Must see Lyme documentary!

“Under our skin” is a ground breaking documentary on Lyme Disease. This is a must see movie for anyone who has or is involved with someone who has Lyme.

I was very lucky to have the opportunity to see it when it came to Ontario at a small screening. I brought some of my extended family to see it with me because I knew that since my diagnoses they have been incredibly sceptical about Lyme. Despite my attempts to explain what I was going through, how it was affecting me and what treatment might be like, I knew they didn't understand. Once they saw the movie, they absolutely changed their minds.

So if you or anyone you know would like to know more about Lyme go see this movie!!!

Lyme 101

In looking for a definition of Lyme I discovered that the definitions are as varied as the symptoms. The most concise definition is given by The Centre For Disease Control. They define Lyme Disease as “A tick-transmitted inflammatory disorder that begins with a characteristic skin rash, and may be followed weeks to months later by neurological, cardiac, or joint abnormalities.” Encyclopedia Britannica gives a more in-depth look at the stages of Lyme and many of it's symptoms both short term and long term.

“In humans the disease progresses in three stages. The first and mildest stage is characterized by a circular rash in a bull’s-eye pattern that appears anywhere from a few days to a month after the tick bite. The rash is often accompanied by such flu-like symptoms as headache, fatigue, chills, loss of appetite, fever, and aching joints or muscles. The majority of persons who contract Lyme disease experience only these first-stage symptoms and never become seriously ill. A minority, however, will go on to the second stage of the disease, which begins two weeks to three months after infection. This stage is indicated by arthritic pain that migrates from joint to joint and by disturbances of memory, vision, movement, or other neurological symptoms. The third stage of Lyme disease, which generally begins within two years of the bite, is marked by crippling arthritis and by neurological symptoms that resemble those of multiple sclerosis Symptoms vary widely, however, and some persons experience facial paralysis, meningitis, memory loss, mood swings, and an inability to concentrate.

Because Lyme disease often mimics other disorders, its diagnosis is sometimes difficult, especially when there is no record of the distinctive rash. Early treatment of Lyme disease with antibiotics is important in order to prevent progression of the disease to a more serious stage. More powerful antibiotics are used in the latter case, though symptoms may recur periodically thereafter.”

This is probably the most clear and concise explanation of how Lyme affects the body that I have ever encountered.

Welcome to Life With Lyme!

I am 28. I am Female. I have Lyme.

Just over a year and a half ago I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. Both my mother and sister also have Lyme. I contracted the disease from mother who was bitten by a tick when she was 6 months pregnant with me. I am now almost 28 years old and am finally ready to deal with the fact that I have Lyme.

I have had a myriad of heath problems from the time I was born. To date my list of health problems includes but is not limited to the following: Celiac Disease, Bi Polar Disorder, learning disabilities, skin problems, muscle spasms, hair loss, reproductive problems, joint pain, muscle fatigue, and chronic inflammation.

Although I have been given many diagnoses, labels, and suggestions and over the years there was something about them that never felt right. The other problems was that doctors also told me that there was nothing wrong with me and it was all in my head.

I was so grateful when I finally found a doctor who would take me seriously. To hear that there was actually a name for what I had was such a relief. At the same time though, it was also frightening.

As I tried to make my way through the literature on Lyme I became overwhelmed, both at the severity of the disease and at the contradictory information about Lyme and it's treatment. I have come to realize that I need to educate myself more and in turn help to educate others . When I have tried to explain this disease to others I find myself coming up short. I can not explain or articulate how Lyme operates. I can not seem to be able to come up with the medical terminology to explain what is happening to my body. I am even finding it hard to explain when asked how it affects me on a day to day basis since I have no reference as to what a healthy body feels like.

The goal of my blog is to provide information and educate people who have Lyme or for people who know someone with Lyme.

Now my mission is to find out more. More about the disease. More about the medical terminology and jargon. More about treatment. And hopefully, in writing this blog, more about me.