Lauralyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15021
posted
I am recovered from lyme but I have been completely wiped out in every regard. Job, money, family, friends.
While I know I should be celebrating my good health I just feel so overwhelmed at having to rebuild every facet of my life.
Get a job (no longer have one), recover finances (could take an eternity), make new friends and try to repair a relationship with a close family member that didn't understand what I was going through.
When I first got diagnosed with lyme.....people with lyme repeatedly said to me "oh it's a lonely disease". I didn't understand why.
Now I understand why as I am unbearably lonely. I had to walk away from many friends who instantly showed their colors. The few and far between who did give support are totally burned out from hearing my problems after four years. I am guessing this is how they are feeling and I can't blame them. There must be a ceiling on how much support a person can give. However I am incredibly grateful for the support I received.
I just don't feel like I have any support now. The very small number of friends I have are busy with their lives and probably don't want to hear it anymore. I can't discuss this with any new friend I make as it's too painful for me to talk about what I endured with lyme treatment. As well I get fed up with having to explain the politics of lyme which they can't believe anyway.
Guess I better go see a counsellor and spend money that I don't have. Thanks for reading but sorry for wallowing.
-------------------- Fall down seven times, get up eight ~Japanese proverb Posts: 1146 | From west coast | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
tickled1
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14257
posted
I know EXACTLY what you mean. I hope that the 2 people I have left that support me, my husband and my mother, continue to stick by me. They are burnt out
Posts: 2541 | From Northeast | Registered: Jan 2008
| IP: Logged |
You are NOT wallowing. You have every right to your feelings. Lyme is an extremely lonely disease (I see that and I've only been in treatment since Nov). I would hope that there would be throngs of people celebrating your recovery.
You are strong and courageous. Yes, you are battle-worn and weary after fighting and WINNING such a difficult fight. We, on Lymenet, know how hard it is. If they cannot see those qualities in you, it is truly their loss.
We are all excited for your recovery and you give all of us here hope.
-------------------- aperture Posts: 551 | From Louisville, KY | Registered: Nov 2011
| IP: Logged |
Dogsandcats
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28544
posted
I would think it would be just as hard to learn again to be well as it was adjusting to being so sick.
Be gentle with yourself. You have overcome a major disease that took so much with it.
Give it time and your life will build again. In all things take care of yourself. My guess is when we move on and get well, our lives will have been forever changed.
For the better. I think I am a better person going through this. The people that left, probably shouldn't have been in my life anyway.
Reach for good things, they are out there. You have given me hope I can be well. God bless.
-------------------- God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there.
Billy Graham Posts: 1967 | From California | Registered: Oct 2010
| IP: Logged |
Lauralyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15021
posted
Thank you all for your meaningful replies.
I should be posting in Success Stories one of these days.....but afraid I might jinx myself!
Glad I am able to offer hope. You will get well......AND come out the other side a better person.
-------------------- Fall down seven times, get up eight ~Japanese proverb Posts: 1146 | From west coast | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
lyme in Putnam
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11561
posted
I know the jinx part when you're better. Its such a plus that god willing you could put this behind you. No one could understand unless they have it what you go through. I've gotten well before, but the problem is staying well. I have a friend amazed at this whole thing as it exists, testing, treatment. You find out real family and frieds with this disease. I have a chronic debilitated sister with this and one in denial that her many health problems started with this. Life just happens, you'll see the good things come, they will. You suffered long enough, they will. God sees all.
-------------------- He took u to it, He'll you through Posts: 2837 | From NE. | Registered: Apr 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I hear you on the jinx... My own story is not there!!! I do have a story posted online, but I haven't wanted to post it here.
YES, you are STRONG and COURAGEOUS!
Keep it up, life will get better!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230
posted
i know too what it feels like - the roller coaster...cuz getting over lyme rarely puts you right back to where you were b4 it.
i have a big "BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF" sign where i see it when i wake up every morning-it helps
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
posted
here is life 101.
Put right foot in front of left foot.
Then put left foot in front.
Repeat as necessary,,,keep moving forward.
Sideways and backwards are not good,,,keep moving your life forward!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged |
randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
i know exactly how you feel. i often think i've lost every single person i care about. because they think i'm a hypochrondriac or crazy, or even lazy, or just wanting attention.
i've lost friends, family members, coworkers, you name it.
it will be a slow process but you will win. you'll get better friends, closer family, and everything else will fall in place.
yes it's gonna take time, lots of it. but you have friends here, so post anytime.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
| IP: Logged |
jackie51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14233
posted
It sure is a lonely disease. One of my friends sounds so tired of asking me how I am. I just say okay these days. I don't ask for help for myself but I do ask that someone take the kids now and then.
Perhaps you can volunteer somewhere where you will meet people and talk about something other than lyme.
Congrats on getting well.
Posts: 1374 | From Crazy Town | Registered: Dec 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I am with you but just a bit behind. Starting to notice burn out with my support group and my best of supports died suddenly in dec.
I read lots of hopeful stories and I starting posting today.
As all moments are meant to be, so many are not very pleasant when healing from lyme. Love the words on walloying...i too feel as tho I'm walloying...also loved the words of healing and giving a break.....thanks
Posts: 9 | From Anytown, usa, closer to NE states | Registered: Oct 2011
| IP: Logged |
Lauralyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15021
posted
Don you always crack me up!
Thank you so much ALL! Wonderful lyme family that I am so grateful for
-------------------- Fall down seven times, get up eight ~Japanese proverb Posts: 1146 | From west coast | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. ~ Helen Keller
It is better to light one candle than curse the darkness. ~ Chinese Proverb
There is no security in life. There is only opportunity. ~ Douglas MacArthur
-------------------- NWOODS WI/ bit May08 diagnosed Jul08 Lyme March 09 symptoms return Ehrlichiosis pos.no Lyme? Feb 11 CD57=26 Mycoplasma 343 Babesia 55.2 HHV6 5.8 WB CDC POSITIVE 31++ 39+ 41++ 58++ 66+ 83+ WB IGG POSITIVE 31++ 34 IND 39 IND 41++ 58++ Posts: 55 | From the Lyme Mine | Registered: Dec 2010
| IP: Logged |
Haley
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22008
posted
Lauralyme. I feel the same way today, although I am not well yet. Just feel very alone. Everyone has left. You can PM your phone number if you want to talk. I'm on the west coast too.
I like what just don says. It's really true... some days that's all we can do. Just breath and know that things will get better.
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I thank you Lauralyme for posting about this issue--I think many Lyme sufferers experience those same feelings but it takes an act of bravery to reach out and seek support. I have been sick for 6 years and was diagnosed 2 weeks ago! It has been a lonely road for 6 years when I didn't know what was going on, and I think will continue to be lonely as I move forward. Our close friends and loved ones, even those who may be great supporters, will never quite understand our experiences because our experiences are so unique. But take heart in the future---someone somewhere is going to bust this illness in the butt and it will become a national frenzy. People are going to know about Lyme the same way they know about cancer and AIDS. We will one day walk for a cure and when you tell someone you had or have Lyme, they won't look at you like your crazy, but hopefully with compassion. That's what I look forward to. You CAN rebuild your life and your hope. It's okay to be depressed. Remember feeling pain in how we learn. We learn new ways to cope, who we can depend upon, and how to take care of ourselves. It reminds me of that commercial about depression a few years ago with the bobbing head that said 'depression hurts everywhere'. It does. Take care of yourself! Go on a date with you (eat food you want, watch the movie you want, whisper sweet nothings of greatness to yourself).
One last thought--I'm a counselor and I know for a fact there are non-profit counseling organizations for people in need. These organizations provide care on a sliding scale so if you do not make money or a lot of it, you get counseling for free. If you make more, then you pay more depending on your situation. I saw a counselor for $3/session when I graduated college and needed support and now I see clients for $0 or $5 here or there depending on their means. Check out your local health department and see what they have available.
God Bless Posts: 4 | From Waldorf, MD | Registered: Jan 2012
| IP: Logged |
posted
I am at the beginning of what we "assume" is Lyme. Still waiting to see a LLMD. My doc has pretty much given up on me and I know that friends are beginning to "wonder". Years ago I purchased a book by Louise Hay called "Heal your Life". it has been sitting on mu shelf for many years and I just decided to read it now because of my situation. It is a great book and it has many exercises and affirmations on healing your life. It is a wonderful book and may help you move forward...one step at a time.
Posts: 98 | From Ontario | Registered: Feb 2012
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic