I have dealt with memory problems for nearly ten years, I think.  I was diagnosed with mild dementia back then but have not progressed further or maybe I should say I have not fallen further behind. I don't know.

Not even a month ago I finally went to the doctor because I could not stand the pain I had been having in my legs any longer.  I had been sleeping in the recliner for almost a full year, which is not great for a marriage! My legs hurt, burned, stung, tingled, itched to the point that if i wasn't careful I could scratch them raw, I could feel the pressure of someone touching my leg but not the sensation of touch, at times it felt like I had a bug crawling across my foot or shin. Yeah that was weird! Not being a fan of Doctors I finally said I had had enough.

So after an exam they ran some blood tests for various things and 4 days later I get a call...I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, I need to come in for a discussion and treatment plan. Later that day my husband and I arrive and after some discussion we all decide to test for Lyme’s Disease before we start treatment for RA, just to rule it out because both share many of the same symptoms and are often misdiagnosed. So this calls for a more specialized test, sigh.

Yesterday. I get the call that says, “You have Lyme’s Disease” and we need to get you started on meds and develop a treatment plan.

Oh Joy, Just what I need, something that is difficult to treat and may have caused permanent damage to my peripheral nerves.

Later today I will again see the doctor and hopefully leave there with a good treatment plan and a bag of goodies. You see we have no insurance so all the tests and meds have cost a small fortune. A fortune we cannot afford, as my husband is a programming contractor and has not many jobs come in with the start of the recession. I just hope the drug reps that visit my doctor’s office saw fit to leave a good supply of meds that I can use!!