Update on my Eyes and what I think was a Herx

[carrie235]

Hi Everyone:

Thanks for your input on my post on Saturday about my stabbing eye pain.  It had me VERY worried and I was thinking the worst.  Yesterday, it wasn't as bad as it was Saturday, however it was and still is bothering me.  

This morning at 8am sharp, I called my opthamologist (sp?) and was able to get in at 930.  I explained to him my history with the scare of MS, and not a DX of Lyme.  He was very interested in what I had to say, because he had a patient in just a couple of weeks ago with similiar symptoms who also has lyme disease.  He also said he is wondering if his wife might have it because she is having some issues as well.  He also said, it's a scary thing that people may have this and not know what it is.  I Liked this doctor!  ha ha

Okay, so I DON'T have optic neuritis.  My eyes looked perfectly healthy he said.  Whew!!!!  He said that Optic neuritis also usually presents with visual disturbances.  So, I do feel better.

I think I mentioned that I bought an infrared suana.  My first visit to the sauan was on Wednesday late afternoon.  I spent 30-40 minutes in a 130 degree sauna.  I 've always questioned as to whether I am herxing or not, but now that I am having a MUCH better day, I can look back on the last four days and say that I'm almost sure I was definitely herxing...and bad too.  I believe it was the sauna that brought it on.  Thursday I was EXTREMELY fatigued, Friday, the same and beggining the eye pain, Saturday, major eye pain, fatigue and later in the afternoon, random shooting pain all over my body with twitching in my face.  Sunday morning, still fatigued, and by Sunday afternoon, starting noticing much improvement.  I slept 12 hours on Saturday night.

I think I'm starting to come to the realization that it really does "get worse before it gets better" and that pain is just going to be a part of the recovery.  It's easy for me to say that today, (when I'm feeling good), but in the midst of not feeling good, my mind goes crazy and starts thinking the worst possible things.  ugh

I did go back in my sauna last night, but for only 20 minutes and only at 120-125 degrees.  I am going to try and keep on it, because I've read it has tremendous value to people and is wonderful for detoxing.  I'll day every day one day at a time and if I'm feeling bad, I won't go in that day.  If I can tolerate it, I'll up the sauna by one or two minutes.  

I know this is long, so thanks for reading, and thanks for everyone's support here in this forum!!!  

Carrie

[wonko]

I'm glad you got your eyes checked to be safe.  I think it is a good idea to not use your sauna on days when you feel bad.  I think I've mentioned my experience with heat intolerance, and I recall several days that were ruined because over-heating left me bed ridden.

I think the worry and distress will get better with time, probably before your symptoms do.  It's only normal to respond with concern, but once you go through the ups and downs enough times you may find yourself becoming more able to endure it all a bit easier.  Not that anyone should have to get used to this, but at least it gets less scary.

[illinwithoutacause]

hi carrie,

i am glad to hear the outcome of this appointment.  it's amazing that you got in so quickly, and that he was so open-minded about the whole lyme diagnosis and your treatment.

i am also glad that you are feeling better and that you are able to connect your symptoms with the sauna therapy.  i know i get so panicky when i'm not feeling well, and my thoughts tend to go to all kinds of unhelpful places.  i really understand where you're coming from.  i think it's wise to build up your tolerance to the sauna, as well, especially given your intense response this first time around.

take good care,
binx

[carrie235]

I meant to say and NOW a Dx of Lyme....