HOPE

Long story short, I went to my appointment at Mayo on October 4th. It was with the dermatology department since my symptoms started with a rash. The dermatologist referred me to infectious disease and neurology.

Mayo was unable to diagnose me with Lyme Disease because, despite the fact that I tested positive for Lyme and have all the symptoms, I do not fit CDC criteria (total IgM/IgG bands). I'm ONE band short. 

My last time at Mayo, I was told it was probably fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and migraines. Really? 

I saw a Lyme specialist in town and spent 6 hours with her during my first appointment. I was extremely impressed with her knowledge and proficiency on the disease. She was like a mad scientist - full of facts. The Lyme specialist showed true compassion and was positive about treatment options and getting my life back. 

I want my life back. I miss the old me. I want to have morning to bedtime energy. I don't want to feel like I'm always "faking it". I want to feel all parts of my body at all times. I’m sick of purple feet and knees. I hate that "icy hot" feeling on my skin. I don’t like always being itchy. I hate my skin! I hate my scars! Can we talk about my constant hot flashes … What am I, 50 years old? My hands and feet are always freezing. My headaches suck! My hand tremors... OMG! Will those ever go away? My peripheral vision sucks. Why can't I fall asleep at night? Thank goodness for Kavinace Ultra PM! My joints ache. My chest hurts. My sternum burns. I'm always wiped out! I can hardly follow through with plans anymore. Farewell friendships, relationships, work...

The Lyme specialist gave me a differential diagnosis. Classic Lyme, Babesia and Bartonella. The Classic Lyme is causing my joint pain. The Babesia is causing my fatigue, headaches, hot flashes, muscle aches and chest pains. The Bartonella is causing my swollen glands around my neck, blurred vision, numbness in extremities, memory loss, balance problems, unsteady gait and hand tremors. 

 I started a "preliminary" treatment October 14th. Tomorrow, October 24th, I complete the last lab order requested by the doctor. Once all of the lab results are in, we will meet and discuss our plan of action. 

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