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.
For about 4 months I have had symptoms that have scared the bejesus outta me leading me to EKG's which were normal, numbness, stiffness and pain> went back to doc and stroke was ruled out, then was told I have a pinched nerve. I just knew something wasn't right. The last visit to the doc I was just figuring I'd leave with a referral to PT. She took 5 vials of blood from me, test my thyroid, inflammatory disease screening, and Lyme Disease. The only one that came back positive was Lyme disease.
I was relieved to get a no Bull crap diagnoses, I'm considered Stage 2. I started Doxy 100mg 2 times a day on the 12ths this month. it hurts my tummy.
I dunno if I'm just a wimp, but I'm not big on feeling discomfort or pain. I'm relieved for the diagnoses and starting treatment, but I find myself very emotional thinking what if this doesn't work, then I start crying. Does the antibiotic help, am I going to need to have treatments forever. I've been praying that I will get better because, I don't wanna live in pain and discomfort.
I was relieved to get a no Bull crap diagnoses, I'm considered Stage 2. I started Doxy 100mg 2 times a day on the 12ths this month. it hurts my tummy.
I dunno if I'm just a wimp, but I'm not big on feeling discomfort or pain. I'm relieved for the diagnoses and starting treatment, but I find myself very emotional thinking what if this doesn't work, then I start crying. Does the antibiotic help, am I going to need to have treatments forever. I've been praying that I will get better because, I don't wanna live in pain and discomfort.
You WILL get better. But sadly the dose you're on isn't the recommended dose for successfully treating Lyme. That's usually 300 or 400 mg of doxy a day (200mg twice a day).
You WILL get better but it may take quite a few months or even years once you're on the right doses of antibiotics and perhaps even after having to take other antibiotics. That's the norm, if there IS a norm for Lyme, which there isn't.
OR you might start feeling better even on that small dose. Some do. Some of those later relapse and some just stay feeling better.
As far as feeling sick ---- that's probably a Herxheimer reaction.
http://www.lymediseaseresource.com/WhatisaHerxheimer.html
It's normal, although not pleasant. It probably will go away in a few weeks or less. Take doxy with food. And always about 2 hours away from any food with calcium in it (milk, yogurt, cheese etc.).
And take a good quality probiotic if you aren't already.
I sorta worry about your doctor not recommending the usual dose for doxy for you---- but perhaps there are medical reasons why he didn't which I don't know about.
If not---- consider changing to a doctor who really knows about Lyme disease and follows the guidelines at
http://www.ilads.org/lyme/treatment-guideline.php
So sorry to hear you have Lyme. As cave76 said. It is something we all feel, THE "I'm soooo glad to finally know there is a face to the symptoms and pain I;ve been going through."
I just found out myself that I'm in stage 3 and just started treatments so I'm probably not the best one to give the "what is to come" advice so I just wanted you to know that I feel your pain. I understand and please let us know how you continue to do on your treatments. I have been herxing and it's not pleasant but I just keep telling myself that I'm killing the bacteria and it's part of getting well.
I just joined here so I'm not use to being a part of a support group but I know we need to share our ups and downs with others who can relate. So, I joined here to do that...
I also wonder how long I will need treatments? Maybe everyone who get diagnosed with this disease does that as well???
It is scary, SO I think the crying is our way of releasing the unknown because I cry too... I think we all have a right to be emotional when finding out we have Lyme Disease and wondering about the.... WHATS? of this disease...
I'm praying for you and I hope your pain & discomfort gets better soon. I know I didn't answer any of your questions but I wanted to let you know that I understand all that you are going through.