@createyourmind-blog / createyourmind-blog.tumblr.com
It's been a rough year.. Haven’t posted in forever, but I’m ready to get back at Tumbr.. I’ve spent the last year and a half dealing with brain surgery. It’s been a tough year. And it’s been hard getting back into photography, but I’m finally (somewhat) healthy and am trying to get into the groove of things. I’ve missed Tumblr and my ability to express myself creatively!
Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) depicting a group of Borrelia burgdorferi, a type of anaerobic, gram-negative bacteria.
This pathogenic organism is responsible for causing the illness, Lyme disease, a zoonotic, vector-borne, ailment, transmitted to humans by way of a tick bite.B. burgdorferi belongs to a group of bacteria, called spirochetes, whose appearance resembles a coiled spring.
If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks; laboratory testing is helpful when used appropriately.
Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. Steps to prevent Lyme disease include using insect repellent, removing ticks promptly, landscaping, and integrated pest management. The ticks that transmit Lyme disease can occasionally transmit other tick-borne diseases as well.
Courtesy: CDC Public Health Library
Went to the doctors yesterday. He told me I have to take at least 1-2 months out of work in order to recover. He also prescribed me 30 mg of Cymbalta (for the depression & pain) and also 5mg of Valium (so that I can actually get some sleep at night!) He then gave me a few new supplements to try. CoQ10 + Alpha Lipoic Acid + Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl is supposed to be really helpful to restore neurological issues caused by the late stage of Lyme. I take four of those daily.
The other meds in the picture are: Cat's Claw- Used to support the immune system, which is needed because of the antibiotics. I take two daily. Cefdinir- Antibiotic. I take two a day. 300 MG. Azithromycin- Antibiotic. One 500 MG a day. Vitamin D3 2000 IU- Used to maintain calcium and build strong bones. Once a day in the morning. Womens Ultra Mega (Without caffeine)- Gives me energy. I take two in the morning. Vitamin B12- Used for energy. I take one 1000 MCG in the morning. Adderall- This has nothing to do with my Lyme treatment, I've been prescribed to this forever because I have A.D.D. HOWEVER, I would not be able to get through the day without it, it keeps me awake & some what alert. I take 40 MG a day. Marijuana- All I need is one hit to make the pain go away, only problem is it makes me SUPER sleepy.
I hate being on so many pills, I'm more of a "natural" remedy person, but this is what I have to do until I get better.
The doctor said I'll most likely be on oral antibiotics for years, but if we don't see any improvement within the next few months, he'll start me on Intravenous treatment.
I had some motivation to do a self-portrait shoot the other day, I'll post them in a few mins.
I had a follow up appointment for Friday, but I can't even wait two days to go to the doctors. I WANT TO GET RID OF THIS. The pain isn't getting better at all. My energy is decreasing more and more. My short term memory feels completely shot. Every day I break down and cry. I'm trying SO hard to remain positive, but when you have chronic pain, it's like a constant reminder that you're still struggling.
How do you remain positive throughout your Lyme journey? What makes you happy & keeps your mind off of the pain?
Good ones
Not in major, major pain today so I'm happy. :) I find that my days always start out good, but by 5:00 I feel every aching bone in my body. I'm praying that doesn't happen today! If anyone needs prayer, feel free to leave a prayer request in my ask. We gotta have faith.
