When the Numbers Do Not Reflect How You Feel.

These are my latest lab results. They suck.

My Lyme marker is at an all time low (it’s 15, and needs to be above 60) and my white blood count continues to be suppressed (very common combination for Lyme patients).

Based on these numbers, my Lyme doctor recommended re-testing for Lyme so we can try to get a handle of how pervasive the infection still is. He ordered two tests, both of which came back positive. I’m still waiting to get more context so I can understand exactly what the tests mean.

One thing I know they mean is I need to undergo another round of Lyme treatment. For those who have been following along, you know the treatment tends to make me very sick because I am extremely sensitive to medication, and I have weak detoxification ability, which makes it harder for my body to process and eliminate the medication on a timely basis (which is why it makes me feel so sick).

As you can imagine, this was not the news I was looking for, particularly because I have been feeling so much better. Apparently, simply reducing the level of Lyme bacteria in your body can allow you to feel better without actually being cured. Apparently, this is what’s happening to me.

My doctor said he would prepare two treatment plans for me to consider – one consisting of traditional antibiotics, and the other consisting of herbal antibiotics and supplements. If you know me, you won’t be surprised I took the herbal option without passing go.

So, I’m back at it. It’s been about a week, and so far, so good. No physical problems to date. The real problem is emotional at this point. It’s so disappointing to have to get back into taking a bunch of pills and liquids. And it’s disappointing to have lab results that are at odds with how I’m feeling.

This is the time I remind myself I am not my lab results. And this is the time I remind myself to continue to focus on how much better I’ve been feeling and how I continue to gain weight. 

Yes, this is a side track I was not expecting. But Hopefully, it’s a side track that will eventually lead back to the main road. The road that leads to the healthy, vibrant person I used to be.

I have to keep believing that, and I will.