Fake Friends.....It's the story of a Lymie's Life!

Just to make it clear to everyone, my 'friends' a couple months ago that I posted about, bowling with them... did NOT come around. I canceled plans with my cousins so that I could get together with them and the day of, they all backed out! So, no bowling. But, you know, the truth is with us Lymies that no one can be a real friend unless they understand (or try to at least). So, If you feel you are not getting the credit you wish for fighting this illness by outsiders, I am here for you. The only time the school friends talked to me after that was a week or two ago when I contacted them and only ONE answered her phone, and she said she was busy anyway. I can truly understand and empathize with those of us who feel forgotten about, disliked, or just misunderstood! And it truly stinks.....(because we are still humans, and we are still us!) But it is the life god gave us to fight for. Women or Girls (especially teenagers) just feel that if you're not in the loop, then out of sight out of mind. I was deeply crushed when I was sitting at home that night, no plans because of these mean girls. We have to stick through it together! I just felt like it was important for me to post this and let all of us know, You are not alone! Even Myself, for I have to remind myself many times how much of a blessing it was for me to get pulled away from the selfish, untrue friendships I was in. And besides, I would never be accomplishing my life long dream with horses if it weren't so. The Hippo Therapy was foreign to me, as was my talent with them, until the awakening of this new chapter in my life. Truth is, We can make it through this! So contact a Lyme friend of yours today and let them know you can be counted on.... Because It(Lyme) is life now, At least we have a beating heart! ( If you need a shoulder to lean on, a friend to understand, or someone so you may feel guided, I am ready to try and help! horsegirl@metrocast.net)

C-PAP Machine

My latest little update. After almost 1/2 year, 5 months of fighting the ignorant Doctors and insurance company, I got the letter and now received the C-Pap for my condition called Sleep Apnea. It is most likely a symptom of the Lyme disease or co-infections, but it's something to treat and so I'm hopeful. I received the machine and mask set to level 6 (4-20 levels I believe) to keep air flowing in and out at night. If it helps a restful sleep, there is a chance I will heal faster because I'll be more rested. MAYBE even less fatigue!! I can't wait, and I am also worried that it will not help and will hurt really bad...

The only person I can think of with the same thing that would understand the awkwardness is my grandmother in GA. who suffers 'Fibromayalgia', sleep apnea, and other aches-- And she said it was just a get-used to process.

So that's what's up, so far!

Bartonella, Babesia

This is a little update and info on co-infections. Bartonella and Babesia are only one of the most popular co-infections in the tick disease community. (Bartonella is also known as 'Cat Scratch Fever'.) The marks for the traditional Bartonella 'rash' mostly appear somewhat as stretch marks in deeper purple or red along irrational spots on the body, but some get faded, these are stretch-mark impersonators that don't look anything to worry about. Young children, elderly people, even anorexic sufferers can get this awkward design on parts of the body(seen it in a book somewhere..). I know this from my mothers research to discover the cause of my bright purple marks on the inside of my thigh. They are slightly raised, and in the cork- screw shape almost like the spirochete itself! I was shocked when I first realized them one day trying on clothing. This was new, it just appeared, and was bright! (To make clear before continuing I have not yet been diagnosed officially with any co-infections as the IGeneX testing was too expensive for this workup. I have been assumed by my LLMD to have some sorts of co-infections, due to my symptoms and reactions to medicines.) These marks frightened me and I showed my mom. I had gained about 50 pounds over the year due to medicines, including growth in height, and foot size, and not being as active. I knew they looked similar to a picture I had seen before. Months later she was researching pictures on the computer and saw EXTREMELY similar marks from another female teen's thighs, and they looked exact...

So over time we concluded the reason and have printed pictures to show my LLMD next appointment. my brother has marks alike on his torso and shoulders, some on his legs that have gotten worse, moved, faded, and lengthened over the past year that we believe are Bartonella. My mom is getting him and my father tested for Lyme and making appointments for the LLMD.

So if you know someone or think someone has irregular marks, DON'T put it off for any further length of time, see a Lyme friendly Doctor and get the test done!!! A few herbs can take care of it for a length of time, or a while of antibiotics. I can't stress it enough how important it is to treat it ASAP... I would hate for more to suffer for a mark that looks like a stretch-mark.... But wouldn't you be concerned too if you were (or some cases are) in my shoes?

Babesia is similar, treatment and symptoms and testing. I may have that too considering my sleep issues, headaches, fatigue, and so much more similar symptoms. research up on this disease so you can help others near you!