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Borreliosis - Relapsing Fever - Lyme Disease & Other Tickborne Illnesses Information & Support |
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For years, I suffered fatigue and numerous peculiar symptoms affecting many body systems, necessitating many costly visits to various doctors (general practitioners, environmental allergists, gynecologists). Since I wasn't totally debilitated and was a young mother of 4, few people took me seriously. Friends and family would say, "You're getting older. You have 4 kids. What do you expect?" It had been years since I had enjoyed a full day of activities; I had to take long naps once or twice a day and still felt tired most of the time. Chronic fatigue syndrome was ruled out. I was treated for allergies and systemic candida which resulted in some relief from my fatigue but new symptoms seemed to come along every month. I was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease in Aug., 1994 after my symptoms crescendoed. My entire body ached as though I had been immersed in ice water. I had a nearly rectangular rash the size of a Monopoly "Chance" card spreading all over my body, rib pain, a feeling of anoxia in my limbs, a low grade fever and an unrelenting migraine headache. My initial general practitioner who confirmed it was Lyme (through an office Lyme titer test) boasted how it was good that "We caught it early." After an initial four weeks of antibiotics with great results, my symptoms came back worse. She was very uncomfortable continuing to treat me past 3 months when my symptoms persisted and new ones were emerging. I finally found a doctor who was not afraid to treat me long term. Altogether, I was on antibiotics for about 26 months. I responded well but plateaued in my healing at about 85% wellness. At that time, I agreed with my doctor to discontinue antibiotics which I was getting sick of taking. I continued to improve on non-prescription treatments for another eighteen months. I have always had a passion for helping others in need, especially regarding health and emotional needs. I began a Lyme disease support group in northeast Connecticut, and after relocating to western Connecticut, have decided to establish another local support group. |
"Never give up. Never surrender." (Galaxy Quest)
The information presented in these pages is for resource
and educational purposes only. Nothing herein is intended to be medical advice.
Only your physician can give medical advice! |
Diagnosis
