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Writer's pictureCassidy Colbert

One Step at a Time

*Originally published 11/25/13*


This month has been pretty good. 2 weekends ago, I threw a surprise birthday party for my friend at my house. When I woke up that Saturday morning I did not feel good at all. At around 11 that morning I burst into tears because my stomach hurt so badly. It hurt to move and no position made it feel better. My mom called my doctor who luckily was on call and my mom told her all the medicines we had at my house. She told me to take charcoal, which binds up all the toxins in my body and gets them out. Within an hour of taking them I was able to go shopping and decorate for the party.


During the party, I was able to play games with my friends and dance around like the goofball I am. I felt good all night until it was time to sleep. I took my sleep medicine at 1a.m. but at 4:30 a.m., I was still wide awake. Everyone was asleep and I didn’t know what to do. I went to my parents’ room and they were both sleeping and couldn’t help me, and I didn't want to disturb them. After that, I just went and sat on my steps and cried. After about a half hour, I just got in my parents bed. The next morning we had to get up early because we were going to New Jersey to surprise my godmother.


On the way up, I couldn’t fall asleep again. Once we got there I was feeling okay, but after a few hours, I started getting really tired and achy. When we finally got home, I just went straight to bed.


Last week was my “off” week (no meds). I was doing alright at the beginning of the week but by Thursday I was not doing so hot. I missed school on Thursday. I wanted to miss school Friday, but I had to go. When I got hom,e I just wanted to get in bed and stay there forever. That night was our first football playoff game and my mom didn’t want me to miss it. So I went, but sat in the stands with my family instead of standing with our student section with my friends -- I knew I didn't have the energy.


When I woke up on Saturday, I took the charcoal and started feeling a little better. I was able to go to watch my cousin and best friend in their cheer competition, and also go to a Sweet 16 party. It felt good to be making normal, teenage plans.


The party was the most fun I have had in the last 2 years. I danced all night long with my friends. We were jumping around and singing and just having fun. I was planning on leaving early because I was doing the color run on Sunday but I stayed the whole time.

I was terrified that when I woke up I wouldn’t be able to get up. My mom, sister and I were planning on doing the Color Run, and I was afraid I wasn't going to have the energy to do it. But I did! I was able to walk the whole 3.1 miles and get covered in colored powder as I walked. I had so much fun! It was my first race I have ever done, and I can’t wait to do it again next year!


Luckily this week I am back on medicines. It’s sad how dependent I am on the antibiotics to make me feel better. I went to my LLMD last week, and she said the same thing.

She decided that for the next 6 weeks I am doing my “on” weeks straight with no off week in between. She said that it’s pointless to do the off week because it just pushes me back again. So hopefully by week 7(the off week) I will feel better! While my doctor was talking to us I was telling her some things that have been bothering me lately. My biggest complaint of course is my pain. It has been so bad lately all I do is take pain medicine and lay with my heating pad. I also told her that my sinuses have been bothering me a lot. She asked me some more questions about it and came to the conclusion that I am “toxic”. She prescribed me a nasal spray that it (is) supposed to help.


I love my new doctor so much! Since I’ve been with their practice I have definitely had more good days than I have had in a long time. I would recommend them to anyone with full confidence that they will help them.


This past week, I didn't miss a single minute of school (except to go to my doctor). I have been feeling really good. Although I am still in pain, I am not that tired. I got this new energy boost that I put in my water and it really helps. I wake up, and if I’m tired I take it and BAM -- I’m wide awake! I also have been taking glutathione gel which is helping a lot and my doctor gave me other medicines that will heighten the glutathione affects. It’s really good I haven’t missed any this week since I won’t be in school for a few days.


Today, after school I am going to Disney World with my best friend Payten and her family. We are leaving Monday and coming home the following Tuesday! We have been planning this trip for 9 months, but when we planned it we didn’t think I would still be sick. I am not going to let my sickness keep me down, though. I am bringing all of my medicines and supplements and I will walk around drinking burbur and pinella and taking glutathione gel if that is what it takes to make me feel better! I have been looking forward to this for SO long! I cannot wait!


Another thing I can’t wait for is to meet my fellow Lymie John Donnally. John has been riding 4,000 miles across the country, teamed up with the Tick Borne Disease Alliance for the Bite Back for a Cure campaign. My mom and I have been in contact with him for many months waiting for him to get to Maryland so we can finally meet. I am happy to say that he will be getting here on December 6th and there will be a ceremony at John Hopkins for him on December 7th.


John has helped to get the movement going; now we all have to continue it.

Follow the link to learn more about John’s mission and see how you can help.

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