I am independent, I can do this by myself
If you have Lyme disease and you start treatment, you quickly learn that asking others for help becomes part of your life. I must admit it is not an easy thing to do. Before my treatment started, I was a very independent woman. Now majority of the time I am bedridden. I have my ups and downs. Sometimes I can walk a few rounds around the house and sometimes I cannot even use my hands. Writing on a keyboard even hurts. Well that is why having a good support system is important.
Before I started my treatment for Lyme, I watched many videos of other Lyme victims. They seemed very bad. I convinced myself that their case was probably more severe than mine and I should not get as bad. I was planning to keep this whole Lyme mess to a small circle of friends. I learned one thing very quickly. No matter how much you read about it, experiencing it first hand is a whole different story.
No not really
I had to admit to myself that I cannot get through the day without help from others. I recently moved to the area I live in and I don’t have many friends. I know a few people but I am not close enough with them to ask for help. Come on think about it! I am not asking for a cup of sugar, I am asking for someone to care for my children, help me eat, clean my house and run errands for me.
Shortly after I returned from my trip (the one my friends had to drive me back from), I am laying (that is pretty much what I do all day) at the couch and my children needs food, bath, overall care; I had to drop a one line email to a friend, with a title “I need help“. Honest truth we’ve known each other only for a few months. She has been coming over daily (sometimes twice a day). I cannot imagine what would have happened, if she didn’t buy groceries or feed my children or myself.
I realized making my struggle a public knowledge gives people the opportunity to offer help, if they wish to. For those who would want to help but can’t, they still have something to offer – moral support.
Spoon Theory
Christine Miserandino’s spoon theory certainly puts things in perspective. Please watch the video below. I have limited spoons and friends help me reserve my spoons to fight my Lyme disease, instead of insignificant things like cooking.
In conclusion I am glad I shared my struggle with this horrible disease with public. It has been great to get the help I get from people all around. I am very grateful for all of you.