It’s been a LONG summer. Β Sure, it’s been hotter than usual. but that’s not the problem. Β I’ve been in significant pain since June and no one knows why. Β I can take the pain; I just want to know what’s causing it so I can figure out how to beat it.

It all started with a fever that lasted about 3 days. Β I didn’t have any other symptoms–just the usual aches and pains that accompany a high fever. Β The next 3 days, I just slept. Β Even though my fever was gone, I simply couldn’t wake up. Β On the 7th day, I went to sleep thinking I was finally getting over my “bug” only to wake up an hour later in excruciating pain in every single joint in my body. Β I couldn’t straighten out my arms or legs. Β I couldn’t open my hands. Β Getting out of bed was a serious challenge.

I made it to the doctor that morningΒ and as I sat in the examination room, I noticed a rash all over my body. Β Lovely. Β When the doctor asked me to sit on the exam table, I honestly didn’t think I could make it across the room. Β He thought I had contracted Lyme Disease (which is fairly common here in the Northeast) and prescribed a 3 week course of super-strong antibiotics.

After 5 days of Doxycycline, the intensity of the pain lessened and I started feeling a little better. I could move easier but still had a LOT of pain (especially at night) and I simply had NO energy. When the antibiotics were gone, I went back to the doctor for more tests (which all came back negative for Lyme Disease and Lyme co-infections) and another round of antibiotics. Β After ruling out Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lyme Disease, we still don’t know what’s wrong other than slightly low levels of Vitamin B12. Β I don’t think that causes a fever and the kind of pain I’ve been experiencing.

Thirteen weeks later, I am still not well. Β I feel like my life force is slowly draining out of me. Β To be honest, I am depressed. Β I am supposed lift YOU up, but today I can only share my struggles with you and hope you can offer me the “missing” piece of advice or special words of encouragement.

Since giving up is not an option, what should I do? Β I am putting myself in your hands.

 

With Gratitude,

Molly