Sorry to disappoint all you bloggers who click in eager anticipation of finding a new post (and I know who at least two of you are! ;) ) I have been Busy lately. Busy as in driving to the cities, which I already blogged about, which takes up a whole day. Busy as in taking Calvin to a sleepover party and being invited to stay for dinner on Monday night. We arrived back home at ten minus Calvin and Starflower, who stayed overnight also with her best friend. This is the first summer that our kids have had such an active social life. Busy, as in staying today for the after work retirement party of a coworker whom I will miss. In the fifteen years I have known him, today was the first time I ever saw him drink a beer. Thirty five years given to the State, I guess he's earned it.
And, in pain. Mr. Attitude's Lyme disease got me thinking about my own health. The doctor called today and said his blood test definitely confirmed Lyme disease. Which is significant, because from what I've read the test gives over 50% false negatives. I got on the Web, and started reading up on Lyme, because lately, well, I just haven't been 100%. It turns out that many of the symptoms I have had over the last seven years are consistent with a chronic case of Lyme disease. I realized today that I have some sort of pain more often than not. Sometimes I get pain in my hips so sharp I have difficulty walking. Am I just supposed to accept that, at 39 I'm getting older and this is the way it's supposed to be? I think there's something more to it. Does everyone out there live with a certain degree of pain? If not, what is life like without it?
6 comments:
I hope that you can get treated and cured. I understand it's a long process, but worth it. No one should have chronic pain, but certainly not someone as young as you. Take care ...
I know what your going through. For 4 years I have had the same type of problems. (Joint pain, migranes, tired all the time)After visiting my dr, a neurologist, and a rhumatologist and many tests it, the only thing they could come up with was fibromyalgia.
I finally went to a homeopath and I am on the road to recovery.I feel alive agian!
So, this means you've had Lyme for awhile? Will your treatment be different from the kids?
I agree with Pam's comment, you are too young to accept any chronic pain as normal wear and tear.
Hope you feel better soon.
Well, I deal with chronic pain, so I guess I wouldn't say that anyone is too young. That said, if you're having trouble with your hips, I'd recommend seeing a podiatrist to see if your feet are causing a problem with how your legs and hips are aligned, and a chiropractor, of course. My orthotics have improved things immensely. I've found the accupuncture to be very helpful in an overall wellness sense, too. Good luck.
pam- the hard part may be getting a doctor to agree to giving a diagnosis and treatment; I mentioned something to my doctor about it last year but he said it was difficult to diagnose, could be a lot of other things, etc.
prairie chick- I've heard a lot of fibromyalgia cases could actually be Lyme disease. Glad you've found something that works for you; I've heard mixed things about homeopathy but would be open to trying it. Nice blog, by the way!
floridacracker- I had a positive blood test for it two years ago, and did some antibiotics then, but there's no way of telling whether the treatment worked, or even telling how long I'd had it before then. Treatment for a chronic infection would involve taking the antibiotics over a course of several months instead of weeks.
madcap- Unfortunately for you there are reasons that some "youngsters" live with chronic pain, but I think the idea is that certain symptoms should not just be dismissed as "part of getting older" when there may be treatment options available.
There are a few other symptoms I didn't mention that point to a more systemic origin...but I guess a chiropractor might argue that alignment causes systemic disorders; the old chicken or the egg question. Anyway, you've given me food for thought!
I lived with a lot of pain for a lot of years. At age 40 I was using a walker! Scared me to death, and frankly, it made death look like an interesting alternative. Many, many tests, several doctors, and finally found a nurse who suggested candida overgrowth and food allergies. Am cleaning up my diet and feel like a different person. I have a long ways to go, and you know it's not easy. Please do not lose as much of your life to chronic pain as I did (35+ years - and I even took an early retirement). Stay insistent until you find someone who can/will help. My chiropractor says most of the joint pain he sees is coming from wheat allergies. Evidently the "improvements" to wheat over the years that make it a better crop, easier to harvest, better storage potential etc, have ended up making it largely indigestible for most people. I discussed this with a former state officer of a wheat growers association, and he basically agreed. Whatever you do, do not give up, or give in. You know your body, and you know what you deserve. Stay strong!
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