The journey begins

Welcome family and friends! Thank you for taking this journey with me. As you know, I have been experiencing "strange" symptoms since my treatment for Hepatitis C ended in 2005. Over the last year, the "strange" symptoms have progressed to the point that I deal with them daily and the symptoms have began to greatly effect my quality of life.l

In early Feb, I found a docotor by the name of Dr. Shor. He diagnosed me with dysautonomia (a condition that affects your sympathetic nervous system) fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. He began treating me with medication and continued to order blood work. Finally, on Feb.28th, he also diagnosed me with chronic lyme disease. He stated that my other diagnosis are likely due to the lyme disease. I was surprised, scared and upset. However, glad to finally know the cause of my symptoms. I have learned that chronic lyme can be difficult to diagnose so I am thankful that he found it. I thank God for leading me to Dr. Shor, and his experience and skill to find my diagnosis!

After my diagnosis, things moved very fast, and within days, my symptoms took a bad turn. My symptoms progressed from gi issues, daily fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and muscle pain that hit me randomly throughout the day to also include insomnia, night sweats, shortness of breath, rapid heart palpitations and numbness. (Yes! I am a mess!)

On March 23rd, based on my symptoms, Dr. Shor also diagnosed me with a co-infection (parasite)called Babesia. It is a parasite that can come along with the lyme disease. He prescribed Biaxin and Malerone (an antibiotic and an anti-maleria medication). I began the medication the very same day. I was desperate for relief! The night sweats and body aches resolved within days. However, the antibiotics caused "herxheimer symptoms." I had extreme flu-like symptoms most of the day, everyday. I struggled to do the basics, and to take care of my family. I learned that the herxheimer symptoms are due to toxins (the lyme that is being killed) being poured into the blood stream. Several of you came to my rescue, and helped me with my children and brought me meals! THANK YOU!!!! You have no idea how much I appreciate your compassion and love for me and my family!

In the meantime, I prayed, and looked for all methods or means of treatment. Over and over again, I learned of people who are still suffering from lyme disease after many years of antibiotic treatment. I was told about wonderful support groups, and I was beginning to pick up on the words "manage the disease." I was told by a doctor, "there are no guarantees of putting the lyme into remission or getting one's original health back." It made me want to fight all the more, and be well for my husband and children!

On April 5th, I began having a strange reaction. My face and abdomen became very hot and bright red. My face began to swell and my face became numb around my lips. I called the pharmacist to ask about a potential reaction or side-effect of my medication. She told me to go to the ER. She suspected I was having an allergic reaction. I went to the ER and the dr could not tell me why my body had those symptoms. Nor could he tell me if I was allergic to a supplement or my medication. I was told people can and do develop allergic reactions to antibiotics at anytime...even if they have been taking it for awhile. I have the responsibility of caring for my two small children. What would I do if something worse happened, and I was alone with my children? I was afraid to take medication or my supplements I stopped the Biaxin and all supplements until I could get more answers.

In the meantime, I heard about a clinic, through my dear friend Audrey, where lyme patients receive treatment with great success. She has a friend who was treated there in 2005 (along with the whole family....all four of them had lyme disease!). The entire family is healthy and doing well! The name of the clinic is Sierra Integrative Medical Center in Reno, NV. It became a beacon of hope for me! The one thing that held me back is you must go to the center for treatment and the treatment takes 4-5 weeks. I did not want to be away from home for so long, and I was afraid of the impact on my family. However, I wanted to find care where they could monitor me closely, and tell me exactly what to put in my body by means of medication and supplements.

After the ER visit, this option seemed to be a great option. My husband and I decided to further pursue possible treatment at this medical center in Reno. The more we learned. The more we were convinced that God was directing my steps in this direction. We began securing housing, flights and making plans to spend an extended stay in Reno, NV. However, my heart was heavy about being away for so long.

On April 9th, I went to work, and I was meeting with a client ...like any other day at work. (My arm had been numb for a few days and I was experiencing some pain in my arm..but still felt as though I could work.) As I was in session with this client, the pain became worse in my arm. I also began experiencing rapid heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath. I had to stop the session. I was afraid I was having a cardiac event, and my client (who is a nurse) called 911. All of the sudden, I was laying down on the coach (talk about role reversal!) Before I knew it, I was being put on a gurney, and being taken to the hospital by ambulance. I felt like I was in a bad dream. I wanted to wake-up! At the hospital, the doctors ruled-out a cardiac event and stated my symptoms were likely due to the neurological effects of lyme disease....again the dysautonomia, or my bodies ability to regulate blood pressure, heart rate, ect... This ER visit was the final straw! I felt as though my symptoms were worsening by the day. I didn't know what to expect from body from moment to moment. We couldn't get to Reno fast enough! I knew it was the right decision.

On April 15th, I began treatment. The staff it extraordinary! Within a few short days of being here, I have learned so much about my body and how to care for it. They have ordered many blood test and I know I will learn much more!

Before leaving home this week, a few friends encouraged me to start a blog and journal my journey! So, I took them up on the challenge, and here it is. I will try to write at least a few times a week. I hope it is a place that you can check on me anytime you want and walk with me through this treatment...even though I am so far from home. Thanks for taking this journey with me! Thank you for all of your prayers and support! I love all of you!

Ronda