"Lyme Disease"
To Christy, From Mom
I decided to learn more about Lyme Disease in honor of Christy and what she is going through. It is partially for me too, since I have suffered with it also for the past 31 years. I have never really understood this new but strange disease, so I googled it and researched it. I found many websites and started reading about it; its history, how it has become an epidemic among millions of Americans, and the variety of treatments available. I was so surprised at how serious of a disease it is. I decided to see if I could help those in my ward who also have it, and how I could help them. I met with Nancy Reed who has had it also for over 30 years and suffers with the achy joints and muscles. She helped me understand the medications she takes for pain, etc. Then I met with Suzanne Larcabal (now goes by Erd) who was diagnosed a year ago and is basically in bed all day, and doesn't go out of the house much. And she is depressed and discouraged. I haven't seen her at church for months. I asked if I could help wrap gifts, or shop, or anything. She said, "I ordered all gifts online and my daughters wrapped them all, but I really would just like to talk with you." So I went over with a plate of homemade cookies, and for two hours I listened to her story, and how she is suffering with all the same symptoms. She broke down crying a couple of times, and feels so helpless! She is seeing a rheumatology doctor who is helping with symptoms, but she realizes there is no cure. So the last thing I told her after listening was that I too had Lyme, and that she will be okay, and she is not dying, and that she will learn to live with it, and what her limitations are, etc. She told me that she felt a huge burden lifted after talking with me, so I think I helped her.
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