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Hello, my name is Dawn and I live in Olathe, KS. I am 38 years old and have spent most of my life as a Proffesional Ballroom Dancer and an avid fitness enthusiast. That has changed. I have recently retired from Dancing because my health no longer is stable enough to predict if I am going to feel up to dancing on any particular day.

In June 2008 I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. While it is evident that I had been freshly bitten because I also had Rocky Mount Spotted Fever, the Lyme disease test showed that it was i was in a chronic phase of infection in my body. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia ten years ago, so the LLMD beleives it has been Lyme Disease all along that have caused the issues i was having. The tick bite crashed my immune system severly this time though.

In the first 3 months of diagnosis I tested positive for Lymes, Rocky Mount, EB Virus, and Shingles. After 6 months of high doses of Doxycyline ( and other medications to deal with the side effects of long term antibiotics) My digestive system could not handle any more and I had begun to suffer more from the medicine than the disease, so I came off the antibiotic and started on Samento and Low Dose Naltrexone to give my body a chance to recuperate.

I started feeling much better after a few weeks of being on Samento and LDN. I even went back to working out 4 to 5 days a week at the gym. But that feeling only lasted for about 8 weeks. The bad headaches started back, and vision bluring and other neurological symptoms became present on a regular basis as well as many erratic issues with my heart. This took me back to the doctor where I was diagnosed with the co-infection of Bartonella. So two weeks ago I started on the Drug Ketek in hopes of killing off the bacteria that has created the encephalitis lesions on my brain and the inflamation of my heart.

Ketek is a high risk drug for liver failure, but as the neurological symptoms have increased over the last few months I feel the risk is worth it. I have a great LLMD whom I have total faith in to guide me through to feeling better again, but it becomes disheartening to have thought I had beat the worst of the Lyme, only to be hit with Bartonella which to me is much worse. (Apparently Bartonella , often comes out after the Lyme has started to ease up. )

The Political nature of a Lyme Disease diagnosis is very frusrating but I don't beleive in just laying down and letting this take over. So I fight, and I do what I can to remain active and involved with a normal life. Some days are simply harder than others because lyme disease and Bartonella create a myriad of symptoms. Oh well, at least each day is different! :)

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For those that don't know about Lyme disease, it can easily be summated by saying it is a disease with no boundaries. Each day is an unknown as to whether or not it will be a good feeling day or one that is difficult to merely get through. I have lived a very healthy lifestyle of excercising , eating right, doing good deeds for others, and striving to be the best that I can...

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I have added a request for a debate on lyme in the 'Feedback' message board, it could use some support. Thanks. I'll continue trying my best to fight for a better show on lyme....

I hope you feel better.....

So sorry about your health and that it ended your dancing.I have always wanted to learn how to ballroom dance,but I have to settle on watching it on t.v.

Take Care.

Yvonne

Yes I did see it. I also had my own opinions about what they said. I watch the show everyday I have it recorded so it may not be on that day but for sure the following day. I keep hoping that something or someone on the show will be able to help me. I am starting to feel better from the new med. that dr. put me on. I know with other meds you may start feeling better but then all symptoms start returning. I am very hopeful this does work. Talk to you soon.

Hey Dawn...I have a sister by the same name...I've changed my mind don't watch the show ...write and post an abstract and charge money for the good Dr's to read it...I'll take 1/2 the proceeds as it was my idea!!!

:))))))))

Your welcome...honestly on this one I hope it helps but I think from what you have said you could teach them a thing or two. They say "PREVENTION IS THE KEY"

I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE SHOW WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE.

I hope you are home we are 1/2 hour into the show they are talking about Ticks....Lyme disease...etc....Dr. Griffith was the Specialist Hope you can get some info...

Good luck

Hi Dawn!

It's so nice to meet you! I have a sister who lives where you are and I am about 1 1/2 hr south of ya.

Your story is incrediable! I'm also 38 and feel so bad that you have these problems. It's just to young don't you think? I also have a friend that has this disease. I remember when he first got it he was a mess. However, I have lost some contact with him and have no idea how he is doing. Keep up the faith that you might be able to cope with all the suffering you are going through.

I just had low lumbar surgery. I had a bulging disc sitting on my sciatic nerve. So, staying active has been an issue for me. I'm trying to walk but, I just have no motivation and have gained 10 lbs for that!! LOL

Good luck and hope to get to know you!!

Melissa

Just popped in to hope you are having one of your best days ever! Are you watching Dancing with Stars?

If so who's your favorite? I love the Dancing it brings such different emotions with each dance and different personality!

Have o wonderful day..:)

Hello KSLYME,

Thankyou for the comment. Wow we are real close. I actually work in Olathe, well until I went on disability. I feel your pain with the Fibro and know that you don't know day to day how the day will be. You sound like you have a very positive attitude, which is a great thing. I also have Fibro, it has been real bad sense Jan. was diagnoised 2 years ago. I had back surgery in June of 08. I had 2 infusions and 1 disc replacement at l-4,l-5 and s-1 and am still having problems from that. I have nerve damage in my right leg so needless to say I am on pain meds, muscle relaxers and anti-inflamatory amongst others that they have tried on me. I can not take Lyrica or neurontin because I am allergic to both of these. My Dr. just started me on a new med he says they are saying is suppose to help with Fibro. It is called Mirapex so I am hopeful this will help me out. Hang in there. beccab

Hi, First I would like to say you are stunningly beautiful and you sound like a real warrior as well! You said you think it's possible yopu had the disease 10 years earlier...do you recall any symptoms of a bite at that time? Doctors use fibromyalgia to DX what they can't find sometimes I feel. And F + Depression+ fatogue and on and on are on what I call the dreaded list. Real medical issues you can't see, therefore, arn't real! Have you found because you present so well you are not always taken seriously?

You are an inspiration. Keep on doing what you are doing, you sound positive and your story will encourage others to look at life like you do. That's a gift!

Keep on smiling and thank you for your kind words about our miracle. I hope to speak with you again soon.

Bye for now.

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