For the non-lyme literate: Common Lyme abbreviations: abx=antibiotics  dx=diagnosed/diagnosis

SOUTH DAKOTA

Kathy Rick - I woke up on April 16, 1986 with what I thought was the worst flu I'd ever had.  I went to the emergency room and was told I had the flu.  When I didn't get better I went from doctor to doctor and was told I had everything from the flu, to viral meningitis, to post viral syndrome. I was only 26 years old, married, with three small kids. Before getting sick I was very healthy and active.  I did have a bulls-eye rash that appeared two weeks after getting sick.  I went to the Mayo Clinic six months after being sick and they did a Lyme test which came back negative. I was bed-ridden the first two years and in a wheelchair for the last 19 years. In 1988 I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  I have been on Social Security Disability since 1988. This has affect my whole family.  My kids do not remember me any other way then being really sick. I feel like I've been a burden to my husband. No one should have to go through this!!  I have been so sick, and lost such a huge part of my life. I had a IGeneX Western IGG, and IGM for lyme in the spring of 2005.  They came back very positive. I went to so many doctor's who could not or would not help me. I've been treated for Lyme for the last 2 years with some improvement.  My goal is to be able to get out of my wheelchair.

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