March 29, 2006

Lyme (disease, not Regis)

Chronic fatigue has been wreaking havoc with my life of late.

The great news (oddly fantastic, I'll admit) is that this appears to be Lyme disease, which is treatable. It all started a year after I began backpacking. I never knew I was bitten by a tick, but turns out they're often the size of poppyseeds, so you don't notice them. The tests for Lyme are unreliable and the disease is incredibly good at masquerading as something else, or hiding completely.

I'm so glad I didn't accept my family doctor's "It will probably always be a mystery why you feel bad." Turns out, anyone who's been diagnosed with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia should find a specialist who knows how to test for Lyme. (Even my infectious disease specialist didn't catch it; if they don't talk to you about CD-57 counts, they may not know what they're talking about.)

In a few months, with antibiotics, there's a very good chance my symptoms will improve. I can't tell you how thankful I am. I'm overwhelmed to think healing is possible.

3 Comments:

Blogger Heather B said...

Lori, that's awesome! It sounds like a nasty illness. I hope the medication helps.

3/29/2006 07:02:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

PRAISE GOD, LORI!! Continuing to pray for healing and strength for you during this process. I pray this experience brings you closer to the Lord and it is used to glorify Him! Love, Miss J :)

3/30/2006 10:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

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4/02/2006 05:40:00 PM  

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