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In 1991, I had a bulls-eye rash on my joints, joint swelling with heat.

Swelling so bad my legs were distorted. I went to my Internist who said,

" I don't know what this is, but I'll test you for Lyme, RA, and Lupus. "

He put me on prednisone right away. My tests were all negative.

I live in a tick endemic area.

I have been dxed with Fibromyalgia/CFS/MCS following that incident. Also

dxed with myofascial pain syndrome. I don't think that's what I have.

But because I didn't know that most people flunk the test, it's been

years, and I suspect that antibiotics would not be beneficial, not that

I tolerate many of them. I have neck issues, with stiffness, and TMJ. At

present my ankle joints are stiff, and it is difficult to move them in

range of motion.

Two years ago, most of my friends with CFS found out they really have

Lyme. I think my only recourse is to attack my symptoms with herbal

protocols since its been so long, now.

My Internist in 1991 had me on antibiotics right and left for mostly

ear infections. So I hoped that helped me. I think this stuff is in my

joints. I have had so many relapses with extreme fatigue, soaking

sweats. I used to be outdoors a lot. I taught hunter education, and

archery. Was in the field extensively. Pulled lots of ticks off of me.

Found ticks on me in the winter time! I ride horses in warmer weather at

a therapeutic riding center. Used to pull ticks off horses. I relapsed

in 2003, and 2004 with excessive fatigue, extreme pain, soaking sweats.

All of which was blamed on Fibromyalgia, then I got the CFS dx. Fall

2007, I had a flattening flu with excessive sweating. That's when I

started having trouble with my muscles more. Trouble walking. Legs are

horrible, weak. I take supplements, and herbs. I use natural COX-2

inhibitors for muscle and joint pain. as I am allergic to pain killers.

I have a lot of extreme allergies which includes food, inhalant

(pollens, dust, mold) chemicals, and drugs including antibiotics. I have

to wear a mask when I'm out in public.

Lately, I've noticed a lot of cognitive problems. During the relapse in

2003-2004, I couldn't think, or read very well--so I didn't. Really

enjoyed reading, and creative writing but couldn't do that, and didn't

have the energy to stay sitting for long. Always had to retreat to bed.

Didn't matter how long I slept, I still felt like death when I got up.

Started finding out about supplements for energy, started taking those,

so I was not flattened as much. Still had fatigue. Can't last like I

once could.

I eat organic vegetables/meat. I have extreme food allergies, so I

practice a plan of avoidance. I make my own kefir from the grains. I

stay away from chemicals. With help I grow some vegetables. I still

don't see how I could return to writing for a living as I don't think I

can do interviews without a lot of assistive technology. Can't work in

an office setting. I am homebound, and on disability. No longer tolerate

driving very far, have to get friends to drive me for grocery shopping.

Crazy!

Walking is very difficult. I use a 4 wheeled walker with hand brakes

because my gait is unsteady. I trip over my own feet if I use a cane.

When I ride, and compete-I use double Dressage whips to act as my legs.

I am very glad I can still ride, after having to give up every fun

physical thing I used to enjoy.

I have had a Lyme-Fibromyalgia support group for about 3 years, bringing

in Lyme literate specialists as speakers. I do have a copy of the Buhner

book, which I purchased last March. I have a copy for the support group.

My December 2009 speaker studied under LLMD Dietrich Kinghardt. She has

been advising me about detox using the ion foot baths, taking whey +

Vitamin C+ NAC to make glutathione naturally in my body. I have to order

some allergen free whey. She offers HBO treatments, so I might do those

too. One member has a Rife machine. Very curious about that, wondering

if I can do that, with hypertension.

Perch in Va.