Lyme Disease Hospital

There is a hospital in Massachusetts that is just for Lyme disease patients.  It is a one of a kind hospital that was founded by a former Lyme disease patient, who eventually recovered and became an advocate for others with this disease. Read more about it below:

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a39664/brandi-dean-lyme-disease/

Life After Lyme

It has been a while since I have posted anything on my blog.  I wanted this blog to be a resource for others, rather than a rant about the ravages of Lyme disease anyway. Beating Lyme disease is about like beating cancer.  I have heard others compare the two diseases and I think that it is a true comparison.  But I am here to tell you that recovery from Lyme is possible.  A year ago, I would not have said that.

It helps that I have moved to a smaller house.  I no longer have a large yard to take care of, or a long driveway to shovel in winter.  This home has a much smaller yard. There is no deck to paint or sweep, only a cement patio.  The fence is vinyl instead of wood.  The driveway is short.  There are only three trees that must be raked in the fall.  And of course, I am older and it makes that kind of work more difficult, even without the Lyme disease.

Since I have recovered from Lyme, I can do almost everything that I could do before the disease.  I can turn a doorknob, drive, walk, and I have regained most of my flexibility.  Fatigue and endurance are still a problem, but I am working on it!

I still have tinnitus, but it comes and goes.  Yesterday, I did not notice it at all, but it returned today for some reason.  From everything that I have read about Lyme disease, that sort of relapsing is very typical.  Perhaps some day, instead of calling it chronic Lyme, doctors will call it relapsing Lyme disease, because the symptoms will disappear, only to return later, when it gets cold out, or when you are under stress.

I hope that this blog has helped some people.  I am not sure that I can add much more to the dialogue about Lyme disease.  More research needs to be done on this disease.  Lyme disease needs to move up there with the Zika virus as a health concern for our country and the world.  And doctors and dentists need to be educated about Lyme disease symptoms, testing, and treatment.

Lyme Certificate for Survivors

If you have managed to survive Lyme disease, you deserve a certificate of survival and completion.  This is probably the most difficult thing that a person can go through in their lifetime.  I want to personally recognize your efforts at recovery.  You took your antibiotics on schedule, ate a sugar and gluten free diet, did not drink soda or alcohol, took the proper supplements, and never missed an appointment with your Lyme literate doctor or doctor of integrated medicine.  You did not give up or quit trying to get properly diagnosed, when many told you that you did not have Lyme disease.  You deserve an award because you are a winner!  You beat this thing!

The Link Between Lyme And Cancer, Cysts, Endometriosis, And Other Illnesses

Lyme disease can cause many body systems to break down. Here is a study that discovers the cause and effect between Lyme and other diseases:

https://sites.google.com/site/marylandlyme/lyme/cysts-tumors-lesions-cancer

Your Knee Joints and Lyme Disease

Lyme disease attacks many areas of the body.  One of its favorite targets is, perhaps, the knee joints. It will sometimes  attack one knee, or alternate one knee and then the other. It is easy for many doctors to misdiagnose Lyme for Rheumatoid arthritis or Reactive arthritis.  It does resemble both of these illnesses.  It is important to get prompt treatment because it is a progressive illness with distinct symptoms at each stage.  By the time your large joints become affected pain and swelling, you've had Lyme disease for quite some time.  For many people, swollen neck, shoulder, and knee joints are the first sign that something isn't right.  They are already in the third stage or tertiary Lyme disease.

What are some things that a person can do to help prevent damage from Lyme disease, in addition to taking antibiotics?  If you have already been "cured" of Lyme disease, how can you repair the damage caused by this bacterial infection?

Here is one idea that I have found:

http://www.healthyaeon.com/2015/12/this-miracle-recipe-will-heal-your-back.html?
utm_campaign=shareaholic\

Here is a smoothie recipe for strengthening your knees.  I posted this one before, but it's worth repeating:
http://www.healthandhealthyliving.com/pineapple-cinnamon-and-oats-smoothie-for-strengthening-the-tendons-and-ligaments-on-your-knees/

The Calcium Bomb

Calcium causes inflammation with bacterial infections:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfgFDVjjVxQ

This book has implications for Lyme disease, Mad Cow disease, etc.

The Calcium Bomb

If you can find a copy, it is worth a read!

http://www.lyme-morgellons.com/calcifying-bartonella.html

Thyroid Gland and Lyme Disease

Your thyroid gland controls your metabolism and helps control your energy levels, sleep patterns, and heart rate.  Hypothyroidism, or low functioning thyroid is linked to Lyme disease for some patients.  I found a link that describes how to test for low iodine, which is necessary for a healthy thyroid gland:

http://theheartysoul.com/iodine-and-thyroid-test/?t=TRF

Red onion juice as a folk remedy for thyroid issues:

http://www.non-stophealthy.com/he-slept-with-a-red-onion-around-his-neck-when-he-woke-up-he-witnessed-a-miracle/

Your Eyes And Lyme Disease

Your eyes can provide some tell-tale signs of Lyme disease.  It can be one of the first symptoms of Lyme disease and co-infections.  These symptoms can be irreversible, if not treated early, so it is important to bring these to the attention of your doctor.  What are some of these symptoms?  

• conjunctivitis
• copper-tinted eye lids
• light sensitivity
• clouded or fuzzy vision
• poor night vision
• problems with depth perception
• floaters
• trouble focusing when reading
• retinal artery damage
• eye  muscle twitching
• can predispose to cataract formation
• keratitis 
• vision loss
• double vision
• dry eyes

Here is a link to a study about the Lyme disease and vision symptoms:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26748767

Herxheimer Reactions and Detoxification

How to manage detoxification and Lyme disease:

http://thenaturopathicmama.com/coping-with-detox-and-herxheimer-reactions/

Heavy metals and Lyme disease:
http://goop.com/a-heavy-metal-detox/

Detoxing with a heat lamp:
https://liveto110.com/single-infrared-heat-lamp-therapy/

Getting A Second Opinion?

Columbia University in New York is doing research on Lyme disease.  They have a web page with information for Lyme patients that includes definitions, complications, information about testing, and answers to questions that you may have about Lyme disease.  This is a source that you could share with your primary care physician.  The contact page also contains information about how someone could make an appointment with their facility to get a second opinion.  Rather than going to Cleveland Clinic or Mayo Clinic, where they don't seem to be able to properly diagnose or treat Lyme patients, I would recommend going to Columbia instead.  Below is a link to their contact page. I wish that I had known about this useful resource when I first contracted Lyme disease.  There is still much to learn about this complicated illness, and they are working on it!

http://columbia-lyme.org/contactus.html

Hello From The Other Side Of Lyme

It seems that everyone is singing a parody of Adele's latest hit song.  If I had even a smidgen of singing talent, I would be singing from the rooftops.  It sure feels great to be on the mend.  A lot of the lyrics already make sense for a break up about Lyme disease.  This is one break up that I definitely initiated and I am happy about!  Just for fun, I made up a poem about breaking up with Lyme:

Hello, spirochete  (parody, sung to Adele’s Hello)

Hello, spirochete,

I was wondering if after all these years you’d like to leave,

And take away all this pain?

Docs say the meds supposed to heal ya,

But I ain’t done much healin’

Hello from the other side!

Misdiagnosed a thousand times.

I’m sorry, but you don’t have Lyme,

But spirochetes know how to hide!

Hello, doc, can you hear me?

I’m in Indiana dreamin’ of who I used to be.

When I was young, and free of disease.

I’ve forgotten how it feels to be fun

And to stand on my feet.

There is such a difference

Between RA arthritis,

Lyme,

And a million lives.

Hello from the other side

I’ve finally gotten rid of Lyme!

I’m sorry for everyone

Who still has to try.

Hello from the inside

I must have cried a thousand times.

Same story, I’m sorry

ELIZA, you’re breaking my heart.

I am still not 100%, but some of that is just a loss of muscle mass and atrophy from 3 years of not exercising and being house-bound. Even after being cured, there is still work to be done to recover from this disease. I am having to work on detox, strength train, and develop endurance.  I still tire easily and stay home most evenings.  I have learned to pace myself and break tasks into small, manageable chunks.  Simple chores such as taking out the trash or shoveling snow from the driveway or sidewalk can be impossible at times.  

I found a recipe that addresses some of the issues that come with recovering from damage due to Lyme disease.  I may add a pinch of turmeric.  It could be a breakfast or snack replacement.

A shake for healing and strengthening your knees:
http://www.healthandhealthyliving.com/pineapple-cinnamon-and-oats-smoothie-for-strengthening-the-tendons-and-ligaments-on-your-knees/

Arthritis Diet May Help With Lyme Disease

Cleaning up your diet can go a long way to improve your health, especially when you have Lyme arthritis.  In the link below, one woman with Rheumatoid arthritis, had her symptoms disappear completely after only one week of changing her diet.  The diet changes consisted of eliminating refined wheat products, processed foods, and all dairy.  She substituted plenty of fruits and vegetables.  There is a long list of foods that are not allowed.  The diet downloads are free and include recipes and a printable grocery list.  The diet program was written by a doctor.  Try it for yourself and let me know if you see improvement.

http://theheartysoul.com/natural-cure-for-rheumatoid-arthritis/?t=HHL

http://eatlocalgrown.com/article/15097-give-up-gluten-autoimmune-disease.html?c=sfm

A New Year of Lyme Disease

Ringing in the New Year with Lyme disease can be disheartening.  Another year has passed, and many are still fighting for a normal life.  But this is also a time to remind us that we can start again with renewed hope.  Moving forward, even with small steps and changes can mean a lot of improvement over days, weeks, and months.  Stay the course, and eventually you will get there.

With that thought, let's make a pact together.  A new resolve to beat this disease, once and for all.  I am making a short list of resolutions for beating Lyme.

I resolve to:

• get enough sleep every day
• hydrate with water
• clean up my diet (no junk food, fast food,  processed meat, packaged foods,carbs, sugars, etc.)
• eliminate chemicals from my home and use natural or home made cleaning products
• don't take on too much (learn to say no and mean it)
• spend less time on electronic devices (computer, television, phone, etc.)
• read print material (books, newspapers, etc.)
• moderate exercise (walk, gym, swim, bicycle, etc.)
• socialize (church, community volunteer, etc.)
• be an advocate for myself and others with Lyme disease
• vote and encourage legislation for health care for chronic illness such as Lyme
• simplify (what can I eliminate or leave out that will make my life easier and happier?)
• wear sunscreen and bug spray to prevent tick bites

Your list may look a little different than mine, however writing it all down helps it to stick around until next year.  Good luck!

A recipe for home made toilet bowl cleaner:
http://www.healthyfoodteam.com/two-ingredient-home-recipe-to-effectively-clean-and-disinfect-your-toilet-bowl/

Lyme Disease and Divorce

Does Lyme disease cause divorce?  It can certainly be a contributing factor.  I am sure that many have read about Avril Lavine and Yolanda Foster's much publicized divorces following their battle with Lyme disease.  Lyme disease seems to be a deal-breaker for many.

Sometimes the person who is battling Lyme disease is the one who chooses to end the relationship. Relationships are work.  A person with an illness like Lyme may not feel like participating in activities that they previously enjoyed, so it may just be better to be alone.  Yolanda Foster hinted at this on one of her blog posts.  I get it!  You need extra sleep that can be hard to get with a partner who watches TV in bed or snores all night.  Your diet needs to be restricted, and sometimes you are just too exhausted to fix a dinner at all and want to head straight to bed, instead of arguing over who fixes dinner and cleans up the kitchen. Your partner is too warm and wants the thermostat turned down, and you are cold at 71 degrees.  Being on your own with Lyme disease can be rough and lonely at times, but it  may mean less stress and a faster recovery.  So, turn off that cell phone and computer and sleep until noon on Saturday if it suits you!

A Cheap, Effective, and Available Cure From The Grocery Store?

I have recently read two articles about a study that claims that some types of Stevia may offer an effective treatment for Lyme disease.  I sure hope that this is true, for those who are still struggling. It certainly can't hurt to try this one.  Hopefully, you already have this on your shelf at home.  Anyone already try this with success?  I couldn't wait to post this on my blog:

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=cb0c183a-9d7b-4062-8ff7-09896af66196&c&ch

http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=22114


Let's hope that this is our answer and we can make Lyme and co-infections a thing of the past as we ring in the New Year!

Nutrition and Lyme Disease

Sometimes I wish that I had a licensed dietitian or nutritionist in my house to prepare all of my meals. Diet is perhaps the most important part of the Lyme disease solution. Lucky for me, my Lyme literate doctor knew a lot about the importance of food for treating Lyme disease.  First of all, my doctor said to cut out all sugar.  No cokes, diet cokes, sweet tea, candy, sugar sweetened cough drops, cookies, cakes, pancakes, donuts, pastries, puddings, and treats.  Nothing white, (as in starches) is allowed because starches convert to sugar in the gut and bloodstream.  This means that a person fighting Lyme shouldn't eat bread, noodles, pasta, rice, potatoes, dumplings, or anything made from flour.  I later realized that bananas are high in carbohydrates and sugars. I thought that I was eating healthy by making banana smoothies.  No wonder that I did not loose any weight on this strict diet and I continued to experience inflammation in my joints.  I now make the smoothies with organic yogurt, coconut milk, and fresh or frozen fruit.  Some doctors say to eliminate all dairy products as well.  I switched to coconut milk.  My doctor said that eating yogurt is a must, even though it is dairy, because it contains good bacteria and protein that will help to prevent a yeast infection caused by taking antibiotics. Try to use the organic kind that is unflavored and add your own fruit. Some people think that a candida infection can actually be responsible for a large part of the joint pain and swelling, so eliminating that can be half the battle.  My doctor also recommended drinking something called kefir, which is like a liquid yogurt.   You can buy unflavored or flavored at most grocery stores, including Walmart and Kroger in my area.

Add to this, lots of fruits and vegetables to round out your diet.  Buy organic when possible, because pesticides will only prevent your recovery. Eat at least one leafy green salad a day.  The chlorophyll in the greens will help flush away toxins released by the bacteria as they die off and provide necessary fiber, minerals,  and vitamins.  I always feel better after eating a salad, and I do love salad, so this part of the diet was easy.

For protein, chicken breast, turkey meat, beans, fish, and nuts are allowed.  Avoid red meats, if possible.

Omega 3 oils are important for maintaining neurological functions and lowering inflammation in your body.  Eating a handful of walnuts as a snack, or sprinkling them on salads, cereal, or in yogurt is a tasty way to sneak some into your diet.  They can be expensive, so I make a special trip to Aldi's where I get a pound for around $6.99 a pound.  Wild caught salmon is also a good source of omega 3 oils.

Maintaining a gluten and wheat-free diet can be difficult, especially around holidays.  More stores are carrying gluten free products.  Gluten- free products can be expensive, but I have found lots of mixes for breads, muffins, pancakes, and other products at Aldi's, if you have one in your area.  I don't shop there often, but it can be worth a special trip there once a month or so to pick up a few of these items. They don't take credit cards, only cash.  You have to bring your own reusable grocery bags, so plan ahead.

I also took a tablespoon of Barleen's flavored fish oil every day to help lower inflammation in my body.  This helped, little by little, to reduce swelling in my legs and feet and reduce pain in my joints. They make lemon and Key lime pie flavor. (my favorite)  Again, this is expensive, but well worth it. The Vitamin Shoppe sometimes has this on sale, but I have seen it other places.  It must be kept in the refrigerator.

Organic coconut oil is also something that can help lower inflammation and contains monolaurin, which is a natural antibiotic.  A tablespoon a day can be added to smoothies, yogurt, or stirred into coffee.  It can also be used in cooking, along with olive oil.  These two oils contain the good kinds of fats that we actually need in our diet.

While we are on the subject of fats, nutritionists have decided that it is better to consume real butter than margarine.  I have made the switch, even though it is dairy.  I use butter for cooking some things.  I also like the butter-like spreads that are made from olive oil.

Drink lots of pure water.  Tea, coffee, and juices are allowed, as long as they do not contain sugar. Alcohol is prohibited because it converts to sugar in your blood stream.

If you live with other people, this can be a difficult diet to stick with on a daily basis.  When dining out, order a salad with no croutons, or the vegetable plate and water with a lemon wedge.  Just explain to people who question that you are on a special diet for Lyme.  They will understand.

Just remember that this Lyme disease is only temporary, even though it may take a few years to resolve.  Be positive, and build some healthier eating habits along the way that you can pass on to your spouse or children.  You will get better by making some small adjustments.

Here is a recipe that is perfect for combating Lyme disease from Take Back Your Health.  Pair this with a leafy green salad:

http://clubtbyh.com/2015/12/14/rosemary-white-bean-soup/


A beverage to fight Lyme disease and boost immunity:
http://healthycures.org/how-to-make-cinnamon-coconut-water-kefir

Lavender lemonade from one of my favorite web sites, Real Farmcacy.  They have tips on nutrition and articles on Lyme disease:
http://www.realfarmacy.com/make-lavender-lemonade-get-rid-headaches-anxiety/

Here is an article about 10 foods that should be included in your diet:
http://newhealthremedies.org/10-foods-you-should-be-eating-if-youre-battling-lyme-disease/

Babesia

If you think that you have Babesia, check out this symptom list:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153684301854534&set=gm.1123853670958951&type=3&theater

Co-infections make Lyme disease difficult to treat.  You won't feel better, if the co-infections are not treated. Share this symptom list with your doctor.It is possible to have contracted Babesia, and not have Lyme disease.  This is an infection that is similar to malaria. If your symptoms match the chart above, consult your doctor for testing for Babesia.

If You Lack Prescription Insurance, What Can You Do? There is hope!

I read the article below, which describes a way to make your own penicillin.  At the very least, it would be an interesting science experiment.  For someone who does not have access to a clinic or sympathetic doctor, it could be a life saver.

http://www.realfarmacy.com/homemade-penicillin/

Eleven Natural Antibiotics:
I agree with everything on this poster, except colloidal
silver.  It can have some serious and irreversible
side-effects so I would never use that.


The link below offers a way to relieve pain without medicine.  You can use your body's own pressure points and a clothes pin to help with the discomfort associated with Lyme disease.  I haven't tried this technique myself, but as soon as I can get a clothes pin, I will see if it works for some sinus issues.

http://www.littlethings.com/clothespin-ear-reflexology/?utm_source=innohm&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=lifehacks

The effectiveness of Banderol and Samento purportedly out perform doxycycline during in vitro studies:

http://www.townsendletter.com/July2010/sapi0710.html

Herbals, supplements, and other ideas for curing Lyme disease:
http://topthings2know.com/natural-strategies-to-cure-lyme-disease/

This might be worth a try.

http://healthycures.org/honey-ginger-kill-superbugs-better-pharmaceutical-meds/

Other herbal remedies:
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/black-seed-remedy-everything-death

Folk remedies and natural antibiotics:
http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/12-natural-antibiotics-that-our-ancestors-used-instead-of-pills.html

Natural pain relief without pills:
http://www.viralalternativenews.com/2015/12/press-these-points-on-your-palm-to.html

Remember the old joke, "Pull my finger, and see what happens."  LOL I made you laugh! Well, apparently, pressing on different parts of your fingers can actually relieve pain and get you smiling again, at least temporarily.  For more information, read the link below:
http://healthycures.org/press-a-finger-and-your-back-pain-is-gone-see-what-happens-when-
you-press-your-other-fingers/


One of my favorite sources of herbal medicines and supplements is Swanson Health Care Products. They carry a wide range of herbals, oils, and supplements at reasonable prices.  Sign up for their mailing list for coupons and discounts.  They often include coupons in your order box for the next time.  I don't get paid for an endorsement here, but I am just trying to help others who cannot afford medication or do not have access to health coverage.  I am not giving medical advice and I am not a medical professional.  Do your research and watch out for drug interactions with herbals.  Please consult your licensed professional for medical advice.

I had trouble taking so many pills and supplements.  My stomach became very upset because I was taking up to 40 pills and supplements a day.  I mentioned this to my doctor and she said that I could cut back.  I cut back my vitamin D, supplements, and iodine to once or twice a week, and cut some others to every other day.  This really helped with the stomach pain and burning caused by taking too many pills at once.

There is something else that you can do to treat your Lyme disease that is free.  Try to get plenty of sleep.  I know that this can be difficult with Lyme disease.  Sometimes, the pain is so great, that you cannot rest at night.  And the pain is often worse at night.  Sleep whenever and where ever you can.  Take naps.  It all counts.  Sleep is one of the way our bodies repair and heal.

Good luck to you and your family in this journey of Lyme disease.  I am living proof that one can get better.  I consider this to be a miracle.  God bless my caring Lyme physician and her Physician's Assistant.  Without those two wonderful, compassionate women, I do not think that I would be here!

Bartonella

Why are so many Lyme patients not improving, even with antibiotics?  I have wondered this many times.  After reading countless blogs, articles, and chat rooms, I have come to the conclusion that it is because we have more than one infection attacking us.  The immune system becomes overwhelmed and basically shuts down.

When my doctor explained to me that I probably had 2 co-infections in addition to Lyme, I went into immediate denial.  I just could not accept it.  It made me seem like a hypochondriac to have three diseases at once.  I told no one at first.

After reading about co-infections of Bartonella and Babesia, which I'd never heard of, my symptoms started to make sense.  There were too many matching symptoms for it not to be true.  I finally accepted my diagnosis and decided that the only way to get better was to take a three-pronged approach at a cure.

http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?B1=FBLLIBART&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=facebook_lyme_article&libid=%2022342

After reading the article below, I realized that I did have co-infections.  Hope this link helps someone else:

http://vitalplan.com/blog/understanding-bartonella

Congestion With Lyme Disease

During my latest treatment, I have had an ear ache, swollen lymph nodes behind my ear, congestion, and sore throat.  Is this a new manifestation of Lyme, Bartonella, or Babesia?  I have no way of knowing the answer to that question, but I found a way to help the congestion and coughing through an old folk remedy:\

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2013/12/02/vicks-on-the-soles-of-your-feet-is-better-than-diamonds-on-the-soles-of-your-shoes/

I have also read about putting raw onions in your socks over night to get relief from infections.  I asked a friend who is a bio-medical chemist, why this might work.  He said that it most likely is because the onions contain sulfur, which could be absorbed through your feet.

I am intrigued by folk remedies that seem to work as well as prescription medicine.  Most cost very little and are usually cures that someone might already have around the house.  I am sure that there are other folk remedies that Lyme patients could recommend.