Been a long time...update

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking on the board lately but haven't posted in quite a long time.  I first had symptoms in January of 2008.  Like most of you, the symptoms got worse and I endured a long search for answers.  I had a pretty severe case of Lyme and co-infections. In addition to boat loads of oral meds, I did two rounds of IV Rocephin in the Fall of 2009 and during the Spring of 2011.  During the last round on IVs, I developed clots in both arms as a result of my PICC lines. Not fun!! So I resorted to daily IM injections of Rocephin for many months.  Also, not fun.  However, I am happy to report that I have been off all medications for 9 months and doing quite well physically.  I am convinced I suffered some minor but permanent damage to some joints but I haven't observed any signs of relapse...yet.  However, I think the years of terrible suffering took a major toll on me mentally. It's still a stuggle. I also have constant fear of relapse.

I somehow managed to excel in my job (infectious disease research scientist) even when I was VERY sick. In fact, I was able to support 70% of my salary and benefits by acquiring federal and private grants.  Unfortunately, research funding is non-existent and I lost my job.  To make matters worse I wasn't given unemployment benefits because I was not considered an employee (I was considered to be in 'training' despite have worked constantly since I graduated in 2006).  To make matters worse, the employment situation seems hopeless and my family is in major debt due to medical bills and student loans. 

I'll keep on fighting. I remember the days when ALL I wanted was to not be in constant pain. I am grateful that my health has improved. I am also grateful for this forum and others like it as it gave me comfort and support when I was at my lowest. So, thank you all!  To those that are stuggling, hang in there. I'm living proof that feeling better can be a reality! 

Garden Peace,

Thanks! I wanted to come back and let people know that it really can get better. It's a long, hard journey for some of us. I never thought it would end! I just hope I don't have to do it again. ;)

I actually worked at a Med School in the Midwest for nearly 6 years. I got sick several months after getting the job and was 'let go' after my funding expired in May. Sadly, I have really have lost faith in the field. It's beyond corrupt. In fact, I worked with people that knowingly published questionable results and/or manipulated or falsified data. It's a real shame for people like us that are relying on science to improve medical treatments. Unfortunately, the biomedical field is really competitive and money is tight. Thus, many scientist will do whatever it takes (lie, manipulate, etc.) to secure their jobs. Oh the stories I could tell.......

I've heard about that over the years. I haven't depended on science studies very much for a long time and I depend on alternative meds mostly, especially the ones that have a long time record of use and success.

What type of job will you look for now? If you don't mind me asking.

Hi needshelp,

What kind of experiments did you do, participate in? I'm curious if you were more on the clinical side of things or lab bench blood analysis kind of things. I might have some ideas for you on research positions. I know a few folks not many but a few. Are you around the DC area by chance?

~beth

opugirl, I do basic research (i.e. understanding what makes ID pathogens pathogenic and discovery of potential drug targets). I grew up in the DC suburbs and briefly had a position with NIH after I got my B.S. degree in 2000. I've been looking for jobs all across the country but currently live in the Midwest. Let me know if you have any connections that might be helpful. ;) Thx.

Patty, thanks for the kind words.

Traveler,

Thanks for the kind words!!! Sorry to hear your daughter is having to deal with these problems. It's really disappointing. I loved doing research for so many years but due to current policy issues, lack of funding, and constant stress my passion has diminished....significantly. Hopefully, I'll find enjoyable and meaningful work soon. I'm still waiting for someone to give me a few million to fund a Lyme research lab ;) Ha.

Needshelp, Thank you so much for coming back and sharing your Lyme journey with us. I am happy for you and it is encouraging for others to see that it is possible to get better with this insidious disease. (: With your expertise in dealing with infectious diseases, you are truly an asset to our community. I hope you will be able to check in from time to time.

Traveler, will do! ;)

Cat53, I will definitely try to get on here more often. I feel bad that I haven't contributed on this forum recently. Especially, since it was such a valuable resource for me when I was sooo sick! I've been busy dealing with other life problems. Argh. Also, thanks for the suggestion! Made my email visable on my profile.