How has Lyme effected you financially?

Maybe not a good topic, but one I need to get off my chest. Sometimes I feel alone in my condition. I am a single male, 45, living alone trying to keep things together. At first, I was laid off and on unemployment when this disease first struck. It was good I was not working on one hand, on the other bills mounted fast. I went to the ER 7 times in one year. I went to 3 different doctors, 2 out of pocket once I was called back to work. At times, I would sell odd items around my house to get extra money to pay the bills. Sometimes, I havent eaten yet and had to borrow from my family who has struggles of their own, not health related. This year things got worse, though I managed to get on FMLA. I had used all my vacation time at this point. I have managed to keep my head ab9ve water, though I started proceedings for bankruptcy. I still dont have enough funds to finish bankruptcy. Though I finally am on a path to eventually healing, I hope, this week was the worst ever. Ashamed to say, equally ashamed at myself for not being able to keep it together. I have $6 to my name and over $1000 short for the end of the month. I try to keep positive, and prayer to my Lord is daily in my life. At this point, making some calls to creditors for mercy, dont know how that will go. Even if they would show compassion, missing work still doesnt fill the voids. I know I am not, but when youre in these positions it makes one feel isolated, extremely alone. Your mind races. Your will is battered. Your esteem as an individual is at its weakest. I am tough. And Lord willing, get through this. May have to skip a few meals, but I can hack it.

Sorry for the long post. I need to vent. And I want people to know, this too shall pass. Youre not alone. And if you would like to vent, please do so. Thank you.

It certainly hit us financially.

I, too, have spent unknown five-digit thousands of dollars in this journey. I don't even bother to try and sum it up anymore. In fact, I like to drive around and look at the high-dollar vehicles that I see and chuckle to myself that, "I don't need that car.....I have my herbs and meds and scans and doctor appointments!"

Trader, since you know the Lord, I just thought I'd post a few thoughts in the other direction - that you clearly know. Don't believe the lies that you are alone or that you must feel ashamed.

Jesus told us that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matt 4:4)! Keep doing what you're doing by pressing into the Lord daily. Keep your eyes fixed on Him - run the race marked out for you - do not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-3). He will never leave you nor forsake you. Another verse that I try to continually keep in mind is 2 Cor 12:9 where God tells us that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in our weakness.

Anyway, hope you are encouraged today to press on.....

Trader have you thought about a Go Fund Me account or have someone do a Fund Raiser? Also I am going to getting herbs in bulk and then tincturing. This will take a couple months to complete but once it is done will save me hundreds of dollars.

Isn't it great that we have a place of fellow sufferers to vent?

I am new to this journey of Lyme. But have already spent thousands of dollars for results that showed proof something was wrong but were absent of any solid diagnoses. "They couldn't figure it out". I kind of think they knew but just avoid that diagnoses. Now, years later, I am spending hundreds of dollars a month on herbs to treat myself. I had to give up my job a year ago to go on disability which doesn't even compare to the income I previously had. Husband needs to retire and can't because of my care. It is so very tough. I thank God for my husband and am sorry that you have to go through this alone. On my good days I remind myself that I am getting better and will be whole again. And so will you. Once we are better we will be able to cut way back on expenses and be better for it! I believe that God has us in this place at this time for a reason!

It's absolutely a financial battle. I had to resign from my job, and it's much harder to manage the bills that stack up. I'm married, and it is still a huge burden on both of us. My heart goes out to you dealing with this on your own. I just wanted to remind you that there may be community meals in your area. They are for anyone in the community who wants to come, so it may help between paydays.

We also found Woodland Essence is a lot more affordable for herb tinctures.
www.woodlandessence.com/

It's hard to feel so isolated. It's a harder symptom to handle than the pain sometimes. It's hard when the people closest to you can never really understand.

-Chris

Denise, have you tried 1st Chinese Herbs? I've had good experiences using them. I also use Frontier Herbs, as well as Monterey Bay Spice Company - you'll find that under "Herbco"

The biggest strain on our finances - is that fact that I haven't been able to work since 2013.

At first I just soothed myself by thinking...in a year or so...when I'm better, we will 'catch up'.
Well, I'm not better yet...it just adds to the stress we are already feeling from the 'unknowns' of this disease.

I know you're dilemma is more serious than mine....I would seriously consider a GoFundMe account or another fundraiser if I were you.

And, as PeteZa mentioned - see if there is a food bank in your city.
We have that here...as well as a soup kitchen that serves meals every week day.

Trader, are you a trader? As in trading the markets? You might need to make a few big winning trades to have the funds for this.

I have spent a good solid $100 k but I'm not counting anymore.

Remember it is best to follow through with a Lyme Doc, especially when starting out. But the reality is there is a way to save money by self treating, but self treating in the beginning of treatment feels risky as there is comfort in the confidence a Lyme doc can bring you. Maybe start with a Lyme doc? It seems herbals and treating with just herbs can sometimes save money.

Trader the second section of this link has a lot of financial assistance links for help with treatment costs. They are certainly worth looking into.

www.s-l-a-m.org/resources.html

Yep.... 2 months out of work, 6 months of suffering, 2 countries for tests and 17 thousand dollars paid out of my pocket. Yes it took my savings away from me, but it's ok many people are dealing with worse diseases that have no treatment.

trader I am so very sorry. I have been caught in the horse manure of workers comp and living. The worse thing I have ever done in my entire life is tell my boss I got hurt on the job. It was not only the worse, but the stupidest thing I have done and I am not a dumb person. If I had of known..... but I never knew anyone that got hurt at work. Hindsight.

Anyway, my heart is sad for you and your situation. I can totally relate. I have no advice, but you definitely are in my prayers this evening.

Hang in there buddy and if you come to CA, stop by for dinner. I can still get around in the kitchen.

Jackie - that is a big loss. Makes mine look minor.

But, you are fortunate to have family, friends and church to lean on.

Oh @Girlie it's tough all around for us no matter what the severity of our situation is!!!!! Just having to deal with how brutal these infections are at times is well enough. I talk to friends about what a babesia or bartonella herx is and I know they are trying to help but the look on their face is usually horrified.

I hope everyone on here can realize its ok to open up and just ask for help sometimes from loved ones or church or community. I was really akward for me, as I am sure it is for everyone, but now that I have I have been amazed with how many random people have helped me out with treatment I would have never thought would care. It's really overwhelming sometimes. It's hard not to feel blessed ( even though infections suck )!