Welcome, Shelly

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the group. I think you'll learn a lot here.

Learning that one has Lyme disease is usually a relief and a shock.

It's a relief because now you have an explanation for most of the

symptoms that have been bothering you. It's a shock because it seems

surreal that all these symptoms can be caused by one thing. And as you

learn more about Lyme, the more surreal it gets!

One thing you need to be prepared for is the Jarisch-Herxheimer

reaction (or Herx). After you've been on abx for a bit (the time

varies by individual and abx), you'll get a lot sicker for a while.

Everyone experiences Herxes differently, but generally you'll suffer

all your symptoms more intensely and at once. As your body clears the

toxins from the bacteria die-off, you'll start to feel better.

Another thing you should prepare yourself for is the long time it may

take to get better. Some of us in this group have been fighting Lyme

for years (I've been at it for over 3 years since my diagnosis).

Finally, with a long course of abx will come yeast infections. Be sure

to take good probiotics every day -- preferably not at the same time

you take your abx.

Read, read, read! Prowl through the archives of this group and ask

questions. Read the recommended books. Visit www.ilads.org. And try

not to be overwhelmed.

Jessie

>

> Hi,

> I was just recently diagnosed and have just started a regime of

abx. I am a little taken a back by this diagnosis and apparently have

had this for 4 years or so. So any advice anyone can give would be

greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

> Shell

>