Posted 7/22/2012 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
There is a new to Lyme thread here at the top of the Lyme board. That's a good place to start. You may also want to do some reading on different guidelines found at www.ilads.org and Dr. B's guidelines. The Lyme Disease Solution is another good book to read while you wait for an appointment.
I would start by finding a LLMD who will probably want to run tests. Then if your symptoms seem to point to Lyme, you'll have to decide upon what treatment option you want to follow, herbs, antibiotics, combination etc.
Hopefully your family and friends will be supportive of you if you do decide to tell them. I have had mixed results from telling people. Some people act like I'm exaggerating or a hypochondriac. They think Lyme is no big deal and that everyone who gets it is fine after a week of antibiotics. Others are shocked and worried after they find out how serious Lyme can be.
I don't worry about telling family members. I figure I have enough research plus positive test results to back up all of my statements and I'm not as hesitant to be forceful with my opinion with family members. They are stuck with me whether or not they agree with my diagnosis or treatment plan.
Friends are another story. Sometimes I feel like it's more of a hassle when people know. Especially when they say things like "Are you sure it's not MS?, Why don't you get a 2nd opinion? Lyme is no big deal, so-and-so had it and was fine in a week," etc. I don't have the time and energy to constantly argue with people who don't understand the difference between acute and late stage Lyme so sometimes it's better to just make an excuse as to why I don't feel well on a given day if the symptoms are undisguisable. I think it can strain relationships unless you know for sure that the person is going to be supportive.