sources I've encountered so far have indicated that there is not. If not, are there others who would be interested in getting involved if one were started?

I'm actively seeking the opportunity to network with other people who are geographically close and struggling with Lyme. It would be great to be able to form friendships with people who understand - from personal experience - what it is like to deal with Lyme.

I genuinely cherish my present friends and expect that most of them will be sources of strength for me as I begin and maintain treatment, but I find myself yearning to form mutually supportive friendships with other people for whom the (life) stakes are equally high. Would like to meet people who understand the power of positive thought and positive word choice at the same time that they genuinely, gut-level accept that there will be days (though hopefully few) when misery and self-pity are the most we are capable of accomplishing. Am seeking people who think it is not only ok but essential to maintain a compassionate sense of humor while dealing with this profoundly challenging disease.

My health is such that I'm not confident I could consistently coordinate a new group alone. However, I would be interested in co-coordinating with one or more other local folk(s). I have some experience building and leading affinity groups and social action (activism-oriented) groups.

Coordinating or co-coordinating a new group doesn't need to be an intimidating prospect to anyone who hasn't done this. My experience has been that if members genuinely care about and focus on the group mission or the common thread that brings group members together, they will easily come to care about each other and the group will be strengthened and sustained by that positive energy and common thread. Taking care of the practical logistics is usually relatively easy.

So, if you live near Little Rock, AR and have an interest in getting involved in a support group or local networking, please email me at [email protected]. I'm looking forward to an email from some of you!

We've had from time to time several Lymeies come to here in the past from your area. A lot of members here just read posts and only comment infrequently, so you may want to keep bumping this up to the top page for awhile and maybe some of them will see this.

Good luck,

Rosemary