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Dealing With The Doubters And Deserters.

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Many cases of Lyme disease are diagnosed months or years after the time of infection. During this time symptoms have increased in strength and number. In some cases they've remained constant or have surfaced then recededed or disappear and were replaced with other symptoms. Eventually, even the individual who avoids going to a doctor unless they are one breath away from the great beyond, will start looking for answers and relief.

Unless one is fortunate enough to see a doctor well educated in the recent clinical diagnostic tools and lab tests for disseminated Lyme disease, they will be misdiagnosed. Tests will be ordered in accordance with the symptoms the patient has, but the test results will be negative. Prescribed medication or placebos may be given and if the patient returns with the same symptoms they may be treated like a hypochondriac. Sometimes tranquilizers are prescribed, sometime they are referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Those who have late diagnosed Lyme disease have usually struggled through this with many doctors until finally finding one who properly diagnoses and begins the long term treatment to kill the spirochetes that have by then spread throughout their body.

During the months and years one is dealing with the frustrations and pain, yet repeatedly testing negative for diseases the symptoms indicate, friends and family may join the ranks of doubting doctors. Some will dispense an insincere pat on the head, like they would to a whining child. Some will roll their eyes while listening to your tales of frustration over the telephone. Some will pull away and avoid you. The only true constant support may come from a beloved pet, of which I often wonder may have greater intuitive powers than most humans...and are non judgmental. A support group, especially one formed for chronic illness, will be especially helpful at this point. Most everyone there will have dealt with this issue. That alone is a common bond to build friendship on. If there is a Lyme support group in your area, definitely attend. If not, consider starting one and enlisting the help of someone in the medical community; a nurse, nurse practitioner or staff from a rehab center. There are some guides for facilitating a self-help or support group available in book stores, the public library or through non-profit organizations.

You may find that after being diagnosed and into treatment, when your body starts the healing process and symptoms begin to lessen, those who doubted and deserted you will once again regard you with a sense of credibility. You may choose forgive and forget and repair the damage or you may choose to move on and nurture new relationships. It's a choice each of us has to make after being hurt or angered, and one we must completely commit to.