Re: OT - insight needed

February 25, 2010

Charlotte,

It is now 3:22 am. I am completely wide awake and I have a seven and nine year

old that I have to get ready for school in four hours and I know I'm going to be

too tired to function. I have used my Gaba, melatonin, amantilla, you name it

but my body's not giving in. Yes logically I know that sleeping at night is

the answer but my disease plays with my hormones and I'm just along for the

ride.

I think that your in a hard place. Treating a child let alone a teenager must

be very frustrating but at the same time I'm not reading that your are really

getting it. She is 15 1/2 and she must be terrified. You should really buy a

copy of " under our skin " so you can get an isight into how others with the

disease really do feel. There is much more than chronic pain.

I don't know if she can move forward if she is still not well. You need to

understand that the disease can effect her brain function including emotions as

well and you need to educate yourself as much as you can. One of the most

damaging things to a lyme patient is not having the understanding and support of

your family.

What is her diagnosis? Does she have co-infections? How are you treating her.

With ABX, Rife, naturally?

Maybe we could help if we knew more.

Tamara

>

> I could really use some insight from people who " have been there " .

>

> My 15 1/2 yr old daughter is the one with Lyme. I do understand that I can

never fully understand the level of pain, or the fear, or the frustrations over

the " loss of her previous life " . At the same time, I understand more than she

thinks I do, even though my experiences aren't exact (I live with chronic pain,

I was a teenager, etc). I've been as patient as I can, since she seems to

" fight me " almost every step of the way.

>

> Anyway, that's an entire different story.

>

> What I'm looking for tonight is insight on sleep (or lack there of). The

situation right now is that she sleeps most the day (at least for the past week

or so, though slept often through the day before), and she's awake all night.

She was (according to her) simply laying in her bed all night, staring at the

ceiling, and trying to sleep. The past week or so, she's been up watching the

tv, rather than laying in bed.

>

> She's telling me that she is only sleeping during the day when she's awake so

long that she is utterly exhausted and her body simply falls asleep.

>

> OK, so logically to me, if she was to stay up through the day (so long

that....), then her body should be falling asleep at night. In other words she

needs to re-set her sleep schedule.

>

> I've tried to get her to take the GABA, so far that's out (smells too yucky).

She's balking at taking Melotonin as we tried it years ago, and she doesn't

remember it doing much (however it wasn't sustained use, and may not have been

very high quality). Trazadone doesn't work, diphenhydromine doesn't work, there

have been a couple of others that don't work also. Ambien gave her about 3

hours of sleep, but then she was awake. I have some concerns over Ambien,

however we may not have a choice.

>

> So what is happening with her that she can sleep during the day when she is

exhausted, but can't re-set to sleep during the night?

>

> She has also complained of being in too much pain to sleep. We've tried

several things and just started the mag oil since she wouldn't take the Natural

Calm.

>

> I know there is more I want and need info on, but for now, this is a start and

an important point. I think she's reaching a rock bottom point in her

" attitude " . She's now talking about now being able to finish the school year,

of dropping out when she turns 16. She's crying that all her dreams are lost

(she wants to be a pediatric nurse in the Air Force, and says she won't be able

to work in the health care field, and won't be able to be in the Air Force).

>

> I truly understand how scary this can be and how frustrating for anyone, let

alone a teenager. I'm getting to the end of my rope though.

>

> Please if anyone can give me insight on the sleep issue especially. Not

necessarily things to do to get to sleep, but why is it not as easy as I'm

thinking it should be to re-set the sleep patterns from day to night.

>

> And if anyone can give me insight on the " stages " a Lymie goes through

mentally and emotionally with this disease, that may be of help to me. I

understand that in some ways she is " grieving " right now, for the activities

that she is giving up because she doesn't feel well. Is there a time she will

be positive in her attitude? Is there a time she will be motivated to try

anything (within reason of course ) ) to kill this disease?

>

> I know this is long, I'm just really feeling lost right now. I guess I

thought that now that we had a dx (as of end of Nov), we would be able to move

forward. Instead she is dwelling on the negatives and not any of the positive

things each day.

>

> Charlotte

>

> iamwhimsy@...

> http://whimsy.t35.com

>

February 25, 2010

Hi Charlotte,Once, when we were out on a friend's fishing boat, my mother huddled over, miserably seasick. I suggested that she breathe deeply and think of a calm meadow, full of beautiful flowers. She replied that all she could picture were half-rotted orange (her least favorite color) flowers, covered with aphids!Many times since, when struggling with my Lyme-distorted thoughts and emotions, I've thought of that. Some days, it's just aphids, and more aphids, and none of my innate optimism, creativity, imagination, can make it a meadow. It's like someone's slipped you a powerful and inappropriate drug. It overtakes you and nothing in your character intent, or attitude can make it or its effects stop. It is a chemical phenomenon, and has nothing to do with who your daughter is. She is not in control. This really isn't her.At 64, I have a lifetime of insights wisdoms, and core spiritual grounding that I thought could get me through anything. Yeah, right!I found my Lyme-self submerged a wildly distorted mind-view, overtaken by aphids, where the only creative thought I could entertain was how to gracefully exit without hurting my loved ones. Thankfully, I have passed that place come out of that tunnel, with only short, scary hours of it once in a while instead of whole seasons. I am getting better and better and getting my life back, after 40+ years of Lyme.I know you are very frustrated right now. They say there is nothing more futile than arguing with a drunk or a crazy person. Add a terrified, brain-toxified Lymie (who is a teenager) to that list! Reasoning won't help much, appealing to her ego, her aspirations of being more mature than she really is, won't help. The natural mother-daughter struggle is now amplified by some very real negatives that have unmoored her and she is pretty helpless to get a grip on this wretched disease, and she hasn't the maturity (do any of us?) to spare you her full negative reactions to your efforts on her behalf.At some point, she has to find her own power, so she can start to fight what is ultimately her fight. In StarWars, Luke had Yoda to tell him to feel the force. Sometimes kids can be challenged to step up and take their power, (like Outward Bound) but when they're scared, they have to be shown first that someone besides themselves believes they even have any power left (because they're so scared that they do not) Such a delicate, high-stakes time! Right about now, you're feeling like you did when struggling to get a three-year-old to take a pill. And I'm sure she feels that, and her inner three-year-old is very much provoked and flailing. Somehow, this struggle has to become a solemn right of passage, in which you can mentor her frightened self into believing that she HAS a future and that it's in her capable (oh yes) hands; that she is the heroine in a very challenging book that her life is writing and that you understand that you don't understand, but that you love and believe in her. Somehow, you want to show her that this experience, however awful, is the very unique training that will make her more powerful and insightful when she recovers and applies it to her chosen journey.Lymies need the faith of others. Non-Lymies really can't know how it is, but the loving ones can say, "I trust you and believe what you're telling me. Perhaps, together, we can find some solution that you haven't been able to find yourself; please give me as much feedback as you can; it's valuable information that we'll try to use. Your experience makes you the expert here, but now we have to work together to make this a better experience."I had two sons, so I never had the mother-daughter struggle first hand, but was a terry-cloth shoulder for many friends who did. I AM a Lymie so I know what you're both up against. There are some practical things, like Lithium orotate, a couple different kinds of Traditional Chinese medicine teapills (tiny, tasteless and kind of cute) that could help with the mental/emotional stuff, big-time. Detoxing is a must but problematic if she's still at the 'GABA-is-yucky' stage. A short term of light bribery might work, or not. Anyway, you asked for insights. I hope there's something useful here for you.Be well,Léna I could really use some insight from people who "have been there". My 15 1/2 yr old daughter is the one with Lyme. I do understand that I can never fully understand the level of pain, or the fear, or the frustrations over the "loss of her previous life". At the same time, I understand more than she thinks I do, even though my experiences aren't exact (I live with chronic pain, I was a teenager, etc). I've been as patient as I can, since she seems to "fight me" almost every step of the way. Anyway, that's an entire different story. What I'm looking for tonight is insight on sleep (or lack there of). The situation right now is that she sleeps most the day (at least for the past week or so, though slept often through the day before), and she's awake all night. She was (according to her) simply laying in her bed all night, staring at the ceiling, and trying to sleep. The past week or so, she's been up watching the tv, rather than laying in bed. She's telling me that she is only sleeping during the day when she's awake so long that she is utterly exhausted and her body simply falls asleep. OK, so logically to me, if she was to stay up through the day (so long that....), then her body should be falling asleep at night. In other words she needs to re-set her sleep schedule. I've tried to get her to take the GABA, so far that's out (smells too yucky). She's balking at taking Melotonin as we tried it years ago, and she doesn't remember it doing much (however it wasn't sustained use, and may not have been very high quality). Trazadone doesn't work, diphenhydromine doesn't work, there have been a couple of others that don't work also. Ambien gave her about 3 hours of sleep, but then she was awake. I have some concerns over Ambien, however we may not have a choice. So what is happening with her that she can sleep during the day when she is exhausted, but can't re-set to sleep during the night? She has also complained of being in too much pain to sleep. We've tried several things and just started the mag oil since she wouldn't take the Natural Calm. I know there is more I want and need info on, but for now, this is a start and an important point. I think she's reaching a rock bottom point in her "attitude". She's now talking about now being able to finish the school year, of dropping out when she turns 16. She's crying that all her dreams are lost (she wants to be a pediatric nurse in the Air Force, and says she won't be able to work in the health care field, and won't be able to be in the Air Force). I truly understand how scary this can be and how frustrating for anyone, let alone a teenager. I'm getting to the end of my rope though. Please if anyone can give me insight on the sleep issue especially. Not necessarily things to do to get to sleep, but why is it not as easy as I'm thinking it should be to re-set the sleep patterns from day to night. And if anyone can give me insight on the "stages" a Lymie goes through mentally and emotionally with this disease, that may be of help to me. I understand that in some ways she is "grieving" right now, for the activities that she is giving up because she doesn't feel well. Is there a time she will be positive in her attitude? Is there a time she will be motivated to try anything (within reason of course ) ) to kill this disease? I know this is long, I'm just really feeling lost right now. I guess I thought that now that we had a dx (as of end of Nov), we would be able to move forward. Instead she is dwelling on the negatives and not any of the positive things each day. Charlotte iamwhimsygmail http://whimsy.t35.com

February 25, 2010

Very well said Lena! I agree! It’s the Lyme talking, not her. She’s

a child and she needs the medicine and you have to lovingly find her motivation

to take it. You have to get past the Lyme saying ‘it’s yucky’

and get to the sick little girl that knows she needs the medicine. I’m

thinking bribery at least! J I

have an almost 15 year old boy… it’s tough finding his motivation –

he craves sugar, so I try to avoid that. (Besides it’s sooooo bad for

ADHD – well, really anyone!) But we usually find something that

motivates him! But I’d give him candy (only a bite) if it’d get

him to take his meds! Fortunately I don’t have that problem with him,

but the other two I do sometimes! My 3 year old hates to take her breathing

treatments, but I make her so she doesn’t end up in the hospital! It’s

tough being a mom trying to get your kids better.

Of course my question is how

are her hormones? Thyroid, adrenals, progesterone... These things being out

of balance can wreak havoc on sleep. I mean, she’s a teenager, so her

hormones are probably all screwed up. Her cortisol is probably flipped –

too much at night (keeping her awake) and too little during the day. Has she tried

Phosphatidylserine? It is supposed to help lower cortisol levels (taken at

night). Her day time cortisol probably needs to be increased, but I hesitate

to give cortisol to kids… I’ll have to figure out what to give them

to increase cortisol during the day… I know the adaptogens (rhiodola,

ashwaghanda, ginsing, etc…), but sometimes they can be too stimulating,

at least for someone with trashed adrenals. Maybe since she’s so young,

it would work for her… do some research!

Also, having aversions to

foods/smells/medicines is often associated with cortisol – those bugs

mess all your hormones up. I’d get her thyroid and cortisol levels

checked for certain. You can do some home self tests to start – it’ll

give you a good initial indication of what’s going on. Here’s the

instructions…

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/temperature/

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/adrenal-info/

I hope this helps in some way.

I know how it is treating the sick kids… just remember you are the mom

and you know what’s best for her. Like Lena said, so much more

eloquently than I could, let her know you are on her side and only want to

empower her and help her get better…

From: Lyme_and_Rife [mailto:Lyme_and_Rife ] On Behalf Of Guyot Léna

Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010

4:56 AM

To: Lyme_and_Rife

Subject: Re: OT -

insight needed

Hi Charlotte,

Once, when we were out on a friend's

fishing boat, my mother huddled over, miserably seasick. I suggested that she

breathe deeply and think of a calm meadow, full of beautiful flowers. She

replied that all she could picture were half-rotted orange (her least favorite

color) flowers, covered with aphids!

Many times since, when struggling with

my Lyme-distorted thoughts and emotions, I've thought of that. Some days, it's

just aphids, and more aphids, and none of my innate optimism, creativity,

imagination, can make it a meadow.

It's like someone's slipped you a

powerful and inappropriate drug. It overtakes you and nothing in your character

intent, or attitude can make it or its effects stop.

It is a

chemical phenomenon, and has nothing to do with who your daughter is. She is

not in control. This really isn't her.

At 64, I have a lifetime of insights

wisdoms, and core spiritual grounding that I thought could get me through

anything. Yeah, right!

I found my Lyme-self submerged a wildly

distorted mind-view, overtaken by aphids, where the only creative thought I

could entertain was how to gracefully exit without hurting my loved ones.

Thankfully, I have passed that place

come out of that tunnel, with only short, scary hours of it once in a while

instead of whole seasons. I am getting better and better and getting my life

back, after 40+ years of Lyme.

I know you are very frustrated right

now. They say there is nothing more futile than arguing with a drunk or a crazy

person. Add a terrified, brain-toxified Lymie (who is a teenager) to that

list!

Reasoning won't help much, appealing to

her ego, her aspirations of being more mature than she really is, won't help.

The natural mother-daughter struggle is now amplified by some very real

negatives that have unmoored her and she is pretty helpless to get a grip on

this wretched disease, and she hasn't the maturity (do any of us?) to spare you

her full negative reactions to your efforts on her behalf.

At some point, she has to find her own

power, so she can start to fight what is ultimately her fight. In StarWars,

Luke had Yoda to tell him to feel the force. Sometimes kids can be

challenged to step up and take their power, (like Outward Bound) but when

they're scared, they have to be shown first that someone besides themselves

believes they even have any power left (because they're so scared that they do

not) Such a delicate, high-stakes time!

Right about now, you're feeling like you

did when struggling to get a three-year-old to take a pill. And I'm sure she

feels that, and her inner three-year-old is very much provoked and

flailing.

Somehow, this struggle has to become a

solemn right of passage, in which you can mentor her frightened self into

believing that she HAS a future and that it's in her capable (oh yes) hands;

that she is the heroine in a very challenging book that her life is writing and

that you understand that you don't understand, but that you love and believe in

her. Somehow, you want to show her that this experience, however awful, is the

very unique training that will make her more powerful and insightful when she

recovers and applies it to her chosen journey.

Lymies need the faith of others.

Non-Lymies really can't know how it is, but the loving ones can say, " I

trust you and believe what you're telling me. Perhaps, together, we can find

some solution that you haven't been able to find yourself; please give me as

much feedback as you can; it's valuable information that we'll try to use. Your

experience makes you the expert here, but now we have to work together to make

this a better experience. "

I had two sons, so I never had the

mother-daughter struggle first hand, but was a terry-cloth shoulder for many

friends who did. I AM a Lymie so I know what you're both up against. There are

some practical things, like Lithium orotate, a couple different kinds of

Traditional Chinese medicine teapills (tiny, tasteless and kind of cute) that

could help with the mental/emotional stuff, big-time. Detoxing is a must but

problematic if she's still at the 'GABA-is-yucky' stage. A short term of

light bribery might work, or not.

Anyway, you asked for insights. I hope

there's something useful here for you.

Be well,

Léna

I could really use some insight from people who " have

been there " .

My 15 1/2 yr old daughter is the one with Lyme. I do

understand that I can never fully understand the level of pain, or the fear, or

the frustrations over the " loss of her previous life " . At the

same time, I understand more than she thinks I do, even though my experiences

aren't exact (I live with chronic pain, I was a teenager, etc). I've been

as patient as I can, since she seems to " fight me " almost every step

of the way.

Anyway, that's an entire different story.

What I'm looking for tonight is insight on sleep (or lack

there of). The situation right now is that she sleeps most the day (at

least for the past week or so, though slept often through the day before), and

she's awake all night. She was (according to her) simply laying in her

bed all night, staring at the ceiling, and trying to sleep. The past week

or so, she's been up watching the tv, rather than laying in bed.

She's telling me that she is only sleeping during the day

when she's awake so long that she is utterly exhausted and her body simply

falls asleep.

OK, so logically to me, if she was to stay up through the

day (so long that....), then her body should be falling asleep at night.

In other words she needs to re-set her sleep schedule.

I've tried to get her to take the GABA, so far that's out

(smells too yucky). She's balking at taking Melotonin as we tried it

years ago, and she doesn't remember it doing much (however it wasn't

sustained use, and may not have been very high quality). Trazadone

doesn't work, diphenhydromine doesn't work, there have been a couple of others

that don't work also. Ambien gave her about 3 hours of sleep, but then

she was awake. I have some concerns over Ambien, however we may not have

a choice.

So what is happening with her that she can sleep during the

day when she is exhausted, but can't re-set to sleep during the night?

She has also complained of being in too much pain to

sleep. We've tried several things and just started the mag oil since she

wouldn't take the Natural Calm.

I know there is more I want and need info on, but for now,

this is a start and an important point. I think she's reaching a rock

bottom point in her " attitude " . She's now talking about now

being able to finish the school year, of dropping out when she turns 16.

She's crying that all her dreams are lost (she wants to be a pediatric nurse in

the Air Force, and says she won't be able to work in the health care field, and

won't be able to be in the Air Force).

I truly understand how scary this can be and how frustrating

for anyone, let alone a teenager. I'm getting to the end of my rope

though.

Please if anyone can give me insight on the sleep issue

especially. Not necessarily things to do to get to sleep, but why is it

not as easy as I'm thinking it should be to re-set the sleep patterns from day

to night.

And if anyone can give me insight on the " stages "

a Lymie goes through mentally and emotionally with this disease, that may be of

help to me. I understand that in some ways she is " grieving "

right now, for the activities that she is giving up because she doesn't feel

well. Is there a time she will be positive in her attitude? Is

there a time she will be motivated to try anything (within reason of course )

) to kill this disease?

I know this is long, I'm just really feeling lost right

now. I guess I thought that now that we had a dx (as of end of Nov), we

would be able to move forward. Instead she is dwelling on the negatives

and not any of the positive things each day.

Charlotte

iamwhimsygmail

http://whimsy.t35.com

February 25, 2010

is she online with other teenagers with lyme? i know they are out there, you could ask on lymenet.org, i'm sure there is a yahoo group....wishing you and her the best and some helpxosusie I could really use some insight from people who "have been there". My 15 1/2 yr old daughter is the one with Lyme. I do understand that I can never fully understand the level of pain, or the fear, or the frustrations over the "loss of her previous life". At the same time, I understand more than she thinks I do, even though my experiences aren't exact (I live with chronic pain, I was a teenager, etc). I've been as patient as I can, since she seems to "fight me" almost every step of the way. Anyway, that's an entire different story. What I'm looking for tonight is insight on sleep (or lack there of). The situation right now is that she sleeps most the day (at least for the past week or so, though slept often through the day before), and she's awake all night. She was (according to her) simply laying in her bed all night, staring at the ceiling, and trying to sleep. The past week or so, she's been up watching the tv, rather than laying in bed. She's telling me that she is only sleeping during the day when she's awake so long that she is utterly exhausted and her body simply falls asleep. OK, so logically to me, if she was to stay up through the day (so long that....), then her body should be falling asleep at night. In other words she needs to re-set her sleep schedule. I've tried to get her to take the GABA, so far that's out (smells too yucky). She's balking at taking Melotonin as we tried it years ago, and she doesn't remember it doing much (however it wasn't sustained use, and may not have been very high quality). Trazadone doesn't work, diphenhydromine doesn't work, there have been a couple of others that don't work also. Ambien gave her about 3 hours of sleep, but then she was awake. I have some concerns over Ambien, however we may not have a choice. So what is happening with her that she can sleep during the day when she is exhausted, but can't re-set to sleep during the night? She has also complained of being in too much pain to sleep. We've tried several things and just started the mag oil since she wouldn't take the Natural Calm. I know there is more I want and need info on, but for now, this is a start and an important point. I think she's reaching a rock bottom point in her "attitude". She's now talking about now being able to finish the school year, of dropping out when she turns 16. She's crying that all her dreams are lost (she wants to be a pediatric nurse in the Air Force, and says she won't be able to work in the health care field, and won't be able to be in the Air Force). I truly understand how scary this can be and how frustrating for anyone, let alone a teenager. I'm getting to the end of my rope though. Please if anyone can give me insight on the sleep issue especially. Not necessarily things to do to get to sleep, but why is it not as easy as I'm thinking it should be to re-set the sleep patterns from day to night. And if anyone can give me insight on the "stages" a Lymie goes through mentally and emotionally with this disease, that may be of help to me. I understand that in some ways she is "grieving" right now, for the activities that she is giving up because she doesn't feel well. Is there a time she will be positive in her attitude? Is there a time she will be motivated to try anything (within reason of course ) ) to kill this disease? I know this is long, I'm just really feeling lost right now. I guess I thought that now that we had a dx (as of end of Nov), we would be able to move forward. Instead she is dwelling on the negatives and not any of the positive things each day. Charlotte

February 25, 2010

Hi Charlotte,

I use a product called slumberease and it really works well for sleep. Here is

the product info: You can purchase it at www.bayho.com: I also noticed that

taking P5P before bed puts me back into my dream state. I never dream unless I

do the P5P which is a very bioactive form of vitamin B6. I take about 4 or 5

drops. Your daughter may have to play with the dosage.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

5 -HTP

(5-hydroxytryptophan) has been shown to increase REM sleep, deep-sleep, and

reduce symptoms of insomnia. Increased levels of endorphins (polypeptides) and

other neurotransmitters produced in the brain contribute to mood elevating,

relaxing, and analgesic effects. Clinical research has shown supplementation of

5-HTP to have beneficial effects upon anxiety, depression, obesity, seasonal

affective disorder, and the relief and prevention of migraine headaches. 5-HTP

works to enhance sleep by increasing the cell's output of serotonin. 5-HTP is

far more efficient than L-tryptophan (a popular sleep remedy) as it is a direct

precursor to serotonin and has a conversion percentage of 70% compared to 1-3%

for L-tryptophan.

Melatonin

Melatonin is the all natural nightcap. As our eyes register the nightly fall in

darkness, melatonin is produced by the pineal gland at the center of the brain

and secreted to help our bodies regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Studies suggest a

low dose supplement of melatonin can help us sleep and ease jet-lag. As we age,

the amount of melatonin produced by our body decreases. Scientists believe this

is why seniors often suffer from diminished sleep capacity.

Dosage

One or two drops under the tongue only at bedtime. If you wake up feeling a

little tired, reduce dosage as needed until you wake up well refreshed and full

of energy. For maximum absorption, do not speak or swallow for two minutes and

do not drink or eat for ten minutes. Most effective when taken a minimum of ten

minutes after drink and one hour after food.

INGREDIENTS:

SERVING SIZE: Approx. 5 Drops (0.19ml)

SERVINGS PER BOTTLE: Approximately 160

AMOUNT PER SERVING:

5-HTP (Hydroxy-tryptophan) 3.0 mg

Melatonin 1.5 mg

Other Ingredients: Distilled Water, Alcohol, Glycerin, Lemon Lime Natural

Flavor, Stevia.

Directions:

Take 5 drops in the mouth at bedtime only, or as directed by a health care

professional. Shake well before using. For best results, hold in mouth for two

minutes, swish in mouth before talking or swallowing.

WARNINGS:

It is not recommended for use by women who are nursing, pregnant, or trying to

conceive, in cases of severe allergies or autoimmune disease, or by those taking

MAO inhibitors or SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Keep out of

the reach of children.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

>

> I could really use some insight from people who " have been there " .

>

> My 15 1/2 yr old daughter is the one with Lyme. I do understand that I can

never fully understand the level of pain, or the fear, or the frustrations over

the " loss of her previous life " . At the same time, I understand more than she

thinks I do, even though my experiences aren't exact (I live with chronic pain,

I was a teenager, etc). I've been as patient as I can, since she seems to

" fight me " almost every step of the way.

>

> Anyway, that's an entire different story.

>

> What I'm looking for tonight is insight on sleep (or lack there of). The

situation right now is that she sleeps most the day (at least for the past week

or so, though slept often through the day before), and she's awake all night.

She was (according to her) simply laying in her bed all night, staring at the

ceiling, and trying to sleep. The past week or so, she's been up watching the

tv, rather than laying in bed.

>

> She's telling me that she is only sleeping during the day when she's awake so

long that she is utterly exhausted and her body simply falls asleep.

>

> OK, so logically to me, if she was to stay up through the day (so long

that....), then her body should be falling asleep at night. In other words she

needs to re-set her sleep schedule.

>

> I've tried to get her to take the GABA, so far that's out (smells too yucky).

She's balking at taking Melotonin as we tried it years ago, and she doesn't

remember it doing much (however it wasn't sustained use, and may not have been

very high quality). Trazadone doesn't work, diphenhydromine doesn't work, there

have been a couple of others that don't work also. Ambien gave her about 3

hours of sleep, but then she was awake. I have some concerns over Ambien,

however we may not have a choice.

>

> So what is happening with her that she can sleep during the day when she is

exhausted, but can't re-set to sleep during the night?

>

> She has also complained of being in too much pain to sleep. We've tried

several things and just started the mag oil since she wouldn't take the Natural

Calm.

>

> I know there is more I want and need info on, but for now, this is a start and

an important point. I think she's reaching a rock bottom point in her

" attitude " . She's now talking about now being able to finish the school year,

of dropping out when she turns 16. She's crying that all her dreams are lost

(she wants to be a pediatric nurse in the Air Force, and says she won't be able

to work in the health care field, and won't be able to be in the Air Force).

>

> I truly understand how scary this can be and how frustrating for anyone, let

alone a teenager. I'm getting to the end of my rope though.

>

> Please if anyone can give me insight on the sleep issue especially. Not

necessarily things to do to get to sleep, but why is it not as easy as I'm

thinking it should be to re-set the sleep patterns from day to night.

>

> And if anyone can give me insight on the " stages " a Lymie goes through

mentally and emotionally with this disease, that may be of help to me. I

understand that in some ways she is " grieving " right now, for the activities

that she is giving up because she doesn't feel well. Is there a time she will

be positive in her attitude? Is there a time she will be motivated to try

anything (within reason of course ) ) to kill this disease?

>

> I know this is long, I'm just really feeling lost right now. I guess I

thought that now that we had a dx (as of end of Nov), we would be able to move

forward. Instead she is dwelling on the negatives and not any of the positive

things each day.

>

> Charlotte

>

> iamwhimsy@...

> http://whimsy.t35.com

>

February 25, 2010

Hi Tamara and Charlotte,

One other thing that helped me was making sure that I was not allergic to my own

hormones. You might want to seek out the help of a NAET practitioner or

acupuncturist. I found that I would wake up every hour or so when I was

allergic to my own hormones. Also any food allergies that you may have will

keep you awake. Try not to eat too close to bedtime and don't eat anything that

is a potential allergen. Just a few suggestions from my own experiences with

insomnia.

> >

> > I could really use some insight from people who " have been there " .

> >

> > My 15 1/2 yr old daughter is the one with Lyme. I do understand that I can

never fully understand the level of pain, or the fear, or the frustrations over

the " loss of her previous life " . At the same time, I understand more than she

thinks I do, even though my experiences aren't exact (I live with chronic pain,

I was a teenager, etc). I've been as patient as I can, since she seems to

" fight me " almost every step of the way.

> >

> > Anyway, that's an entire different story.

> >

> > What I'm looking for tonight is insight on sleep (or lack there of). The

situation right now is that she sleeps most the day (at least for the past week

or so, though slept often through the day before), and she's awake all night.

She was (according to her) simply laying in her bed all night, staring at the

ceiling, and trying to sleep. The past week or so, she's been up watching the

tv, rather than laying in bed.

> >

> > She's telling me that she is only sleeping during the day when she's awake

so long that she is utterly exhausted and her body simply falls asleep.

> >

> > OK, so logically to me, if she was to stay up through the day (so long

that....), then her body should be falling asleep at night. In other words she

needs to re-set her sleep schedule.

> >

> > I've tried to get her to take the GABA, so far that's out (smells too

yucky). She's balking at taking Melotonin as we tried it years ago, and she

doesn't remember it doing much (however it wasn't sustained use, and may not

have been very high quality). Trazadone doesn't work, diphenhydromine doesn't

work, there have been a couple of others that don't work also. Ambien gave her

about 3 hours of sleep, but then she was awake. I have some concerns over

Ambien, however we may not have a choice.

> >

> > So what is happening with her that she can sleep during the day when she is

exhausted, but can't re-set to sleep during the night?

> >

> > She has also complained of being in too much pain to sleep. We've tried

several things and just started the mag oil since she wouldn't take the Natural

Calm.

> >

> > I know there is more I want and need info on, but for now, this is a start

and an important point. I think she's reaching a rock bottom point in her

" attitude " . She's now talking about now being able to finish the school year,

of dropping out when she turns 16. She's crying that all her dreams are lost

(she wants to be a pediatric nurse in the Air Force, and says she won't be able

to work in the health care field, and won't be able to be in the Air Force).

> >

> > I truly understand how scary this can be and how frustrating for anyone, let

alone a teenager. I'm getting to the end of my rope though.

> >

> > Please if anyone can give me insight on the sleep issue especially. Not

necessarily things to do to get to sleep, but why is it not as easy as I'm

thinking it should be to re-set the sleep patterns from day to night.

> >

> > And if anyone can give me insight on the " stages " a Lymie goes through

mentally and emotionally with this disease, that may be of help to me. I

understand that in some ways she is " grieving " right now, for the activities

that she is giving up because she doesn't feel well. Is there a time she will

be positive in her attitude? Is there a time she will be motivated to try

anything (within reason of course ) ) to kill this disease?

> >

> > I know this is long, I'm just really feeling lost right now. I guess I

thought that now that we had a dx (as of end of Nov), we would be able to move

forward. Instead she is dwelling on the negatives and not any of the positive

things each day.

> >

> > Charlotte

> >

> > iamwhimsy@

> > http://whimsy.t35.com

> >

>

February 25, 2010

Charlotte,Take a deep breath, remember holding this child when she was small and you could and she would let you. I also have a 15 1/2 daughter, who I trust doesn't have Lyme, and she fights me every step when it interferes with what she wants, thinks or feels, I understand. They're discovering who they are and their hormones are wild.

Lyme certainly complicates her hormones and exacerbates her fears. Find support for yourself so you can support your daughter. She will recover, How could she not with you fighting for her health, and your here.

I went through my own stage of grief over the years and opportunities lost. She's only 15 1/2 and there is so much she wants to do with her life. She needs you to be her cheerleader and coach. She would need that any way, but more so now. Believe she'll recover; it may take time, more time than she'd like, but she'll recover. She'll have more to offer as a nurse having battled the Lyme.

I also battle fatigue during the day and restlessness at night. The pain I feel in my body makes resting difficult. Epsom salt baths sooth the hurting muscles and relaxes me enough to sleep. I'm learning to take a hot shower or bath just before bed. Also pay attention to what she's eating and how soon before a reasonable hour for sleep. I try to leave3-4 hours after eating before going to sleep.Sounds simple and basic, but I find I have to lead my body to rest. It helps.

I'm still looking for answers. Read through the posts for what's helped others. That's what I'm doing and send posts with specific questions like you have here. I'm still relatively new in this battle (treating alternatively) but there is support and information in this forum that will help you and help you help her,

Do you have an Lyme literate Doctor (llmd) or Holistic Dr who understands lyme? If they're knowledgeable it can help her. You won't be the only one telling her what she needs to get well.Stay calm and be well,

I could really use some insight from people who " have been there " .

My 15 1/2 yr old daughter is the one with Lyme. I do understand that I can never fully understand the level of pain, or the fear, or the frustrations over the " loss of her previous life " . At the same time, I understand more than she thinks I do, even though my experiences aren't exact (I live with chronic pain, I was a teenager, etc). I've been as patient as I can, since she seems to " fight me " almost every step of the way.

Anyway, that's an entire different story.

What I'm looking for tonight is insight on sleep (or lack there of). The situation right now is that she sleeps most the day (at least for the past week or so, though slept often through the day before), and she's awake all night. She was (according to her) simply laying in her bed all night, staring at the ceiling, and trying to sleep. The past week or so, she's been up watching the tv, rather than laying in bed.

She's telling me that she is only sleeping during the day when she's awake so long that she is utterly exhausted and her body simply falls asleep.

OK, so logically to me, if she was to stay up through the day (so long that....), then her body should be falling asleep at night. In other words she needs to re-set her sleep schedule.

I've tried to get her to take the GABA, so far that's out (smells too yucky). She's balking at taking Melotonin as we tried it years ago, and she doesn't remember it doing much (however it wasn't sustained use, and may not have been very high quality). Trazadone doesn't work, diphenhydromine doesn't work, there have been a couple of others that don't work also. Ambien gave her about 3 hours of sleep, but then she was awake. I have some concerns over Ambien, however we may not have a choice.

So what is happening with her that she can sleep during the day when she is exhausted, but can't re-set to sleep during the night?

She has also complained of being in too much pain to sleep. We've tried several things and just started the mag oil since she wouldn't take the Natural Calm.

I know there is more I want and need info on, but for now, this is a start and an important point. I think she's reaching a rock bottom point in her " attitude " . She's now talking about now being able to finish the school year, of dropping out when she turns 16. She's crying that all her dreams are lost (she wants to be a pediatric nurse in the Air Force, and says she won't be able to work in the health care field, and won't be able to be in the Air Force).

I truly understand how scary this can be and how frustrating for anyone, let alone a teenager. I'm getting to the end of my rope though.

Please if anyone can give me insight on the sleep issue especially. Not necessarily things to do to get to sleep, but why is it not as easy as I'm thinking it should be to re-set the sleep patterns from day to night.

And if anyone can give me insight on the " stages " a Lymie goes through mentally and emotionally with this disease, that may be of help to me. I understand that in some ways she is " grieving " right now, for the activities that she is giving up because she doesn't feel well. Is there a time she will be positive in her attitude? Is there a time she will be motivated to try anything (within reason of course ) ) to kill this disease?

I know this is long, I'm just really feeling lost right now. I guess I thought that now that we had a dx (as of end of Nov), we would be able to move forward. Instead she is dwelling on the negatives and not any of the positive things each day.

Charlotte

iamwhimsy@...http://whimsy.t35.com

February 25, 2010

Well said, !Be well,Léna Charlotte,Take a deep breath, remember holding this child when she was small and you could and she would let you. I also have a 15 1/2 daughter, who I trust doesn't have Lyme, and she fights me every step when it interferes with what she wants, thinks or feels, I understand. They're discovering who they are and their hormones are wild. Lyme certainly complicates her hormones and exacerbates her fears. Find support for yourself so you can support your daughter. She will recover, How could she not with you fighting for her health, and your here. I went through my own stage of grief over the years and opportunities lost. She's only 15 1/2 and there is so much she wants to do with her life. She needs you to be her cheerleader and coach. She would need that any way, but more so now. Believe she'll recover; it may take time, more time than she'd like, but she'll recover. She'll have more to offer as a nurse having battled the Lyme. I also battle fatigue during the day and restlessness at night. The pain I feel in my body makes resting difficult. Epsom salt baths sooth the hurting muscles and relaxes me enough to sleep. I'm learning to take a hot shower or bath just before bed. Also pay attention to what she's eating and how soon before a reasonable hour for sleep. I try to leave3-4 hours after eating before going to sleep.Sounds simple and basic, but I find I have to lead my body to rest. It helps. I'm still looking for answers. Read through the posts for what's helped others. That's what I'm doing and send posts with specific questions like you have here. I'm still relatively new in this battle (treating alternatively) but there is support and information in this forum that will help you and help you help her, Do you have an Lyme literate Doctor (llmd) or Holistic Dr who understands lyme? If they're knowledgeable it can help her. You won't be the only one telling her what she needs to get well.Stay calm and be well, On Thu, Feb 25, 2010 at 3:08 AM, CT <iamwhimsygmail> wrote: I could really use some insight from people who "have been there". My 15 1/2 yr old daughter is the one with Lyme. I do understand that I can never fully understand the level of pain, or the fear, or the frustrations over the "loss of her previous life". At the same time, I understand more than she thinks I do, even though my experiences aren't exact (I live with chronic pain, I was a teenager, etc). I've been as patient as I can, since she seems to "fight me" almost every step of the way. Anyway, that's an entire different story. What I'm looking for tonight is insight on sleep (or lack there of). The situation right now is that she sleeps most the day (at least for the past week or so, though slept often through the day before), and she's awake all night. She was (according to her) simply laying in her bed all night, staring at the ceiling, and trying to sleep. The past week or so, she's been up watching the tv, rather than laying in bed. She's telling me that she is only sleeping during the day when she's awake so long that she is utterly exhausted and her body simply falls asleep. OK, so logically to me, if she was to stay up through the day (so long that....), then her body should be falling asleep at night. In other words she needs to re-set her sleep schedule. I've tried to get her to take the GABA, so far that's out (smells too yucky). She's balking at taking Melotonin as we tried it years ago, and she doesn't remember it doing much (however it wasn't sustained use, and may not have been very high quality). Trazadone doesn't work, diphenhydromine doesn't work, there have been a couple of others that don't work also. Ambien gave her about 3 hours of sleep, but then she was awake. I have some concerns over Ambien, however we may not have a choice. So what is happening with her that she can sleep during the day when she is exhausted, but can't re-set to sleep during the night? She has also complained of being in too much pain to sleep. We've tried several things and just started the mag oil since she wouldn't take the Natural Calm. I know there is more I want and need info on, but for now, this is a start and an important point. I think she's reaching a rock bottom point in her "attitude". She's now talking about now being able to finish the school year, of dropping out when she turns 16. She's crying that all her dreams are lost (she wants to be a pediatric nurse in the Air Force, and says she won't be able to work in the health care field, and won't be able to be in the Air Force). I truly understand how scary this can be and how frustrating for anyone, let alone a teenager. I'm getting to the end of my rope though. Please if anyone can give me insight on the sleep issue especially. Not necessarily things to do to get to sleep, but why is it not as easy as I'm thinking it should be to re-set the sleep patterns from day to night. And if anyone can give me insight on the "stages" a Lymie goes through mentally and emotionally with this disease, that may be of help to me. I understand that in some ways she is "grieving" right now, for the activities that she is giving up because she doesn't feel well. Is there a time she will be positive in her attitude? Is there a time she will be motivated to try anything (within reason of course ) ) to kill this disease? I know this is long, I'm just really feeling lost right now. I guess I thought that now that we had a dx (as of end of Nov), we would be able to move forward. Instead she is dwelling on the negatives and not any of the positive things each day. Charlotte iamwhimsygmail http://whimsy.t35.com

February 25, 2010

Yeah me too. I am awake all day long. Have been for 3 months. I go to bed at

10p, sleep fitfully till 1am, and then that's it. Been like this for 3 months.

Have taken Ambien till it quit working, recently have tried GABA, slumberease,

Ateril, L-Tryptophan etc, but no help at all. I need to sleep but don't know

how.

What tests check the adrenals? What test should I request for to check this

adrenals I have heard about for so long?

Angie.

> >

> > I could really use some insight from people who " have been there " .

> >

> > My 15 1/2 yr old daughter is the one with Lyme. I do understand that I can

never fully understand the level of pain, or the fear, or the frustrations over

the " loss of her previous life " . At the same time, I understand more than she

thinks I do, even though my experiences aren't exact (I live with chronic pain,

I was a teenager, etc). I've been as patient as I can, since she seems to

" fight me " almost every step of the way.

> >

> > Anyway, that's an entire different story.

> >

> > What I'm looking for tonight is insight on sleep (or lack there of). The

situation right now is that she sleeps most the day (at least for the past week

or so, though slept often through the day before), and she's awake all night.

She was (according to her) simply laying in her bed all night, staring at the

ceiling, and trying to sleep. The past week or so, she's been up watching the

tv, rather than laying in bed.

> >

> > She's telling me that she is only sleeping during the day when she's awake

so long that she is utterly exhausted and her body simply falls asleep.

> >

> > OK, so logically to me, if she was to stay up through the day (so long

that....), then her body should be falling asleep at night. In other words she

needs to re-set her sleep schedule.

> >

> > I've tried to get her to take the GABA, so far that's out (smells too

yucky). She's balking at taking Melotonin as we tried it years ago, and she

doesn't remember it doing much (however it wasn't sustained use, and may not

have been very high quality). Trazadone doesn't work, diphenhydromine doesn't

work, there have been a couple of others that don't work also. Ambien gave her

about 3 hours of sleep, but then she was awake. I have some concerns over

Ambien, however we may not have a choice.

> >

> > So what is happening with her that she can sleep during the day when she is

exhausted, but can't re-set to sleep during the night?

> >

> > She has also complained of being in too much pain to sleep. We've tried

several things and just started the mag oil since she wouldn't take the Natural

Calm.

> >

> > I know there is more I want and need info on, but for now, this is a start

and an important point. I think she's reaching a rock bottom point in her

" attitude " . She's now talking about now being able to finish the school year,

of dropping out when she turns 16. She's crying that all her dreams are lost

(she wants to be a pediatric nurse in the Air Force, and says she won't be able

to work in the health care field, and won't be able to be in the Air Force).

> >

> > I truly understand how scary this can be and how frustrating for anyone, let

alone a teenager. I'm getting to the end of my rope though.

> >

> > Please if anyone can give me insight on the sleep issue especially. Not

necessarily things to do to get to sleep, but why is it not as easy as I'm

thinking it should be to re-set the sleep patterns from day to night.

> >

> > And if anyone can give me insight on the " stages " a Lymie goes through

mentally and emotionally with this disease, that may be of help to me. I

understand that in some ways she is " grieving " right now, for the activities

that she is giving up because she doesn't feel well. Is there a time she will

be positive in her attitude? Is there a time she will be motivated to try

anything (within reason of course ) ) to kill this disease?

> >

> > I know this is long, I'm just really feeling lost right now. I guess I

thought that now that we had a dx (as of end of Nov), we would be able to move

forward. Instead she is dwelling on the negatives and not any of the positive

things each day.

> >

> > Charlotte

> >

> > iamwhimsy@

> > http://whimsy.t35.com

> >

>

February 26, 2010

Hi Angie,

When you take amino acids like GABA and L-Tryptophan, it is important to take

them at least 1 1/2 hrs after a meal and on an empty stomach and about an hour

before bedtime... Also important for L-Tryptophan is you also need to take

Niacin (B3) of at least 300 mg daily and B6, 25 - 50 mg daily... If you don't

take these two, part of the LT will be used to produce them and thus be less

effective...

Take care,

Jim

> > >

> > > I could really use some insight from people who " have been there " .

> > >

> > > My 15 1/2 yr old daughter is the one with Lyme. I do understand that I

can never fully understand the level of pain, or the fear, or the frustrations

over the " loss of her previous life " . At the same time, I understand more than

she thinks I do, even though my experiences aren't exact (I live with chronic

pain, I was a teenager, etc). I've been as patient as I can, since she seems to

" fight me " almost every step of the way.

> > >

> > > Anyway, that's an entire different story.

> > >

> > > What I'm looking for tonight is insight on sleep (or lack there of). The

situation right now is that she sleeps most the day (at least for the past week

or so, though slept often through the day before), and she's awake all night.

She was (according to her) simply laying in her bed all night, staring at the

ceiling, and trying to sleep. The past week or so, she's been up watching the

tv, rather than laying in bed.

> > >

> > > She's telling me that she is only sleeping during the day when she's awake

so long that she is utterly exhausted and her body simply falls asleep.

> > >

> > > OK, so logically to me, if she was to stay up through the day (so long

that....), then her body should be falling asleep at night. In other words she

needs to re-set her sleep schedule.

> > >

> > > I've tried to get her to take the GABA, so far that's out (smells too

yucky). She's balking at taking Melotonin as we tried it years ago, and she

doesn't remember it doing much (however it wasn't sustained use, and may not

have been very high quality). Trazadone doesn't work, diphenhydromine doesn't

work, there have been a couple of others that don't work also. Ambien gave her

about 3 hours of sleep, but then she was awake. I have some concerns over

Ambien, however we may not have a choice.

> > >

> > > So what is happening with her that she can sleep during the day when she

is exhausted, but can't re-set to sleep during the night?

> > >

> > > She has also complained of being in too much pain to sleep. We've tried

several things and just started the mag oil since she wouldn't take the Natural

Calm.

> > >

> > > I know there is more I want and need info on, but for now, this is a start

and an important point. I think she's reaching a rock bottom point in her

" attitude " . She's now talking about now being able to finish the school year,

of dropping out when she turns 16. She's crying that all her dreams are lost

(she wants to be a pediatric nurse in the Air Force, and says she won't be able

to work in the health care field, and won't be able to be in the Air Force).

> > >

> > > I truly understand how scary this can be and how frustrating for anyone,

let alone a teenager. I'm getting to the end of my rope though.

> > >

> > > Please if anyone can give me insight on the sleep issue especially. Not

necessarily things to do to get to sleep, but why is it not as easy as I'm

thinking it should be to re-set the sleep patterns from day to night.

> > >

> > > And if anyone can give me insight on the " stages " a Lymie goes through

mentally and emotionally with this disease, that may be of help to me. I

understand that in some ways she is " grieving " right now, for the activities

that she is giving up because she doesn't feel well. Is there a time she will

be positive in her attitude? Is there a time she will be motivated to try

anything (within reason of course ) ) to kill this disease?

> > >

> > > I know this is long, I'm just really feeling lost right now. I guess I

thought that now that we had a dx (as of end of Nov), we would be able to move

forward. Instead she is dwelling on the negatives and not any of the positive

things each day.

> > >

> > > Charlotte

> > >

> > > iamwhimsy@

> > > http://whimsy.t35.com

> > >

> >

>

February 26, 2010

Oh gosh Angie,

I'm in the same boat...only it's been years! I have found that going to

bed even earlier helps me. I try to be in bed by 9 or sometimes 8:30,

and then at least when I wake by 1, (on a good night), I've had a little

more sweet zzzs! some times deep breathing helps me, and magnesium in

all forms is good for relaxing me, even if I'm not able to drift off.

Being relaxed and awake is somehow alot more restful! sending you

peaceful gentleness for your night, Suzy

Angie wrote:

>

> Yeah me too. I am awake all day long. Have been for 3 months. I go to

> bed at 10p, sleep fitfully till 1am, and then that's it. Been like

> this for 3 months. Have taken Ambien till it quit working, recently

> have tried GABA, slumberease, Ateril, L-Tryptophan etc, but no help at

> all. I need to sleep but don't know how.

>

> What tests check the adrenals? What test should I request for to check

> this adrenals I have heard about for so long?

>

> Angie.

>

> > >

> > > I could really use some insight from people who " have been there " .

> > >

> > > My 15 1/2 yr old daughter is the one with Lyme. I do understand

> that I can never fully understand the level of pain, or the fear, or

> the frustrations over the " loss of her previous life " . At the same

> time, I understand more than she thinks I do, even though my

> experiences aren't exact (I live with chronic pain, I was a teenager,

> etc). I've been as patient as I can, since she seems to " fight me "

> almost every step of the way.

> > >

> > > Anyway, that's an entire different story.

> > >

> > > What I'm looking for tonight is insight on sleep (or lack there

> of). The situation right now is that she sleeps most the day (at least

> for the past week or so, though slept often through the day before),

> and she's awake all night. She was (according to her) simply laying in

> her bed all night, staring at the ceiling, and trying to sleep. The

> past week or so, she's been up watching the tv, rather than laying in bed.

> > >

> > > She's telling me that she is only sleeping during the day when

> she's awake so long that she is utterly exhausted and her body simply

> falls asleep.

> > >

> > > OK, so logically to me, if she was to stay up through the day (so

> long that....), then her body should be falling asleep at night. In

> other words she needs to re-set her sleep schedule.

> > >

> > > I've tried to get her to take the GABA, so far that's out (smells

> too yucky). She's balking at taking Melotonin as we tried it years

> ago, and she doesn't remember it doing much (however it wasn't

> sustained use, and may not have been very high quality). Trazadone

> doesn't work, diphenhydromine doesn't work, there have been a couple

> of others that don't work also. Ambien gave her about 3 hours of

> sleep, but then she was awake. I have some concerns over Ambien,

> however we may not have a choice.

> > >

> > > So what is happening with her that she can sleep during the day

> when she is exhausted, but can't re-set to sleep during the night?

> > >

> > > She has also complained of being in too much pain to sleep. We've

> tried several things and just started the mag oil since she wouldn't

> take the Natural Calm.

> > >

> > > I know there is more I want and need info on, but for now, this is

> a start and an important point. I think she's reaching a rock bottom

> point in her " attitude " . She's now talking about now being able to

> finish the school year, of dropping out when she turns 16. She's

> crying that all her dreams are lost (she wants to be a pediatric nurse

> in the Air Force, and says she won't be able to work in the health

> care field, and won't be able to be in the Air Force).

> > >

> > > I truly understand how scary this can be and how frustrating for

> anyone, let alone a teenager. I'm getting to the end of my rope though.

> > >

> > > Please if anyone can give me insight on the sleep issue

> especially. Not necessarily things to do to get to sleep, but why is

> it not as easy as I'm thinking it should be to re-set the sleep

> patterns from day to night.

> > >

> > > And if anyone can give me insight on the " stages " a Lymie goes

> through mentally and emotionally with this disease, that may be of

> help to me. I understand that in some ways she is " grieving " right

> now, for the activities that she is giving up because she doesn't feel

> well. Is there a time she will be positive in her attitude? Is there a

> time she will be motivated to try anything (within reason of course

> ) ) to kill this disease?

> > >

> > > I know this is long, I'm just really feeling lost right now. I

> guess I thought that now that we had a dx (as of end of Nov), we would

> be able to move forward. Instead she is dwelling on the negatives and

> not any of the positive things each day.

> > >

> > > Charlotte

> > >

> > > iamwhimsy@

> > > http://whimsy.t35.com <http://whimsy.t35.com>

> > >

> >

>

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February 26, 2010

Charlotte

This is the Lyme and not your daughter. The real daughter will emerge ....I promise you. Please e-mail me privately so I can put you in touch with my now 19 year old daughter who has struggled with these infections seriously since age 14. From our experience....I would advise you to " not sweat the small stuff " and focus on each and every improvement no matter how small.I know my daughter has spoken with many moms of other teenagers. She will help you to understand.

It's so difficult to watch our children suffer. May God give you enough strength and wisdom for each day.

Big warm hug,