Hi Julie.
I get riled up about
:
- the lack of accurate testing for diagnosing Lyme
- with many drugs able to kill many bacteria, why does Lyme invade every nook and crany of our bodies and may not die from antibiotics
- the closed-mindedness of lawmakers and CDC requirement authors
- the battles with health insurance companies to pay for treatment over 6 weeks
- the ignorance of most medical professionals
- the fact that we may recover, and/or we may never be completely healed
- the callousness of friends, family, neighbors and strangers who either avoid and distance themselves from me, or give me odd glances as I grocery shop
However, bear in mind that I was probably bitten 2 full years before my symptoms became apparent. I had these darned buggers in my body, hiding, multiplying and perhaps in the cyst (dormant form) of the Lyme spirochete bacteria. I went through 9 doctors and only one of them tested me for Lyme, the ELISA test which is the least reliable test, and of course, it came back negative.
My family doctor dismissed my complaints. A dermatologist looked at my rash and (seriously) laughed at me, told me I had dry skin and to get out of her office.
So I was headed down the Lyme path a lot longer than you.
You caught it early. That is a good thing, since treatement is most effective when the infection is treated right away. It's only been a few weeks since you began treatment so please keep up hope!
I have been on massive doses of oral antibiotics for 2 years and 9 months. I've been on I.V. antibiotics for 4 months. I do feel much much better than I did three years ago.
Try to be patient and try to treat yourself gently, as you would for a friend. Try to allow stress and worry not raise your pulse. Say a prayer, call a friend and talk about some random subject, take a detox bath, drink a gallon of water to get the toxins out of your body, take a short walk and breathe very deeply or put together a peaceful playlist of your MP3 player and lie down and just listen..
My point is .... planning and celebrating a wedding is a happy but large stress. Stress can make Lyme symptoms more intense and may prevent progress which means you'll feel crappy longer.
Please try to relax, you will enjoy your wedding no matter how you feel that day. I'm sure it will exceed your expectations. You may not feel like doing the 'worm' on the dance floor, but please enjoy the joy.
When folks tell you how beautiful you are, how lovely the ceremony and celebration was and tell you what a sensational couple you make - take those positive compliments and remember them.
Every wedding I went to, I did not remember the music, I may not even remember what the wedding favor was or what flower arrangements were on my table - but I absolutely remember if I had a good time. The bride and groom are the hosts and they set the tone of the whole day; I will say a prayer that you have joy and serenity that day.
Peace and health and nuptual bliss to you,
Mickie
