Can it be that I am just being lazy?

Question

Can it be that I am just being lazy? I have been on treatment for about a year now, unable to work because I am so fatigued all the time. I sometimes wonder if I really can work. Or is it really part of my symptoms that I feel this way? I am a pretty ambitious person by nature, but Lyme has turned me into a completely different person. I feel almost no motivation to work or do anything with my life. I was wondering if there is any way to know if I can really work, or if I am just too week for that now???

mojogal · Accepted Answer

Hi, you are not alone. Lyme can do that to you.

I wanted to continue working more then anything but I was literally too weak. I had other Lyme  issues going on at the same time so I had to go on disability.

Lyme can give you anxiety, higher than normal. That could be part of what you are feeling.

Hmm to know if you are able to work, why don't you try to take a walk and see how you do? Chances are you will be too tired and that will prove to you that it is the Lyme. 

I was very ambitious and had a very demanding job so yes, Lyme does change you. It's a hard thing to accept but don't be ashamed. It is most likely the disease and not you wanting to be lazy.

Hang in there. We are here for you if you need more support.

Ricobord · Answer

I could write your post!  I am 15 months into treatment and still struggle with chronic fatigue and limited capacity.  At the 11 month mark, we finally figured out I had Babesia. (I'd tested negative 3 times a year before and hadn't responded to multiple herbals.)  

I only had a handful of Lyme symptoms left at that point (of my original 80-something) and so I am blaming much of my crummy feeling on Babesia at this point.  I was quite surprised to get worse when we started treating it.  It felt like I went backwards by months.  Still feel worse than I did before starting Malarone.  Doc says I should feel a whole lot better by May. 

You might want to talk to your doc about coinfections.  You could have a lurking case of Babesia, mycoplasma, chlamidia pneumonia, or some other  tick borne torment known to hide while it makes you feel crummy.  They can also somehow interfere with Lyme treatment.  With untreated Babesia, Lyme often won't go away despite extended abx.

blamom · Answer

I have to agree with the above. I was also very ambitious and in the 20 yrs in my company I worked my way up through 4 positions.  Then I had the stroke and had to go on disability.  When the lyme is active I sleep on average about 4 hours a night, before remission I lived with constant fatigue for years.  I have been in remission now for about 6 months and sleep a good 8 hours.  I work 2 nights a week serving food at the local VFW.  Far cry from the professional life I once had, but it gets me out of the house and keeps me moving.

JackieCalifornia · Answer

Ditto what mojo says above.  Lyme isn't a character flaw.

It takes time first for treatment and then to rebuild your stamina from the beating your body is giving to the bacteria.

Can it be that I am just being lazy?

Natural treatment

Lyme or WebMD syndrome?

Lyme dX???

Looking for a Lyme doctor in western Pa.

Natural treatment

Lyme or WebMD syndrome?

Lyme dX???

Looking for a Lyme doctor in western Pa.

You are reading content posted in the Lyme Disease Community