Long-Dormant = More Persistent?

The thing is -and please don't be offended, as offense is not what I mean - but when we thought life was easy and carefree, we didn't know what "lurked" out there - we were ignorant. I DO include myself in this too!!!

So, while we were naive, and didn't know what was out there, what we were risking, at least now we know and can be part of warning others, so that they too don't have to go through this just to find out. Imagine if you and your wife had been adequately informed about the risks, and had taken all the right precautions, and had been some of the lucky ones that will never experience this because you were careful enough to not get infected in the first place - or at least knew what to do if you suspected it.

But, with that said, I do have to agree with you! I'd have loved to not have had these infections when I was a mother, while in college, while just trying to survive and raise two kids (on my own a few times). Life would have been much more simple -and better, as I would have gotten through college and had a better job!!!

We can't undo this, but we can come out on the other side with a more realistic view of the dangers, and to help educated those that still have yet to be introduced to these infections or learn anything about them. There is so much misinformation out there about these infections and treating them that many are being left with chronic ongoing infections - we can help them too.

(but it still s*cks!)

I too did all the right things - but ended up with these infections by the time I was 7 years old anyway. I went undiagnosed (but not asymptomatic) until I was 37 years old. I'm now into my 50's and still battling these infections because I got reinfected. But, life isn't fair anyway. So, I make the best of it, as best as I can anyway.

The biggest culprits in this whole scenario is those that have worked so hard to cover it up -and to spread misinformation (the CDC & IDSA). These infections and what they can do are not new. These things have been known for a long time, and yet, the CDC and ILADS are STILL putting out misinformation all the time.

Hang in there, and continue to do the best you can for yourself, your wife and your child. Don't take things for granted, enjoy every moment you can - and celebrate even the little victories in your lives!

Well, I do have to say that I found a very wonderful man too! He married me, knowing full well that I didn't have a diagnosis and I was too sick to work - plus I had two teenage kids! So happiness can follow us anywhere!

Since that time, he too has become disabled (8yrs ago), and now I have helped him adjust to life with disability, and we are happier than ever. Life goes on, but no matter what, we know that we have each others love and support and encouragement. Life can still have plenty of good moments when we are looking for them, which is why I say to celebrate even the small victories in life.

Celebrate that you now know the name of this, and can now get a handle on it.

I think it's quite normal to be down/a little depressed over having such a debilitating and difficult illness, but the fact that you have the 'greatest woman in the world' by your side during this is yet another thing to celebrate - many don't have the support of their family.

None of this is easy, but we are here to help you through, lift you up and to help guide you if you hit any speed bumps along the way.

I have lost count how many time I've been raging at this situation - and part of my "therapy" is to help others avoid what I went through, in whatever small ways I can. I've also lost hope a few times, but have been so very fortunate to have a husband that didn't and he talked me through those times.

I'm glad that this has helped even in a small way. Keep building on this and you too will be there, supporting others that are in one of the worst times in their lives as well. We need human connection when we are suffering.

And thank you for your ever so kind words, it is both very touching and humbling to know that I may play a small part in helping others to cope or to heal.