Victorious

Even if you suffer from chronic illness, you can have peace here on Earth, if only in your mind. First, don't refer to yourself as "suffering" from your illness. Instead, refer to yourself as "learning from". For some, it is difficult. However, it is truly possible. For those of us with Lyme disease, there are always stories that uplift our moods like the one I have listed below. Surrounding yourself with victories, small or large, is a great way to help you smile throughout your day.

"Doctors Reconsider Antibiotics for Chronic Lyme Disease Sufferers
Patients who believe they suffer long-term problems from Lyme disease are claiming victory over a national doctors group. The Infectious Diseases Society of America has agreed to review its guidelines, which say there's no evidence long-term antibiotics can cure "chronic Lyme" disease — or even that such a condition exists.

The agreement settles an unprecedented antitrust investigation by Connecticut's attorney general over the matter. The doctors group makes clear that current guidance for treating Lyme disease remains in place.

But that didn't stop claims of success by the attorney general and people who believe they suffer long-term effects of the tick-borne disease.

"It's a great victory for patients," said Pat Smith, president of the Lyme Disease Association, a national nonprofit group based in New Jersey. "It's time that Lyme patients got the respect they deserve." -- Associated Press (5/08)