So I've been asked to tell my Lyme story and I guess that would be the whole point of joining, ha, so here it is. It was the summer of 2013, I was in college (in between my junior and senior years) studying biology. I was taking a summer class that required field work, worked a work-study job as an office assistant in the nursing office, and an internship doing wooded restoration at the parks around Pittsburgh. I was working at a park one day and ended up finding two nymph ticks on my thigh when I got back home. I pulled them out and thought nothing of them, as I have had several ticks bite me before. I guess I missed the third. A few days later I had a terrible headache and decided to just rest for awhile and began to feel fine except for a stiff neck. The next day I was suppose to work but had to call off (first time in my life), and I decided to rest and just go back the next day. I felt awful the next few days, stiff neck, headache, sweats, no appetite, and extreme exhaustion. I am a runner and was up to 5 miles a day when I got sick, after I couldn't even support myself sitting in a seat. The doctors took a spinal tap to ensure it wasn't meningitis, and I tested negative for Lyme. They said it was a virus and I'd feel better in a few days, I didn't believe it because I've had viruses and they never really bother me. But I waited a few days and I got better for a little but soon was worse than ever. I still attended work and class and my internship, all of which seemed like an impossibility. I had to because I had to support myself, I needed the money for food. I ended up back at the hospital after attempting to take the final for my class. I was severely dehydrated and once again they told me it wasn't Lyme but most likely a virus because they relied on the e. migran rash for identification which wasn't present at the time. I was upset because I felt no doctor would take me seriously and I just wanted someone to care, and my mom told me that she couldn't pay for any more hospital trips so I was now on my own. Luckily my school doctor cared and pushed to find an answer for me. The e. migran rash eventually appeared over my body and blood was taken to confirm Lyme and I was placed on doxycycline. I still felt the symptoms nearly 3 months after treatment but most disappeared after it. I had issues with brain fog, tingling, and depression (something that I feel gets overlooked with Lyme) for awhile after but I set it aside because I didn't think it was too bad. It had gotten worse over the year, leading to joint pain and occasional fatigue again. I'm now starting to see a neurologist, and will hopefully get help. It has been a difficult disease to deal with, but I'm fortunate that it wasn't worse and I feel for those who've struggled through so much. And I'm thankful that there are those out there who can relate and are able to provide support for another.
Thank you for sharing your story, Chris, and welcome to the group. I hope your neurologist can help.
Hi Chris,
Welcome to the group!
I'm glad that you listened to your body and also that you had a school Doctor who did not dismiss this.
I hope that you continue to improve and can regain full health.
Good to hear from you!
Wishing you well,
SK
Welcome, garbchris! This is a great group with caring people who understand what you are going through. Have you been able to continue in school? I ended up quitting school and work and am now on treatment. Do you have a Lyme specialist? I am sorry to hear you experienced so much pain and discomfort. I had the same symptoms you described in the beginning. Have seen neurology as well...they can be helpful with headaches and insomnia...I hope your visit yields some relief. Please keep us posted on how you are doing everyone here is very kind!