Shelter in Place, Social Distancing, Chronic Illness, No Problem

I started sheltering in place in 2013 when I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. I spent three years on IV Therapy seven days a week and walked only to the bathroom and back. The years after IV Therapy was just as rough.

I’ve been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, cognitive disfunction which includes lack of balance and Dementia. Dementia is the real kicker. There are a host of other ailments I suffer from and will have more as the years pass. Lyme Diseases like many other chronic illnesses cause other complications.

I was told early on that Lyme would cause problems that seem unrelated for years to come because there is no cure and my immune system remains compromised. This past month I found her words to be true again.

I was diagnosed with Hypogammaglobulinemia last month. It’s an immune disorder of the blood. Hypogammaglobulinemia is a problem with the immune system that prevents it from making enough antibodies called immunoglobulins. Antibodies are proteins that help your body recognize and fight off foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Without enough antibodies, you’re more likely to get infections. People with hypogammaglobulinemia can more easily catch pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections that a healthy immune system.

 If your hypogammaglobulinemia is severe, you may get immune globulin replacement therapy to replace what your body isn’t making. You get this treatment through an IV. The immune globulin comes from the blood plasma of healthy donors.

I see a Hematologist on May 19th and look forward to what they have to say. I doubt labs will be open by then but she has my last lab work and doctor’s notes.

I quit driving years ago and have only driven a hand full of times in recent years. It’s not that I couldn’t drive but my husband came along to take notes since my memory is not what it used to be.

I’m very calm, I have a mental illness, Bipolar Disorder and my meds are working brilliantly. I met with my Psychiatrist and Therapist last month who both said I looked better than I have in years.

I’m ready for this to pass and it will pass but I’m perfectly calm and entertained indoors while my husband takes meetings in his office. The biggest problems are the four-legged kids who like to get into barking matches.

Melinda