So how do I know when to go to the hospital?

Hello,

So I know this is an odd question. The thing is I always feel terrible and have many, many night where I honestly believe I won't wake up in the morning. I figured its just par for the course with Lyme. Also I feel like if the 16 docs I ahve seen so far can't help me more than they are, what is a hospital going to do? Currently though the numbness and weakness on my left side is very very bad. Its starting to move into my face and right side as well... Bleh. I think I'm going to go. Either is a great idea or a waste of money that I dont have.

I only go when the pain gets unbearable. They aren't going to treat lyme, but they can rule out secondary problems.

Nowadays, when I'm having a bad spell, my husband says, "Do you want to go to the ER?" It isn't so much as offering help as telling me to pull it together!

When I've gone to the hospital, they haven't been able to help and, more often, made me more uncomfortable with unnecessary invasive and expensive testing. It was somewhat comforting to be at the hospital when my heart started messing around, but they didn't really help much, it just had to resolve itself.

Get to know your body, often when I've wanted to go to the hospital it was because of an electrolyte imbalance. Also, if you are using painkillers, take them before it gets so bad you can't cope. And don't forget the power of distraction -- watch a movie, talk to a friend (not many of those awake in the middle of the night, though!).

I can also relate to worrying sometimes if I cell asleep wasnt sure I woukd wake up. This can be a scary experience when the symptoms are severe.