Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You can take magnesium and doxy on the same treatment plan but
separate each by a couple hours as the magnesium can prevent the doxy from being well absorbed if taken at the same time.
The same goes for separating doxy from calcium supplements and calcium-rich foods, too. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I took a Xanax yesterday for the first time and I think it definately helped and will be helpful during my festivities. It is going to be a hard 5-6 days. I started feeling more myself yesterday and I did some Christmas shopping and went out to eat with my boyfriend. It was nice to feel more like myself for once.
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- That's great to hear, Larae.
Hope the next few weeks hold some nice "beauties" for you, all the way around.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Nature brings to every time and season some beauties of its own."
(Charles Dickens) -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I can feel my anxiety going up now for all of the events coming up! I got a pillbox organizer and so it's nice having that all ready to go for the next month. Never thought I'd have to do that until I was older...
One more day before the festivities. I am still slowly feeling more like myself I feel like, so I hope that keeps up.
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
posted 12-14-2011 02:19 PM So I went and got copies of all of my results today so I can take them to my LLMD appt. later this month. I was wondring if you all may have some insight into some of the results.
I tested positive in what I think was ELISA, I tested positive also on the WB and it says IgM positive, IgG negative and then for the IgM it says bands present: 41, 23 kDa. What does this mean? Is this helpful at all? I am wondering if the LLMD will want to do more testing or this will give sufficient info?
Something I thought was interesting is that my platelets nosedived between August (when my symptoms started) and late November, going from 294 to 121. Is this typical in lyme?
I know for sure I need to get tested for coinfections also.
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
I can only speak to the ELISA and that if you test pos on that. That's almost a sure bet, Lyme is present. And yes very common for platelet drop...and fixable.
Posts: 184 | From taking pills | Registered: Oct 2011
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posted
What should I be doing to increase platelets? So far I have been trying to incorporate more iron-rich foods into my diet; I am not a big meat eater though.
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- The herb, Stinging Nettle brought up my iron levels like magic. It also helps decrease the effects of the cytokine storm from lyme and from herx.
But, this could be a sign of babesia, too. Be sure your LLMD has all your labs at your first appointment. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
For your graduation, buy some earplugs. Also wear sunglasses when you're not in the limelight. Those two things will help you with the sensory overload. You'll be fine. Congratulations!
-------------------- ------------ It took 20 years to find out I'm not crazy. New bite in 2010 pushed my body over the edge. Positive for lyme, babs, bart, and myco. I am not a doctor and happily offer only my own opinions. Posts: 357 | From The Beach | Registered: Feb 2011
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I got through all of my graduation festivities fine! I felt really good for one day of it and okay for the other two. I also got engaged today Ready to relax after all of this excitement. I guess the doxy really is helping me to feel more like myself each day.
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Well, Larae,
Congratulations on obtaining your degree, in full regalia, pomp and circumstance
and
Best Wishes to you & your fiance for a wonderful future full of love and vibrancy. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I am not sure how I got though all of the graduation and family festivities...adrenaline? I even graduated with honors somehow
I have my LLMD appt. next week in Chicago, I am pretty nervous about it; I want to make sure I get all my q's answered and that I can get on the right path to feeling back to myself. It has been 4 months now not feeling myself, which I know is nothing compared to many of you.
Looking forward to some relaxation before the holiday.
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
p.s. my fiance's dad went and talked to a friend who is a neurologist and he said I should go to the main medical center in NE's ID dr. I tried to explain a little about LLMDs and the controversy, but I don't think most people get it. I think he is doubting our whole trip to Chicago to visit the LLMD and feels leery about it.
Any advice on how to deal with family members like this? Have them watch 'Under Our Skin'? Send them the ILADS site?
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Here's the best stance I've found:
It's simply not up for discussion.
You can share a few links with them but do not open yourself for their judgements or criticisms.
I would not share all that you are thinking about this. Don't share doubts or sadness. If they hear your doubts, they will think you don't have the ability to think for yourself.
Now, you can say you'd sure like to be feeling better but, really, do not make them a sounding board -
then, if what you hear from them is understanding and a willingness
to "meet you where you are" - then you may be able to share with them thoughts and feelings.
Be very careful not to say anything that would construe you as a victim in this. Family members HATE that nearly as much as doctors.
A stance of "this is just how it is for now" and your actions being proactive to learn and take care of yourself will go a long way to ensuring your sanity.
You might practice a few key phrases that will roll off your tongue if you are whacked upside the head by comments that may be off base.
It's a very delicate dance with anyone in your circle of friends or family (or coworkers). You don't want to come off cold as ice, snobby, etc.
You want to be able to acknowledge their concern for you and maybe even tell them what will be helpful in terms of conversation about this (even if it's not much conversation).
Mostly, in your daily spiritual practice, center and just communicate with your heart. That helps you be able to manage remarks during the day.
If blindsided by a comment, STOP. BREATHE. CENTER. Ask your brain & heart to help you with the most concise reply that will honor you & those with whom you talk.
Ommmmm.
=============================
comments I find useful:
* This is very complex (best not to say complicated as that word can rub off on the way they think of YOU)
* There's much more to learn about all this
* It's really hard for me to put in words but there is a wealth of great information if you'd like to see some of it, . . .
* I appreciate your thoughts. That's what I wondered at first, too. [Author, Doctor]'s information really helped shine some light on that.
* I'd rather not talk about health stuff right now, I'd love to hear more about . . . .
* Energy allotment for now is running low . . . . . I need to go . . .
* I need to rest now . . . .
* That sounds great, however, it's a bit too much for me right now . . .
* I really appreciate your wanting to learn more. It's so very important for everyone to know all about this, really. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Thanks Keebler, last night I had to duck out of my family Christmas gathering early because I was just so worn out and needed to get home to lay down. I will mention 'Under Our Skin' first to his parents I think. Tim and I are going to watch it tonight on Netflix.
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
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linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
Hi Larae,
I wasn't able to read the entire thread, just skimmed it. I apologize in advance if I am repeating anything.
Please be careful about taking benzodiazepines for anxiety etc.(Klonopin, Valium, Xanax, Librium, Ativan...) there are others; you can google.
They are very addictive, and the average md knows how to prescribe them, but are clueless about getting you off of them.
I do not judge anyone for taking them. There are a lot of cases where people need them.
I have been on Klonopin for nine years. The md told me how 'safe' it was. Not true in my case.
When I found out how addictive they are, I decided I didn't want to be that dependent on anything, so have been tapering off since Aug.
I hope to be off in about two more months. I had to take it very slowly to avoid side effects, many can be severe.
Not wanting to step on any toes, just wanted to share my experience so you would know about the possibilities.
There are others on lymenet who have been through the taper. It is rougher on some than others. I got off to a very rough start, but am doing better now, going slow.
Whatever you decide, take care and God bless.
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
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Yeah, I def. do not want to get addicted. I was put on SSRIs years ago and had the worst withdrawal symptoms ever, so I will NEVER go back on an SSRI. I have been only doing a half pill of xanax when I feel like my anxiety is almost on the brink of panic attack.
I have been taking magnesium, omega oils, etc...
I feel like I have been having more neuro symptoms lately, like little tremors.
I am on almost week 3 of doxy. I can't believe that that is what regular dr's give for FULL treatment and I still don't feel myself.
My LLMD appt is in a little over a week! I've been checking the weather forecasts, but I prob should lay off doing that until the weekend so I dont worry so much!
Thanks again everyone for your advice and support.
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
I've been having a hard time the past few days, getting down on myself and doing the 'why me' pity party type thing.
I just feel so hopeless and would do anything to get back to my real self.
I feel like I am alienating my family and friends too because they just don't get it.
How am I going to take boards and start my job when I can barely take a shower some days? I guess I just need to try to relax until my LLMD appt next week.
Not sure how I'm going to get through Christmas with Tim's family either. I just don't have energy and have been more shaky this week, it is scary.
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You don't have to go anywhere if you are not feeling up to it. Your first responsibility is to your body.
As for the "why me" "pity party" stuff - if you can shift that around to recognizing the shock and grief about this, it can help to take the focus off the "poor me" to the "dear, me - I will do what I need to take care of myself"
and that includes emotional nuturing. That includes sadness, confusion, etc. It's just part of the deal. Just acknowledge all that you feel and honor your spirit.
You will find out more next week. You can't possible know all you need to know right now but you have made steps to figure this out. One hour at a time.
This is probably the toughest time of year - on everyone, really. All of our interpersonal transactional, interpersonal "I'm Okay; You're Okay" skills just fly away with Ruldolf, it seems.
First responsibility you have is to yourself. Listen. Nourish. Nurture. Love.
Speak, act, feel from your heart. Keep your center. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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I feel bad. I know EXACTLY how you feel. I felt denial for a couple weeks, then since then it's been Why Me? It's a very natural thought. I am still feeling it.
I thought after my + diagnosis, that the drs. and my family/friends were going to rally around me and we were going to fight this thing tooth & nail with all resources possible.
Instead, I got the almost opposite.....looks of confusion, people behaving the same around me as they did before I was sick...expecting the same from me. My family says "wow your a real blast to be around"...with sarcasm of course. If they only knew, if the docs only knew...
Stay the course, make the most logical decisions you can and get input from your partner. And make sure that you aren't doing any further harm to your temporarily fragile body/mind.
It's possible you will feel better soon. I take comfort in the fact that I am following DR B's guidelines and that gets rid of the "why me's" sometimes.
I am already starting to feel like I'm punching back a few months into treatment.
BTW..that tremorry(?) feeling is not permanent. I know exactly what you are talking about and mine went away. BOL:)
Posts: 184 | From taking pills | Registered: Oct 2011
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posted
Yeah, I think I am progressing along the stages of grief (DABDA)...
I am thankful today that I took the initiative to find this board and listen to the advice of others and make an appointment with a LLMD.
I am thankful that all of my tests have been positive for lyme, so I am not having to fight as hard for treatment and going the rest of my life with no answers.
I am thankful for Tim and how great he has been. If it weren't for him, I probably would have to move in with family or something and that sounds horrible to me (I am not the closest with my family).
So even though my mind is preoccupied mostly with negative thoughts, I am trying today to think of the positives.
I'm pretty slow and out of it again today. Hope I can make it through the busy Christmas weekend. Then the Chicago LLMD trip next week and so far it looks like the weather will cooperate!
I am going for a massage soon, hopefully that will help relieve some stress also.
Wishing you all the best over this holiday season. Everyone should make a list of things they are thankful for
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
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Tim and I made it to Chicago and tomorrow is my first LLMD appt. Hope I can get some insight and on to healing.
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Good luck, Larae. I hope all goes well and that you can also enjoy some of the sights of the season. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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My LLMD visit went very well. He was VERY optimistic since I was diagnosed and started doxy within 3 months of the start of my symptoms. I should get coinfection tests etc... back this week. He didn't seem concerned about me having any coinfections, hopefully not... I added a new med and he upped my doxy and I haven't been feeling too great since starting the new med Friday. I was starting to feel better the week before that.
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
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Ready to relax after all of this excitement. I guess the doxy really is helping me to feel more like myself each day.
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