The short version: I've been sick with what has only recently been diagnosed as Lyme disease for the past two years. It has taken away all of my energy and most of my ability to do the things I love, but I'm currently receiving treatment and feel hopeful about the outcome. Paying for that treatment, however, is difficult if not impossible for me right now.  I need help to cover the cost of doctor visits and medication as well as to simply survive as a very sick person in one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Anything you can give would make a very real difference in my life.


The long version: About 2 years ago, I started getting sick. Some days it was hard to get out of bed, and I thought maybe I was dealing with depression and grief. But getting on medication and being more mindful didn't work; I was more and more exhausted all the time. Some days even getting out of bed would put me in tears because it was so physically draining. 

I took a medical leave to try to figure out what was wrong. I rested, saw a variety of doctors, and after 6 months was no closer to finding the actual source of my troubles. I went back to work anyway, hoping that I could continue with medications and doctor visits that would reveal what was causing me to feel so bad. 

The year that I spent working was hard. Even a four hour shift often left me so depleted that I worried about driving home. Every day that I didn't work was spent in bed, hoping to restore some of my energy. 

In December, a good friend gave me the gift of an appointment with a Lyme specialist; though I had tested negative for Lyme disease, she was sure there was a chance I had it. I described my symptoms to the doctor: extreme fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, vertigo, blurry vision, hot flashes, teeth chattering, and a few other things. It wasn't until I was sitting there telling him everything that I realized how sick I was and just how much my life has changed. 

I can't take my dog on long walks or go visit the Redwoods or the beach. A trip to the grocery store (one of my favorite things) can take days of rest before and after. I don't go out at all, and can often barely prepare dinner. The hardest part has been the way my mind will slip on information I know. Names and details about cheeses that I have always been able to rattle off without a second thought vanish, and I'm left staring at a cheese that I know I recognize but can't remember the name of. 

The specialist, Dr. Grieder, agreed that Lyme was the most likely cause of my problems. Testing was extremely expensive, but my friend (graciously, generously) covered the cost. We decided to proceed with Lyme treatment. 

I am in for a lot more visits to the specialist, and each one ranges from $200-400, roughly. They aren't covered by insurance. I need to do bloodwork regularly, often with extensive testing, and while I can get some of it covered by my low cost state insurance, some still has to be paid for out of pocket. My current treatment consists of a cocktail of antibiotics as well as herbs to support my liver and kidneys and a very pricey probiotic to help my body restore some of the needed bacteria I'm losing in order to kill the Lyme. 

I'm currently on medical leave and in the process of getting temporary state disability and other aid, but it's difficult, as any kind of asking for help is, and I'm struggling. Making rent and paying regular bills is a challenge, and will be even when I get temporary disability. I am set to return to work in September, but the likelihood that I'll be able to do so in any major capacity is slim. 

I need help. Continuing my treatment is a major priority-- I believe that it's working, and trust that Dr. Grieder is the right provider to help me get this disease under control as best I can. Hopefully that means healing entirely! I don't know, but I want to be able to focus on getting well. 

Anything you can contribute would help!