I wanted to post an update in regards to Lyme disease treatment. I was having a conversation with a new friend of mine, she was asking what my symptoms are for Lyme disease. I had to think a little bit harder than I have in the past when asked the same question…that was a good sign! when I tell someone what the symptoms are; I share what my symptoms are first…its easier to explain something you are very familiar with like feeling specific pains everyday vs. remembering other symptoms of Lyme that I dont have. It is different for each person and depending on how long you have had it, the severity will be different. Here is a more detailed list, you’ll see why I refer to my own rather than THE list! Lol! Check it out if your interested:lyme-disease-research-database.com/lyme-disease-symptoms.html
As I was telling my friend about my symptoms I was realizing that a few of them are gone and alot of them are lesser in the severity. What encouragement! I’m very thankful for all the medicine I’m on…even though I hate it…its working. Jeff & I have been on a herbal protocol Samento since April 2010 (so a little over a year now) I have been on antibiotic treatment Clarithromycin since July 2010 (about 7 mos.) Bicillin injections since October 2010 (about 5 mos) Ciproflaxin since December 2010 (about 3 mos)
When I asked my Lyme Literate doctor how long we would be on treatment; she said about 2 years. So, I’m encouraged to look at the big picture and see that its coming close to 1 year being treated. hopefully just 1 more year will rid us of these buggers for good! There are always stories of people stopping treatment and then getting sick again~ or roadblocks/complications that come up. For instance Jeff was on Bicillin injections and simply his body could not tolerate it. he had major reactions to the medicine and had to stop. we are waiting until our next follow up appointment (phone consultation) with our doctor to see what alternate treatment he should be on. Our treating LLMD is in California, wich works out for us to have phone meetings only and we will see her this summer when we visit our family in California; but we are searching for a doctor here as well. There is a naturopath doctor I will be checking out as well as we are seeking a primary care physician who will hopefully work in conjunction with out LLMD that way some meds could be covered with insurance. were not sure if it will work- its very difficult getting insurance to cover Lyme treatment; sometimes impossible. but with a cost of around $500 a month in medicine…..we need insurance to cover some of this! So please pray with us in regard to this.So, treatment is going good and we are getting better slowly. There seems to be more good days than bad days lately. Thank you everyone for your prayers, and support. Many of you have helped us finacially through this journey and we are very greatful. this is road that we dont walk alone because of many of you! thanks & God bless~

Asheville, NC (PRWEB) December 6, 2008

Lyme disease sufferers talk about beating Lyme, and describe their symptoms and struggles in a ‘Lyme Success Stories’ audio series available on the Lyme Disease Research Database (LDRD) web site. recent discussions feature the experiences of CJ, an Ironman triathlete; Darryl, a Hollywood stunt man, and Joe, an American living in Europe. The interviews are the latest additions to a unique and growing collection of Lyme Success stories. The LDRD web site also provides health care professionals a place to discuss Lyme disease symptoms, diagnosis and research, in an effort to help educate Lyme patients and others.

CJ, a nurse and endurance sports competitor, battled Lyme for many years. she was unable to work, unable to walk without crutches, and suffering financially after losing her disability benefits. Her doctor informed her that barring a miracle treatment for Lyme disease, she was not going to heal. However, CJ, who considers herself the Lance Armstrong of chronic Lyme, refused to surrender.

“I told her I was going to become my own miracle, and started training for endurance sports again,” says CJ.

CJ’s sunny outlook and determination sends a message of hope to people suffering with Lyme symptoms. she believes that telling others about her accomplishments may help chronic Lyme disease patients realize they have the power to overcome the adversities they face.

“It’s easy to find stories about people struggling with Lyme,” says Suzanne Arthur, LDRD editor. “Most people who heal 90% don’t care to look back. It’s totally understandable that they don’t want to talk about the pain. However, it’s very powerful to listen to someone telling how he or she is beating Lyme. these stories are informative and inspiring. As one person I interviewed said, ‘there is life after Lyme Disease.’”

Darryl races BMX and mountain bikes professionally and works as a stunt man in Hollywood. His story takes many dramatic twists and spills. In the years prior to being correctly diagnosed with Lyme disease, he saw 35 different doctors. during treatment he was unable to work for three years.

“I’m 100% better now,” says Darryl. he is passionate about sharing his story, and dedicates himself to helping others.

Joe lives and works in Europe, though he grew up in a region of the US where Lyme disease is common. he was sick during childhood with mysterious symptoms and struggled with chronic pain many years later. Doctor after doctor refused to treat him for Lyme. Chronic pain nearly drove him to suicide during the roughest time, a period of six years. His symptoms subsided after he found treatment at a German Lyme clinic.

The Lyme Success stories series is available at the LDRD web site, a reliable resource for people affected by Lyme disease. In addition to success stories, the LDRD also offers audio interviews with Lyme specialists and researchers such as Dr. Raphael Stricker, Ginger Savely, RN, and Dr. Alan MacDonald, discussing Lyme disease symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

For additional information on the Lyme Disease Research Database, visit lyme-disease-research-database.com. Access to the cutting edge news from experts on Lyme disease is available immediately.

About LDRD (lyme-disease-research-database.com):Private health and wellness advocates have been gathering information on conventional and integrative approaches to heal from Lyme disease since 2005.