I have had the same problem with Lyme's. I lost 16 pounds in a month. That the only good thing about this stupid disease for me. I weigh about 148 now...You really need to force yourself to eat Beth. You are so tiny already. I saw your ballet pic, your a beautiful girl and I bet you are very talented. You will beat this and get better and get your life back!!
I am thinking of you all the time, do you talk to your mom about everything that's going on with you? I am sending you a great big "mommy" hug. I will check in with you tomorrow. Hopefully it will be a better day for you.

thank you. i really cant force myself, i end up feeling even more sick after i eat and all this anxiety isnt helping
no i have not talked to my mom, i hate talking to her theres no way i can, thats one of the reasons i decided to join this

Hi!
Hope you can feel better soon! I always gain tons of weight on the Gabapentin pain med, so I know what your going through, its weird when you cannot control your own weight.....are you on any other support groups on here for it? I lost alot of self confidence after I couldnt walk as much to keep the weight off, so I really push myself harder now so I dont end up in a wheelchair! Its a fight, this disease, and you just cant let it win over what you know you have to do. If you give in too soon, you'll get worse instead of better. Just tell yourself you can do it, once every day in the mirror, and it works! Dont ever be ashamed or upset about whats happening because of this disease!

Can you get at least maybe some broth down? Beef or chicken broth, or how about smooth things like applesauce. At least then you would have something on your tummy.
I lost a ton of weight in 2 weeks when I was on Mepron. Is it because your stomach is upset or ypou just feel that bad? If it is your stomach maybe take something like peto bismol or an anacid to see if that helps. I really hope you feel better soon. I know it isn't any fun going through all of this.

Beth, I am so sorry you are going through this. I had the same problem, along with the anxiety and panic attacks. I found that I could eat, but only after I had taken Clonazipam. About an hour or so after I had some, I was able to get some food down. Very small amounts, of which I eventually built up the further along I got in my treatment.

It's worth a try, please ask your Dr about it.

hi beth93,
I agree with everything said here and especially with momof2hugs' recommendation of clonazepam (aka "klonopin"). Please do ask your doc if you could get some for the anxiety.

I just wanted to add (and this goes for MeeShell with her stomach problems too) - please make sure you stay hydrated, at the very least. You don't want to fall flat on your face in the middle of ballet because your electrolytes are messed up.

Since you probably have the metabolism of a hummingbird, maybe try at least sucking on some hard candies and drinking water. I know how hard it is to make yourself eat. Think of it as fuel for the dance.

Best of luck,

-fm

If anybody here is having trouble with anxiety........

Check out "THE LINDEN METHOD"

In my opinion........(and this is coming from someone who had a terrible anxiety disorder including PTSD and everything you can imagine)........I think we have trouble with anxiety because this whole LD situation in ours lives is traumatic. LD is traumatic and can cause high anxiety, leading your mind and body to adopt this new "benchmark" of anxiety. You stay there unitl........unless you know how to change it.

At one point, I was room bound. I've been........Now I'm free of it.

I"m telling you right now, if you have anxiety issues (including depression because that's a key symptom of an anxiety diorder) this will be the best 174 bucks you ever spend.

I got my life back........until this A HOLE tick bit me. This program will help you tremendously.

WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS

I gained weight since i was dx with lyme! i think because of the depression and anxiety....and all the traumatic testing for aids,heart tests cause of my rapid heart beat and low bp now,and even lupus testing :[I feel horrible about myself!

JeffV is very right. I have the Linden method on CD, and used it ALOT when I was coming off Anti-D's that I shouldn't have been on. Talk about panic party. Also extremely useful while herxing and the attacks come on.

Thanks for reminding me of this Jeff, I had actually forgotten I had them. Gee, I must have Lyme or something LOL!

how is your support network? A strong support network is so vital in helping yourself get through this whole disease including the little things we do to ourselves like not eating. you need someone to annoy the shit out of you until you get the food down your throat. also be mindful when you last ate, when you're eating and praise yourself after eating, i know it sounds stupid but its really helpful.

Hey Beth,

I can imagine that all this is really hard for you, especially considering you're a teenager and those years are rough to begin with. The last thing we need to deal with while our boobs are waiting to grow and we can't decide what to do with the rest of our life is try to deal with physical and mental problems. I'm about 10 years older than you but can really relate to what you're going through. I too have Lyme and have had issues with unintentional weight loss. I was recently kicked out of grad school because my health was deteriorating and, not knowing I had lyme, started to do poorly in my classes. It's has gotten me all kinds of depressed and while all my friends are started to get married and have kids, I am now out of a career and again living with my parents. I still don't know what I'm going to do, but I know time will help.

I understand not feeling the need to eat, but sometimes you have to force yourself to do it, even if it's just a small amount. If you don't feel better, consider changing what you eat. I also understand wanting to feel pain to make yourself feel better, which I never would have before all of these health problems. One thing that might make sense is maybe to do some sort of exercise routine that makes you sore instead of hurting yourself...not a psychiatrist and don't want to make things worse for you, but the other day I did a butts and guts video and now my ass is killing me...painful for sure, but also good for me? Also, although our society has created a stigma regarding mental health, I think seeing a psychiatrist is the one thing that keeps me going these days. If it wasn't for her, I don't know how I'd get through all this crap.

Also, remind yourself that there are others out there suffering like you and even more suffering worse than you. But you are sill here for a reason. You've aleady made me feel better just in knowing I'm not alone!

On family issues....even if your parents can't help you I think it's always good to have someone in your life that's older and wiser than you that can help you make positive decisions. Whether it's a grandparent, school counselor or teacher, aunt or even dance instructor, there is someone out there that can be that person for you, you just might have to reach out for it.

Just remember to hang in there...there are many good times ahead even if it doesn't always feel that way.

As far as dance, I used to do ballet and now try to go to some drop in classes in DC, which always make me feel great. Don't stop dancing ever, it's a great way to relieve stress!

Hope this helps...take care!

PS Loved that you used the word wicked...so new england!

There are typically two extremes in Lyme, you either gain weight or you lose it. I have yet to meet more then a few people who have kept their weight the same.

You may want to try snacking on things like nuts or seeds. They typically have fat and protein, two things you really need. I wish I could be of more help.

Sorry you are going through all of that. I honestly I was losing the weight rather then gaining. But I'm sure mine is a combination of the illness, drugs, and age. I hate it. Good luck with everything, hang in there.

Last night was the first night I had a real appetite in about 4or 5 weeks. I had a nutritional IV and injection of glutithion the day before. I feels so much better. I've used this before and it really helps get over the hump when you feel so terrible. Check into this with your LLMD.

Hi Beth,

It seems there are many Lymies with issues RE: weight, but then again maybe most people do?

I haven't gained or lost much, but I should have lost weight, because for awhile I couldn't/didn't want to eat & lost my appetite completely, and that's unusual for me!

I found something that really worked for me- I bought a high quality juicer, and it was perfect for me. I almost always have a fresh juice for breakfast, and when I was always feeling nauseas, I would only drink juices. I mentioned it to my LLMD, and he hadn't thought of it, and said it was a great idea.

When you juice fresh it is loaded with good stuff for you, and it digests easily. I don't even buy juice because it doesn't compare to the fresh stuff right out of the juicer.

I don't mean the type of juicer Like for squeesing orange halves- after researching I decided on a Breville juicer. It is not cheap, but it is good quality. Found it on Amazon for about $100 regular price. I knew I'd want something easy to use (not have to cut stuff up) and easy to clean, or I would not use it. I love this machine!

I realize since you re so young, you may not have the money to purchase it, perhaps you could get your parents to buy one? Everyone in family could use it. My two sons (22 & 25) are hooked also- asked if they could have one for a present for birthday/Xmas.

There are many exotic recipes, but I usually just use one apple (throw it in whole) 2-4 carrots and a quarter to a half beet, with some stems. It honesty tasted GREAT! I did not realize how sweet caarots and beets are juiced. You should not use too much beet, at first, as some people have a problem digesting it, but not me.

I also got a recipe book by an older man, referred to as The Juiceman, (but I didn't buy his juicer) and in it he credits the apple/carrot drink for saving his life when he was about college age- He does not say exactly what was wrong with him, but felt he was dying.

For awhile the juice was all I could keep down, and the only thing that sounded good to me. I only use one apple, and rarely do much fruit, because I don't want the sugar/calories, but in your situation it fruit juices may be just the thing.

If your parents are concerned about your weight, they may buy one for you. I really believe in health benefits of juicing, and I think it would be perfect for you!