I'm a fellow Wisconsinite and highly suspect that I have chronic Lyme Disease. My youngest son was diagnosed with disseminated Lyme last fall and luckily, Dr. Jones prescribed two extra months of Amoxicillen for my son, realizing that 21 days of antibiotic treatment wasn't enough.

At any rate, my story is a long one and I suffer from these illnesses: Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia at 22, Depression, Osteo Arthritis, Severe Intestinal Cystitis. My symptoms include brain fog, short term memory problems, hip pain, headaches, extreme fatigue, hair loss, rashes, anxiety, red eyes, red face, painful periods, loss of labido, heart palpitations, chronic constipation, shortness of breath, temperature intolerance, photosensitivity, hearing sensitivity, the list goes on and on. My memory issues seem to be getting worse and I have absolutely no motivation or energy.

Through doing research on my son's Lyme diagnosis, I discovered the controvesy between doctors, drug companies, CDC, etc. I started the Vitamin C/Salt protocol and herxed within the first hour of doing the protocol.
One week later, I developed an EM-like rash behind my left knee. I had my friend take a picture of it but couldn't get in to see the doctor until 5 days later. By that time, the rash had faded somewhat. I armed myself with my discoveries, pictures and my determination because I knew what would probably happen. The PA looked at my rash, measured it and said it could be a ringworm rash. She said she would order an ELISA test and refer me to an Infectious Disease specialist. Of course, in my frustration I started to cry. I told her I knew it was not Tinea, that it had shown up after I had been on antibiotics for a bladder infection. I didn't tell her about the Salt/C protocol I had started myself on because I knew she would consider me a crackpot.

She never did a physical, check my glands or anything. She also said "The ELISA will test positive if you have Lyme." CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? Well, I'm sure you can. I told her that I would not be surprised if it turned up negative as I KNOW the ELISA accuracy is not that good when it comes to chronic Lyme. I also told her I was sick of having all these illnesses, that it would explain why I DO have all these illnesses, etc. She told me she did care, blah, blah, blah. I left crying and went to get my blood test while everyone stared at this emotional woman. I was embarassed and humiliated.

She called a few days later to tell me the test was negative. (I'd prayed it would come back positive just so I could feel validated). She spoke with my primary care physician and they agreed it was probably tinnea but they would refer me to an Infectious Disease specialist if I wanted to go to one. I said I would rather find my own Lyme literate doctor. She also stated she felt bad about my emotional state and apologized that I felt that way. I told her that all I wanted was some validation. I knew that she would not treat me for chronic Lyme. She also said she would not be able to sign for testing through another lab because she would not be able to review the test results. (So in other words, they supposedly care and want to help me but will not help me get further testing through another lab! Sound familiar?) I never went back to her.

I've been homebound for 2 years, can't work, filed for and have been denied Disability benefits and am still awaiting a court date - has been a year already and 2 denials. We are barely making it financially and are afraid we'll lose our home. My children are 11 and 13. My husband is trying to make extra money by working a second job but it still doesn't pay the bills. My marriage has suffered - my husband is supportive at times and I do give him credit but he does get very impatient with me and my constant problems.
I believe I may have passed Lyme to my children (they have some symptoms as well) and I believe my husband also has Lyme, although his symptoms are not as severe as mine.

I can't believe how epidemic Lyme is in our state and there's so much cover up. It makes me angry and sad at the same time.

I really love your web site, by the way. Excellent information and I'm sure you are helping many other Lyme sufferers.

Dana Weinberger
Rice Lake, Wisconsin