Message from Donna

Firstly, I'd like to thank Kat for setting up this fundraising page. I would never ask for this kind of help, which is exactly why she did it! Also, to my other sneaky friends who have been busy plotting behind the scenes.

To evey single person who has taken the time to read my story, share the page or donate, I can never thank you enough! Your response has beeen overwhelming and even though I feel embarrassed, I am also extremely grateful to every single person who has offered to support me. Thank You All!

Here's a little update....

I've been home for a week and just starting to settle, all thanks to my amazing friends and family. My cats are extremely cuddly and encouraging me to get out of bed every morning! Lol. Sequol are providing a great care package which includes 4 carers a day, community nurses, occupational therapists and physios. My GP is also doing regular home visits to keep a close eye on me. Spending 10 weeks on a dementia ward had inevitable side effects!

The simplest tasks are no longer simple, but I suppose all these new challenges will keep me motivated. I'm getting really frustrated with physical rehab because it's so slow!!! Then I compare my abilities from week to week and I feel proud, strong and positive about everything again.

Biggest achievements this week....

Standing up long enough to have a proper shower! Getting up & down stairs on my bum. Walked about 20 metres with the frame (killer!) Sat at dinner table and ate properly with a knife and fork. (1st real meal, Sunday roast, in 3 months!) I couldn't do any of these things just 10 days ago!!!

Neurological symptoms of Chronic Lyme started affecting my cognitive abilities about 5 years ago. Nothing too obvious but I get confused easily, my memory is terrible, I struggle to concentrate or deal with distractions. Even this has taken over an hour to type! Just 3 weeks ago I was also diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency, most likely caused by Chronic Lyme. I'm awaiting further tests but will now have to be on medications for life.

It's embarrassing to admit these things but I want people to understand how serious Lyme Disease is, so that they can protect themselves, get diagnosed quickly, get proper treatment and avoid travelling down this road of Chronic Lyme. I'm hopeful that with the right treatments I still have time to reverse some of the symptoms, slow down the onset of Lyme, maybe even get back to sporting fitness with the help of specialist rehab. That's all possible because of your help!

Remember my motto? "Beat It, Manage It or Adapt!" Thanks to all of you, I can and I will! x x