FootlooseFancyFree

About Me

I recovered from Late Stage Lyme, almost six great years w/no meds. Then after surgery, I have had to start treatment again. Beware of steroids they are poison to your body. I will win this battle again and come out even stronger. In the summer of 2002, I discovered a tick buried in my shoulder, the 4th of July week. I went to the ER. The standard 10-day antibiotic was prescribed immediately before the results of the Elisa and Western Blot tests were known. I had the Bull’s Eye rash, mild headaches, minor flu-like symptoms and a stiff neck; I felt better when I finished. At the end of July, I began getting stiff knees on the way to WI. Besides my stiffness, I was experiencing hot flashes, chills, stiffness, and fatigue. When I returned home to FL, I asked for another treatment of antibiotics. The doctor stated that the Western Blot and Elisa in July were defined as negative according to CDC requirements, even though there were some hints of a positive, it had to be something else. After numerous tests to rule out ms, lupus, meningitis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc., a month and half of tests, my central nervous system functions began to go haywire. It caused a debilitation to my body quickly. The list kept growing: severe nerve pain, one stiff hip, constant low grade fever, peripheral neuropathy, temporary loss of sight, tunnel vision, severe pain all along my spine, flu-like symptoms, loss of night vision, loss of speech, loss of motor functions, loss of coordination, loss of hair, difficulty walking, numbness and tingling of head, hands and feet, arthritis, short term memory loss, loss of cognition, inability to hold urination, diarrhea, severe migraines. Finally, I was bedridden, severely depressed and unable to do any work. The worst times would reoccur about every 30 to 40 days. Yet, the doctors would not acknowledge the possibility of Late Stage Lyme or Chronic Lyme (CLD) (that Lyme was not possible in FL). It had to be just a coincidence that these symptoms all began, waned, and continued to escalate at the time since I discovered the tick. I want to add that a couple of LLMD’s thought of a possibility that I was reinfected with Lyme while my body was still recovering from an initial infection and that is why I was affected so quickly and intensely. Ultimately, I found a very open-minded and thorough neurologist that someone recommended. An LP (spinal tap) was performed as well as other tests for Lyme. The bacteria were discovered in the spinal fluid. An in-home IV antibiotic for 28 days was immediately prescribed; there was not any improvement. I was referred to someone that was dealing with CLD; I immediately began working with her young, open-minded doctor that conferred with LLMD’s from different states to continue with treatment. After signing off several medical waivers, I began an agressive18-month antibiotic treatment, the first twelve months there was very little improvement. The next six months, a Chinese herbal treatment was added to the conventional, antibiotic treatment and within a week, I saw some remarkable results. I continued the herbal treatment for approximately another year working with a NY doctor that specialized in Chinese Medicine. In my opinion, the Chinese medicine played an immense part in helping me recover from/handle a majority of the symptoms, although not cured. Be proactive with your doctors and health care providers. You are the one that knows your body the best. CLD is not a terminal disease or as dramatic as other diseases; however, at times, it can affect your life and your long-term health just as significantly. I have to continue to monitor my lifestyle to ensure I remain well and use extra caution when using antibiotics, choosing elective surgery, using vaccinations and receiving shots. As long as I remain vigilant, I can continue to enjoy my wonderful life. An early diagnosis has the potential to reduce or even eliminate the longer-term problems that Lyme can cause. This is just to add awareness not to offer any medical advice, so that you can protect your family, friends and pets. Enjoy outdoor activities. Be safe.

I recovered from Late Stage Lyme, almost six great years w/no meds. Then after surgery, I have had to start treatment again. Beware of steroids they are poison to your body. I will win this battle again and come out even stronger. In the summer of 2002, I discovered a tick buried in my shoulder, the 4th of July week. I went to the ER. The standard 10-day antibiotic was prescribed immediately before the results of the Elisa and Western Blot tests were known. I had the Bull’s Eye rash, mild headaches,