Just diagnosed w/chronic lyme-hope? - Lyme Disease Message Board

rach66 · 09-15-2002, 11:13 PM

I was just diagnosed this past Fri. after being ill with what they said was CFS and fibro since I was 17. I'm 36 now. I've done research and feel very discouraged. I'm wondering if anyone out there has had a recovery after being ill for as long as I have. In the last year, I developed panic attacks, and facial tremors -- I'm certain there's nerve damage. I'm hoping for a miracle that this will be reversed. Any positive stories? Treatment for chronic Lyme in those who've been sick as long as me?

jane7178 · 09-20-2002, 07:21 AM

Congratulations on finally getting the proper diagnosis! I have had Lyme for almost eleven years. I would think that you could get much better with the proper treatment, which is simply long term antibiotic therapy usually. After all, this is an infection, and that is what works on it. I seldom read the research, it just scares you to death. I live with it, so I just know from my own experience. This is something that can definitely be treated though, not just some vague diagnosis that does not have a specific treatment. So, be glad about that. Do you have a good doctor who is a Lyme specialist? That is essential to your recovery. I wish you the best.

rach66 · 09-20-2002, 09:51 AM

Hi, thanks for your message. Are you symptom-free-- if so, when did the symptoms abate? Also, wondering how long you've been on antibiotics and whether you've tried Plaquinil, too. Thanks again. Any bit of positive helps.

rach66 · 09-20-2002, 09:52 AM

Hi, thanks for your message. Are you symptom-free-- if so, when did the symptoms abate? Also, wondering how long you've been on antibiotics and whether you've tried Plaquinil, too. Thanks again. Any bit of positive helps.

jane7178 · 09-20-2002, 08:24 PM

I had Lyme disease for 27 months before it was diagnosed and I began treatment. The Doxy did not affect it, so I was treated with oral amoxicillin in a high dosage for several months. When the symptoms completely disappeared, I stopped treatment (the doctor did.) Then, of course, the symptoms recurred, and that time the oral medication did not work, so I was put on bi-cillin injections. That did the job, and I was on them regularly for five years. I have been in total remission for three and a half years, but I have been having some of the symptoms recur over the last several weeks. Usually, two Z-packs taken five days apart, will put me back in remission. That did not do it this time, so it may be necessary for me to start back on antibiotic therapy soon. It took a while initially, but I did start having some good days, then more good days then bad, and then finally all good days. It was remarkable. I just stayed on the treatment, did not stop even when I felt better. This is an infection, and long term antibiotic therapy is essential. Don't be discouraged. You can fight this and you can win.