It’s been a long week and I am struggling to make clear enough thoughts as I sit down to type tonight. After sharing last week about the symptoms I’ve been experiencing, and hearing from many of you with some stories about your own symptoms, I wanted to share some more information.
I’m hoping to share all of this to ultimately bring hope and encouragement to you or someone you know that is battling your own “mess” right now and help you see it as a “beautyfull mess” with eternal hope!
During the last 24 years I have seen countless doctors, specialists, naturopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, practitioners, you name it… I’ve likely seen one! I was diagnosed with mono, EBV, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Short Term Memory Loss, Wilson’s Syndrome, Chronic Migranes, Pituitary Cushings, Pernicious Anemia, Crohns Disease, Candida, being Post Menopausal at 28years old, was told I was simply wired backwards, had a doctor say I was CRAZY, I have been turned away from Sleep Clinics two times, finally was seen by a sleep specialist and they said I slept fine, and was told by at least two doctors that they were done seeing me and had nothing they could do to help me. I have been tested for M.S., ALS, tumors, cancers, auto immune diseases, etc… I have had crazy long needles inserted into my major muscles and shock waves (I am sure there is a technical term for this) sent through the needles… basically, I was shocked from the inside to run extensive testing on my muscles and nerves.
After ALL of this including years of many trips over the mountains to our Health University, a trip to a world renowned Hormone Specialist in Arizona, tons of trips up north of Seattle to see a Neurolink Practitioner (he helped me some!), and expiring our local options too… the only thing that has ever stuck as a diagnosis (pretty sure this was strictly for insurance purposes… when we used to have insurance) was Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Now, don’t get me wrong; I am not saying I am defined by a diagnosis or code at all, however, to receive proper treatment you must know what you are dealing with first.
My husband (Cory), my mom, and myself have long believed that I had Lyme Disease, yet any doctor I would ask here would look me straight in the eye and say this disease didn’t exist on the West Coast. Period. I was told that even if I did test positively for it, I would not be treated for it by them as they did NOT believe in it… eventually laughing the thought off entirely, they would each move onto more testing, more asking me to tell my story over and over again.
Finally… this year after taking about 16 months off of seeking any help or doing anything to help alleviate these symptoms (we were completely worn out and didn’t feel like there was any fight left in us.), I had a Rolf (structural alignment massage-like technique that proved to help me with my severely tight muscles that aggravated constant migraines.) appointment and the Rolfer told me about her friends practice that had just moved to Bend! I was trying to be hopeful to look into him, and Cory agreed it was time to get back into seeking help and finding answers.
I have been seeing this new Doctor/ Naturopath and appreciate that he believes that “I am my own best advocate”, He immediately advised me to have a binder of ALL of my test results, notes, etc… He views myself, Cory, and the Doc as a team and equally listens to our ideas while sharing his own of course. We have run extensive tests, and I know there are still more to come, however I finally have confirmation of a Chronic Lyme Disease diagnosis along with late stage Babesia, Bartonella, and there will likely be more co-infections found in further testing.
I will be posting treatment options as I walk through this. I am really struggling as I am midway through my second week of chasing this terrible disease… but I will post as often as I can!
Please share these posts with others… I am excited to help others struggling with Lyme, or other tick born diseases seek help, find answers, and encouragement in the middle of the mess, and ultimately pray for God’s healing!
Sincerely, Dani
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6
Praying for you!!
What a frustrating situation to be in for so many years!! I am praying for peace, strength, and healing!! Blessings to you and your sweet family!!
Thank you sooooo much Holly! Your prayers are so appreciated and I am blessed to know you are fighting for us too! XO
My daughter was recently diagnosed with Lyme and I’d love to hear more of your story. Xoxoxo
Hi Nikki! I will be praying for your sweet daughter… what is her name? I will also be posting much more very soon… so stay tuned!
Thank you for sharing your story. Im in the midst of my own journey to health and my struggle has only been about three years so far, I can’t imagine what it has been like to be on this journey so long. I also know what’s it’s like to have a Dr give up on you, and the relief of finally getting a diagnosis even when it doesn’t sound like good news. I will be praying for you and your family as you take on this disease. God is big and He is love and He has you and your sweet family in the palm of His hands.
Hey there Lovely! Thank you for your sweet encouragement! I would love to catch up with you and hear what is going on in your life too… in the meantime, I will keep you and your sweet family in my prayers too. Thankfully we serve a Big, and Mighty God who is holding us both and our loved ones who are walking through this with us!
Oh, wow Danielle! I can imagine part relief and part overwhelm and getting confirmations and diagnosis. Keep up the good fight! Praying for you and for the strength for the next stage of the battle.
Thank you for your prayers Tara! It is overwhelming in so many areas… but having hope in Christ makes it possible for sure!