First me - now my whole family.

Hello Everyone. Nice to meet you.

After many years of deteriorating health and increasing fears that I was losing my mind, I was stumbled onto the blog of a woman named Paula. After two minutes, I realized she was me in terms of symptoms and that I had Lyme. We're both Canadian, where being diagnosed is impossible and treatment is comparably rare, so she sent me the playbook. My blood test results from Igenex confirmed what I already knew. Paula, I will always owe you.

What I didn't know is that I was just beginning to discover how this scourge had infected my entire family. The strange symptoms my wife had been having, and those of my eldest daughter seemed to now have a credible common thread. Did my twin toddlers have it too?

Four blood tests later, it looks like we are all positive. My children are scheduled to see a pediatric lyme specialist in Conn, Dr J., in June My wife will see Dr McS in NY, as I did.

In the strangest of ways, I'm happy and hopeful that at least knowing what the problem is will help us to help my babies who have been struggling. If treatment can help my young son to speak - then this episode will have produced the lowest point and highest point in my life. Please, god, help us.

And now, to the point of message: if anyone out there has insight into treating toddlers with gestational Lyme, I'd really love to hear from you. Since it all became clear, I have been unable to think of anything else.

I'm so sorry, believe me I feel for you I truely do. Myself, my husband, and at least 4 of our six children have it. I am so glad you found out, I know a doc who is good friend with Dr J(the older doc) your kids will be in good hands.

I have babies who I believe have congenital lyme, my two year old actually has a speech evaluation tomorrow. I'd be happy to share anything I can.

I have no information for you regarding little ones with lyme, but it sounds like others here do. I just want to say I am so very very sorry for what you and your entire family has and is continuing to go through. My heart goes out to you.

I will share this as a children's librarian, former teacher and early literacy advocate - no matter what, with your little one - with all our little ones -read aloud to him/her every day. The language that is "going in" through the reading of good picture books (and nonfiction books for kids too) will always be there. It is a strong and permanent foundation on which your child can both build and draw from. When oral language comes, it will come richer and easier, having been read aloud to -that instills both the love of books but also, a very deep and broad language base. Even if it doesn't seem like "it's making a difference' hang in there and have fun with the books and your little ones - I assure you it DOES and will make a difference. There are 2 great books I always recommend to all parents/those of us who love kids - Reading Magic by Mem Fox and The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease (a daddy who read to his kids). They will affirm what is happening and the difference you're making by reading aloud.

This site is a life saver - literally! Keep posting and know you are cared about here.