Day 2..............or Day 42???

Yesterday was the day my original appointment with the specialist was supposed to be: July 22. But today marks the sixth week I've been on treatment and I've already had one follow-up appointment. God is so good! I've taken so many pills (164 HUGE ceftin pills [antibiotics] to be exact, plus probiotics and other meds) that I never want to see another one again, but alas, this is only the beginning. I was feeling better, well, and even normal for the first three weeks on the meds but three weeks ago I started to get very sick. I am suffering from the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction occurs when large quantities of toxins are released (back) into the body as the Lyme bacteria die, due to antibiotic treatment. Typically the death of these bacteria and the associated release of endotoxins occurs faster than the body can remove the toxins via the natural detoxification process performed by the kidneys and liver. It is manifested by fever, chills, headache, myalgia (muscle pain), and exacerbation of skin lesions. The duration with Lyme disease (for someone with my severity) is normally four to six weeks (I am three weeks into mine). The intensity of the reaction reflects the intensity of inflammation present. (Source: Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herxheimer_reaction) My symptoms include fever, flu like symptoms, dizziness, nausea, chills, headaches, migraines, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, more severe eyesight problems, severe muscle pain, severe joint pain, severe bone pain, tremors, dyslexia, severe stuttering and speech problems, virtually no word recall, paranoia/irrational fears, exhaustion/lethargy, depression, and extreme introversion. These symptoms are much worse than they have been in a long time; since the beginning of 2008, actually. I can't decide if they're worse or not. In any case, I'm extremely uncomfortable. I could have three weeks left to suffer (or more), but after that I should start improving. However, I will likely relapse every four weeks (approximately) for two or three days, which is normal. BUT I will be getting better!! I have already started to see some improvements in certain symptoms! :)

I am continuing to ask for your prayers as it is most definitely not an enjoyable experience being this sick. I have had to take a lot of time off of work, can't do much of anything, and can barely even leave my house. I will update you all as soon as I start feeling better. Thank you so much for praying for me! God bless you all!! <3