My Lyme History
by Jane M. Johnson

About twenty-two years ago, while I was camping in Somerset, Wisconsin, six ticks were pulled off my abdomen. Soon after that, I went in for my PAP test, and it came back positive for syphilis. However, the only person I could have gotten it from was checked and did not have it. After that, I was diagnosed with ringworm.

My medical problems continued. Several times a year, I would be treated with antibiotics - usually for four weeks, which would make the acute problems, all pertaining to my lungs, become less.

In 1987, in the fifth month of my second pregnancy, after seven months of headaches, I had an aneurysm in my brain spring a leak. I had one surgery at that time, and then another after the birth of my son. Two aneurysms were stapled and one was wrapped. Much later that I was told that this could have been caused by Lyme disease. I stopped smoking for good after the first operation.

My son was born in September, 1987, a healthy baby who is now a healthy ten-year-old. In February, I went back to work as a barmaid. In the fall of 1988, I was on another job and while standing still I almost passed out. I had $180 worth of blood tests - all negative.

In June of 1990, I left that job and went to work as an operator of heavy equipment. I developed symptoms of moodiness. My relationship broke up. I sometimes had temper tantrums. I was afraid to be alone, had headaches and had increasing nervousness. I was achy, moody and tired. I was temporarily laid off and was doing odd jobs, when I met someone who told me I had Lyme disease symptoms.

I asked my doctor for a Lyme test. He asked if I had been up north lately. I said, "No". He couldn't see a reason to give the test to me. I said, "Well, give it to me and show me why."

This test was positive, and so were the second, third and fourth tests. One each month. After that, I was put on a prescription for antibiotics in December, 1990, one month of oral, and Rocephen for two weeks. I didn't feel any better. I was on IV's four times - the last time for eighteen weeks. I only made it sixteen weeks and one day and got infection where the IV went in.

I didn't get called back to work, so I applied for another job in December, 1990. I was still on medication. I had a physical, and was told if I passed the physical I was in the door. I had to write down the antibiotics I was on and why. I told them I had Lyme disease, not knowing it would make a difference. After the physical, I was told they didn't need me. I filed a discrimination suit, which I won. The job I was temporarily laid off from didn't call me back because of their insurance, I heard through the grapevine.

In 1993, I heard about a naturopathic doctor from a support group member. After her dietary and intestinal cleansing regimes I began to get better, although I still have shortness of breath, although tests indicate that there is nothing wrong with my lungs. I have been working full-time for the past year.

For more information on Lyme disease see: Lots Of Links On Lyme Disease

Last updated on 29 December 2000 by
Art Doherty
Lompoc, California
doherty@utech.net

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