Excuse Me.......I Have What?

For years I have been suffering with joint pain throughout my body.  I thought it was probably from  all the weight I had gained over the years, or perhaps arthritis, or maybe even fibromyalgia.  I have siblings that have fibro, as well as cousins, an aunt, and even a close friend.  I have heard that it can be brought on by a traumatic event, which in my case, was falling off the front porch like I had done back in 2007.  There were many times my body would hurt so bad, like you do when you have the flu, but I never ran a fever.  I would have days where my skin, my hair, and even my eye brows would hurt.  I know, sounds strange, but that's how I felt.  Skippy would hug me and it was painful.  The cats would come up to snuggle and I would wince when they walk on me.

Back in January, I had gotten on the scale and fell apart. I couldn't believe I had gained that much weight.   At that point, I just didn't care anymore.  I thought, what's the use, nothing seems to work, I'm going to be like this for the rest of my life.  But then I started feeling pressure in my neck and that worried me.  Back in 2001, my mom had to have her carotid arteries cleaned out.  She later died in 2004 from heart problems.  I didn't need another sign to tell me it was time to go see the doctor. 

After a series of blood tests, my doctor called with the results.  I was told I once had Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but amazingly, my body was able to fight off.  However, my vitamin D was at critical levels and they found that I had sky high traces of Lyme........I had Lyme Disease.  I have WHAT?   Never did Lyme Disease come into my thoughts.  My sister C has had it for about three years now, and I didn't have any of the symptoms she did.  She was so sick she could barely get out of bed, and that wasn't how I was.  I was extremely tired all the time and in pain, but was still able to function.

On my first visit to the doctors after my diagnosis, I was put on two antibiotics, mega doses of vitamin D, and a ton of other vitamins.  I was told to stay away from sugar, processed carbs, and meat.  Are you kidding me?  I am a carb freak.  Fresh bread, pasta, pizza, potatoes, rice, etc., that was my way of life.  Those were things that were the cheapest to buy to feed my family as well.   WHAT AN EYE OPENER!

I asked the doctor what sugar, carbs, and meat had to do with anything.  She told me that those are just three simple things that I can remove from my diet that will help alleviate some of the pain because they can cause inflammation in your joints.  Let's face it, with Lyme Disease, you don't need any extra help in the joint pain department!  LOL 

How am I going to do this, I thought to myself.  It was then that I prayed to God, asking for His help.  I knew I couldn't do it on my own.  I know my family was going to be supportive, but I needed more than that.  I needed to give it all to Him in order to win this battle that was put before me.

Since that day in February, I quit sugar, carbs, and meat, only allowing myself those treats on special occasions or when I don't have anything else available for me to eat.  I knew if I tried to wean myself off, it wouldn't work, so cold turkey was the way I needed to go.   My outlook on food and life has done a complete 360 degree turn.  I am now eating healthy, exercising, and lifting weights.  I have so much more energy now than I have in years.  I am happy to say that as of this morning, I have lost 47.2 pounds and am THRILLED! 

When people learn that I have Lyme, they tell me how sorry they are.  Don't be sorry for me, it could have been so much worse.  I thank God that it IS Lyme Disease.  It has turned out to be best news I could have gotten.  I will continue on this journey with God and my family right by my side.  I will praise my Lord through my storm and I will not quit until the weight is gone and I am free of Lyme Disease!

I praise You, Father, and give you all the glory!

This is me 12 1/2 pounds ago.  I can't tell you how much better I feel!