Still haven't spoken to my doctor about it (perhaps mostly out of fear to hear the bad news), but I've spoken to my husband a lot... We'd like a baby. We very much want (at least) a child. Considering my condition (sometimes I get very ill, unable to perform the simplest chores, but I have my better moments also), and, most importantly, the chance of passing it on to my baby, what are my options, what should I do? Taking the chance of bringing a sick child into this world, being very sick myself... Or even if the baby's healthy, will I be able to fulfill my duties as a mother, will I be a fit parent, or is this too big a responsibility in my current state?

One moment I tell myself that a baby will give me the strength to go on, will give me the motivation and the impulse I need, that I'm strong and I can do this, that I shouldn't let the disease take over my life... and the next moment I feel so weak, so sick, so unable, so debilitated, and I feel I can't cope with the burden of taking care of somebody else, when I'm barely able to care for my own self. One moment I'm angry, furious and depressed, and a moment later I'm optimistic and resigned.

I'd like to meet people that have been through this, or that have helped their close ones through something similar. And maybe there's somebody here who had had a baby after getting infected. I'd appreciate any input.

Excuse the incoherence, I took this also as a chance to clear and order my thoughts and feelings, and putting them in writing proved not to be such an easy task...

Thank you anyway for reading.

Cindy

I am looking into it myself, but I'm just at the beginning of my research.

I am on medication, and that's another concern of mine, of course.

It really feels good to meet people that understand what this disease is about, makes me feel less lonely (I feel a little ingrate saying this, since I do have great support from my family, but it's how I feel).

YES, Lyme does pass on to the baby. When my ministers wife was pregnant while having Lyme, she wore a pump on her shoulder, resting on her belly 20 hrs a day. Penicillin was the IV antibiotics used. She would say, "My baby's first words are going to be, tick tick tick, the sound of the machine." Now her baby has Lyme. I am sorry to tell you this, but if you do some basic research, you'll find it. My BIBLE when it comes to Lyme is a book written by Denise Lang and Dr. Kennith Liegner, Coping with Lyme disease, A Pratical guide to Dealing with Diagnosis and Treatment. Third Edition, updated. She is a mother and due to her experiences with her children she has written and updated her book. I read her first book in 1995. It even has a chapter in it about pregnancy. Being now 42 and not married, I refused to bring a child into the world sick. So, I had my tubs tied. My "anniversary" if you will was 1/4/2007, beginning my 12th year. I was three months into my 30's when symptoms began. Just shy of working for Honeywell International 14 yrs, had a middle management job by working my way up the ladder. May I add, by merit ONLY!!! Started as a young secretary before I was even of drinking age. Financially independent and in a nice apartment in a nice area. Did I want to give this all up? NOPE! I fought to stay working for two years against my dr's wishes. I was working full time and going to school to FINALLY finish my degree. I do not know HOW I did all of that. Happily I may add. Now I am lucky if I can shower without it hurting.

Sorry, I wish I had better news. Check that book out if you are interested. I usually go to Barnes & Noble on line and look up a book I may want/need in the used/no longer published books. Most of the time I have received a brand new book due to their particular store overstocking. My copy of the third edition I purchased for less than $7.00 because it has a black dot on it. Big deal, but I got the deal. The book new indicates $15.00. I pray for you and hope all comes out alright.

Gentle Hugs,

Watch this video - it is a clip form a LD documentary coming out (hopefully this year) Please note these are extreme LD cases, but listen to the (several) moms who beleived they passed LD to their children are interviewed: http://www.lymediseasefilm.com/

My concern is a healthy baby is a load for any healthy mom,,,let alone a real sick one.

(I just talked to my daughter last night,,,you think the terrible 2's are bad wait till they get to the impossible 3's)

IF it were me I would 'wait' till you are in remission at least,,,then ask your LLMD.

"I" would feel tons of guilt 'knowing' I brought a child into this world at 'risk'!!

Good luck and I sure do HOPE you can have a healthy baby with a healthy mom to go with. Hurry up your treatment as soon as possible that you can live your dream!!!--just don--

Being an advocate, I work will several families, who are all positive for Lyme disease. This includes Mother's who have LD and give birth. The child can test positive. Ask your doctor about the latest research.

Take care,

Leslie

Good luck to you,

mammabear