Apostolate of Prayer - Special Interests

Here are some of the special interests that I have. I will also share my experience with Lyme disease.

My Story about Lyme Disease.

I contracted Lyme disease around April of 1995. I was not diagnosed with the disease until September of 1996. I was treated with Steroids for a period of time during the earlier stage of my illness. Unfortunately, this seemed to make the disease progress faster than it should have. My doctors presently feel that I'm in the 3rd stage of Lyme.

I went to about 9 doctors and #1 specialized Clinic before I was diagnosed with Lyme. I was diagnosed with all kinds of different diseases prior to my Lyme diagnoses. Some include: Possible MS, Beckers Syndrome, Gillium Barie Syndrome, Rheumatoid diseases, etc.. Finally the appropriate blood work was taken, with an extensive history and my Lyme diagnoses was confirmed.

Once my diagnoses was confirmed I was immediately placed on antibiotics; oral antibiotic....Doxy..

These meds did not help so I was placed on IV therapy. I was on IV therapy for approx. 3 months and did make some minimal progress. I had to discontinue IV therapy due to problems with my veins. During my IV therapy I found out that the Lyme affected my heart. Fortunately there doesn't appear to be any permanent damage.

I have not been able to work for the past year now. Due to the constant pain and weakness, as well as short term memory difficulties. I never know what to expect from one day to the next. There hasn't been a day without pain; some days have less pain than others. My symptoms can change by the day, hour, or even minutes. One thing that I've learned with this illness is not to make any long term commitments, because I never know hoe I will feel.

Even though I have to put up with all of the physical and emotional stuff associated with the disease, I continue to be able to cope. The feelings of guilt and hopelessness that one can experience can be overwhelming. I give credit to this ability to cope to GOD, my wife, children, and dear friends. Without my faith I don't think that I'd be able to cope as much. And thank God for my wonderful wife who had to put up with me everyday. Thanks to those friends who have been there to listen and pray for me. I guess the main point I'm trying to make hear is that family and support from friends is very important in order to deal with this disease

Now that I am unable to perform my occupational duties, I have focused on helping my wife raise our children. I am also committed to this Prayer Apostolate that I am now beginning. I also like to discuss Issues relating to Lyme disease with others for educational and personal purposes. If you'd like to ask me any questions regarding my experience with Lyme disease, please feel free to contact me at rue@infonline.net.