Yes Doug, I rarely tell it but would be happy to share my challenging tale if it will help someone else. I live in Lyme. Ground zero for lyme disease. I couldn't find you ten people here that haven't had this horrible disease. My brother and I and numerous friends have lost our dogs to this. If you catch it in time and get the antibiotic you have a chance. However, like me, when undetected, it is a nightmare. In 1996 I was bitten by a tick. I was a normal weight then and a busy mom. As the years went on I started to have things happen that weren't just right, I didn't feel well, but pressed on. In 1999 I was bitten again and my knee swelled so much I had to see a surgeon, he said it was lyme disease. I was given antibiotic and life went on. Later that year I blacked out 3 times driving and finally had to stop. I began to have horrific episodes of anxiety also, panic attacks and unrelenting hypoglycemia. In 2000 I finally found a Dr. after seeing many, that did an expanded Western Blot blood test on me and it was determined that I had Lyme, Babesia, Ehrlicchiosis, and 12 other strains of tick borne illness. That particular Dr. put me on a high dose of antibiotic that would kill anything. I took it for 2 years. I also was referred to a naturopath that could simultaneously treat me. By now my joints were swelling, I spent a lot of time in bed and only did the chores I had to. I started to have food allergies and was given a limited diet. And with the antibiotic, my stomach wasn't always so good. I assume my immune system was out of balance in a big way. I lived on sardines, turkey and wasa. And I continually lost weight. I lost so much it was scary and we didn't know if was going to make it. (Now I realize why.) As I got better, thank God, I started to gain weight. I couldn't exercise because of my adrenals being shot and I was happy at first but then my system went out of control and over the next 5 years I have put on all this weight. Nothing I did helped. My Dr. said it is toxic weight and until I heal I will have it. I have listened to this for too many years now. I started searching..... and here I am and so far so good. Last night as I tried to fall asleep I was going through everyone in my head....let's see Katary lost 74, Doug lost 99, Umpa has lost it all, Beebs 42....all the friends on the forum's numbers....it will work for me also. I still have good and bad days, and very appreciative for the good ones. If I could tell anyone about lyme disease, get an expanded Western Blot. The ticks mate and there are lots of strains now, a normal lyme test doesn't show what is really going on. You also need two cycles of antibiotic to kill the eggs they have laid in your system. Most Dr.s are still reluctant to prescribe this. So Doug, that is my story, luckier than most, I'm still typing!
Umpa, thank you for the offer. Your recipes are wonderful.
