(No Subject)

Hey guys, :)
I'm looking for some new people to talk with/relate to! I wish there were people around me who were dealing with Lyme disease! Well not really, because I would hate to see anyone else go through it, but it's been several months and my old self is starting to diminish. I can't keep up with my friends, and even family sometimes, because going through this really just takes over your life! And I find myself hiding away, or avoiding people sometimes because A. I am either just too freaking tired/have strange symptoms (especially the constant Depersonalizatoin/Derealization-hate it!!) or B. I am thinking about Lyme disease again, and I am sure it gets old for people, so I try not to tire them out. Hence, I tend to stay away a lot of the time...

Is there some sort of community/chat room/website I could join that has meet up groups for stuff like this? I'm in Georgia, and I don't know, I'm just normally such a social person, but I'm feeling more and more isolated and I hate it!!

Sorry that you are feeling lonely! This disease can be very isolating. It's good that you found this forum; everyone on here is very supportive and we all get what it's like to be so very ill.

I also used to be very social and was always active and out and about. I have never been a home body, but I'm now finding that I want to be home a lot and often go a couple of days at a time without leaving the house due to my health.

I wish that I was closer to you, but I'm in Ohio. I haven't found a local in-person group here either.

Try to stay in touch with friends and family as much as you can, even if it's a quick phone call. Also, if you don't feel well enough to go out, have them come to you. Don't worry if you haven't showered and if your place is a mess-explain that you're feeling bad, but would like some company. Do you have neighbors? That's been a huge help to me. When it's nice out, I will sit outside with my kids or take my dog for a short walk down our street and often run into a neighbor to chat with.

Also, find an at-home hobby if you can. I've taken to learning to cook more and finding new recipes. I like watching shows like Rachel Ray and The Chew and I'll often double the recipes and drop off meals for friends that are having a hard time when I feel well enough to cook and drive. That gives me a chance to feel like I'm doing something worthwhile and purposeful.

We're all here for you...this is a tough disease. You'll learn who your true friends are and how to find meaning in the little things.

Georgia has their own Lyme disease organization, did you know?
georgialymedisease.org/home

Here is what they say on their website: "If you use Facebook and have been diagnosed with Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness and you are a Georiga resident, leave a message on our GALDA Facebook page to learn more information about Georgia patient support groups."

www.facebook.com/pages/Georgia-Lyme-Disease-Association/156051833921

They may have a face to face support group that you can participate in as well!

Do you have derealization (that spacy-out of it, drunk, dazed and confused, strange vision like sensitivity to movement and a gray sheet is over your eyes, or you are looking through a fish bowl)? I have it 24/7 and I have yet to find someone who has it without the anxiety part. Though in the VERY beginning (note: and I am not an anxious person at ALL), I did have (what I now know) was a panic attack-my heart was beating very fast. This happened a day after I fainted (and I have never fainted in my life). However, I have not been anxious since. It has been many months and this constant derealization remains...man!!

It's strange because I feel like it should be getting somewhat better since I am not anxious? Derelization is suppsed to be an after effect of anxiety...??

I am very happy that you are getting better. Does your POTs go away with treatment of Lyme? And how do you know you have something like POTs? From a tilt table test? I had that done but was told I didn't have?

Hi Lemons and Lyme! Welcome to the forum. This has been my online support group/go to for advice/vent/cry/hear encouraging stories place :)

It is a brutal disease...it really is. But YOU WILL GET BETTER MY FRIEND! I have good days, bad days, etc...I just keep telling myself that this too shall pass. And it will.

I'm in VA (by DC) wish I was closer, we could meet up. I love hearing the stories from folks who are feeling better and have been symptom free for a while! There are a few that hang out on the forum.

The neuro issues aren't cool at all. With the right treatment I heard it goes away. It has effected the cerrebellum part of my brain so anxiety/depression/gait issues. On top of Babs and Bart. But I will make it and so will you!

Stay on the forum, use the search engine on here, it's great and I pray for you healing and recovery sooner rather than later!

Orangebeach!! Wow!! Cool! I'm so glad to know this! Thank you for all of your hard work!

I apologize. I only wanted to offer people in Georgia the opportunity to meet other Lyme patients. We host several meet and greets throughout the year.The original question on this thread was about finding local support. After I saw this thread I thought I would post our group so in case others were trying to find local support also. I will remove my posts as soon as I am near a computer.

Thanks for your help. I thought I was just doing what others had done above me when I posted the link.
Please let me know if its against the rules to post about our meet and greets and local events. Thanks
Kristen