I don't have lyme"s disease but for years the Dr's thought that's what I had. I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia and have been on disability for about 12 years. If I could describe my pain it would be like having the flu with a full fledge 103* fever and all the aches & pain that goes along with it. Just when you think your getting over it, it slaps you right back in the face. I would encourage my husband to stay as active as he possibly can. If its just to walk outside and sit in the sun. My husband will take me out on our side by side (Gator) and just drive around our farm. It really helps just to get out and feel normal. I am sure the intimate part is also sad for him too. Maybe you should have a talk about that with him. He maybe wondering how your feeling about the lack of it and I am sure it is playing on his mind. Depression is a big part of these type of diseases. No one can see the pain or understand how one day you act like anyone else and then the next your in the bed. I don't want to say sympathize with him but don't be too hard on him either. Doesn't sound like you are. There is a letter on the internet that explains the invisible disease to family & friends. Its very helpful. I would also suggest a support group for both of you. It will help you understand better how he feels and him you.

I can tell you that there's no way I could work. I can barely do 20% of my housework. For reference, I began working when I was 13 and am the type of person who has a hard time sitting down. I would just go from one chore to the next until my family would beg me to come relax!!. I just always felt if there was work to be done I should do it (and that if I put it off the job just become bigger!) Being sick with Lyme has not only affected my ability to physically participate in life and fulfill my responsibilities, it has sucked the drive right out of me. I'm so well aware that I must carefully conserve my energy so I no longer ponder over all the little things that need to be done. I have four young children so I'm very careful to reserve what little energy I have for them, and my husband.
Your husband needs unconditional support, patience, hugs, help without asking, and HUMOR!! He didn't choose this. It's so devastating to not be able to fulfill your obligations to your family. Try hard to put yourself in his shoes. It's difficult, I know. I NEVER imagined I would be this sick. And I completely underestimated the impact it would have on me. Good luck :)

Hello Red3536, I agree with what 2graceFull said about looking for a suppport group if there is
one in your area. This is a very tough illness to understand as you already know and to treat as
well. I am retired and so the 'work' part is not a big issue. It was however when I first got ill
some 12 years ago. I still have mainly myself to rely on as I live on my own. I had to stop working
and apply for disability at the time. It took two years. It's not always easy to get. I was
fortunate to find a support group a few years into this and that made a big difference. I was
way over my head in the beginning. I went to personal counseling to deal with all the
emotions that were and still are coming up. I saw the film 'Under Our Skin'. Have you seen
that? It's available on dvd if you have one. It's pretty intense and dramatic. so be prepared.
But it does give a good overview of Lyme and what various people go through. It is very
educational in that way. You could also suggest family or friends watch it, if they don't
really know about Lyme first hand. You used to be able to rent it on New Flicks also. Yes,
learn all you can and reach out to others as well. Care givers need support just like the
person who's dealing with a chronic illness. My very best wishes to you and I hope you will
keep us filled in when you're able.

Hello there, I looked carefully into your description of your symptoms. I am sorry to hear that you have been ill for so many years. Lyme disease requires a very professional medical treatment, but at the same time your mood is important, maintain a good attitude, and continue to fight with lyme disease.I was a Lyme disease patient once, after few years, I found out a serial herb medicine which called DR ZHANG. They’ve been doing a medical study on Lyme disease by using herb medicine for a real long time. By using their medicine, my symptoms has been greatly relieved. And You can find helpful help on there website www.hepapro.com. Wish you get well early!