I'm ill and on sick leave

**Barbara** · 10-10-2009, 03:44 AM

Kirsten I am so sorry to hear this. I fully agree with what Pinot's mom has said- no matter where the depression comes from, from Lyme's or other reasons you will need help.

**Kirsten** · 10-10-2009, 01:09 PM

Thank you for your support and kind words everyone - and for your candle, Pat!

Well, I'm already seeing different specialists for my various diseases, and sometimes I think (and my doctor mentioned it, too) that my poor health is a combination of all of this. Hashimoto's, the pituitary gland tumor, endometriosis, malabsorbation of various vitamines, different food intolerances... and now, at the top of it, Lyme disease.

As far as the depression goes... both my doctor and my counsellor think it's "just" the result of the exhaustion but now I was told that Lyme disease is keeping the serotonine level down, which causes depression. The next time I see my doctor (who is currently on holiday) I will ask her for an antidepressant, one that works on the serotonine level. Even the book about Lyme disease that I bought is recommanding this.

I'm still feeling strangely ill. There are days when I have some flu-like symptoms (like today) and a strange pain in my neck, or arms and legs. Can't even tell whether it's muscle- or nerve-related. It feels odd, but I'm blaming it on the borrelia. I'm still on antibiotics, but I was already told that it's harder to make a full recovery when you already have another underlying illness that affects the immune system, like Hashimoto's.

Re. Fibromyalgia and Lupus: I've been tested negative for Fibromyalgia a couple of years ago, but was told I have a higher risk of getting it later in my life. I haven't been tested for Lupus yet, but it may be another option. But for the time being, I'm blaming most of these symptoms on the Lyme disease.

Kirsten

**Medusa** · 10-10-2009, 01:21 PM

Those strange pains that you can't pinpoint are so like fibromyalgia, which is why it's been so difficult to diagnose. Anyhow, it's something to think about if later you still have the pains. I was on an antidepressant to raise the serotonin levels and it did work for about 3 weeks, then I developed a bad reaction to it and had to go off it. Plus I gained 9 lbs. during that 3 weeks. Be sure to have a good discussion w/your dr. before taking any of those meds. Good luck, Kirsten. I do know how frustrating it can be to be sick and in pain all the time. Makes you feel like you're going crazy, especially when others don't understand and some think that you're being melodramatic. I learned to suffer in silence years ago. That's the English in me, I guess.

**gini** · 10-10-2009, 01:37 PM

Kirsten, I lit a candle for you this morning. I sincerely hope you can get to the bottom of your illnesses and find the way to better health.

**Kirsten** · 10-10-2009, 01:38 PM

Well, yes, it's true, there's a high risk of gaining weight when you're on anti-depressants, and I sure don't want to do that after I have just gotten rid of 88 lbs! LOL

Hmmm, suffering in silence... guess that's something I still have to learn, especially at work. But it's so hard when you have to be there all day and feel like crap all the time!!

Gini, thanks a lot for the candle!! It's very appreciated!

Kirsten

**Pinot's Mom** · 10-10-2009, 02:05 PM

Kirsten, misdiagnosis is unfortunately common and very tough to deal with. I had psoriatic arthritis for 7 years before it was diagnosed and had gotten to the point where I could barely walk. I sat in my office and had coworkers make trips for me to do EVERYTHING. If they had issues with it, I fortunately didn't know. All my relationships suffered; some irreparably due to the fact it was very tough to believe me when I couldn't get diagnosed properly, and doctors thought it was at least mostly in my head. It was not.

It's up to you to find the right medical team to get your life back. That's why I said what I did at the beginning of this. You are the only one who will fight until you find the right medical professional who will fight with you. Believe me, I know. My brother has the same disease I do, and he's still trying to find those people; he's almost crippled. I firmly believe we all have it in us to get our lives back in these situations; the solution is out there and you will get your life back. FIGHT FOR IT!!

You are welcome to PM me or email me at [email protected] - I can be a really good shoulder and cheerleader, but I'll also work to motivate, because that's what will make the difference. Whatever you decide I wish you luck.

Maggie

**cassiesmom** · 10-11-2009, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by phesina

Prayers and a candle from us, that you will be much better soon, Kirsten.

Prayers from here as well.

Elyse

**Kirsten** · 10-17-2009, 12:58 PM

Thanks a lot!

Well, a couple of days have passed now, and I'm still at home... I'm still feeling ill, dizzy and tired, but these days, depression is the worst thing to deal with. Spent most of the time reading, or watching tv, really wasn't in the mood for something else. And I'm always feeling cold, so I barely came out from under my blanket.

Luna and Lily are the most wonderful nurses you can imagine! Especially Luna is with me all the time, too bad that I cannot take a pic of her being curled up in my arms, it's so cute!

Kirsten