Where to start... lol!

I see alot of new names on the board, so for those of you who don't know me.. I was diagnosed with lyme in 2001. My son Derek was diagnosed in 2002 at age 6. And my daughter Mikayla was diagnosed last year at age 5.

My son Derek is doing much better. He is still being treated by Dr.Jones. And he continues to suffer from joint pain and some neuro problems.

But his spirits and self esteem have increased greatly. He is no longer embarrassed that he has lyme or afraid to tell his friends at school that he has lyme.

When he mixes up his letters or has a hard time doing his school work, he simply tells the kids he has lyme disease and it makes his brain not work right all the time.

The kids are very understanding!! He even got invited to his first sleep over 2 weeks ago. I discovered that it is very hard to have your sick child do a sleep over....especially when he is allergic to bees, has bad allergy attacks and has severe asthma.... on top of lyme.

I was a nervous wreck... I called the boy's mom and told her about Derek's medical stuff, and I was truly expecting her to cancel the sleep over..

but she said she was aware of his illness, as she has been prying for Derek at her church... and she couldn't wait for him to sleep over.

Luckily everything went smoothly and they all had a wonderful time. When I went to pick him up at his friends house, he and 4 other boys were all outside playing...

I was all teary eyed..as for the first time in over 2 years, my little boy looked like all the other healthy happy little boys..

he wasn't sitting on the bench at baseball, or unable to play basketball..he was running around and playing and having the time of his life..just like all the other kids...it was awesome!

It's so nice to see him come out of his shell and be the happy little boy I remembered!!!!

My daughter Mikayla, is doing wonderful. I truly think she is on her way to a complete recovery.

She hasn't had night terrors in almost a year. She no longer has night sweats or the terrible headaches.

And she is actually eating again and the dark circles are disappearing from her eyes. She looks so happy and healthy now

She is fitting in at school very well and is even learning to read. I homeschooled both my kids until this year, and I was worried about sending her to public school, as she struggled so hard to try and learn her ABC'S last year. It was very frustrating for her, and me.

But it is amazing what Dr.Jones and the right medication can do...my little girl who couldn't even remember her ABC's last year, is now reading at a level 5!!...

She is so proud of herself. ( so are we)She is going to see Dr.Jones in February for a follow up and is bring a book with her that she made for him..she can't wait to read it to him.

I am a little bummed as she had a vomiting episode in September, and it had been a year since she had one..

But as she use to have them every 4 - 6 weeks, Dr.Jones is thrilled that she went a year without one. I am too, I am just waiting and praying for the day when she no longer has them...it's so hard to watch.

So while my kids aren't "cured" yet, they are certainly doing so much better. I can't explain how thankful I am to all of you for helping me get them diagnosed and for helping me get them to Dr.J... He is a miracle worker! and you are our LymeNet Angels!

As for me, I have been off meds since April..I took myself off all meds, as I felt I was as good as I'll ever get.... and so far, so good.

I actually felt good enough to go back to work part time. I began working at a golf course in August. They know I have lyme and that I still have bad days from time to time.

It's amazing how much healthy people take for granted. I see folks complaining about having to go to work, and i remember back to the days ( not so long ago) when I was stuck on the couch with pain pills all day, and would give anything to be able to live a normal life..including being able to work.

Now that we are all getting healthier, I will never take mine or my families health for granted..

I just got laid off a couple of weeks ago for the winter. I must admit that while I do feel better, getting the kids off to school, doing homework, trying to keep up with the house and working 2 - 3 days a week, was a little much for me. So I am glad for the break

So now that I am laid off, I am hoping to have some time to post more on LymeNet. I miss you all and look forward to catching up with how you and your families are doing and learning about all the new posters here.

Thanks again for all your help, support and friendship these past years!!!!

We've missed you here on LymeNet!!
Been wondering how y'all were doing.
Thanks for taking time to give such a great report on progress in your family.

Wow. This morning is starting off great. You are the second post I read this morning of someone having a life beyond lyme.

It is good to hear from you.

Thanks for dropping in.

I have heard you talk some of your kids but I didn't know much. I am glad that they are doing much better and you. I will keep you all in my prayers. I hope you all continue on the track to a full recovery an have a wonderfull Holliday.

Cindy

Thanks for checking in on us and for the well wishes! I too am hoping that we all continue on our road to recovery..

We are continuing to educate anyone who will listen about the dangers of ticks, lyme and other Tick born illnesses.

I am doing another mini information seminar at my son's Boy Scout troop this spring. And I am trying to get the public school to do an information seminar as well.

I am glad to have some more time so I can chat with all of you again..I missed you guys and gals!!!!