Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
Some of you guys may have noticed, I follow a bunch of blogs. One of the blogs I read is written by Victoria Wilguess.
Victoria was diagnosed with lyme disease as a young teenager just like I was. Except unlike me, she has progressed in her infection....In a few hours she will be undergoing a major, rare, and extremely painful heart surgery awake!
She has a heart arrhythmia that needs to be corrected, but because of where the arrhythmia is occurring specifically (near her diaphragm) not just any doctor perform the surgery.
Here is where she explains it
Victoria has an inspiring amount of faith in God, especially considering all of what she has gone through. She has undergone treatment at a clinic in Nevada for weeks and months at a time, multiple surgeries, numerous visits to the ER, and tremendous (and constant) amounts of pain.
She just has not found been able to find relief, and tomorrow her story will continue.
I would like everyone who reads this post to join me in prayer, to pray for quick healing, peace after the surgery, no more setbacks(shes had enough), and for minimal pain. Victoria also has a prayer list I would like to share-
"-Peace and patience for my family and friends as they wait during my surgery since it'll be an all day surgery
That they be able to get the central line IVs in easily
That I'll be able to do the surgery without sedation and not be in a lot of pain
That the surgery will work and the arrhythmia won't come back
That there will be no complications during and after surgery
That recovery will go well
That I will be able to show God's love to the doctors and nurses taking care of me
This is odd, I know, but please pray that my bladder problems don't flare up during and after surgery. Bladder catheters really irritate things and I'll have to have one for the procedure and after when I'm on bed rest for 6 hours to prevent bleeding from where they went into my heart. "
Although doctors do not have all of the answers, just their best guess, God knows. He knows what we all need, including Victoria when she spends over 10+ hours on the operating table later.
I am praying for good things to come from this Victoria!!
Updates after the surgery will be found here
Monday, November 30, 2015
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Treatment Evaluation
I feel like its time to look at my protocol again(I do this often) now that I am trying to see how big of an impact I can have on my health before Christmas.
Supplements
Artermesia Combinations from Natures Sunshine, 2 pills 3x daily, 3 days on 4 off.
Cinchona bark tea, 1tsp of bark to make tea, I drink it once daily. Sometimes ill run water over it a second time and sip on it throughout the day.
NAC, Jarrow Formulas, 500mg twice daily. I had started at once daily but I feel like this is making a difference and I am not herxing.
ALA, Source Naturals, still 100mg 3x daily, I feel like it may be stronger now that I have added NAC
5-MTHF 2.5mg, once daily
Dopalift, half a capsule every morning, I haven't felt like this has done much. I tried going back to a full pill. Still kept me awake, not as bad as the first few times I took it but...im sticking to half
5 HTP Thrive, 1-2 pills every night. This is actually making a minor difference in sleep! Nothing has touched my insomnia in the last several years so this is impressive
Liquid Cats Claw, 30 drops 3x daily. I originally started at 14 drops 3x, but it didn't seem to do much so I bumped up the dose. I may adjust it again later.
King Chlorella, 5 pills 3x daily, I restarted this instead of DMSA for the time being. Its a little more gentle and I already had the bottle.
Lugols Iodine, 1 drop at night with Cats Claw
I also take Calm magnesium a few times a week and L-Glutamine powder. I am supposed to take L-Glutamine twice daily, 1 tsp, but it turns off my appetite...so when I think about it I sneak it in a smoothie or protein shake.
Finished-Sublingual glutathione and black walnut. Since I am on both NAC and ALA I don't see a need to order more glutathione now that I've finished the bottle. NAC and ALA are precursors to glutathione, so it shouldn't have a big affect.
Diet-
1-2 juices and one protein shake daily is my goal, plus some kind of easy to digest animal product(broth mainly)
I am also looking for other whole foods to add to my daily diet.
*still a work in progress*
Exercise-
I have tried to do some kind of minor exercise since starting my Feel Good Challenge, not working in my favor so far..
Yesterday a game of catch the football tired me out, and today a short bike ride almost knocked me out(literally). Also a work in progress...I think I am going to down grade to just a pushup...LOL
To recap- Heavy metals and detox are covered to my liking. Lyme treatment is weak. Diet has a good start.
Exercise I may hold off on, I want to do something but I don't think my body can take it. My original thought is maybe if I try to exercise just a little maybe my body would start to uptake nutrients better since it will have more of a demand. Idk if this has merit or not.
Any recommendations are welcome!!
Supplements
Artermesia Combinations from Natures Sunshine, 2 pills 3x daily, 3 days on 4 off.
Cinchona bark tea, 1tsp of bark to make tea, I drink it once daily. Sometimes ill run water over it a second time and sip on it throughout the day.
NAC, Jarrow Formulas, 500mg twice daily. I had started at once daily but I feel like this is making a difference and I am not herxing.
ALA, Source Naturals, still 100mg 3x daily, I feel like it may be stronger now that I have added NAC
5-MTHF 2.5mg, once daily
Dopalift, half a capsule every morning, I haven't felt like this has done much. I tried going back to a full pill. Still kept me awake, not as bad as the first few times I took it but...im sticking to half
5 HTP Thrive, 1-2 pills every night. This is actually making a minor difference in sleep! Nothing has touched my insomnia in the last several years so this is impressive
Liquid Cats Claw, 30 drops 3x daily. I originally started at 14 drops 3x, but it didn't seem to do much so I bumped up the dose. I may adjust it again later.
King Chlorella, 5 pills 3x daily, I restarted this instead of DMSA for the time being. Its a little more gentle and I already had the bottle.
Lugols Iodine, 1 drop at night with Cats Claw
I also take Calm magnesium a few times a week and L-Glutamine powder. I am supposed to take L-Glutamine twice daily, 1 tsp, but it turns off my appetite...so when I think about it I sneak it in a smoothie or protein shake.
Finished-Sublingual glutathione and black walnut. Since I am on both NAC and ALA I don't see a need to order more glutathione now that I've finished the bottle. NAC and ALA are precursors to glutathione, so it shouldn't have a big affect.
Diet-
1-2 juices and one protein shake daily is my goal, plus some kind of easy to digest animal product(broth mainly)
I am also looking for other whole foods to add to my daily diet.
*still a work in progress*
Exercise-
I have tried to do some kind of minor exercise since starting my Feel Good Challenge, not working in my favor so far..
Yesterday a game of catch the football tired me out, and today a short bike ride almost knocked me out(literally). Also a work in progress...I think I am going to down grade to just a pushup...LOL
To recap- Heavy metals and detox are covered to my liking. Lyme treatment is weak. Diet has a good start.
Exercise I may hold off on, I want to do something but I don't think my body can take it. My original thought is maybe if I try to exercise just a little maybe my body would start to uptake nutrients better since it will have more of a demand. Idk if this has merit or not.
Any recommendations are welcome!!
Day 3 plus a Bike Ride
Day 3 of my "Feel Better for Christmas Challenge" down!
Today was a fairly good day, yesterday did leave me with some residual fatigue, but otherwise
not much to write home about.
I had a smoothie w/cocoa powder again for breakfast, juice for lunch, and 2 bowls of white chili for dinner.
I made a face with todays juice ingredients :)
Have you bought a juicer out of jealousy yet? I know everyone that is reading this is just about to die for some juice, HA!
But...overall my appetite was more diminished today than yesterday, but I feel like that is because of something I did today....I guess I should explain that..
This afternoon was very nice, not too hot or too cold, the sun was shining, and I was tired of being locked up inside. So I thought to myself "I should go for a bike ride. After all its such a nice day and I could use a little exercise." I dug out the bicycle, pumped up the tires, and decided to go for it.
I knew I shouldn't over do it, so I decided I would only do a mile. I used to do two miles a few times a week, or more. I thought again "Couldn't be that hard and shouldn't take that long?"
Well...I was almost right.
I took off on my bike, feeling like this will be fun for a change. I did the full mile and made it back to the house, still feeling okay. I thought I could even do more, I was smart enough not to, but I felt like it was possible. See that didn't hurt? So close
Not long after making it back indoors and taking the bike back to its resting place, I started feeling it. My legs started killing me, my vision started pulsing, and I became very nauseas...
Naturally I think, maybe I should drink some water, so I go to the kitchen. I think back, before going on my excursion I drank a glass of water with some Calm Magnesium and chia seeds. That shouldn't be a problems, I used to always do this before riding. I should be well hydrated, especially considering it wasn't really that hard of a mile, I think...
I drink some more water and keep going throughout my day. Still feeling horrible, very dizzy and nauseas. I had a few little snacks and some more water(with some pills accompanying it a few times).
I felt my pulse a few times, didn't seem to be that fast. Maybe too slow? I could feel my heart beating though my chest.
Now seven hours later its finally faded, not gone, but faded. Food still feels like its out of the picture(even though I have been eating since the ride) but the dizziness is better.
Note to self-still no exercise..
Today was a fairly good day, yesterday did leave me with some residual fatigue, but otherwise
not much to write home about.
I had a smoothie w/cocoa powder again for breakfast, juice for lunch, and 2 bowls of white chili for dinner.
I made a face with todays juice ingredients :)
It became a little discombobulated when the juicer started working its magic..
But...overall my appetite was more diminished today than yesterday, but I feel like that is because of something I did today....I guess I should explain that..
This afternoon was very nice, not too hot or too cold, the sun was shining, and I was tired of being locked up inside. So I thought to myself "I should go for a bike ride. After all its such a nice day and I could use a little exercise." I dug out the bicycle, pumped up the tires, and decided to go for it.
I knew I shouldn't over do it, so I decided I would only do a mile. I used to do two miles a few times a week, or more. I thought again "Couldn't be that hard and shouldn't take that long?"
Well...I was almost right.
I took off on my bike, feeling like this will be fun for a change. I did the full mile and made it back to the house, still feeling okay. I thought I could even do more, I was smart enough not to, but I felt like it was possible. See that didn't hurt? So close
Not long after making it back indoors and taking the bike back to its resting place, I started feeling it. My legs started killing me, my vision started pulsing, and I became very nauseas...
Naturally I think, maybe I should drink some water, so I go to the kitchen. I think back, before going on my excursion I drank a glass of water with some Calm Magnesium and chia seeds. That shouldn't be a problems, I used to always do this before riding. I should be well hydrated, especially considering it wasn't really that hard of a mile, I think...
I drink some more water and keep going throughout my day. Still feeling horrible, very dizzy and nauseas. I had a few little snacks and some more water(with some pills accompanying it a few times).
I felt my pulse a few times, didn't seem to be that fast. Maybe too slow? I could feel my heart beating though my chest.
Now seven hours later its finally faded, not gone, but faded. Food still feels like its out of the picture(even though I have been eating since the ride) but the dizziness is better.
Note to self-still no exercise..
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Day Two Down!
Today was a decent day, not bad. Definite muscle fatigue. This has only further encouraged me to stick to Fell better Challenge! I really want to start feeling better. I also think the better I am before going to the Hansa Center, the better my chances of reaching remission are.
Anyway, here is the highlight of today.
Breakfast-A simple fruit smoothie with almond/cashew milk. I also added cocoa powder to the smoothie, great for antioxidants.
Lunch- Juice! Sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, yellow squash, apples, and broccoli.
Turned out great! This wasn't one of my stronger juices, the zucchini and squash watered it down.
Finished product, I know, your jealous.
For dinner I also had a salad. Just few minutes ago I had a protein shake and pre-made juice from the store, so again something healthy(could be better but...).
The one thing that does stick out to me is how little food this is, this is pretty much all I ate today. This not enough...yet I feel full. Like not a chance I can eat anything else...Why?? Lyme symptoms are so weird...
Today I had a reminder of how limited I am with some activities. I went to something with some friends, I was doing fine until they started playing sports...no chance of me doing that. I did try out of my own stubbornness after about an hour, I played okay. My muscles and joints though, would like to disagree. Note to self, sports are still on the not to do list...
Friday, November 27, 2015
Christmas has Begun!
Thanksgiving is now over, the Christmas season has begun! More radio stations are playing Christmas music, the neighbors are putting up their decorations, and I am starting to get excited :)
I, being chronically ill, usually feel worse in the colder winter months. Its cold, I stay inside, and overall it is just a more stressful time for me. December through March or so are the worst...This year, I want to make this change. I have plans this December, I don't want to feel nasty and depressed.
I have decided to challenge myself. Beginning today I plan on making sure I do everything I can from diet to detox to supplements, to feel better for Christmas.
In one of my previous posts I mentioned that me and food, don't get along well. Its not that I don't like eating, my stomach just doesn't like food...I eat all the time, I just don't seem to absorb it.
Juicing has always been my best food in the past, if I juice consistently I can guarantee I will feel a little better. Sometimes a lot better, sometimes just less dead. Either way, I take it :) better is sometimes the only option with this disease.
Starting today, I am going drink at least one homemade juice daily, drink a protein shake daily, and consume 3 healthy meals a day made from whole foods. I know this will make me feel better, even if its just a little bit.
I am going to post recipes and tips on how to eat healthy, even on the crappy days when I don't want to get out of bed. I want to feel good at least one day before the year is over, and by gosh I am going to make it happen!!
So here it is, the beginning of Operation feel good for Christmas.
Broccoli, sweat potato, zucchini, apple, lemon, and Brussels Sprout juice!
I, being chronically ill, usually feel worse in the colder winter months. Its cold, I stay inside, and overall it is just a more stressful time for me. December through March or so are the worst...This year, I want to make this change. I have plans this December, I don't want to feel nasty and depressed.
I have decided to challenge myself. Beginning today I plan on making sure I do everything I can from diet to detox to supplements, to feel better for Christmas.
In one of my previous posts I mentioned that me and food, don't get along well. Its not that I don't like eating, my stomach just doesn't like food...I eat all the time, I just don't seem to absorb it.
Juicing has always been my best food in the past, if I juice consistently I can guarantee I will feel a little better. Sometimes a lot better, sometimes just less dead. Either way, I take it :) better is sometimes the only option with this disease.
Starting today, I am going drink at least one homemade juice daily, drink a protein shake daily, and consume 3 healthy meals a day made from whole foods. I know this will make me feel better, even if its just a little bit.
I am going to post recipes and tips on how to eat healthy, even on the crappy days when I don't want to get out of bed. I want to feel good at least one day before the year is over, and by gosh I am going to make it happen!!
So here it is, the beginning of Operation feel good for Christmas.
Broccoli, sweat potato, zucchini, apple, lemon, and Brussels Sprout juice!
Yum! :)
This is just the beginning, I will have more to share later on!
I also want to challenge anyone else suffering from chronic illness. It can be anything, doesn't have to be juicing daily or a diet change. I just want to challenge others to do what it takes, just for a few weeks so they can get a short break from the extremes of our sickness. While I totally recommend a healthier diet and juicing for anyone with any ailment, its just not an option for everyone. Smoothies, soups, beans, and nuts are other great foods to ensure a better diet, just a thought for anyone who is considering the challenge and does not want to buy a juicer.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Happy Thanksgiving!!
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!! I did, I wasn't too symptomatic and I did a little more than take up space on the couch. Not much more, but more lol
I knew I was going to be loading on the junk food today, so yesterday I made sure I drank plenty of homemade juice and smoothies, I call it pre-detoxing. I wasn't too bad, but I'm sure I will be feeling the sugar load tomorrow...
Do you guys do this? I don't know how much merit it has, but extra nutrients will hopefully keep me ahead for when I eat junk. Just a thought
Recently I started reading this blog, It is written by a Canadian mother of three who struggles with lyme disease and babesia. She has had to travel from Canada to San Francisco for treatment. She has been writing this blog since 2007. I started reading it last week, starting at post #1. I am up to 2009, hoping to read another year of posts tonight. I usually wait to share a blog until I am totally up to date, but I just had to share it :) This woman is hysterical, even though she is obviously struggling and suffering she has something funny to say about it. That's great, I always try to find the bright side and make a joke, but it can be hard. Props to Shannon!!
Since it is Thanksgiving, I guess its a good idea to reflect on just a few things I am thankful for-
Being as healthy as I am, it could be worse
Finding an LLMD I am comfortable with and I trust, even though I haven't been yet
I have great friends I can talk to if I ever have an extra lymey day, online and in person
A great family
and of course this blog, which gives me a place to vent and hopefully provide some sort of benefit for someone else
Happy Thanksgiving!! Watch out for black Friday tomorrow, I have a feeling a few people will be making the news just because they wanted something $5 off.. .
I knew I was going to be loading on the junk food today, so yesterday I made sure I drank plenty of homemade juice and smoothies, I call it pre-detoxing. I wasn't too bad, but I'm sure I will be feeling the sugar load tomorrow...
Do you guys do this? I don't know how much merit it has, but extra nutrients will hopefully keep me ahead for when I eat junk. Just a thought
Recently I started reading this blog, It is written by a Canadian mother of three who struggles with lyme disease and babesia. She has had to travel from Canada to San Francisco for treatment. She has been writing this blog since 2007. I started reading it last week, starting at post #1. I am up to 2009, hoping to read another year of posts tonight. I usually wait to share a blog until I am totally up to date, but I just had to share it :) This woman is hysterical, even though she is obviously struggling and suffering she has something funny to say about it. That's great, I always try to find the bright side and make a joke, but it can be hard. Props to Shannon!!
Since it is Thanksgiving, I guess its a good idea to reflect on just a few things I am thankful for-
Being as healthy as I am, it could be worse
Finding an LLMD I am comfortable with and I trust, even though I haven't been yet
I have great friends I can talk to if I ever have an extra lymey day, online and in person
A great family
and of course this blog, which gives me a place to vent and hopefully provide some sort of benefit for someone else
Happy Thanksgiving!! Watch out for black Friday tomorrow, I have a feeling a few people will be making the news just because they wanted something $5 off.. .
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Feeling like a lazy Chihuahua.....
Today was a simple day, so not much to say in this post.
I think a herx has begun...feeling extra fatigued and tremors are coming and going. My brain, is gone...mental fatigue is in high gear.
Something weird has been going on today, I don't exactly feel cold I just feel like I think I am(I know, confusing) and my hands were purple(like I was freezing) all day. Usually I am very hot natured, last winter I was wearing shorts until January. Today it was in the 50's and I was wearing long jeans and a hoodie, and turning purple. What does this mean?? Lyme problems...ugh
So I am going to say the 2 new supplements are giving me some kind of herx. The fun of the lyme life, whoo! always an adventure...
I think a herx has begun...feeling extra fatigued and tremors are coming and going. My brain, is gone...mental fatigue is in high gear.
Something weird has been going on today, I don't exactly feel cold I just feel like I think I am(I know, confusing) and my hands were purple(like I was freezing) all day. Usually I am very hot natured, last winter I was wearing shorts until January. Today it was in the 50's and I was wearing long jeans and a hoodie, and turning purple. What does this mean?? Lyme problems...ugh
So I am going to say the 2 new supplements are giving me some kind of herx. The fun of the lyme life, whoo! always an adventure...
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Cats Claw and NAC
As of yesterday I have added yet more to my treatment regimen, cats claw and N-Acetyl-Cysteine.
I finished the POA phytolens a few days ago, which was TOA free cats claw from my ND. So as I said I would, I replaced it. This time around, I am using a liquid cats claw which I have never used before. Yesterday I took 14 drops then 28 drops later. Today I took the same, plus I will add a second round of 28 drops. I plan on building up to 28 drops 3x daily.
I am taking just one capsule of NAC, 500mg. I plan on sticking to this one daily dose for now.
ALA (which I am already taking) and NAC play hand in hand with eachother, both are used to make glutathione. I am hoping for the combo of ALA and NAC to be sufficient for removing heavy metals and detoxing my liver.
I finished the black walnut capsules on Sunday (Nov.22), I take this periodically to help keep any parasites at bay. I will probably take another bottle in February.
I didn't notice much if any symptom change from this, so I probably didn't have much of a parasite load.
I haven't been feeling as great lately. Not the usual fatigue, but other symptoms. For example, eating has been a struggle. I just haven't felt like eating, and I haven't been able to eat much. Today I had a juice and a nut bar before work, worked 10:00-6:00, then didn't eat until 7:30...just didn't feel like it.
This doesn't sound like much for most people, but I cannot afford to lose weight or nutrition. I don't think I absorb nutrients well, I used to eat more because I keep being told I need to. I am 6' 4", 130lbs! I should weigh about 180 if I remember correctly. The most I have every weighed was 138lbs, when I was on IV's and Doxy...almost 2 years ago...
That's crazy, I look anorexic, but I just cannot eat anymore...my stomach says no.
I try to make sure I drink homemade juice and a protein shake daily, that way I know I am at least getting some of the important nutrients, it just isn't the same as really eating though...
I have been more dizzy lately, definitely heart related. I can feel my BP drop or jump.
It happens at random times, like the other night I was laying in bed late at night, my BP just takes off. What the heck...
I don't want that to progress, its a tougher symptom to reverse...
I know a good bit of my symptoms are related to nutrition though, I just don't think my body can use nutrients well. I just cannot figure out why...
I finished the POA phytolens a few days ago, which was TOA free cats claw from my ND. So as I said I would, I replaced it. This time around, I am using a liquid cats claw which I have never used before. Yesterday I took 14 drops then 28 drops later. Today I took the same, plus I will add a second round of 28 drops. I plan on building up to 28 drops 3x daily.
I am taking just one capsule of NAC, 500mg. I plan on sticking to this one daily dose for now.
ALA (which I am already taking) and NAC play hand in hand with eachother, both are used to make glutathione. I am hoping for the combo of ALA and NAC to be sufficient for removing heavy metals and detoxing my liver.
I finished the black walnut capsules on Sunday (Nov.22), I take this periodically to help keep any parasites at bay. I will probably take another bottle in February.
I didn't notice much if any symptom change from this, so I probably didn't have much of a parasite load.
I haven't been feeling as great lately. Not the usual fatigue, but other symptoms. For example, eating has been a struggle. I just haven't felt like eating, and I haven't been able to eat much. Today I had a juice and a nut bar before work, worked 10:00-6:00, then didn't eat until 7:30...just didn't feel like it.
This doesn't sound like much for most people, but I cannot afford to lose weight or nutrition. I don't think I absorb nutrients well, I used to eat more because I keep being told I need to. I am 6' 4", 130lbs! I should weigh about 180 if I remember correctly. The most I have every weighed was 138lbs, when I was on IV's and Doxy...almost 2 years ago...
That's crazy, I look anorexic, but I just cannot eat anymore...my stomach says no.
I try to make sure I drink homemade juice and a protein shake daily, that way I know I am at least getting some of the important nutrients, it just isn't the same as really eating though...
I have been more dizzy lately, definitely heart related. I can feel my BP drop or jump.
It happens at random times, like the other night I was laying in bed late at night, my BP just takes off. What the heck...
I don't want that to progress, its a tougher symptom to reverse...
I know a good bit of my symptoms are related to nutrition though, I just don't think my body can use nutrients well. I just cannot figure out why...
Saturday, November 21, 2015
First Month Down!
Well, my first blog post was October 20, its now November 21. I have officially had my own blog over a month now!
I posted earlier today so I don't have much to say.
Today was a good day, still tired from yesterday so I stayed in bed, watching Dance Moms on Netflix. That really makes me feel better about myself LOL.
I have almost finished up with my current brand of TOA free cats claw, so I decided I would checkout amazon and see what I could find. I ended up ordering N-Acetyl-Cysteine and Cats Claw. I feel like I needed more detox and I know I need more lyme killing herbs. So hey, ill give this a shot.
That's about all I have for this post after writing a long one earlier!
Goodnight everyone :)
I posted earlier today so I don't have much to say.
Today was a good day, still tired from yesterday so I stayed in bed, watching Dance Moms on Netflix. That really makes me feel better about myself LOL.
I have almost finished up with my current brand of TOA free cats claw, so I decided I would checkout amazon and see what I could find. I ended up ordering N-Acetyl-Cysteine and Cats Claw. I feel like I needed more detox and I know I need more lyme killing herbs. So hey, ill give this a shot.
That's about all I have for this post after writing a long one earlier!
Goodnight everyone :)
A Good Day WIll Always Return to Reality
Yesterday was a very long day. I was busy from the early morning until about midnight. Anyone suffering with chronic disease can tell you this, long activities take it out of a person.
I woke up feeling good and stayed that way throughout the day. I had fatigue and upper back pain but otherwise not bad, my blood pressure stayed up, no noticeable tremors, no nausea really. All good things.
At the end of the day, reality always returns. I felt good right up until I pulled into the garage late last night, as soon as I tried to get out of the car, my left side became weak, my joints began to hurt, and the soreness began. The adrenaline high, was over, back to my reality.
This is something I try to ignore, I like to keep my mind on the better side of the day. The adrenaline high from knowing that I have responsiblities that must be accomplished for other people, keeps me from giving out. I like being able to hide my symptoms good enough that other people can't outright see that I am sick. I have not been able to rely on many people since I've been sick, only other sick people seem to understand. I like being someone to rely on, I want to be there for other people. It gives me joy.
I can fake it for a while, but the adrenaline high is in no way permanent. When the fun and games is over, I turn back into a sick pumpkin and hit the bed.
I do try not to dwell on it, but it is a fact that shouldn't be denied. I want other people to understand this, we all want to live a normal life. Most chronically ill people keep information about their illness to themselves, other people cannot understand something they have never experienced. Its not the flu, we compare it to the flu but its not the same. Diseases cannot be compared, cancer isn't the same as ALS, lyme disease isn't the same as tuberculosis, a car accident injury isn't the same as a common cold. While these can all be horrible, horrible illnesses, they all feel different. On paper they may have similar symptoms but they each feel different.
Some things have just been bothering me lately, this is one of them. I can fake being normal about 95%, I never get told I look sick. I cant fake everything though...Like fatigue, it shows in my dulled emotions, I cannot fake excitement that I don't feel.
One thing that bothers me is my strength, even though I feel better than last year in some ways, my body doesn't feel stronger.
Last year bicycling was my only exercise I could do. During the summer I bicycled about 80 miles. My neighborhood is around a mile long, so I would (on the good days) just do one round through the neighborhood, simple enough. It felt good to be able to do this.
This year was not the same, I may have cycled 5 miles. That's a huge difference. That means I only went out about 5 times...last year 80, this year 5...what happened??
Its like that with any form of exercise, I have tried doing other simple things like push ups, sit ups, lifting small 5lb weights, I could never do any exercise consistently. I want to, I feel like I need to, my body on the other hand, says no.
This drives me crazy, my hands and fingers are noticeably getting weaker, its not very fast but its happening.. Same with my legs and back.
I wish I knew of something that could help this, but I don't. It just is what it is, and I keep moving on.
I woke up feeling good and stayed that way throughout the day. I had fatigue and upper back pain but otherwise not bad, my blood pressure stayed up, no noticeable tremors, no nausea really. All good things.
At the end of the day, reality always returns. I felt good right up until I pulled into the garage late last night, as soon as I tried to get out of the car, my left side became weak, my joints began to hurt, and the soreness began. The adrenaline high, was over, back to my reality.
This is something I try to ignore, I like to keep my mind on the better side of the day. The adrenaline high from knowing that I have responsiblities that must be accomplished for other people, keeps me from giving out. I like being able to hide my symptoms good enough that other people can't outright see that I am sick. I have not been able to rely on many people since I've been sick, only other sick people seem to understand. I like being someone to rely on, I want to be there for other people. It gives me joy.
I can fake it for a while, but the adrenaline high is in no way permanent. When the fun and games is over, I turn back into a sick pumpkin and hit the bed.
I do try not to dwell on it, but it is a fact that shouldn't be denied. I want other people to understand this, we all want to live a normal life. Most chronically ill people keep information about their illness to themselves, other people cannot understand something they have never experienced. Its not the flu, we compare it to the flu but its not the same. Diseases cannot be compared, cancer isn't the same as ALS, lyme disease isn't the same as tuberculosis, a car accident injury isn't the same as a common cold. While these can all be horrible, horrible illnesses, they all feel different. On paper they may have similar symptoms but they each feel different.
Some things have just been bothering me lately, this is one of them. I can fake being normal about 95%, I never get told I look sick. I cant fake everything though...Like fatigue, it shows in my dulled emotions, I cannot fake excitement that I don't feel.
One thing that bothers me is my strength, even though I feel better than last year in some ways, my body doesn't feel stronger.
Last year bicycling was my only exercise I could do. During the summer I bicycled about 80 miles. My neighborhood is around a mile long, so I would (on the good days) just do one round through the neighborhood, simple enough. It felt good to be able to do this.
This year was not the same, I may have cycled 5 miles. That's a huge difference. That means I only went out about 5 times...last year 80, this year 5...what happened??
Its like that with any form of exercise, I have tried doing other simple things like push ups, sit ups, lifting small 5lb weights, I could never do any exercise consistently. I want to, I feel like I need to, my body on the other hand, says no.
This drives me crazy, my hands and fingers are noticeably getting weaker, its not very fast but its happening.. Same with my legs and back.
I wish I knew of something that could help this, but I don't. It just is what it is, and I keep moving on.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Getting Closer..
Well, today I am almost feeling back to normal. All in all, I haven't really been sick since Monday, but I can't get rid of this cough. Today was the best, but still not there...
Since I have been drinking so much tea, other lyme related symptoms are better than usual. I need to recheck and see what the ingredients are, maybe I should be drinking it on a regular basis.
Something weird happened today. This morning started off good, didn't really feel bad. Then later this afternoon my sides start hurting. Not like sharp or bruising pain, but a soreness. I also became nauseated and my appetite disappeared. I ate lunch just after 12:00pm, After 9:30 pm I realized I hadn't eaten in so long, but I wasn't hungry. I don't eat a lot, but I eat often. Every few hours I eat a snack. So this was out of my normal...
The side pain has happened before, several times. The ND had me do a urine test strip test to see if anything would show up, nothing. Personally, I think something is up with my kidneys. The kidneys handle so much junk that goes through the body, it wouldn't surprise me if they were stressed.
I checked out the symptoms of kidney stones, they don't seem to fit. Its not the right pain...
Another puzzle I don't have an answer for.
Overall this has been a better week. Soon I want to post about the struggles so many of us face. I just need the time! Because its not a short list, we deal with so much I want to do it justice. I am just grateful I have the energy to be able to stay busy!!
Since I have been drinking so much tea, other lyme related symptoms are better than usual. I need to recheck and see what the ingredients are, maybe I should be drinking it on a regular basis.
Something weird happened today. This morning started off good, didn't really feel bad. Then later this afternoon my sides start hurting. Not like sharp or bruising pain, but a soreness. I also became nauseated and my appetite disappeared. I ate lunch just after 12:00pm, After 9:30 pm I realized I hadn't eaten in so long, but I wasn't hungry. I don't eat a lot, but I eat often. Every few hours I eat a snack. So this was out of my normal...
The side pain has happened before, several times. The ND had me do a urine test strip test to see if anything would show up, nothing. Personally, I think something is up with my kidneys. The kidneys handle so much junk that goes through the body, it wouldn't surprise me if they were stressed.
I checked out the symptoms of kidney stones, they don't seem to fit. Its not the right pain...
Another puzzle I don't have an answer for.
Overall this has been a better week. Soon I want to post about the struggles so many of us face. I just need the time! Because its not a short list, we deal with so much I want to do it justice. I am just grateful I have the energy to be able to stay busy!!
Monday, November 16, 2015
Frosted Lemonade!
Yesterday I made a lemon slushy, so I decided to take pictures and make my first recipe post!
Ingredients-
Fresh Lemon Juice
Ice
Stevia Sweetener
Peppermint oil
This was very simple to make, I juiced 2 lemons.
Here is the final creation!!
Ingredients-
Fresh Lemon Juice
Ice
Stevia Sweetener
Peppermint oil
This was very simple to make, I juiced 2 lemons.
Then added in a few drops of peppermint oil, 2-4 depending on how much peppermint you prefer.
Last I filled the cup with ice and added 1teaspoon of Stevia.
I used the Magic Bullet blender to mix it.
Enjoy!
Sunday, November 15, 2015
A New Day has come
Friday was the worst day(and night). My sinuses were draining, coughing, sweating, dizzy, achy, the works.
Thursday I felt it coming on so I started flushing my nose out with saltwater. Friday it didn't seem to be making a difference so I added in stevia sweetener and an anti-microbial called Biocidin by Bio Botanical Research.
This was a great combo, after the 4th or so flush my sinuses no longer ached.
I also started drinking herbal tea, which is always the best thing for me when I get sick. I love tea plus it has other benefits like anti-inflammation and detox.
I drank 4 cups of gypsy cold care, which finished my last box. So I rummaged through the pantry and found lavender stress relief and lemon Ginger tea, both by Yogi. Not my usual preference but hey, I thought I would give it a try.
So on top of the 4 cups of cold care, I added in 2 more cups of lemon ginger, 2 cups lemon/ginger mixed with stress relief, 1 cup peppermint, then my last cup before going to bed was a grand combination of stress relief, lemon/ginger, and one tea for sleep. It really made a difference in how I felt, everything became more tolerable.
10 cups of tea, yes I do have an obsession.
The good news is, it paid off on Saturday. I felt much better. Still had a cough and killer fatigue but so much better than the day before.
Friday night and Saturday morning were the worst. Going to sleep was almost impossible, but I managed. This is when I drank most of the teas, within a few hours of going to sleep.
One last thing I used were essential oils. I always underestimate their power.
I mixed oregano, clove bud, and thyme in a capsule and took one every few hours and I also rubbed peppermint, eucalyptus, and cinnamon on my chest. This really helped the cough.
All of this combined seems to have it almost knocked out! It started Thursday afternoon, today(Sunday) I am almost back to normal. I haven't even taken much today, no tea, 1 oil pill, plus my usual supplements.
The reason I start taking SO many things is because if I don't, I will be sick for a long time. My immune system sucks. Any person with lyme complex will tell you the same. Once something takes hold, its hard to get it out. When I feel a cold coming on, there's no kidding around unless I have a lot of downtime to use.
Even now that I have it mostly knocked out and I feel close to normal, it still may take a week before I am 100%
Off to go make a lemon slushy!
Friday, November 13, 2015
Not Feeling Well Today....
Things had been going so well! I hate it when a good streak ends, especially so soon.
Yesterday afternoon I started feeling a little lousy, my nose started running and my sinuses started feeling unwell..
I was hoping it was allergies, not this time. This time it looks like a minor sinus infection, ugh! I had been feeling so good!
I am prone to sinus infections, whenever I get sick its usually sinus related.
So yesterday evening I started flushing my sinuses out with Himalayan salt water. It helped, but today its worse than before.
This morning I started adding stevia to the salt flush, its an amazing germ killer. That helped for a while. I also started drinking Gypsy Cold Care tea, its amazing stuff! Its great for knocking down infections. I drank 4 cups then my box ran out...plan B. I switched to ginger lemon tea, its good, doesn't taste as good as the cold tea but...it helps my throat.
I also took a few packets of EMergen C and garlic capsules. Idk if they do much.
Hopefully ill have this knocked out by tomorrow.
In other news, France has just been attacked. Great. Its not like our world was disorganized enough, now a bunch of people have gone on a murder rampage in France. I'm praying their tomorrow is better!!!
Good night, God bless. We need it
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
11/11
Its 11/11, also known as veterans day. What did you do to honor your troops?
Today was another good day:)
I worked more with updating this blog and using my Twitter. I even added in a new page, this one is about depression.
Depression is an up and coming ailment, it is certainly expanding faster than people have realized.
Anesthesia, chronic illness, hormone imbalance, mercury poisoning, etc. can all cause depression or even severe depression. During my time being sick I have certainly had my fair share of depressed days. My faith is what gets me through it, I know that everything happens for a reason. Suffering leads to thriving, just as necessity leads to invention.
If I would have never gotten sick in the first place I would have never gotten a blog, I would still eat junk food, I would still have mercury fillings, and I wouldn't have learned anything I know about trying to stay healthy. I use every bit of this information daily, that's a big deal that I could have missed out on! The point is to make the best of every situation!
Here is the newest page on my blog, still needs work but it have to start somewhere.
I also did my first official book review today! One of the reasons I started this blog is to share my experiences with others and to outline what has helped me. I personally love reading other blogs that chronicle a persons journey. I enjoy these much more than reading a plane face website. I want to know how a person feels, what is going on in their life. Reading plain facts on a bland webpage can be very boring, and also incorrect. An experience cannot be wrong, information claimed to be "facts" can be.
No one can tell me my experience was wrong, its the real deal. I hope others enjoy reading my experiences just like I enjoy reading theirs.
Moving on...
I started a Twitter yesterday. I will be using that to share anything I find that may interest my readers. An example, today I shared a quiz that will tell you which element your constitution matches in Chinese medicine. I took the quiz, I am a strong water and weak fire.
I also use it to promote other information you guys may find useful.
If you would like me to read or share your blog please send it to me! I like spending the evening reading a new blog.
I am going to continue adding to the blog as I have time. I am going to start posting and reviewing recipes, more book reviews from things I have used, plus a few other things I have in mind. I don't want you guys to get excited for something that could take months for me to get too...
Thanks for reading!
Book Review, Why Can't I get Better
Dr. Richard Horowitz is a well known doctor and activist in the Lyme disease community. Whenever I have a question, this book is one of the first places I go.
Dr. Horowitz is a pioneer in the treatment of resistant babesia, a malaria like organism. Babesia is becoming more resistant to common drugs such as atovaquone and atovaquone/Proguanil. These drugs are some of the most used and reliable methods for ridding the blood of these horrible parasites.Whenever someone no longer responds to conventional or even alternative treatment for babesia, they turn to Dr.Horowitz.
He describes in great detail the many, many infections a tick can transmit to a human. Lyme disease is only a single drop of water compared to the amount of pathogens a tick can transmit. Information on bartonella, brucella, erhlichia, mycoplasma, Q-Fever, etc is scarce online, all of these are well highlighted by Dr. Horowitz. Incorrectly treating co-infections can lead to treatment failure! That makes this book beneficial for not only the patient, but doctors as well.
Treating the bacteria borrellia burgdorferi alone, without testing for and treating co-infections will result in the persistence of symptoms. It takes away the point of treating in the first place doesn't it?
In this book, he uses an abbreviation to sum up what Lyme disease patients live with-MSIDS.
It stands for Multiple Systemic infectious disease syndrome, it is a summary of the symptoms and infections commonly associated with Lyme disease complex. This has since became a useful term to describe those that suffer from multiple, systematic illnesses.
Dr. Horowitz describes all of the common symptoms associated with each infection, this is paramount for someone like me who had to be diagnosed on symptoms alone. The tests for tick borne diseases are inaccurate, I only ever tested positive to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Yet, I responded very well to babesia treatment, which is an infection my blood was negative for.
He details his methods for treating Lyme disease, like combinations of herbs and antibiotics. Combining antibiotics alone can be dangerous for someone (non-llmd) who is not well educated in the affects of drug combinations. There are several drugs that should never be mixed. MSIDS patients often have afflictions requiring treatment of not just the illness, but the symptoms also. Insomnia for example is huge; he estimates about 70% of those with MSIDS suffer from insomnia. Sleep drugs and some babesia drugs do not mix well, both can have strong psychological side affects. This is just one example of why when treated using pharmaceuticals, it is essential to find an LLMD educated in drug safety.
Another amazing thing about this book is how he highlights treatments. The book is full of information about antibiotics and herbs that are useful in treating MSIDS. I personally learned about the herb cryptolepis, which was essential to beginning my babesia treatment. He also teaches about how some of these work in the body, such as their effects on cytokine levels.
There is so much to be said about Dr. Horowitz and his book Why Can't I Get Better. It is what really jump started my treatment. I felt confident after reading this book, I no longer felt like a helpless sick person. I could identify what was making me ill, and learned how to destroy it! He not only writes about the infections and their treatments, he writes about their effects on our bodies. Like cytokines which cause inflammation for example. I had never heard of this before reading this book. Reading this book gave me the tools to help myself, I would recommend it to anyone suffering from Lyme complex.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Black Legged Tick and another Busy Day
Hello all!
Today was a good day for me. I felt much less tired than yesterday and I was able to accomplish some things on my to-do list.
This afternoon I was working out in the yard and guess what I found crawling on my shoulder? A little deer tick...I have never found deer ticks in my yard, several lone star but this is the first deer.
I thought that was a little peculiar. I only found one thank God, and it wasn't attached.
That was my excitement for the day.
I over did it in my yard work...
I was doing some rather strenuous work(for me), so afterwards my blood pressure was shot. Every time I stood up my BP dropped suddenly. In the beginning it felt almost like I was going to vomit, but that passed.
This thankfully wore off after an hour, which was great.
Usually whenever I go extra long without sleep(like this weekend), I will have less reserved energy for work. So for my BP to fall out is expected. I always have fewer emotions after something like this weekend. I just don't have the same "feelings" I would normally have. Normally my emotions are diminished from the lack of neurotransmitters and lack of sleep. My guess at least...
Dopalift is supposed to combat that...not doing a great job yet. I don't know of anything else for this...
The sesquiterpenes in frankincense oil are supposed to help the HPA axis, which would boost neurotransmitters. I have tried to use this in a few ways. I have spread the oil on the base of my skull, my wrists, my temples, or my forehead, it does seem to give me a boost.
One thing I like doing with essential oils is flavoring my water.
Today I added 2 drops of lemon and frankincense with 1 drop of peppermint. It was delicious, and should also give me a boost.
Essential oils can be strong, using the above for example-
Lemon oil is supposed to boost and detox the liver
Monoterpenes in frankincense is supposed to draw out toxins from the liver.
Peppermint oil stimulates the central nervous system. Great for concentration.
This is just a tiny example really. There is an oil for everything, and it doesn't take much to feel the effects!
Essential oils have been used since Biblical times. Back then they were even used as a currency because they were so important to society.
Anyway, this has been my short rant about BP and oils, LOL
My brain is gone for the day again...I feel like I cut this post short :/
I will follow up on both one day.....
Today was a good day for me. I felt much less tired than yesterday and I was able to accomplish some things on my to-do list.
This afternoon I was working out in the yard and guess what I found crawling on my shoulder? A little deer tick...I have never found deer ticks in my yard, several lone star but this is the first deer.
I thought that was a little peculiar. I only found one thank God, and it wasn't attached.
That was my excitement for the day.
I over did it in my yard work...
I was doing some rather strenuous work(for me), so afterwards my blood pressure was shot. Every time I stood up my BP dropped suddenly. In the beginning it felt almost like I was going to vomit, but that passed.
This thankfully wore off after an hour, which was great.
Usually whenever I go extra long without sleep(like this weekend), I will have less reserved energy for work. So for my BP to fall out is expected. I always have fewer emotions after something like this weekend. I just don't have the same "feelings" I would normally have. Normally my emotions are diminished from the lack of neurotransmitters and lack of sleep. My guess at least...
Dopalift is supposed to combat that...not doing a great job yet. I don't know of anything else for this...
The sesquiterpenes in frankincense oil are supposed to help the HPA axis, which would boost neurotransmitters. I have tried to use this in a few ways. I have spread the oil on the base of my skull, my wrists, my temples, or my forehead, it does seem to give me a boost.
One thing I like doing with essential oils is flavoring my water.
Today I added 2 drops of lemon and frankincense with 1 drop of peppermint. It was delicious, and should also give me a boost.
Essential oils can be strong, using the above for example-
Lemon oil is supposed to boost and detox the liver
Monoterpenes in frankincense is supposed to draw out toxins from the liver.
Peppermint oil stimulates the central nervous system. Great for concentration.
This is just a tiny example really. There is an oil for everything, and it doesn't take much to feel the effects!
Essential oils have been used since Biblical times. Back then they were even used as a currency because they were so important to society.
Anyway, this has been my short rant about BP and oils, LOL
My brain is gone for the day again...I feel like I cut this post short :/
I will follow up on both one day.....
Monday, November 9, 2015
Busy Weekend!
Sorry I didn't really post over the weekend :/ I was super busy.
Over the weekend I was out of town with some friends. Now that it is over, I am extremely tired...
During this trip I had about zero sleep. I was only gone two nights, so glad it wasn't more just for this reason!
The first night I stayed up the entire night, I probably dozed some but overall, I got up in the morning feeling the same as when I went to bed.
The second night I know I dozed some, no idea how much, I just know I did. Got up(notice I didn't say woke up) the second morning the same as the first. I stood up ad was just as awake as when I attempted to go to sleep.
This time, I know exactly why I am more tired than usual! I don't need to assume its associated with any of my particular infections. Not sure if that's good or not...but hey, its an answer, right?
Overall the weekend was great, I didn't feel any worse than usual, even though I was awake for two days straight and had something to do the as soon as I got up right until I went to bed. That's a plus isn't it?
I had plenty of energy, I even helped push a dead car. Usually something like this would be very tiring for me, especially pushing something heavy like a car. Chronic illness absolutely kills muscle and endurance, making anything strenuous a thing of the past.
This wasn't even the most strenuous thing I did over the weekend, so I was rather impressed that I never felt worse!
Because I was not at home, I couldn't take all of my supplements with me. The cinchona stayed home, so that was skipped for two days. I didn't feel worse, so it must not have been that detrimental.
I was already on break with the Artemisia, that I restarted today.
The only pills I took with me were Dopalift, black walnut, and FiveHTPThrive.
I wonder if the Dopalift helped me stay awake during the day? Its hard to say what is helping when I am taking so many things! That's one thing I don't care for about treating lyme, there is never just 1-2 things to take, it takes many supplements to kill off these bacteria!
Now that I am back home, away from other people, I can finally sleep! I was so tired this afternoon I fell asleep for about 30-45 minutes. I never do that. I crash in the afternoon if I am busy or stressed, but I never sleep. After this nap, I don't feel refreshed, I just feel the need for more! Ugh, the struggle.
Because I am so tired, I know this post has mistakes I missed, I apologize for that...
Until tomorrow, goodnight
Cinchona tea is calling me...
Over the weekend I was out of town with some friends. Now that it is over, I am extremely tired...
During this trip I had about zero sleep. I was only gone two nights, so glad it wasn't more just for this reason!
The first night I stayed up the entire night, I probably dozed some but overall, I got up in the morning feeling the same as when I went to bed.
The second night I know I dozed some, no idea how much, I just know I did. Got up(notice I didn't say woke up) the second morning the same as the first. I stood up ad was just as awake as when I attempted to go to sleep.
This time, I know exactly why I am more tired than usual! I don't need to assume its associated with any of my particular infections. Not sure if that's good or not...but hey, its an answer, right?
Overall the weekend was great, I didn't feel any worse than usual, even though I was awake for two days straight and had something to do the as soon as I got up right until I went to bed. That's a plus isn't it?
I had plenty of energy, I even helped push a dead car. Usually something like this would be very tiring for me, especially pushing something heavy like a car. Chronic illness absolutely kills muscle and endurance, making anything strenuous a thing of the past.
This wasn't even the most strenuous thing I did over the weekend, so I was rather impressed that I never felt worse!
Because I was not at home, I couldn't take all of my supplements with me. The cinchona stayed home, so that was skipped for two days. I didn't feel worse, so it must not have been that detrimental.
I was already on break with the Artemisia, that I restarted today.
The only pills I took with me were Dopalift, black walnut, and FiveHTPThrive.
I wonder if the Dopalift helped me stay awake during the day? Its hard to say what is helping when I am taking so many things! That's one thing I don't care for about treating lyme, there is never just 1-2 things to take, it takes many supplements to kill off these bacteria!
Now that I am back home, away from other people, I can finally sleep! I was so tired this afternoon I fell asleep for about 30-45 minutes. I never do that. I crash in the afternoon if I am busy or stressed, but I never sleep. After this nap, I don't feel refreshed, I just feel the need for more! Ugh, the struggle.
Because I am so tired, I know this post has mistakes I missed, I apologize for that...
Until tomorrow, goodnight
Cinchona tea is calling me...
Friday, November 6, 2015
Vitamin D
Today was a long, busy day. So this will be a short post :)
I just want to share this video from the Hansa Center,
The topic of their discussion is Vitamin D and the light of our body. It's very interesting, we all think of vitamin D as being important, I mean, it's a vitamin so it must be! But why do we need it? What does it do for us? This video answers these questions well!!
Hope you like it!!
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Current Treatment
In my last post I basically just gave a long list of the remedies I have taken in the past years. Today, I am going to describe my current treatments, and possible changes for the future.
My current protocol is helping, but it will certainly not be my saving grace. I still have pronounced symptoms on a daily basis and I still have flairs weekly.
I did have this under control at one point, daily symptoms were minor and I wouldn't get any major flairs. I want a repeat of this! I have stuff to do and places to be!
Ok here is the list of supplements-
L-Glutamine powder, 1 tsp per day
Artemisia Combinations, 2 pills 3x daily, 3 days on 4 off
Black walnut capsules, 2 pills 3x daily
POA phytolens(TOA cats claw), 1x daily
sublingual glutathione, 2-3 daily, 50mg each
ALA, 100mg 3x daily
5 MTHF, 1 daily
Dopalift, 1/2 cap daily
FIveHTP Thrive, 2 before bed
Calc.Phos. 30C, 3 pills 2x daily
1 calm magnesium packet daily
1 Methyl B12 injection weekly
Cinchona bark tea, made with 1tsp bark
Long list right? It needs to change, with as much as I am taking I should be feeling better.
Lets analyze and dissect everything I am taking, maybe something will stand out to you(please tell me if you notice something!). I already have a general idea of what I want to change.
The bacteria killers are, Artemisia, cats claw, and cinchona bark tea. Plus the black walnut, which is more so for parasites.
Artemisia and cinchona are strong, they are certainly making a difference. I haven't even built up to a high dose yet. At some point I will probably move up to 3 cups of tea. These are both primarily for babesia/blood parasites(if present). Artemisia might kill borrellia, I don't know for sure. All of the information on Artemisia and borrellia is conflicting, some say yes it kills it some say no.
This is strong enough for the time being.
The POA phytolens isn't strong, 1 cap a day(450mg). This isn't a significant dosage at all! This is my ND's preference for treating lyme...because it is TOA free, its supposed to be stronger. When I followed the Buhner protocol with cats claw, I took a huge dose compared to this. According to the Buhner protocol I should work up to 1-4 tabs 3-4x daily, each pill is 450mg! I know there is some conflicting info on the TOA free vs non TOA free, but there is NO WAY this makes one 450mg pill capable of replacing a max dosage of 7,200mg. Its not possible.
I would take more but, this brand he wants me to take is $38 for 30 pills. I want to call BS. That's nearly $1 a pill, its not considered one of the strongest remedies for lyme disease, and that is expensive. The Buhner protocol made a difference for me, this does not...
This will definitely change in the future, its way too expensive for something that is too weak to make a difference.
I take the Dopalift for alertness, fatigue, and low dopamine levels. I have been tested twice for neurotransmitter levels, dopamine was almost non-existent on both tests...
I did one bottle of this earlier this year, nothing notable.
Then I did the second neuro test he wanted me to do it again because I didn't take it long enough for it to have an effect. I put it off for a while, I want to treat the cause of my symptoms, not the symtpoms themselves. Low dopamine is a result of a stressed, infected body. Not a pill deficiency.
This second round with the Dopalift was different than the first, for one it made me quit sleeping. As soon as I started taking it I was wide awake almost until sunrise!
So I spoke to the ND, he told me to half the capsule. So far this is working fine for me, it may give me a tiny bit of energy, nothing significant. He did tell me I would have to stay on this a little while for it to really make a difference, which is fine. There are 60 pills in the bottle, and I only take half of one daily...the one bottle will last me 120 days at this rate. Already bought it, might as well use it. So for now this doesn't need to change.
The L-glutamine is for gut health. The stomach uses it in the stomach lining, without it we develop problems. I started this after the first neuro test, I don't really notice a difference. I already have the bottle, at the slow rate I am using it this bottle will last at least another 6 months. So for now, this has no reason to change. Its an essential nutrient and I already have it.
I have been on and off magnesium for years. Its good for pain, muscles, and detoxification. The body uses magnesium to create enzymes used for detox.
I noticed at first if I missed a dose of mag I would have more muscle and joint pain. Now its no big deal. Its needed for detox and most chronically ill patients swear by it, so it can stay.
5HTP Thrive is used for sleep, I started this with the last bottle of Dopalift. It may be helping me sleep harder, not earlier at all, but waking up has been easier lately. I will leave this one be because its new, it still has time before I can feel the full effects.
Glutathione is used for detox. This is an OK supplement, it doesn't seem to have any strong effects. I started this to help up my detox about a month ago. It may help some, but I wouldn't brag about it...
When I finish this bottle I will replace it with something new.
ALA I started because of the Andy Cutler protocol for chelation. It is supposed to help detox heavy metals from the brain. In the beginning it was VERY strong, I had to cut the 300mg pill into 5ths, and took two each day. For the time being I wont change this, it isn't as strong as it was,but I think I need to add in another chelator like DMSA. When I was taking both is when I felt the best.
Methyl B12 shots were something Dr.L wanted. I showed low for B12 on a test in the beginning so this was something she wanted me to do. I started with regular B12 but it didn't do anything. Gene tests showed I needed the methylated form of B12.
The ND during this time also added me onto his B-complex. It is a good one, the B12 is methylated, it has loads of B vitamins, plus it has a high dosage of each. According to the ingredients the B-Complex is stronger than the injection, but ill be honest. Neither of these gave me significant results. I don't test low for B12 anymore, I don't need to be doing both of these.
I have since finished the B-Complex, still working on my B12 injections. For the time being, I am going to finish the injections and come back to it.
The 5MTHF is something the ND wanted me to do because of the results of the gene test. I cant remember exactly which gene is the reason he wanted me to take this. This for now, I wont change. He feels really strongly about it and the whole methyl B vitamins can make a difference for some. Ill give it a shot for a while longer.
Then last is the Calcarea Phosphorus 30C. This is something I started on my own. I researched homeopathic remedies to help with scoliosis, and this is the one that matched me. It is for calcium and phosphorus absorption, so it really isn't for symptoms. It can stay too.
Now that the overview is established, what should change in your opinion?
I am not treating Lyme disease, or at least strongly. Babesia is covered well, but nothing I am taking will significantly affect borrellia.
Another thing is I need to work on chelation again. I had to take a break because it was wearing me out. I had to wake up at night to take the pills, keep track of the time and make sure I had DMSA and water for the next dosage. With low dose chelation it is really frowned upon to miss a dose, so i stuck to this strictly.
Now I feel like its time to add something stronger than just ALA.
To recap-I am going to get rid of the POA phytolens and glutathione, and add something in for lyme and heavy metal detox.
If anyone has a suggestion as to what herbs to add, please comment!
Ok, my fingers are tired and I am too dizzy to stare at this screen any longer, I am out for tonight. :)
My current protocol is helping, but it will certainly not be my saving grace. I still have pronounced symptoms on a daily basis and I still have flairs weekly.
I did have this under control at one point, daily symptoms were minor and I wouldn't get any major flairs. I want a repeat of this! I have stuff to do and places to be!
Ok here is the list of supplements-
L-Glutamine powder, 1 tsp per day
Artemisia Combinations, 2 pills 3x daily, 3 days on 4 off
Black walnut capsules, 2 pills 3x daily
POA phytolens(TOA cats claw), 1x daily
sublingual glutathione, 2-3 daily, 50mg each
ALA, 100mg 3x daily
5 MTHF, 1 daily
Dopalift, 1/2 cap daily
FIveHTP Thrive, 2 before bed
Calc.Phos. 30C, 3 pills 2x daily
1 calm magnesium packet daily
1 Methyl B12 injection weekly
Cinchona bark tea, made with 1tsp bark
Long list right? It needs to change, with as much as I am taking I should be feeling better.
Lets analyze and dissect everything I am taking, maybe something will stand out to you(please tell me if you notice something!). I already have a general idea of what I want to change.
The bacteria killers are, Artemisia, cats claw, and cinchona bark tea. Plus the black walnut, which is more so for parasites.
Artemisia and cinchona are strong, they are certainly making a difference. I haven't even built up to a high dose yet. At some point I will probably move up to 3 cups of tea. These are both primarily for babesia/blood parasites(if present). Artemisia might kill borrellia, I don't know for sure. All of the information on Artemisia and borrellia is conflicting, some say yes it kills it some say no.
This is strong enough for the time being.
The POA phytolens isn't strong, 1 cap a day(450mg). This isn't a significant dosage at all! This is my ND's preference for treating lyme...because it is TOA free, its supposed to be stronger. When I followed the Buhner protocol with cats claw, I took a huge dose compared to this. According to the Buhner protocol I should work up to 1-4 tabs 3-4x daily, each pill is 450mg! I know there is some conflicting info on the TOA free vs non TOA free, but there is NO WAY this makes one 450mg pill capable of replacing a max dosage of 7,200mg. Its not possible.
I would take more but, this brand he wants me to take is $38 for 30 pills. I want to call BS. That's nearly $1 a pill, its not considered one of the strongest remedies for lyme disease, and that is expensive. The Buhner protocol made a difference for me, this does not...
This will definitely change in the future, its way too expensive for something that is too weak to make a difference.
I take the Dopalift for alertness, fatigue, and low dopamine levels. I have been tested twice for neurotransmitter levels, dopamine was almost non-existent on both tests...
I did one bottle of this earlier this year, nothing notable.
Then I did the second neuro test he wanted me to do it again because I didn't take it long enough for it to have an effect. I put it off for a while, I want to treat the cause of my symptoms, not the symtpoms themselves. Low dopamine is a result of a stressed, infected body. Not a pill deficiency.
This second round with the Dopalift was different than the first, for one it made me quit sleeping. As soon as I started taking it I was wide awake almost until sunrise!
So I spoke to the ND, he told me to half the capsule. So far this is working fine for me, it may give me a tiny bit of energy, nothing significant. He did tell me I would have to stay on this a little while for it to really make a difference, which is fine. There are 60 pills in the bottle, and I only take half of one daily...the one bottle will last me 120 days at this rate. Already bought it, might as well use it. So for now this doesn't need to change.
The L-glutamine is for gut health. The stomach uses it in the stomach lining, without it we develop problems. I started this after the first neuro test, I don't really notice a difference. I already have the bottle, at the slow rate I am using it this bottle will last at least another 6 months. So for now, this has no reason to change. Its an essential nutrient and I already have it.
I have been on and off magnesium for years. Its good for pain, muscles, and detoxification. The body uses magnesium to create enzymes used for detox.
I noticed at first if I missed a dose of mag I would have more muscle and joint pain. Now its no big deal. Its needed for detox and most chronically ill patients swear by it, so it can stay.
5HTP Thrive is used for sleep, I started this with the last bottle of Dopalift. It may be helping me sleep harder, not earlier at all, but waking up has been easier lately. I will leave this one be because its new, it still has time before I can feel the full effects.
Glutathione is used for detox. This is an OK supplement, it doesn't seem to have any strong effects. I started this to help up my detox about a month ago. It may help some, but I wouldn't brag about it...
When I finish this bottle I will replace it with something new.
ALA I started because of the Andy Cutler protocol for chelation. It is supposed to help detox heavy metals from the brain. In the beginning it was VERY strong, I had to cut the 300mg pill into 5ths, and took two each day. For the time being I wont change this, it isn't as strong as it was,but I think I need to add in another chelator like DMSA. When I was taking both is when I felt the best.
Methyl B12 shots were something Dr.L wanted. I showed low for B12 on a test in the beginning so this was something she wanted me to do. I started with regular B12 but it didn't do anything. Gene tests showed I needed the methylated form of B12.
The ND during this time also added me onto his B-complex. It is a good one, the B12 is methylated, it has loads of B vitamins, plus it has a high dosage of each. According to the ingredients the B-Complex is stronger than the injection, but ill be honest. Neither of these gave me significant results. I don't test low for B12 anymore, I don't need to be doing both of these.
I have since finished the B-Complex, still working on my B12 injections. For the time being, I am going to finish the injections and come back to it.
The 5MTHF is something the ND wanted me to do because of the results of the gene test. I cant remember exactly which gene is the reason he wanted me to take this. This for now, I wont change. He feels really strongly about it and the whole methyl B vitamins can make a difference for some. Ill give it a shot for a while longer.
Then last is the Calcarea Phosphorus 30C. This is something I started on my own. I researched homeopathic remedies to help with scoliosis, and this is the one that matched me. It is for calcium and phosphorus absorption, so it really isn't for symptoms. It can stay too.
Now that the overview is established, what should change in your opinion?
I am not treating Lyme disease, or at least strongly. Babesia is covered well, but nothing I am taking will significantly affect borrellia.
Another thing is I need to work on chelation again. I had to take a break because it was wearing me out. I had to wake up at night to take the pills, keep track of the time and make sure I had DMSA and water for the next dosage. With low dose chelation it is really frowned upon to miss a dose, so i stuck to this strictly.
Now I feel like its time to add something stronger than just ALA.
To recap-I am going to get rid of the POA phytolens and glutathione, and add something in for lyme and heavy metal detox.
If anyone has a suggestion as to what herbs to add, please comment!
Ok, my fingers are tired and I am too dizzy to stare at this screen any longer, I am out for tonight. :)
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Past Treatments and a lot of Pills!
As you know, I have been treating my Lyme disease and co-infections for a few years. In my last post I said I was going to list all of my past, today is the day!
Most of the bottles I saved are herbs/supplements, but I have a few prescriptions like nystatin and doxycycline. Here it goes, its long...
For chelation-
3 bottles of Total Chelate by nutriwest, Started March 2015, 1 pill 3x daily, worked up to 2 pills 2x daily
2 bottles of DMSA Synergy from GS nutrients, 100mg 1 pill once daily, 3 days on 11 off(Doctors protocol)
2 bottles of King Chlorella from Nutricology, 10 pills spread throughout the day
2 bottles of DMSA from living supplements, followed the Cutler protocol, first bottle was 12.5mg, 1 pill every 4 hours, 3 days on, 4 off. I started this June 12, 2015, finished midnight September 5, 2015
A total of 560 pills
Probiotics-
Culturelle while I was taking Doxy, 1-2 daily, 180 pills
3 bottles of Body Biotics SBO's, I started at 1 two times a day, ended with 2-3 twice a day, started early 2015, finished May 24
Bowtrol Probiotics, 1 bottles, 2 daily, September 2015
2 Bottles Innate Flora 20-14, 2 per day(IIRC)
1 bottle NOW Probiotic-10,1 3x daily
1 bottle Biotics research S.Boulardii 2 daily
1 bottle Colon Plus also biotics 1tsp daily
=710 pills, not counting powder
I know a few of these are missing, I took more culturelle, another probiotic from Natures Sunshine, and at least 1 other. Plus I consume goat kefir and yogurt often(not pasteurized), but those don't count here
Vitamins-
Vitamin K2 from NOW, 4 bottles(from memory, only saved two), 600mcg daily, started early 2015, finished in June.
B-Complex, 1 daily, Metabolic Maintenance 1 Bottle, Started around August 2015, ended October 2015
5-MTHF Metabolic Maintenance, 1 bottle, 1 pill a day. Started with B-Complex, 2 bottles
Active B12 Folate, Prothera 1 pill a day, 3 bottles, started with Doxycycline
2 Bottles of Esther C, doses varied the ND had me doing 10g at one point, end of 2014/beginning of 2015
Active MTHF Complementary Prescriptions, 3 bottles, 1 pill a day.
1 bottle of Liposomal vitamin C, 3 pills a day, started in Oct.2015
1 bottle of CoQ10 from Metabolic Maintenance, 1 pill a day, Started with B-Comp.
2 bottles of Lithium Orotate. 1 bottle from Swanson and 1 from Advanced Research, 1 5mg pill a day, started after 1st hair test.
Custom Multivitamin Powder from Metabolic Maintenance, 1.5 tsp per day, 1 bottle, Started end of January 2015
3 bottles of NOW vitamin D-3, 10,000 IU per day, Started with K2
Calm Magnesium powder, 2 tsp per day, started with doxy, I only saved 2 bottles but I have continuously taken it since Aug.2013. I am going to estimate 6 bottles.
1 bottle of Green pastures Blue Ice Cod liver/butter oil, 8 per day, same as K2
There is definitely more, this is just what I coudld remember plus what I saved.
=2,350 pills not counting magnesium and vitamin powder!
Herbs(another big category!)
Grapefruit seed extract, nutribiotics, 3 per day(IIRC), 2 bottles
1 bottle of Swanson Grapefruit seed extract liquid, both of these were spring 2015
4 bottles of Swanson Milk thistle, 2 pills 3x daily, Started June 5, stopped end of Oct 2015
3 bottles of NOW Eleuthero capsules, 3 pills 3x daily, same as grapefruit seed extract
13 bottles of Swanson Andrographis Paniculata, 3 pills 3x daily, I started this early 2015
1 bottle of NOW Andrographis, same dose
2 bottles of Natures Sunshine Black Walnut, bottle one Aug., b.2 October 2015
2 bottles Artemisia Combinations, started 8/20 ended 9/5, 2015 B. 2 same as b2 black walnut
3 bottles of NOW Cats Claw, 3 pills 3 times a day, same as andrographis
2 bottles POA Phytolens, 2 pills 2x daily, 2015
2 bottles NOW black walnut/wormwood complex tincture, Feb. 2014
10bottles cryptolepis tincture from Montana Farmacy, first dose 15 drops, ended at 1/2 tsp 3x daily, started May , ended August. 2015
3 bottles Alchornea Cordifolia, 1/4 tsp, June-July 2015
1 bottles Sida Acuta 1/4 tsp, August-Sept.1
1 bottle Houttuynia tincture, Montana Farmacy, 1/4 tsp, June-July 2015
1 bottle Nutramedix Cumanda, started June 5
1 bottle Nutramedix Quina, started June 5
1 bottle Nutramedix Pinella started May 15
1 bottle Nutramedix Burbur started May 15
3 bottles of Biocidin from Bio Botanical Research, started around December 2014
2 bottles of Humaworm, bottle 1 January 2015, b.2 May 2015
1 bag of Houttuynia powder, I started at 1/4tsp and worked up to 1 tsp 3x daily, finished in Sept.15'
=2,270 pills, not counting liquids
This isn't counting the herbs I took first round with the ND for candida.
Other Misc. from the ND
Nutriwest-
1 bottle L-Glutamine
2 bottles methyl renew
2 bottles Total Cort
4 bottles DSF herbal
=630 pills
Metabolic Maintenance-
3 bottles Melatonin 9mg at night
3 bottles of L-Theanine
= 780
NOW-
2 bottles L-Ornithine 6 pills daily
1 bottle L-Theanine
2 bottles L-Arginine/Ornithine combo, 6 pills daily, 1 bottle 2014, 1 2015
=860 pills
Wellbrain-
2 bottles Adrestore
2 bottles Dopalift
=480 pills
1 bottle of Immuno gG from biotics research(idk when I took this, it was 2012)
2 bottles Sleep Deep from Dancing Willows, 2014
1 bottle Adrena Calm by Apex Energetics
= 100 pills
Other Misc.
4 bottles of Nystatin pills, 2 pills 2x per day
2-3 bottles Argentyn 23, 1 tsp 5x, 2014
Odorless garlic, 1,000 mg, 2014
4-5 Bottles Doxycycline, 4 liquid 1 pills, 100mg 2 times daily
= 580 pills
Homeopathics
4 bottles Ledum Palustre 30C. 5 pills 3x daily
1 bottle Boiron Silicea 30C
1 bottle Arnica Montana 30C
1 Bottle Calc.Phos. 6x
1 bottle Ruta Graveolens
1 bottle Calc.Phos 30X
2 bottles Mediral Rocky Mountain Spotted fever
1 bottle Physica Relax Milieu
=880 pills
This comes to a total of 9,160 pills!!! Except for 3 bottles(Artemisia, 5MTHF, and Dopalift), I didn't count anything I am taking currently. I didn't even count the liquids which includes the doxy and cryptolepis.
Almost 10,000 pills and I am still sick! This is just wrong. Most of these were in the last 1.5 years. What the heck.
I know some things aren't even included, like Dr.L had me take 3 rounds of mebendazole, 2 weeks each, and 2 rounds biltricide. IV drugs aren't counted. Essential oils weren't counted. And a few other miscellaneous things weren't counted. All of these have also been significant in my treatments.
Looking back, only a few of these were helpful. The cryptolepis tincture, DMSA, Ledum, and IV drugs made anything lasting. Houttuynia was also helpful, it was definitely killing something, I started at 1/4 tsp once a day and it made me feel horrible. I felt like I was going crazy. I would get this spacey feeling, I would become depressed at night, and I couldn't focus. It was one of the worst herxes I have ever had. The sad part is, idk if it gave me any lasting effects. It is traditionally used for Bartonella, which I have never been positive for. I decided to try it to see if bart would start showing up positive at the ND. Babesia never showed up until I started taking cryptolepis, I started taking it and I started testing positive on the bio machine. I thought the houttuynia would do the same for bart if I have it.
The ND has tried to push several of these products on me, especially several of the vitamins and Nutriwest. They are fine products, but they aren't what I need. What I need is to strengthen my body and get my body to kill the bacteria.
The probiotics definitely helped my stomach and candida. Before I tried the modified GAPS diet I had extremely high serotonin, which is made in the gut. After the diet and probiotics, its now too low actually. All of my neurotransmitters are low now. I will be making a post about this in the future. I just have to figure out....where did I put those test results...
In my next post I am going to highlight my current protocol and possible changes.
I wanted to right more...but it took about two hours to type all of this out.
I.am.toast.
Most of the bottles I saved are herbs/supplements, but I have a few prescriptions like nystatin and doxycycline. Here it goes, its long...
For chelation-
3 bottles of Total Chelate by nutriwest, Started March 2015, 1 pill 3x daily, worked up to 2 pills 2x daily
2 bottles of DMSA Synergy from GS nutrients, 100mg 1 pill once daily, 3 days on 11 off(Doctors protocol)
2 bottles of King Chlorella from Nutricology, 10 pills spread throughout the day
2 bottles of DMSA from living supplements, followed the Cutler protocol, first bottle was 12.5mg, 1 pill every 4 hours, 3 days on, 4 off. I started this June 12, 2015, finished midnight September 5, 2015
A total of 560 pills
Probiotics-
Culturelle while I was taking Doxy, 1-2 daily, 180 pills
3 bottles of Body Biotics SBO's, I started at 1 two times a day, ended with 2-3 twice a day, started early 2015, finished May 24
Bowtrol Probiotics, 1 bottles, 2 daily, September 2015
2 Bottles Innate Flora 20-14, 2 per day(IIRC)
1 bottle NOW Probiotic-10,1 3x daily
1 bottle Biotics research S.Boulardii 2 daily
1 bottle Colon Plus also biotics 1tsp daily
=710 pills, not counting powder
I know a few of these are missing, I took more culturelle, another probiotic from Natures Sunshine, and at least 1 other. Plus I consume goat kefir and yogurt often(not pasteurized), but those don't count here
Vitamins-
Vitamin K2 from NOW, 4 bottles(from memory, only saved two), 600mcg daily, started early 2015, finished in June.
B-Complex, 1 daily, Metabolic Maintenance 1 Bottle, Started around August 2015, ended October 2015
5-MTHF Metabolic Maintenance, 1 bottle, 1 pill a day. Started with B-Complex, 2 bottles
Active B12 Folate, Prothera 1 pill a day, 3 bottles, started with Doxycycline
2 Bottles of Esther C, doses varied the ND had me doing 10g at one point, end of 2014/beginning of 2015
Active MTHF Complementary Prescriptions, 3 bottles, 1 pill a day.
1 bottle of Liposomal vitamin C, 3 pills a day, started in Oct.2015
1 bottle of CoQ10 from Metabolic Maintenance, 1 pill a day, Started with B-Comp.
2 bottles of Lithium Orotate. 1 bottle from Swanson and 1 from Advanced Research, 1 5mg pill a day, started after 1st hair test.
Custom Multivitamin Powder from Metabolic Maintenance, 1.5 tsp per day, 1 bottle, Started end of January 2015
3 bottles of NOW vitamin D-3, 10,000 IU per day, Started with K2
Calm Magnesium powder, 2 tsp per day, started with doxy, I only saved 2 bottles but I have continuously taken it since Aug.2013. I am going to estimate 6 bottles.
1 bottle of Green pastures Blue Ice Cod liver/butter oil, 8 per day, same as K2
There is definitely more, this is just what I coudld remember plus what I saved.
=2,350 pills not counting magnesium and vitamin powder!
Herbs(another big category!)
Grapefruit seed extract, nutribiotics, 3 per day(IIRC), 2 bottles
1 bottle of Swanson Grapefruit seed extract liquid, both of these were spring 2015
4 bottles of Swanson Milk thistle, 2 pills 3x daily, Started June 5, stopped end of Oct 2015
3 bottles of NOW Eleuthero capsules, 3 pills 3x daily, same as grapefruit seed extract
13 bottles of Swanson Andrographis Paniculata, 3 pills 3x daily, I started this early 2015
1 bottle of NOW Andrographis, same dose
2 bottles of Natures Sunshine Black Walnut, bottle one Aug., b.2 October 2015
2 bottles Artemisia Combinations, started 8/20 ended 9/5, 2015 B. 2 same as b2 black walnut
3 bottles of NOW Cats Claw, 3 pills 3 times a day, same as andrographis
2 bottles POA Phytolens, 2 pills 2x daily, 2015
2 bottles NOW black walnut/wormwood complex tincture, Feb. 2014
10bottles cryptolepis tincture from Montana Farmacy, first dose 15 drops, ended at 1/2 tsp 3x daily, started May , ended August. 2015
3 bottles Alchornea Cordifolia, 1/4 tsp, June-July 2015
1 bottles Sida Acuta 1/4 tsp, August-Sept.1
1 bottle Houttuynia tincture, Montana Farmacy, 1/4 tsp, June-July 2015
1 bottle Nutramedix Cumanda, started June 5
1 bottle Nutramedix Quina, started June 5
1 bottle Nutramedix Pinella started May 15
1 bottle Nutramedix Burbur started May 15
3 bottles of Biocidin from Bio Botanical Research, started around December 2014
2 bottles of Humaworm, bottle 1 January 2015, b.2 May 2015
1 bag of Houttuynia powder, I started at 1/4tsp and worked up to 1 tsp 3x daily, finished in Sept.15'
=2,270 pills, not counting liquids
This isn't counting the herbs I took first round with the ND for candida.
Other Misc. from the ND
Nutriwest-
1 bottle L-Glutamine
2 bottles methyl renew
2 bottles Total Cort
4 bottles DSF herbal
=630 pills
Metabolic Maintenance-
3 bottles Melatonin 9mg at night
3 bottles of L-Theanine
= 780
NOW-
2 bottles L-Ornithine 6 pills daily
1 bottle L-Theanine
2 bottles L-Arginine/Ornithine combo, 6 pills daily, 1 bottle 2014, 1 2015
=860 pills
Wellbrain-
2 bottles Adrestore
2 bottles Dopalift
=480 pills
1 bottle of Immuno gG from biotics research(idk when I took this, it was 2012)
2 bottles Sleep Deep from Dancing Willows, 2014
1 bottle Adrena Calm by Apex Energetics
= 100 pills
Other Misc.
4 bottles of Nystatin pills, 2 pills 2x per day
2-3 bottles Argentyn 23, 1 tsp 5x, 2014
Odorless garlic, 1,000 mg, 2014
4-5 Bottles Doxycycline, 4 liquid 1 pills, 100mg 2 times daily
= 580 pills
Homeopathics
4 bottles Ledum Palustre 30C. 5 pills 3x daily
1 bottle Boiron Silicea 30C
1 bottle Arnica Montana 30C
1 Bottle Calc.Phos. 6x
1 bottle Ruta Graveolens
1 bottle Calc.Phos 30X
2 bottles Mediral Rocky Mountain Spotted fever
1 bottle Physica Relax Milieu
=880 pills
This comes to a total of 9,160 pills!!! Except for 3 bottles(Artemisia, 5MTHF, and Dopalift), I didn't count anything I am taking currently. I didn't even count the liquids which includes the doxy and cryptolepis.
Almost 10,000 pills and I am still sick! This is just wrong. Most of these were in the last 1.5 years. What the heck.
I know some things aren't even included, like Dr.L had me take 3 rounds of mebendazole, 2 weeks each, and 2 rounds biltricide. IV drugs aren't counted. Essential oils weren't counted. And a few other miscellaneous things weren't counted. All of these have also been significant in my treatments.
Looking back, only a few of these were helpful. The cryptolepis tincture, DMSA, Ledum, and IV drugs made anything lasting. Houttuynia was also helpful, it was definitely killing something, I started at 1/4 tsp once a day and it made me feel horrible. I felt like I was going crazy. I would get this spacey feeling, I would become depressed at night, and I couldn't focus. It was one of the worst herxes I have ever had. The sad part is, idk if it gave me any lasting effects. It is traditionally used for Bartonella, which I have never been positive for. I decided to try it to see if bart would start showing up positive at the ND. Babesia never showed up until I started taking cryptolepis, I started taking it and I started testing positive on the bio machine. I thought the houttuynia would do the same for bart if I have it.
The ND has tried to push several of these products on me, especially several of the vitamins and Nutriwest. They are fine products, but they aren't what I need. What I need is to strengthen my body and get my body to kill the bacteria.
The probiotics definitely helped my stomach and candida. Before I tried the modified GAPS diet I had extremely high serotonin, which is made in the gut. After the diet and probiotics, its now too low actually. All of my neurotransmitters are low now. I will be making a post about this in the future. I just have to figure out....where did I put those test results...
In my next post I am going to highlight my current protocol and possible changes.
I wanted to right more...but it took about two hours to type all of this out.
I.am.toast.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Bab Herx :(
My flesh and my heart may fail: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26
Well like yesterday, I crashed. I woke up tired and dragged throughout the day.
All day I have felt tired, dizzy, shaky, and had a total loss of concentration.
Its not the same fatigue as usual, its more so flu-like. So my guess, its a herx.
Generally I don't herx often, or for long, so I should be better within a few days. In the mean time, detox and rest. That's all I can do.
Again, like yesterday, I nearly took a nap for about an hour. All I could do was lay down and try to sleep. Not because I wanted to sleep, I didn't have a choice. I didn't feel recharged afterwards, I went to bed because my body said I had too. I felt like if I didn't do this, I wouldn't be able to finish the day.
This only happens on the days I have a lot to do, part of it is stress. Thinking about all I should be doing just knocks me out. I try to avoid it, but when I have a lot to do, and cant, stress happens.
It just is what it is, I make do and keep moving on.
Because I have been feeling more ill than usual lately, I am rethinking my current protocol. That will be the topic of my next post. I am going to highlight my past treatments and what worked, I have saved around 70-80% of my empty pill bottles from the last two years. This makes it easy to remember what all I have taken.
Judging by my symptoms, I will probably look at restarting DMSA, probiotics, and probably something else for lyme. At the moment, I feel like only babesia is covered well.
I did take half of the Dopalift like my ND advised me to do. I didn't feel anything, but being in a herx, that's normal. The real test is, will I STILL be awake at 6:00am, that is the question.
Psalm 73:26
Well like yesterday, I crashed. I woke up tired and dragged throughout the day.
All day I have felt tired, dizzy, shaky, and had a total loss of concentration.
Its not the same fatigue as usual, its more so flu-like. So my guess, its a herx.
Generally I don't herx often, or for long, so I should be better within a few days. In the mean time, detox and rest. That's all I can do.
Again, like yesterday, I nearly took a nap for about an hour. All I could do was lay down and try to sleep. Not because I wanted to sleep, I didn't have a choice. I didn't feel recharged afterwards, I went to bed because my body said I had too. I felt like if I didn't do this, I wouldn't be able to finish the day.
This only happens on the days I have a lot to do, part of it is stress. Thinking about all I should be doing just knocks me out. I try to avoid it, but when I have a lot to do, and cant, stress happens.
It just is what it is, I make do and keep moving on.
Because I have been feeling more ill than usual lately, I am rethinking my current protocol. That will be the topic of my next post. I am going to highlight my past treatments and what worked, I have saved around 70-80% of my empty pill bottles from the last two years. This makes it easy to remember what all I have taken.
Judging by my symptoms, I will probably look at restarting DMSA, probiotics, and probably something else for lyme. At the moment, I feel like only babesia is covered well.
I did take half of the Dopalift like my ND advised me to do. I didn't feel anything, but being in a herx, that's normal. The real test is, will I STILL be awake at 6:00am, that is the question.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Autism and Lyme Disease
Earlier today I shared this blog on G+. This is an amazing blog written by a mother whose two children developed autism. She had to rise above the standard medical system, which has no cure for autism, to save her two children from a life long tether to prescriptions.
This mother, Jessica, successfully treated her two boys. I bet you have never even heard of anything like this! She was able to completely reverse autism in both of her children, using natural methods.
You have to check this out. Not everyone understands the cause of autism, or that it can be reversed when treated correctly. She goes deep into the cause of their cases, which included heavy metal toxicity and food allergies.
The reason I am sharing this with you is because the natural treatment of autism is fairly similar to how lyme disease is treated.
The point is to remove what is blocking your body from healing, heavy metals, allergic foods, toxic foods, etc.
When you take away the reason your body cannot heal, it can begin to repair itself. That is when we can achieve optimum health. On paper it is that simple, by removing the cause, the symptom will also be removed. Its practicing your own specific protocol that will lead to healing. We are all toxic from different pollutants, everyone is their own individual when it comes to health.
Their treatment involved parasite cleanses, hair tests for heavy metals, stool tests to check gut bacteria, and herbs along with vitamins to help their bodies heal.
I have done all of this actually for my lyme treatment! I have already posted about my chelation journey, Jessica is where is learned about the method I used.
At some point in the future I will post some of the other tests I have done along with nearly all of the supplements I have taken up to this point. I have had neurotransmitter tests, stool tests, liver and kidney, genetic tests, allergy panels, etc.
She used all of these same things on her children. Another thing that worked well for both of us was homeopathy. I had great results when I was taking ledum palustre, it just didn't last for me and I couldn't find an alternative. One day I will get back into this.
Jessica also had her children tested for lyme disease, which has been found to be fairly common in autistic people. She writes about this on her blog, I guess you will just have to read it to find out more...
This mother, Jessica, successfully treated her two boys. I bet you have never even heard of anything like this! She was able to completely reverse autism in both of her children, using natural methods.
You have to check this out. Not everyone understands the cause of autism, or that it can be reversed when treated correctly. She goes deep into the cause of their cases, which included heavy metal toxicity and food allergies.
The reason I am sharing this with you is because the natural treatment of autism is fairly similar to how lyme disease is treated.
The point is to remove what is blocking your body from healing, heavy metals, allergic foods, toxic foods, etc.
When you take away the reason your body cannot heal, it can begin to repair itself. That is when we can achieve optimum health. On paper it is that simple, by removing the cause, the symptom will also be removed. Its practicing your own specific protocol that will lead to healing. We are all toxic from different pollutants, everyone is their own individual when it comes to health.
Their treatment involved parasite cleanses, hair tests for heavy metals, stool tests to check gut bacteria, and herbs along with vitamins to help their bodies heal.
I have done all of this actually for my lyme treatment! I have already posted about my chelation journey, Jessica is where is learned about the method I used.
At some point in the future I will post some of the other tests I have done along with nearly all of the supplements I have taken up to this point. I have had neurotransmitter tests, stool tests, liver and kidney, genetic tests, allergy panels, etc.
She used all of these same things on her children. Another thing that worked well for both of us was homeopathy. I had great results when I was taking ledum palustre, it just didn't last for me and I couldn't find an alternative. One day I will get back into this.
Jessica also had her children tested for lyme disease, which has been found to be fairly common in autistic people. She writes about this on her blog, I guess you will just have to read it to find out more...
Artemisia, Cinchona, and Black Walnut
Hello my friends!
The new supplements for babesia arrived today!
A few posts ago I said I was ordering cinchona bark, artemisa combinations, and black walnut hull. I did this because I have been stuck in a babesia flair, this should help knock it down a peg. Here is some info I found on the herbs-
Cinchona bark is used for malaria treatment in South America. Traditionally ground and made into a tea for usage.
Quinine, which can be derived from cinchona bark, has been used as a traditional drug for malaria in North America. Quinine is no longer used for malaria treatment because of possible side affects.
However, the synthetic versions of drugs are nearly always much less safe than what they were derived from, so the bark should not have these side effects at low dosages.
I am going to drink a cup of tea daily.
Artemisia and its derivatives have been used in Lyme/babesia treatment for a long time. Many of the prominent LLMD's use Artemisia or artemisinin in their treatment protocols. It is also an antimalarial that is effective against babesia. It is typically taken in a capsule, 3 days on, 4 days break. It is said Artemisia builds up in the tissue and should be discontinued to allow it to clear. If it isn't allowed to clear it cannot be utilized by the body, it becomes desensitized. I don't know if its true or not, sounds kinda odd to me.
I am going to take 2 pills, 3x a day, three days on 4 off.
The black walnut is not for babesia (as far as I know), but it is good for killing parasites and yeast. Because Artemisia is also a parasite cleanser, although weaker than black walnut, I wanted to pair the two for a stronger effect. I take this every few months then take a break.
I am going to take 2, 3x a day, 15 days on, 5 off. Taking five days off is supposed to allow the parasite eggs to hatch, then restarting the herb will kill them after they hatch.
Here is the finished product. The bark needed to be ground a little more, but hey, it was my first try!
The new supplements for babesia arrived today!
A few posts ago I said I was ordering cinchona bark, artemisa combinations, and black walnut hull. I did this because I have been stuck in a babesia flair, this should help knock it down a peg. Here is some info I found on the herbs-
Cinchona bark is used for malaria treatment in South America. Traditionally ground and made into a tea for usage.
Quinine, which can be derived from cinchona bark, has been used as a traditional drug for malaria in North America. Quinine is no longer used for malaria treatment because of possible side affects.
However, the synthetic versions of drugs are nearly always much less safe than what they were derived from, so the bark should not have these side effects at low dosages.
I am going to drink a cup of tea daily.
Artemisia and its derivatives have been used in Lyme/babesia treatment for a long time. Many of the prominent LLMD's use Artemisia or artemisinin in their treatment protocols. It is also an antimalarial that is effective against babesia. It is typically taken in a capsule, 3 days on, 4 days break. It is said Artemisia builds up in the tissue and should be discontinued to allow it to clear. If it isn't allowed to clear it cannot be utilized by the body, it becomes desensitized. I don't know if its true or not, sounds kinda odd to me.
I am going to take 2 pills, 3x a day, three days on 4 off.
The black walnut is not for babesia (as far as I know), but it is good for killing parasites and yeast. Because Artemisia is also a parasite cleanser, although weaker than black walnut, I wanted to pair the two for a stronger effect. I take this every few months then take a break.
I am going to take 2, 3x a day, 15 days on, 5 off. Taking five days off is supposed to allow the parasite eggs to hatch, then restarting the herb will kill them after they hatch.
Here are my herbs after unboxing
I made a cup of cinchona tea. I had to grind the bark using the coffee grinder to make it into a powder.
I mixed 1tsp of the powder in a cup of boiling water and let it sit for a while.
Its not bad, kinda bitter. It has a unique flavor, with a texture like a raw sweet potato(know what I mean?) I can definitely take this without much difficulty daily. Its weird, but not bad.
I have already taken my first dose of everything. I became very fatigued late this afternoon, almost took a nap because of it. Wonder if it was a short herx? After I finished everything I had to do for the day I sat down, about 6:00pm. I almost fell asleep! I didn't get up for almost two hours. I am still tired, but on the days this happens...I know I wont sleep during the night. I can only pick one time to rest, today my body picked the late afternoon. I never know what to expect with this disease, its like a roller coaster.
One last thing, I emailed the ND today, asking him what I should do about my Dopalift situation.
He told me to half the capsule and try again tomorrow.
So tomorrow I am going to take half a Dopalift at 8:00am.
In my last post I said I was going to try taking it at 8am this morning, but my alarm didn't go off. Slept right on through... I didn't think about halving it, I am kinda glad I forgot.
Until next time!
Sunday, November 1, 2015
November 1!
Its the first day of November! The leaves are falling and its starting to get cool. The best part is the ticks start disappearing, so its safe to stay outside with minimal fear:)
I have some good news for a change. I went to sleep at my usual 3:00 am this morning instead of 6:00am! So it was definitely the Dopalift that was keeping me awake.
I skipped it again today, so I should sleep tonight. I am going to try the DL one more time, this time I am going to start fresh. Before my first dose was 7pm, so the dose of day 1 probably overlapped on day 2 and so on. I don't know what the half life of DL is, with it beings herbs I don't even know how that works.
So tomorrow when I restart dose #1 will be at 8:00am. Maybe this will be enough time for the caffeine to exit my system and allow me to sleep. I am going to try it for two days. If it keeps me up, I will talk to the ND and see if he has an alternative.
Another thing I have been looking for is info on brucella. Last week I showed positive for it at the ND, which has never happened.
I found this.
It looks like essential oils are beneficial for this! I actually have all of these so this should be easy.
Sorry for another short post, my brain fog is better than yesterday but its still going strong...
Until tomorrow
I have some good news for a change. I went to sleep at my usual 3:00 am this morning instead of 6:00am! So it was definitely the Dopalift that was keeping me awake.
I skipped it again today, so I should sleep tonight. I am going to try the DL one more time, this time I am going to start fresh. Before my first dose was 7pm, so the dose of day 1 probably overlapped on day 2 and so on. I don't know what the half life of DL is, with it beings herbs I don't even know how that works.
So tomorrow when I restart dose #1 will be at 8:00am. Maybe this will be enough time for the caffeine to exit my system and allow me to sleep. I am going to try it for two days. If it keeps me up, I will talk to the ND and see if he has an alternative.
Another thing I have been looking for is info on brucella. Last week I showed positive for it at the ND, which has never happened.
I found this.
It looks like essential oils are beneficial for this! I actually have all of these so this should be easy.
Sorry for another short post, my brain fog is better than yesterday but its still going strong...
Until tomorrow