I found HealthBoards in August of 2003 - I had become extremely ill in May of 2003 but had been dealing with many strange symptoms for years. I was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease and two tick borne illnesses, Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis. No wonder I had been so sick - Babesia is very similiar in nature to malaria attacking red blood cells, Ehrlichia likes white blood cells and I had both strains of this and lyme attacks all soft tissue so basically all systems were under attack. Unfortunately, our health care system is very lacking in lyme education and while I was extremely sick all tests were coming back negative and on paper I looked fine. I found HealthBoards while dealing with extremely bad insomnia one night where my whole central nervous system was on fire, buzzing...it was that night that I found the lyme board here...I had read a pamphlet on the symptoms and was conducting more research on my own. Here people supported me, informed me and helped me to navigate the health care system in regards to tick borne illness. They explained their own experiences and saved me time and aggravation by helping me find an LLMD (lyme literate M.D.) that I could trust. I went through a lab that specializes in tick borne illness and got my diagnosis. I can't tell you the emotion I felt that day when the labs were back and finally there was something to explain the severe symptoms I had been having. I had started to question my own sanity. It was hard on my marriage and my relationships. From the outside it was evident I was very sick, I couldn't function although I kept trying because everyone told me I was fine.

Without the community here at HealthBoards I don't know how it would have turned out. I know I would have felt extremely alone and there is a chance that I wouldn't have found an LLMD for many more months or years and possibly could have gotten sicker. I am so grateful for those here on the lyme board and for those that moderate and keep the site running - THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!!!!

I will continue to come back to these boards and help out the newbies. I am being treated for my illness but am still in need of support and my fellow lyme sufferers are here.

I was warned by some not to participate in internet boards, that "those boards are just made up of whiners" - Well not here...here at Healthboards the community is made up of problem solvers and tough people...yes, we ask for help when we are not feeling well and we share our symptoms but we are constantly seeking answers...constantly filled with hope for a healthier tomorrow....

-ncgirl88 :wave: