posted
I'm a single mom with no support from my ex husband. I'm a special Ed teacher, and I am so physically exhausted I want to cry. Actually, I am in the bathroom while my students ate at recess, crying and typing this.
I've struggled with fatigue before with Lyme, but never like I am now, while treating with 2 antibiotics for suspected bartonella. I have to keep pushing through my days when all I want to do is lay down and sleep. Then when I get home, I have my own kids to take care of.
Nothing stops or slows down in my world so that I can rest. I can't take time off work. I feel like I can't take not one more step, yet I HAVE to.
Please, please!!....if anyone has suggestions for improving energy levels, please share them with me.
Posts: 107 | From Hesperia, CA | Registered: Feb 2011
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Kudzuslipper
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 31915
posted
Oh Jennifer. My heart is going out to You. I worked through my worst times but I can't imagine having children too. Does your school have a short time disability policy? I was afraid to take the time off. But I wish I had. But I believe they have to keep the job for you for 3 months.
Do you have family around who could help you with your kids here and there?
It will get better.
Posts: 1728 | From USA | Registered: May 2011
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aklnwlf
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5960
posted
Jennifer, I wish I could help......
How about family, churches, friends, anyone who can help out with the kids even if it's one day a week. Also get help for housework, yardwork, etc.
Let as much go as you can....it'll keep until you get better.
Ask you LLMD what to do for lack of energy.
-------------------- Do not take this as medical advice. This comment is based on opinion and personal experience only.
Alaska Lone Wolf Posts: 6138 | From Columbus, GA | Registered: Jul 2004
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glm1111
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 16556
posted
Coconut oil and digestive enzymes helped me a lot with fatigue. I really like Super Digestawy by Soloray a plant enzyme. You can take them in between meals as well.
They will also go after, bacteria, mycoplasma, yeast and parasites. The other thing that helped me a lot was antiparasitic herbs such as Humaworm, Parastroy and Hanna Kroeger Wormwood.
Adderrall also helped a lot with fatigue and depression, but you need a script from your doc. Hope you feel better.
Gael
-------------------- PARASITES/WORMS ARE NOW RECOGNIZED AS THE NUMBER 1 CO-INFECTION IN LYME DISEASE BY ILADS* Posts: 6418 | From philadelphia pa | Registered: Jul 2008
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MannaMe
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33330
posted
Adrenal support was helpful for my husband. He uses Dr. James Wilson's adrenal support.
Posts: 2249 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2011
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posted
You are handling so much - just know that - work and then family - wow -
I recall I took flower pollen tablets once and got a lot of energy from them.
Ah - I see you're in CA - I'm pming you -
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33574
posted
So sorry that you have to go through this. Like Robin said, you are handling so much trying to care for your family and then yourself, which is obviously on back burner. But without Mom being well, the whole family suffers. Seek out any help you can.
In addition to all of the other good advice above, I would try to add licorice tea to your diet. I believe when I started to have a pot each morning, that is when things turned around for me and I started to get some of my old energy back.
It is supposed to be great for your adrenals and actually has something in it that chemically blocks some of the damage that lyme bacteria can cause. (sorry I cannot locate that literature now)
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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Summer3
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35286
posted
I can completely relate to this. I have found eleuthero (ginseng) helpful. The most helpful thing for me was Cortef/Florinef in very low doses and certain antibiotics that tend to have a hyperactive/anxiety effect on me.
lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230
posted
i feel so bad reading this. i hope the suggestions help you. 10-15 yrs ago i was you. i remember resting one eye at a time on the commute home...i was so tired i felt like this was ok. my ex did not heave health ins so i felt i had to keep teaching. i used to keep a mattress in a closet and lie down during free periods or lunch.
3 of the 4 kids had lyme on and off too. i honestly dont know how we survivied that but we did and they are all doing well now-health, jobs, marriages.
i know prioritizing is critical...and getting the kids tx when they need it. but i just hope there are some newer supps or something that can help you.
i also remember "playing" with my toddlers while lying in bed with a tape recorder and other things you can do in bed.
i feel so bad for you...i remember struggling with deciding to stop work...but in the end i didnt.
i am going to pm you one more thing i did to survive
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
It is so hard, I know. Feeling bad and then coming home to a family with household demands somedays it's just too much. There were days when I drove my kids to practices, appts etc with ice packs on my thighs due to the pain.
Will you atleast have a Christmas break from school? Perhaps it would be best to take a small leave. When I was at my worst I took a month off. I didn't go back feeling great, but when I could no longer funtion I knew it had to be done.
What I try to do is get things settled as best I can when I get home, dinner, laundry, dogs out and fed etc. I don't know how old your kids are but can they pitch in some in the evening? Even little ones can help with some chores.
There are still days it's tough I know, but it will get better.
Posts: 1748 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2011
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
Hugs and sending over my imaginary limo with a crew. The crew will take care of things while you are gone.
The limo driver will be taking you to place of your choosing to be pampered and feed and rested and revived.
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230
posted
thats true about chores for the kids. even the youngest were on the chore chart on the fridge. i have a pic of my 3 yo in his snowsuit all snowy bringing in wood for the fire-one log at a time.
there were some complaints during the time they had to help but i just kept saying i cant do it all and we all have to help.
later they all told me they were glad i did it that way. they all have good work habits and know how to do laundry and cook...i felt bad at the time but it really was a good thing all around.
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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hiker53
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 6046
posted
My friends and church really help me a lot. I really had to swallow my pride and ask. Now one member of my church is mowing and raking my leaves this fall while I work. Since I can't balance on a ladder, another neighbor changes my light bulbs etc. I find that my retired friends really want to help and have the time.
<>< Hiker53
-------------------- Hiker53
"God is light. In Him there is no darkness." 1John 1:5 Posts: 8879 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004
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posted
My god I understand that post. I used to find it somewhat stressful trying to convince my co-workers that I was fine. A couple years ago, I was pretty useless at times and nervous that I just wasn't sharp enough to be competent.
Just don't stop with the abx. Take incrementally longer and longer breaks when you can and when you restart don't just go twice a day or whatever is prescribed with your two or three med combo. Depending on the drugs, start off missing every second day or every third dose until your die-off is stabilized. It's the only way to get through your work and family life...most LLMDs will understand that you have to manage your job and kids lives.
With the kids, you are a better parent if you find a chance to rest. Hide the phones, put on a good Pixar movie for the kids after school and say "hey guys, I will be much more fun if I get some rest, so don't wake me up unless it's an emergency. Don't answer the phone or the door...regardless of who it is. I'll set the alarm and see you in a bit."
Posts: 410 | From Victoria BC, Canada | Registered: Jul 2008
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Dekrator48
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18239
posted
So sorry to hear about your awful fatigue and illness. I will pray for you.
Are you on B12 injections? (Avoid cyanocobalamin).
Corvalen D-ribose powder can be helpful, although it is pricey.
Has your LLMD checked all your hormone levels (ie: DHEA, thyroid, etc) and balanced anything out of whack?
My horrible fatigue started resolving when I was on bioidentical hormones for 2 weeks. (I am older than you for sure.)
As my hormones became balanced I started sleeping better and the fatigue got so much better.
Big hugs!
-------------------- The fibromyalgia I've had for 32 years was an undiagnosed Lyme symptom.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29:11 Posts: 6076 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Nov 2008
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