Symptom Overload

Apr 3, 2015
3 min read

My symptoms have been getting much worse lately and I have to admit it’s really wearing me down.

The back pain is getting to be unbearable - penetrating to the bone – and for the first time in a year, my tramadol isn’t helping. I’m nauseous every single day, and so tired and lethargic that all I want to do when I get home from work is lay on the couch. I’ve been living with signs of a sinus infection every day for over two years, but it’s getting much worse, especially anytime I’m near anyone else that’s sick. My digestive symptoms are back with a vengeance, where my stomach hurts nearly every day and sometimes it gets so bad that I’m puking straight bile. What I believe is either one of my co-infections, or my body working to eliminate toxins, I’ve had severe body acne since January that won’t go away no matter what I do. The memory loss, mood changes, insomnia, hot flashes – my whole body seems to be rapidly declining.

Over the last week, I’ve had this spot in my lower spine that has gone numb, right below the area that causes me pain. It’s causing such weakness in my legs, to the point that I have to focus more on picking up my legs to walk. My hands and feet have been completely numb for months now too, which is more annoying that anything, but the back thing is starting to scare me. I’ve seen plenty of Lyme patients in wheelchairs and I’m beginning to think this could really become a reality for me. A few days ago the tip of my tongue went numb as well.

I’ve been waiting for over a month to get another MRI scheduled, to make sure there isn’t something else “more serious” going on. One doctor thinks I should see a neurologist, the other doctor tells me that a neurologist would only prescribe me the same medication that I’m already on. As always, I hesitate to see a new specialist that only robs me of more time and money. I just want an answer, but as per usual, I’m very confused on what next step to take.

The good thing is, I believe most of these symptoms are a sign that the antibiotics are working to push the bacteria out of my body. But I’m not sure how much of this I can handle while still trying to lead a “normal” life. I’ve had a handful of people mention looking into disability, but as much as I think that could be the right path, I just can’t bring myself to go that route quite yet.

My doctor texted me the other day (how many people can say that about their doc?!) that she woke up at 4am thinking of a new protocol for me. So despite our not-so-fun visit we had last time, I have to admit it feels pretty good to have someone like her in my corner. This new idea is called the PK Protocol, aka Phospholipid Exchange Protocol which is meant to help the body detox at a cellular level and is used to treat neurological illnesses. Ideally we would do it through IV treatments, but since I don’t currently have the time or the money, we’re going the oral route. It’s a little over my head at this point, but I’m willing to try nearly anything to get better.

I’m hoping and praying I’ll get some answers soon and that this new treatment plan will work.

On a good note, I get to see my family this weekend! I’m hoping that I will miraculously feel better for a few days. But even if I feel like crap, there’s no place better to be sick than at home.