My Story 3

On Tuesday, July 27, 1999, I saw my Lyme Literate doctor. All looks good so far. He approved me for 30 days of IV Rocephin administered still through my midline.

My midline is now on my right arm because the one on my left arm (which had been there for 8 weeks) started leaking and it was time to go. I'm having a problem with it being in my right arm, mostly because I am right handed and I'm not supposed to over exert the arm that has the midline. Yeah, Right!

After speaking with my doctor about my progress, I questioned the affect alcohol has on my antibiotic. He told me it doesn't affect the antibiotic at all but it does affect the Lyme Disease itself. It alters the spirochetes and they build defenses against the antibiotics. He also told me I needed to cut out nicotine and caffeine or the antibiotic would have no effect.

WHOA! That's a pretty tall order. I had my last drink on Sunday, July 25, 1999, and my last cup of coffee on Friday, July 30, 1999. I'd already made plans to quit smoking again on August 1, 1999, and that plan is still gong to take effect. But, man oh man, what a tall order to ask of anyone. I'm not sure how my body is going to react to withdrawal from three very addictive items, but my Lyme Doc told me that if I had no intention of quitting all three, I might as well hand him the Rocephin back because it would do no good.

***Sigh*** What a life-altering disease this is turning out to be. Yes, I am feeling much better. Yes, I am progressing wonderfully towards full recovery. Yes, I enjoy my beer, my cigarettes and my coffee. Yes, I'm going to go nuts for the month of August.

But that's not what worries me the most. What happens at the end of August is anyone's guess. I could be completely finished with Lyme Disease and never have to worry about it again, or my symptoms could return, maybe less severe than when I started, maybe similar to when this started, or maybe worse.

I can't predict the future. I can only hope. I'll keep you posted on my progress and I wish for everyone to be fully cured from this life-altering disease. No one should have to deal with Lyme Disease alone.

*****UPDATE*****

Today is April 21, 2000. I've had many requests to complete my story. At the end of my IV Rocephin, I left for a vacation and headed to Nova Scotia. It was awesome!!!

Today, I still have no signs of Lyme Disease. I'm still an advocate of spreading the word about Lyme Disease and I feel fine!!!! Don't hesitate. Find a Lyme Literate doctor in your area as soon as you can. Lyme Disease is such a life altering disease if left undiagnosed or untreated for too long.

Denise Chasse - LymeDizzez