I'm Ariel, I'm 23, and I'm from Pennsylvania. I am a big horror fan, love politics, and admit to enjoying the nerdy side of life. My favorite type of dog is a pug, and I'd be endlessly excited if I got to own one one day. My furry companions at present, however, are two black cats. They like to lay in my bed and shed their fur on my pillow. :)
Currently, I am fighting Lyme disease with the help of my mother, one of the best caregivers in the world. As a former social work student, I still have that nagging urge to make a difference in this world. This blog is my attempt to do so.
As early as April of 2010, I was working full-time as a caregiver myself. Due to, sadly typical, delays in treatment and diagnosis of my disease, this is no longer the case. In January 2011, I came back CDC positive for Lyme by Western Blot IgG. This was a miracle, considering my ELISA, spinal tap and an older Western Blot came back negative. I also tested positive for Human granulocytic anaplasmosis, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Bartonella, Babesia and CMV. The first four are Lyme co-infections. Other tests, such as CD57 and a seizure test, revealed Lyme has done a number on my body. The good thing? I finally know exactly what I'm up against!
As early as April of 2010, I was working full-time as a caregiver myself. Due to, sadly typical, delays in treatment and diagnosis of my disease, this is no longer the case. In January 2011, I came back CDC positive for Lyme by Western Blot IgG. This was a miracle, considering my ELISA, spinal tap and an older Western Blot came back negative. I also tested positive for Human granulocytic anaplasmosis, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Bartonella, Babesia and CMV. The first four are Lyme co-infections. Other tests, such as CD57 and a seizure test, revealed Lyme has done a number on my body. The good thing? I finally know exactly what I'm up against!
I never thought it would be hard, and sometimes impossible, for me to sit in a chair for half an hour, walk far enough to go outside, make some food in my kitchen, go to the bathroom, or take a shower. My illness is very unpredictable: I have days where I feel practically normal and days where I can barely talk. Even if the thought of disability had crossed my mind, I would never have suspected this would be happening to me because of "financial conflicts of interest" and medical politics.
I refuse to let this rude awakening quell my belief in humanity and helping other people. I am not sure if I will ever make one thousand cranes, but every one I do make will hopefully mean something to someone. At least, that is my hope.
