Lyme Disease Support Group
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. It is now one of the fastest growing infectious diseases in the U.S. Lyme disease is caused by infection with the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, and is primarily transmitted to humans as well as dogs, horses and other domesticated animals by the bite of infected ticks.
I don't stop by here often, after doing research and so on for 13 years I've started to decrease the amount of interaction I have within the community. Since I'm still not well and have not recovered from the infection I find it can bring people down, when they need to have hope. I have stopped treatment completely due to the side affects of the medication being worse then the positive effects it may have, the plateau effect. I am currently on supportive therapy consisting of aleve, 10/660 vicodin, 350mg carisoprodol, and xanax to help with the stress from dealing with chronic pain.
I have found that I also have a severely decreased level of testosterone, around 240 when my age range should be over 800. As a result I've started on a replacement therapy for it, I'm hoping it gives me the energy to do something. As of right now I'm still in bad shape, arthritis in both knees and my knee caps are messed up- they aren't locking up properly. I've started to develop an RSI or arthritis in my fingers from being on the computer so often. I still have chronic headaches and backaches.
I also have developed issues with my gallbladder, I'm on ursodiol to help with that and it is helping. I'm not willing to undergo removal at this time due to all of my health issues. Ursodiol may be a good idea to talk about wiht your doctor, it's a bile acid supplement that helps to break up cholesterol stones over time but can also be used to prevent the stones from forming when on medications that can impact it.
I just thought I'd post an update since I haven't been on much. Good luck to everyone and I hope you all feel better.
Scott
I have found that I also have a severely decreased level of testosterone, around 240 when my age range should be over 800. As a result I've started on a replacement therapy for it, I'm hoping it gives me the energy to do something. As of right now I'm still in bad shape, arthritis in both knees and my knee caps are messed up- they aren't locking up properly. I've started to develop an RSI or arthritis in my fingers from being on the computer so often. I still have chronic headaches and backaches.
I also have developed issues with my gallbladder, I'm on ursodiol to help with that and it is helping. I'm not willing to undergo removal at this time due to all of my health issues. Ursodiol may be a good idea to talk about wiht your doctor, it's a bile acid supplement that helps to break up cholesterol stones over time but can also be used to prevent the stones from forming when on medications that can impact it.
I just thought I'd post an update since I haven't been on much. Good luck to everyone and I hope you all feel better.
Scott
It is so considerate of you to worry that your story will bring people down when they need hope. But I guess the truth of this illness (or rather, THESE illnesses, since we all have a different mix of bugs and issues) is very complex, and I think it is good to understand that complexity and have a better sense of the big picture. So don't feel bad about posting that you are still having difficulties and have stopped treatment. Your story is just as important to helping people understand as anyone else's story is.
Just wondering, did you ever try any homeopathic stuff for your symptoms? I used to be a big critic, but then I got this "joint/inflammation" remedy that actually made it so I could move my hand once when it was terribly inflamed, it was amazing! It is through Newton Homeopathics, but I think they discontinued that specific formulation and have a new one that is only for inflammation (haven't tried it though b/c I still have my old bottle).
Good luck to you too!! Please come on sometimes and let us know how things are going!