Lyme And PTSD
Donation protected
If you prefer to donate via PayPal if mail my PayPal is: [email redacted]
Message me for mailing address.
I have been unemployed since I developed Lyme Disease for the fourth time last April (2016). I have had two more positive tests since then. I was bit by a tick in 2009. My initial 90 course of antibiotics was not successful in killing the Lyme bacteria (once again).
I have worked as a professional landscaper on Martha's Vineyard, Ma for ten years and have been exposed repeatedly to ticks that carry Lyme disease. I also suffer from Ulcerative Colitis and pancreatitis and that makes it very difficult to treat the Lyme with antibiotics, because they trigger these issues.
(Update May 2017: since writing this I have found an infectious disease doctor and am on antibiotics currently that do not affect my autoimmune issues). I currently have what is considered post treatment Lyme, which means the traditional approach of antibiotics did not work.
Supplements and alternative remedies and treatments, (though proven helpful for Lyme) are expensive and as I am out of work I am unable to afford them and my health insurance does not cover them. I spend most of my time resting in bed as I am in a lot of pain both in my muscles, joints, head, neck, back, knees, etc. I have severe repetitive migraines which cause me to throw up from the pain and vertigo.
Lyme has entered my brain. I struggle remembering things and have trouble concentrating. I am currently in speech therapy for treatment with this. I cannot stand for long periods of time. I cannot use my body in any way that strains as it causes tremendous muscle cramping which is very painful. I cannot eat many things and this makes developing a meal plan very difficult as I am on a budget from foodstamps. I also have severe allergies, in combination with the Lyme and inflammatory diseases and have to take allergy medicine everyday to keep my sinuses from becoming so inflamed they cause vertigo. Lyme affects mast cells which affect the allergic response.
Due to these problems I have not been able to work. I have applied for disability and am waiting to hear back from them. I live on Martha's Vineyard which is an Island and getting treatment off Island is very financially difficult.
The boat is $15 round trip for one person, and for a car is $90. I am currently unable to pay for any of my bills including my phone. I do not have a car. As I am rebuilding my life from previous situations that include divorce, I do not have savings. I wanted very much to work and build myself up out of financial and life hardship, but I became very ill and found it impossible to do so.
What I have managed to do while lying in bed is write a poetry book. It is 140 pages currently and I am still working on it.
I have devoted myself to healing my body, mind, and spirit. My body is just a little behind on the journey and still needs some help.
This campaign help me pay for expensive medical supplements and treatments, and help with travel to the Spalding clinic outside of Boston.
I have decided to include my health struggles with my publishing the book as they are a cocreation! Had I not gotten sick I would not have started writing poetry again. I am also very highly motivated and in addition to asking for monetary assistance with my health I would like to offer something in return!
From the intro to my Book:
"What started as a book of poems became a quest of self discovery. Contained within is a series of poems and journal entries. 'It starts when l left a violent relationship and in the process lost everything, but gained a heart broken open by Love.'
-Angel Marie Russell
I know I can beat lyme, poverty, and PTSD. I know I can get back on my feet. I believe in myself. Can you help me to get there?
Thank you so much for reading this far and helping me on this journey. Sometimes the first step is admitting one needs help. Well, I'm asking from the bottom of my humble heart , please help if you are called.
So much gratitude and love,
Angel Marie Russell

Martha's Vineyard, Ma
Message me for mailing address.
I have been unemployed since I developed Lyme Disease for the fourth time last April (2016). I have had two more positive tests since then. I was bit by a tick in 2009. My initial 90 course of antibiotics was not successful in killing the Lyme bacteria (once again).
I have worked as a professional landscaper on Martha's Vineyard, Ma for ten years and have been exposed repeatedly to ticks that carry Lyme disease. I also suffer from Ulcerative Colitis and pancreatitis and that makes it very difficult to treat the Lyme with antibiotics, because they trigger these issues.
(Update May 2017: since writing this I have found an infectious disease doctor and am on antibiotics currently that do not affect my autoimmune issues). I currently have what is considered post treatment Lyme, which means the traditional approach of antibiotics did not work.
Supplements and alternative remedies and treatments, (though proven helpful for Lyme) are expensive and as I am out of work I am unable to afford them and my health insurance does not cover them. I spend most of my time resting in bed as I am in a lot of pain both in my muscles, joints, head, neck, back, knees, etc. I have severe repetitive migraines which cause me to throw up from the pain and vertigo.
Lyme has entered my brain. I struggle remembering things and have trouble concentrating. I am currently in speech therapy for treatment with this. I cannot stand for long periods of time. I cannot use my body in any way that strains as it causes tremendous muscle cramping which is very painful. I cannot eat many things and this makes developing a meal plan very difficult as I am on a budget from foodstamps. I also have severe allergies, in combination with the Lyme and inflammatory diseases and have to take allergy medicine everyday to keep my sinuses from becoming so inflamed they cause vertigo. Lyme affects mast cells which affect the allergic response.
Due to these problems I have not been able to work. I have applied for disability and am waiting to hear back from them. I live on Martha's Vineyard which is an Island and getting treatment off Island is very financially difficult.
The boat is $15 round trip for one person, and for a car is $90. I am currently unable to pay for any of my bills including my phone. I do not have a car. As I am rebuilding my life from previous situations that include divorce, I do not have savings. I wanted very much to work and build myself up out of financial and life hardship, but I became very ill and found it impossible to do so.
What I have managed to do while lying in bed is write a poetry book. It is 140 pages currently and I am still working on it.
I have devoted myself to healing my body, mind, and spirit. My body is just a little behind on the journey and still needs some help.
This campaign help me pay for expensive medical supplements and treatments, and help with travel to the Spalding clinic outside of Boston.
I have decided to include my health struggles with my publishing the book as they are a cocreation! Had I not gotten sick I would not have started writing poetry again. I am also very highly motivated and in addition to asking for monetary assistance with my health I would like to offer something in return!
From the intro to my Book:
"What started as a book of poems became a quest of self discovery. Contained within is a series of poems and journal entries. 'It starts when l left a violent relationship and in the process lost everything, but gained a heart broken open by Love.'
-Angel Marie Russell
I know I can beat lyme, poverty, and PTSD. I know I can get back on my feet. I believe in myself. Can you help me to get there?
Thank you so much for reading this far and helping me on this journey. Sometimes the first step is admitting one needs help. Well, I'm asking from the bottom of my humble heart , please help if you are called.
So much gratitude and love,
Angel Marie Russell
Martha's Vineyard, Ma
Organizer
Angel Marie Russell
Organizer
Oak Bluffs, MA
