Ten months -- That's how long I have been going to doctors trying to figure out what's going on with my health.
I've been to Gynocologists, Acupuncturists, Internal Medicines Doctors, Naturopaths, Cardiologists, and Neurologists. Today, after months of suspecting, a final blood test provided the needed clue to an exhaustive puzzle: Ehrlichia. I am positive for Ehrlichia. By association (and coupled with my other results); it's official. I've been diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease.
Ehrlichia, caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis, is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. IF detected early, Enrlichia is easily treated with Doxycycline. Left undetected, in an older person or someone with a weakened immune system, it can be deadly. The CDC reports case-fatality rates of Ehrlichia as high as 5%.
Difficult to diagnose because of its non-specific symptoms--high fever, muscle aches, chills, headaches--Ehrlichia often goes undetected. In the chronic stage--it can cause confusion, hemorrhages, and renal failure. It can also be accompanied by other tick-borne co-infections such as Bartonella, Babesia, and other things... which can come out of hiding with treatment. Ironically, one of the most concise and well-written articles I found to explain Ehrlichia was written for dogs -- not for people.
In Lyme world, Ehrlichia is considered a co-infection of Lyme (Borrelia Burgdorferi) -- a dinner companion of sorts. Other guests at my Lyme party include Epstein Barr, Parvo, M. Pnemoniae, HHV 6, and Cytomegalovirus -- all of which are known to prolong and complicate treatment.
My Prognosis?
Recovery from Chronic Lyme Disease is debatable. Infectious Disease Doctors say Lyme is easy to detect and easy to treat; they also say "Chronic Lyme" does not exist (two points I would definitely argue). Lyme Literate Physicians (and those most entrenched in the battle) say Chronic Lyme is incurable; long term antibiotics are necessary to beat it into submission.
At this point, 12-18 months is my minimum estimated treatment time (and that's a conservative number). Many of my favorite friends have been fighting Lyme for years. I am hoping planning to avoid that fate and become one of the lucky ones. Time will tell.
Altered Today: First of many intravenous antibiotic/nutritional treatments, new protocol, diagnosis, and new problem...how to live and finance $500/week in medical expenses.
Note: To better understand Lyme Disease, the political controversy surrounding it, how it progresses, why your insurance company probably won't cover it, and how it can affect you, I highly recommend watching Under Our Skin -- a very enlightening documentary. You can watch it now on Netflix or view it instantly on YouTube for $2.99.
Yay!! So glad you finally have an answer!!
Posted by: AnneMarie | 05/24/2011 at 10:47 PM
Love you, Kathy. I will call you tomorrow.
Posted by: Debbie Semarge | 05/24/2011 at 10:48 PM
I rejoiced and cried at the same time when I heard the news. Love you Kathy. We will fight this thing into submission together!
Posted by: Melissa | 05/24/2011 at 11:01 PM
Wow! I am so so so happy you know what you are fighting. The fact that you know this is really good news. And now, on to the battle.
Posted by: Kathy Sheridan | 05/24/2011 at 11:10 PM
I am so glad you finally know! Love you girl! You will win this battle!
Posted by: Laina | 05/24/2011 at 11:26 PM
Seems so weird to say congratulations! Call when you're up for it. I'm happy you have confirmation. Love you lady!
Posted by: Barbie Brady | 05/24/2011 at 11:47 PM
I know it is nice to be able to know what you have, but at the same time I am sorry. Welcome to the group of all of us. I was reading your blog and other than a few facts it is my story too. The different Drs etc. So welcome to our crazy ride of Lyme. At least we can all be on the same page.
Posted by: Lynn Garcia | 05/25/2011 at 01:25 AM
I've been reading about Lyme ever since you mentioned this possibility. Talk about totally being snobbed and dismissed by the medical community...and yet, this disease could explain MANY dismissed and ignored cases of illnes...such as, in my case, cronic fatigue since my early twenties...thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing this journey so publicly Kathy. You are a gift to those who know you!
Posted by: Dana | 05/25/2011 at 01:36 AM
Oh SHIT! But do you know Kathy???? You are so lovely, you are an angel, un petit ange adorable (!!!!), you WILL BE the one of the lucky ones! I am sure! I talked about you with Philippe yesterday, we wanted to know how you are....Now, we know...You know your adversary, I hope you are ready to fight ! If you need something Kathy we are here.... Kindest regards. See you soon....
Stephanie, Philippe, Apolline, Theophile et Aristide....
Posted by: Stephanie Cahagne | 05/25/2011 at 07:40 AM
I am so glad that you have a diagnosis. But I am sorry about the difficulty that you have had in finding out. I understand the lack of support you find in the medical community...but I am praying that somehow it will be different from now on for you. You are a gift, Kathy. Thanks for so eloquently sharing your struggle. I am sending you much love and support. Call on me whenever you have a need.
Posted by: Jrsn1234 | 05/25/2011 at 08:34 AM
Love you.
Posted by: Saima | 05/25/2011 at 09:08 AM
WTF? You have Lyme Disease?!? Are you kidding me?
Seriously, "phew." Now you know and I hope you can get more specific treatment that is actually effective.
Love you!
Posted by: Robyn Barnes | 05/25/2011 at 12:15 PM
I am SO glad to have found you!!!! One of the main dx I got was Lyme's and I just got it last month! I contracted it last April and have been really sick since July 2010. Crazy that we have both been through 10 months of hell. I love your blog. We will get through this. Biggest hugs!
Posted by: Ablondeinablog | 05/25/2011 at 03:11 PM
Lot's of Love to you Kathy, I hope that relief is next <3
Posted by: Shana | 05/26/2011 at 08:12 PM
Thank you all so much for your love and support. You make even the worst days brighter. I love you!
Posted by: KTag | 05/27/2011 at 12:10 AM
So glad to see you are finally getting some answers !! Haven't been on here alot but you are in my thoughts and prayers !! Love Ya
Posted by: Wanda | 06/12/2011 at 07:58 PM
I hope u recover quickly , you are such a nice person.
Posted by: Don R | 03/24/2013 at 08:24 PM