posted
Hi everyone., I will try to keep this short.
I have been on site for months and just recently joined. The info here is invaluable I appreciate finding it but trying to read everthing can be "mind overlaod".
Trying to keep this short..I was diag. with Lyme/ co infections of Bartonella and Babsia end of April 2009. I am seeing a LLMD in Maryland (4 hrs away) but I still have so many questions and stay so confused .
I am single mom with no insurance and have had to cut back at work to 2-3 days a week, Dr. thinks I should take leave of absense from work but financialy I can not.
I work in a very high volume restaurant and have been there for 9 years I always made enough tips to take care of my son and myself but now not working and with the cost of Dr and meds we are "drowning".
I finally humbled myself to ask for help but in the state of Va its almost impossible. Even though I don't make hardly anything it's considered too much...go figure.
Things are getting very hard for us and I am running out of money for meds bills food etc and still have so many questions as to when I might get better. My faith in God keeps me going.
I have the typical symptoms, extreme fatique, ringing ears, muscle aches etc etc etc. I've been on Myocin, Zitro (low low dose) Plaquil and now Bacrtin Ds. I was on omniceff but too expensive. Many other supplements, wont go into now as this is probably too much for everyone to be reading at once. I guess the point of this post is for anyone to help me that can with questions such as:
1) It seems like many have been on this site for years--I know you don't totally get rid of lyme but please is there any chance that treatment will help me improve to at least go back to a "semi-normal' life?
[B]2) I know Dr is trying to keep cost down but I keep seeing info on IV treatments and now some saying it's cheaper...I don't really understand exactly what it entales.
3) I see pros and cons on Epson salt baths but for me they seem to help.
4)My emotions are like a roller coaster, I've tried sleep meds etc (no like them) anysuggestions on natural supplements? i tried sam-e.
5) I've seen where some say sauna help--what about hot tubs (i know about concerns for yeast infections--already been there ):
Im sure there is much more I would like to post but my mind is fried for now and if you managed to read this long post yours probably is too. Thank you for any help and the time you have given to me
I will try to post additonal questions in smaller post in future. Also, I am VERY afraid my son may have lymes (not bad yet) but do not have money to get his tested--any suggestions on things I could do for him. He is 17.
Thank you so much I hope everyone had a Great Thanksgiving and God Bless!!
P.S. I turn 50 tomorrow--thats enough to depress anyone-- lol---and as with all of you i'm sure none of us thought we would be in this situation.
I just want to be able to go back to work as I have since I was 16 yrs old. I am too young to not be able to work. Please any help and or suggestions..
Love and prayers, Karen (:
Posts: 423 | From Virginia | Registered: Nov 2009
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posted
Happy birthday. Um, I don't post much, and when I do, I usually stick my foot in my mouth. All I can say is this is financially killing me too. I know you probably didn't want to hear that, but I do think that is the reality of the situation. I don't know how others on here get on disability, and I don't know how once they do they are able to see a doc, as my doc doesn't take medical cards. Sorry if I didn't help much. I am just hoping that the guidelines for treatment for Lyme will be changed so that doctors will be able to treat us without losing their licenses. I'm assuming you are up to snuff on that deal.
I'm sorry you are suffering and are basically on your own when it comes to finances. That is rough!!!
Your questions:
1) It seems like many have been on this site for years--I know you don't totally get rid of lyme but please is there any chance that treatment will help me improve to at least go back to a "semi-normal' life?
I've been here forever, but have been off abx and doing well for 5 yrs now. So not all of us are still sick. My life is pretty normal now.
(2) I know Dr is trying to keep cost down but I keep seeing info on IV treatments and now some saying it's cheaper...I don't really understand exactly what it entales.
I don't see how they would be cheaper...unless maybe you'd get well quicker...but that's NO guarantee, for sure.
3) I see pros and cons on Epson salt baths but for me they seem to help.
They should help you detox...good!
4)My emotions are like a roller coaster, I've tried sleep meds etc (no like them) anysuggestions on natural supplements? i tried sam-e.
Maybe try GABA or melatonin or theanine or 5HTP
5) I've seen where some say sauna help--what about hot tubs (i know about concerns for yeast infections--already been there ):
Should help some...the spirochetes don't like heat!!
yeast infection... I do hope you are taking a good quality probiotic!!!!
Hope this helps you!!!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
I would file for disability. Do you have enough credits?
-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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aklnwlf
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5960
posted
Lots of good advice here Karen.
Happy 50th!!! I'm right behind you and will be turning the big 5-0 myself in a couple of months.
Lymetoo gave good advice.
I know I'm using Zanaflex (muscle relaxer) for sleep issues that are minor now.
The other things she listed are great too.
Epsom salts baths is something I do too. Also wouldn't hurt your son either.
Also are you taking magnesium supplements? Wouldn't hurt for the both of you to take them. Helps with sleep and has a calming affect.
Make sure it's not magnesium oxide though.
I did IV's for 4 months and the rest of the time before and after I did orals.
I didn't notice any drastic change in my condition with the IV treatment opposed to orals.
I'm better now than before but still need some more treatment and also have residual peripherial issues, i.e., joint problems, nervousness, glandular damage, etc.
Wish I could help you with the financial problems. Many of us are in the same boat. I still haven't gone back to work yet but am heading in that direction.
Best of luck to you!
-------------------- Do not take this as medical advice. This comment is based on opinion and personal experience only.
Alaska Lone Wolf Posts: 6144 | From Columbus, GA | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
Hi everyone, I hope I am posting the right way to your responses (still trying to get the hang of the site).
THANK YOU so much for all the info and for the B'day wishes.
Well I surived the big 50--lol--actually I had a real quiet day (didn't have to work-praise God as weekends are so hard where I work) mostly just watched football (YAH COLTS!!!) (: and took it easy.
I am trying to keep a notebook with info I'm gathering as I can't remember anything anymore--one good thing about this disease is now I have an excuse for memory loss besides just plain ole age--lol
I really need advice on diets and/or if it's necessary but I'll try to start a new post for that.
I am going to my LLMD friday 12/4 and I am going to try to have questions ready for him as in past I am usually so unorganized and can't remember when I get there what I wan to say.
PINELADY said something about disability and Credits...I don't know what you mean by credits??
God Bless everyone and THANK YOU!!!
Karen Mc (:
Posts: 423 | From Virginia | Registered: Nov 2009
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Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
Tell your LLMD you can no longer work and need SS.
He should be able to tell you what to do. I would
not hesitate to go ahead and file at your local SS
office. Then head back to the state and tell them
you have filed to see if they will help. There was
-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
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