New here.. saying hello.

First post (obviously).
Diagnosed with Lymes on august 2nd 2012. Ive been dealing with it best I could since then. Late July 2016 I had a wonderful bullseye show up on my inner thigh, doctor ordered many tests and now I have since been diagnosed with ehrlichiosis on top of lymes. I'm 35 (feel about 70) and I'm happy to have found this forum.

I do have a question or two for anyone who might be reading. As of lately I've been unable to remember dates and times like I used to. I'm now very dependent on my phones calendar for keeping me updated on just about every aspect of my life. Does anyone else have these troubles? If so, are there any tips you could share with me?

Just wanna add that this disease truly pains me. I've gone from working a good 60-70hr week, to barely making 40 without a nap mid-day. Does it get better?

Welcome to our community!

Lyme brain is difficult to manage, we all know that.
Gingko is good for blood flow in brain.

Thanks 3humpcamel.
Until recently I've just tried to ignore the lymes. A few Motrin would usually do the job. It's not that way anymore for me. I can deal with the aches and pains but the tiredness and loss of concentration is really doing a job on me, both business wise and at home. I have a great support structure at home (now that they understand why I'm so... idk "blurry"). I just want to know if this is what I'm in for long term, or is it possibly just a phase. The doctors don't seem to have the answers. At least not the ones I wanna hear.
One a positive note; I thought I was just depressed (about what? I haven't a clue). I've got nothing to be depressed about so it was quite frustrating for me being so exhausted and unmotivated. As strange as it may sound, Knowing the disease causes these symptoms certainly makes me feel a lot better. I was truly bothered by what could be causing this feeling of "no interest".
I'm gonna read a bit around here and see what others have to say. Thanks for getting back to me. I'm Charlie BTW

Multifacetedme,
Thanks for posting. I do believe I've got a good doctor. I know he's written a few books about lymes. Once a week or so I get either a call or an appointment from him, so I feel I'm in good hands. Loads of blood work I've have done lately, it must mean he actually cares about what's going on inside me. At least I'd like to think so.
Ten months, 2 years, whatever it takes. I just need to know there's a good possibility I'm not going to feel the way I do now by the time my kids are college. It's not fair for those around me to suffer because i was bitten by a darn insect. God I hate those little creatures from hell.
Off topic now, so I'm gonna finish cleaning my boat (ugh) and check in later. Thanks again.

Hi Oyster_man -

Welcome! Please take a moment and read the "New to Lyme?" thread at the top of the page. Obviously, you're not 'new' but might have some good info for you now that your path has changed a bit.

Your experience with the brain fog and cognitive problems is pretty common. It could be due to inflammation, ammonia or toxins affecting the brain, an imbalance in neurotransmitter or hormone function, or a combination. Sometimes it's just part of the effects of treatment and all we can do is detox as much as we can (most people aren't doing enough - it's as important as the killing agents - if you can't eliminate what you're killing and the neurotoxins the killing process creates, it's very difficult to advance past the symptoms).

There is a ton of info here on detoxing that might help. A lot of us here also take Pinella and BurBur to help with brain function. I also like Huperzine. My LLMD suggested I also try Enula to help. My neurologist suggests that most pain, discomfort or neuro symptoms (including brain function) are caused by inflammation so it can't hurt to also they anti-inflammatory protocols like Japanese Knotweed, turmeric, and there are others people are using if you want to do a search.

Also, the gut-brain connection is very real - you need to be sure you have very regular bowel movements - I made progress after incorporating a good binder (psyllium husk, bentonite clay, activated charcoal) at the end of the day (be aware of buffer times!) Most of us are taking our treatment orally and the antimicrobials, in particular, can often create neurotoxins that get into the brain through connecting blood vessels.

Hope this is helpful -

-p

multifacetedme said...
Hello Oyster_Man! Welcome to our community. Yes, I had cognitive issues extraordinaire. The best thing for this is treatment. They'll clear. It DOES get better. I'm ten months into the journey. At one point I could only walk ten yards. I was SURE I was dying. My symptom list has greatly reduced.

If you can afford it, I'd recommend finding a lyme literate Dr.

If you post a thread that says looking for a lyme literate Dr. in "insert your region" this could help narrow it down. If you CAN'T afford a lyme literate Dr. (around $600 for first visit on up into thousands) you can empower yourself by trying an herbal protocol.

1. switch up your nutrition to make your body and inhabitable place for bacteria
2. consider an herbal protocol (I used Buhner's protocol)

Welcome... and yes... echoing 3humpedcamel... the thread she suggests is awesome. You'll most likely need to read and re-read with "lyme brain"

With treatment, it will clear!

I know Multi meant make your body an UNinhabitable place for bacteria Just fixing in case you have a "huh?" reaction.

See, between the usual typos and Lyme brain we're pretty much all in the same boat.

Brain fog is usual and you are not alone.

I have healed/remission from lyme and you can too.

You have the most important part - a great support at home. So totally awesome and necessary.

I would look at my husband and say, "well today I ......" I would go blank. I had to laugh about it. I did google calendar so I would not miss anything that I promised to do. It was a lifesaver.

I had a lot of sticky notes around the house too.

But the best thing I did was be gentle with myself. I quit being type A perfectionist and had to let a lot of things flow off my shoulders. I had to realize that the best thing for me was to say NO to so many things. No volunteer, no babysitting, and no cooking for functions.

You will find your way and I hope these hints help you. Welcome Charlie!!

Keep asking questions - it is what we all did when we first got here.

As far as not needing a nap and keeping a clear head. For me it's detoxing. If I detox well (i.e. Epsom foot soak) I avoid those symptoms for the day. If I dont have time too, it may flare up. So for me personally I've learned that connection.

How well are you detoxing? Are you doing it daily (that's the key).

Hi! And welcome!! Sorry but glad too that you're here. Yes I have major cognitive issues. It will get better. :)