I've been diagnosed with Lyme Disease and am wondering how to properly cope? Please see details?

Question

I am tired all the time, get random spells of exhaustion and nausea, can't think properly, have major neck pain and stiffness, and have sore joints and muscles. I was diagnosed for Lyme Disease the day after getting a check up - at first they thought it was some kind of virus but after consulting other doctors they called me back in a rush stating that they are pretty sure it's Lyme Disease and that they've caught it in it's earlier stage (I was camping 1 1/2 weeks ago).

Anyways, I am wondering if any of you out there have had Lime Disease and how you coped. I have missed 2 1/2 days of work already and I don't know what to do. Should I go to work and do my best? Is rest important? Does Lime Disease recurr without another bite? Heck, I didn't even know I was bite in the first place.

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

I'm mostly concerned with the missing-work part. I mean, at times I feel alright (I am taking amoxicillin, and ibuprofen and tylenol). Like, I'll be decently feeling then out of nowhere I'll get exhausted. I'm not too sure how much work I should miss or what. I'm pretty confused about this whole circumstance - I just recently started this job.

Answer 1

You should have been seen immediately if they are sure you have Lyme disease. You need treatment, and yes you need rest
http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/hw77226/aa10154;_ylt=Am_gVrfwJHfXRtSQlLYcvNXogrMF

Answer 2

Fortunately, they have caught it early. I assume you are now taking anti-biotics which should eliminate the virus. It is more difficult to fight if diagnosed after one month. The longer left untreated, the more persistent are the symptoms and the disease can become chronic. I thought I had it, so read everything I could find on the topic. I had a blood test and it appears I don't have it after all. Take the full dosage of antibiotics as prescribed. Good luck.

Answer 3

hi im michele a nurse and i have lupus which has similar complaints. first, please have them recheck your blood. sometimes it is not lyme disease. but for now you are doing what the mds want you to. with regard to fatigue, the best thing to do is take a nap after work and try not to overexert yourself. you will need to be retested to see if your titers go down, to show that the lymes is resolving. another similar disease is erlichiosis also by bug bite. this may require a different treatment so again its best to be rechecked. then talk with your md about your symptoms. you may just need a doctors note, and stay home and rest. you can try to be a hero and work, but u may wind up sicker. goodluck;)michele