Well, obviously, I am getting a little busier these days, as my posts are a little slower to come. ;)
I have had so much to think about! The appointments with the genetic specialist were really amazing! First of all, they were very straight forward. We went down the list of genetic issues and he went over our health history (which is something he wanted in my own words). He took the combined information and asked some more questions, and went over everything, "prescribing" the special supplements for what he felt would help. This was extremely helpful. All supplements are natural and are formulated to be easily broken down by the body. And really, they were kind of custom to the person. He explained how each genetic issue affected another....that MTHFR may not be the worst for me, but it affects all of the other genes, and every system in the body! He addressed problems with the boys such as A.D.D., sensory integration issues, temperament, and more. That part was something that I hadn't dared to hope for help with, though I am not sure why....MTHFR1298 is known for causing more mental issues than the 677. With the younger boys, having one copy of each, he said that they had the worst possible combination you can have...but that there was hope for them. And considering that these genetic issues affect a person's ability to detox-both regular toxins and used up hormones- it is important for someone with Lyme.
So we are to get lots of supplements for all, and it will be very expensive. There is not much getting around it, however. (Inconvenient, as Jerry's local work ended; I just am not ready for him to pick up work far out of town.) These mutations also make it more likely for my kids and I to get cancer, etc. But just having help for all of the sensory issues, etc. would make life easier! So on one hand, I will be spending lots of time each day getting supplements down people; on the other hand, I should have more energy to do so, and spend less on getting kids through homework, for instance! It just seems like it will be a different way of thinking altogether, health-wise, and I am still trying to wrap my brain around it all. Oh...also, we all have the Warrior gene....great!
So as far as genetic issues go, I strongly recommend doing the 23andme test. (You don't have to agree to have your results used for a study and all of that.) Then I advice taking your results to Dr. Youngberg (the specialist). He charges $150 an hour, and is worth every penny! Oh...the beauty of it all is that he does phone consults, so you don't have to go anywhere. :)
http://dryoungberg.com/
1. 23andme....$100
2. Genetic Genie (run your results through it)....$10
3. Dr. Youngberg (take results to him)....$150
4. Order supplements
Dr. Youngberg did order up some blood work for the kids and I (for me, hormone tests; for them, how much they are in need of the methylation help right now, before starting them on the MTHFR/methylation supplements).
Otherwise, things are going along smoothly. When Dr. Youngberg asked how the current supplements were helping, I realized that I hadn't been sick since I started them! Usually, I get every single thing that comes along. I finally got a cold over Thanksgiving, but otherwise...pretty amazing! Energy-wise I am way better, though I am not sure if this is 100% due to the supplements, or my Rife treatments, which I continue to do every week faithfully.
I drive myself to all local appointments, do lots of dishes, laundry, most of the cooking (though Jerry will likely pick that back up, now that he is home)....I even get the kids from school about once a week, sometimes more. It tires me out to do it, but I manage. Sometimes I can still get dinner on at a reasonable hour, too. (At first, it seemed that I would be so wiped out afterward that I couldn't get dinner together.) It's all still a struggle, plus helping with homework, etc....but there is obvious progress there. I even ran a couple of little errands yesterday, and did 2 appointments in a day. I don't seem to need as much sleep, either. :)
Other care: massage was so helpful, I think, for detox, but I won't be able to keep it up. I am definitely going to keep up on chiropractic, as I still do lots of sitting breaks, and I think it's so important to keep that energy flowing through the spine! Now I just need to order the remaining supplements and begin them.
I have work to do, so I won't make this much longer, but here are some samples of what Dr. Youngberg put me on:
-Inflammacore...a shake to help with leaky gut and inflammation. He said that, given my symptoms plus skin trouble (eczema and acne), he thought that this was an issue. I am to be on this for 3 months. It contains nice things like turmeric, as well.
-Neuro-immune Stabilizer Cream
-Ortho-omega fish oils, which he placed at the top of the list for helping all
-Of course, the special supplement for MTHFR....Cerefolin (there are other kinds available)
-Bio-D-Mulsion Forte because my Vitamin D receptors aren't functioning properly (incidentally, he said that because of this, my D numbers have to be between 80-100...higher than other folks)
Also, going over a note from a friend who is a chiropractor....he suggested Diatomaceous Earth for detox...it's about $10 on Amazon. :) I may try that in the future, as well, if still needed. I wonder if my whole life will change with the methylation help...I am so used to having to worry about detox!
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
10/29/14
Well, it's been a couple of months since I have written here....time for an update.
I went to get the colon hydrotherapy done, and I must say that it wasn't bad at all. There was no pain, which I was surprised at. A bit awkward, but I came to the conclusion that the people in that line of work do it because they love to help people....and they are very used to it. I will say that I had more energy in the following week. So I would say that it was helpful.
Wow, seeing the doctor for MTHFR was so helpful! She knew so much about it all. It turns out that my biggest problem wasn't MTHFR, though it was certainly an issue. I had a couple of genetic issues that were much bigger....for instance, I can't absorb vitamin D very well. (My numbers were certainly low.) She advised me to take Bio-D-Mulsion Forte, which is broken down for easy absorption. It comes in drop form, and is available on Amazon. She also put me on Cerefolin for the MTHFR; again, a food based, broken-down-for-you supplement (available by prescription). This one cost about $170 for a 3 months supply. I have to say, after taking them for a couple of weeks, I was glad to notice a change in my energy levels and alertness. I don't really mean my physical energy; rather my mental energy. I sure don't have to work as hard at being cheerful. For someone that has OCD and ADD that have likely been caused by the MTHFR, that's a big thing! While these things have been helpful, the doctor actually referred me to another specialist, whom she said could do so much more for me. She said that this doctor really has studied genetic issues, and can go down my 23andme results and let me know just what I need to strengthen and help the weak areas. Very interesting! I still need to make that appointment...just one thing at a time for me!
In the meantime, I missed 3 weeks of rife (things got busy, and my husband was out of town, etc.)...so when I did another treatment, whew! Definitely not done with rife treatments.
Physically, I am able to do a lot more.....more dishes, dinner most nights, laundry, homework with kids, etc. Since Jerry works lots of hours, I hired some help to come in and clean a few hours a week. This has been really helpful. I think that the really big thing as I get stronger is to remember to still take care of me....to not get too busy for treatments, etc. (Having someone come in and help works to help facilitate this.) It's hard, when you are borderline feeling good, to schedule a sick/herx day, but it's important to make it happen. Also, on a daily basis, it's not like I am 100%. I am not able to go to the store, pick up/drop off kids every day, etc. I still need lots of rest times. So putting my care first is really important.
I was able to go to a special church service a couple of hours away, which was a big deal, as it was an all day thing. Last year, I was far too weak and had to stay behind. Also, I am impressed with how well I have bounced back afterward.
One big thing that changed for me recently is that my alternative doctor moved away. Now there is no one closer than 1 1/2-2 hours away to get supplements tested by, etc....so I am going to be winging it a little bit there.
I started up a bit of massage therapy, as I got carpal tunnel from too much knitting. She helped immensely, and it just felt like a really healthy thing to do. Since I can't get the extra support from the alternative doctor, I am going to do the massage therapy to see if it helps me overall. I feel fortunate that I can afford to do this, and I know that not all can. I also think that keeping the spine (and thus the nerves, etc.) straight through chiropractic is really helpful. If energy gets blocked up by a messed up spine, I think that that hinders healing. I know that my energy sure is helped by it!
My carpal hands are getting tired, but I wanted to share some other information for consideration. I got the kids tested for the MTHFR, and got the results back for 2 kids. The 2 younger ones had the MTHFR 1298....and 677! That was a big shocker, and of course means that my husband has the 677 (the worst of the 2). So as soon as I see the second specialist, I have to get them started, as well. It feels really overwhelming, but I do feel thankful that I know where to start....especially since I saw some contradictory instructions. The supplement I take for my 1298 isn't allowed for the 677. There were some other double positive genetic things for them, as well (that weren't MTHFR). A lot to think of. But I have to say...this is a very good reason not to just get a simple blood test for MTHFR. There can be bigger issues there, as there were with me. 23andme is the way to go, combined with Genetic Genie and someone who knows how to read the results!
One final thing...Jerry got the results back for his Igenix Lyme test...it was 40, which is equivocal.....and which they said was negative. However, mine was 40, and labeled positive! This seems a little odd to me. We both wondered how you can have all of the symptoms, and have antibodies built up for Lyme, but be negative. So you have it but you don't....Since Jerry has had so many symptoms, and his number matches my number (even though he wasn't as sick as me), we both feel like it should be called a positive. Jerry isn't sick like he was before he did the rife treatments, and he is able to work. Yes, he has tired days. But we agreed that when work slows down, maybe he can do more treatment for it....whether it's rife or herbal supplements, etc.
I went to get the colon hydrotherapy done, and I must say that it wasn't bad at all. There was no pain, which I was surprised at. A bit awkward, but I came to the conclusion that the people in that line of work do it because they love to help people....and they are very used to it. I will say that I had more energy in the following week. So I would say that it was helpful.
Wow, seeing the doctor for MTHFR was so helpful! She knew so much about it all. It turns out that my biggest problem wasn't MTHFR, though it was certainly an issue. I had a couple of genetic issues that were much bigger....for instance, I can't absorb vitamin D very well. (My numbers were certainly low.) She advised me to take Bio-D-Mulsion Forte, which is broken down for easy absorption. It comes in drop form, and is available on Amazon. She also put me on Cerefolin for the MTHFR; again, a food based, broken-down-for-you supplement (available by prescription). This one cost about $170 for a 3 months supply. I have to say, after taking them for a couple of weeks, I was glad to notice a change in my energy levels and alertness. I don't really mean my physical energy; rather my mental energy. I sure don't have to work as hard at being cheerful. For someone that has OCD and ADD that have likely been caused by the MTHFR, that's a big thing! While these things have been helpful, the doctor actually referred me to another specialist, whom she said could do so much more for me. She said that this doctor really has studied genetic issues, and can go down my 23andme results and let me know just what I need to strengthen and help the weak areas. Very interesting! I still need to make that appointment...just one thing at a time for me!
In the meantime, I missed 3 weeks of rife (things got busy, and my husband was out of town, etc.)...so when I did another treatment, whew! Definitely not done with rife treatments.
Physically, I am able to do a lot more.....more dishes, dinner most nights, laundry, homework with kids, etc. Since Jerry works lots of hours, I hired some help to come in and clean a few hours a week. This has been really helpful. I think that the really big thing as I get stronger is to remember to still take care of me....to not get too busy for treatments, etc. (Having someone come in and help works to help facilitate this.) It's hard, when you are borderline feeling good, to schedule a sick/herx day, but it's important to make it happen. Also, on a daily basis, it's not like I am 100%. I am not able to go to the store, pick up/drop off kids every day, etc. I still need lots of rest times. So putting my care first is really important.
I was able to go to a special church service a couple of hours away, which was a big deal, as it was an all day thing. Last year, I was far too weak and had to stay behind. Also, I am impressed with how well I have bounced back afterward.
One big thing that changed for me recently is that my alternative doctor moved away. Now there is no one closer than 1 1/2-2 hours away to get supplements tested by, etc....so I am going to be winging it a little bit there.
I started up a bit of massage therapy, as I got carpal tunnel from too much knitting. She helped immensely, and it just felt like a really healthy thing to do. Since I can't get the extra support from the alternative doctor, I am going to do the massage therapy to see if it helps me overall. I feel fortunate that I can afford to do this, and I know that not all can. I also think that keeping the spine (and thus the nerves, etc.) straight through chiropractic is really helpful. If energy gets blocked up by a messed up spine, I think that that hinders healing. I know that my energy sure is helped by it!
My carpal hands are getting tired, but I wanted to share some other information for consideration. I got the kids tested for the MTHFR, and got the results back for 2 kids. The 2 younger ones had the MTHFR 1298....and 677! That was a big shocker, and of course means that my husband has the 677 (the worst of the 2). So as soon as I see the second specialist, I have to get them started, as well. It feels really overwhelming, but I do feel thankful that I know where to start....especially since I saw some contradictory instructions. The supplement I take for my 1298 isn't allowed for the 677. There were some other double positive genetic things for them, as well (that weren't MTHFR). A lot to think of. But I have to say...this is a very good reason not to just get a simple blood test for MTHFR. There can be bigger issues there, as there were with me. 23andme is the way to go, combined with Genetic Genie and someone who knows how to read the results!
One final thing...Jerry got the results back for his Igenix Lyme test...it was 40, which is equivocal.....and which they said was negative. However, mine was 40, and labeled positive! This seems a little odd to me. We both wondered how you can have all of the symptoms, and have antibodies built up for Lyme, but be negative. So you have it but you don't....Since Jerry has had so many symptoms, and his number matches my number (even though he wasn't as sick as me), we both feel like it should be called a positive. Jerry isn't sick like he was before he did the rife treatments, and he is able to work. Yes, he has tired days. But we agreed that when work slows down, maybe he can do more treatment for it....whether it's rife or herbal supplements, etc.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
8/21/14
Well, I am continuing in my dance of 2 steps forward, 1 step back....but getting there!
I have had both some exciting landmarks and some setbacks. Some of the landmarks are driving more; being able to go out for midweek church in the evening; going to my niece's wedding, 2 states away...and surviving (I didn't drive); having 3 very busy days in a row (traveling 12 hours, a potluck day, visiting out and about), and still being able to walk the next day! Setbacks were getting some kind of microbial infection and feeling low energy, in general.
I hadn't been to my alternative doc in a while, and realized (again) how important it is to keep current. He discovered the microbial infection, and I was able to do rife for it. I can tell it's going to make a huge difference, though I am still recovering (I just did rife last night).
Other things....My husband started work again! This is really big, as I am not ready, and we weren't sure that he would be able for it. He is still waiting on his final test from Igenix to come back, to see if he is positive for Lyme (though the alternative doc already muscle tested that he was positive). He was able to find work locally (which is extremely rare), and so far has managed the 60 hour weeks! He was so ready to be working. It was hard on him to stay at home! So he is happy, no matter how tired he is. As for me, I have overdone it, to be sure...but now the kids are back in school, and my mother-in-law has been helping to pick them up, take them to appointments, etc. I have had to pick them up, as well, but she has been a huge help. Jerry gets groceries after work, and I cook some meals. Jerry's mom brings some. So far, we are surviving! I will need to hire someone to come in and help clean. I still stay busy enough with kiddo's homework when they come home, laundry, etc. It is so helpful to be able to rest when I need to, during the day, though (even though I miss the kids)!
Treatments have been a little trickier, but I am still managing to do rife about 1x a week (though it had been 3 weeks, by the time I had come back from my trip!).
I am truly looking forward to seeing the specialist for MTHFR, at the end of Sept. It can't come soon enough!
I have looked at some other alternatives, in the meantime. I went to see my family, and they had all heard of this and that that cured Lyme....First, there was a cold laser treatment, which a doctor up in WA claimed could cure Lyme in 3 visits. My friend went to him, and he "diagnosed" her with Lyme, using this muscle testing method. After a few treatments, he declared the bugs gone. I was quite perplexed by this...for one thing, she had no herx, whatsoever. I would think that, no matter the method of killing the bugs, there would have to be herx. So that was a little confusing. Since she had just recently recovered from thyroid cancer, it was hard for her to tell if it helped, energy-wise. I asked folks in my Lyme group, on Facebook, if they had had any help or results. The general consensus was that it could help, but not kill it in 3 visits. Some questioned whether it alone could cure Lyme. Naturally, I hope the best for my friend! And yes, if there was a treatment that could cure all in a few visits, why not? But I wondered if perhaps the bugs that were not in cyst form were killed? Could it be that his version of muscle testing only find spirochetes? For myself, I concluded that this treatment may be too good to be true. The non-herx is big, and it just seems that, in my experience, it's just got to take some time for things to get killed. That's just me!
My sister recommended colon hydrotherapy, with ozone treatment. She said that she felt alive and wonderful after treatment; that her skin cleared up; it killed 2 parasites; her headaches went away, and more! I don't think it could kill all Lyme, but have concluded that it may be a good idea to clean out toxins in the gut, etc. so that my body can work more efficiently. (I haven't yet made an appointment, or found anyone near that does the ozone part of things.) These sorts of things could be helpful, I think, and I think that with Lyme, we need all of the boosts we can get!
I will let this be all for now. I have some work to do!
I have had both some exciting landmarks and some setbacks. Some of the landmarks are driving more; being able to go out for midweek church in the evening; going to my niece's wedding, 2 states away...and surviving (I didn't drive); having 3 very busy days in a row (traveling 12 hours, a potluck day, visiting out and about), and still being able to walk the next day! Setbacks were getting some kind of microbial infection and feeling low energy, in general.
I hadn't been to my alternative doc in a while, and realized (again) how important it is to keep current. He discovered the microbial infection, and I was able to do rife for it. I can tell it's going to make a huge difference, though I am still recovering (I just did rife last night).
Other things....My husband started work again! This is really big, as I am not ready, and we weren't sure that he would be able for it. He is still waiting on his final test from Igenix to come back, to see if he is positive for Lyme (though the alternative doc already muscle tested that he was positive). He was able to find work locally (which is extremely rare), and so far has managed the 60 hour weeks! He was so ready to be working. It was hard on him to stay at home! So he is happy, no matter how tired he is. As for me, I have overdone it, to be sure...but now the kids are back in school, and my mother-in-law has been helping to pick them up, take them to appointments, etc. I have had to pick them up, as well, but she has been a huge help. Jerry gets groceries after work, and I cook some meals. Jerry's mom brings some. So far, we are surviving! I will need to hire someone to come in and help clean. I still stay busy enough with kiddo's homework when they come home, laundry, etc. It is so helpful to be able to rest when I need to, during the day, though (even though I miss the kids)!
Treatments have been a little trickier, but I am still managing to do rife about 1x a week (though it had been 3 weeks, by the time I had come back from my trip!).
I am truly looking forward to seeing the specialist for MTHFR, at the end of Sept. It can't come soon enough!
I have looked at some other alternatives, in the meantime. I went to see my family, and they had all heard of this and that that cured Lyme....First, there was a cold laser treatment, which a doctor up in WA claimed could cure Lyme in 3 visits. My friend went to him, and he "diagnosed" her with Lyme, using this muscle testing method. After a few treatments, he declared the bugs gone. I was quite perplexed by this...for one thing, she had no herx, whatsoever. I would think that, no matter the method of killing the bugs, there would have to be herx. So that was a little confusing. Since she had just recently recovered from thyroid cancer, it was hard for her to tell if it helped, energy-wise. I asked folks in my Lyme group, on Facebook, if they had had any help or results. The general consensus was that it could help, but not kill it in 3 visits. Some questioned whether it alone could cure Lyme. Naturally, I hope the best for my friend! And yes, if there was a treatment that could cure all in a few visits, why not? But I wondered if perhaps the bugs that were not in cyst form were killed? Could it be that his version of muscle testing only find spirochetes? For myself, I concluded that this treatment may be too good to be true. The non-herx is big, and it just seems that, in my experience, it's just got to take some time for things to get killed. That's just me!
My sister recommended colon hydrotherapy, with ozone treatment. She said that she felt alive and wonderful after treatment; that her skin cleared up; it killed 2 parasites; her headaches went away, and more! I don't think it could kill all Lyme, but have concluded that it may be a good idea to clean out toxins in the gut, etc. so that my body can work more efficiently. (I haven't yet made an appointment, or found anyone near that does the ozone part of things.) These sorts of things could be helpful, I think, and I think that with Lyme, we need all of the boosts we can get!
I will let this be all for now. I have some work to do!
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
July 2014
My, it's been a little while since I have posted an update!
I have been very busy with little boys, now that they are out of school for the summer. In fact, I am not spending as much time doing chores as I am directing them and nagging them to do them! Taking care of kiddos all day (with the predictable fighting and boredom that happens in summer) certainly take lots of energy! (I do enjoy having them around. :) ) Still, I do laundry and a bit of dishes, as well as some cooking. The days when I do a lot extra, I most certainly over do it, and end up too tired the next day. Interestingly, when over-tired, it seems like I am mostly fine if I get more sleep. A good nap does wonders!
Another land mark: I went to the river with my family. There is a little hike to get in and out (not much, but a lot for me!). I was thrilled to be able to get to such a beautiful spot, thanks to that trusty cane. Hiking out, I had to rest a time or two, but it was uphill with sand and rocks to traverse. The next day, I was very sore.....but then, by the afternoon, I was pretty well recovered! I also have enjoyed just getting outside more, in general. On good days (and when I am not too busy working), I get out there a few times. I am so glad to be able to do that!
So, in general, I am stronger....but I get pretty tired, as I am doing more. I seem to be up for more, in a sense that I can go to a church potluck, and enjoy visiting lots, and often do so without a nap later. I am also not as stiff and sore on Mondays, and the other days when I have outings. It used to be that I would need a whole day to recover, the following day. Now, I can even do a bit of work the same day!
As for Rife, I continue to do it once a week, with the detox setting. One day, I really hit on a good one! It was custom program 27 on my BCX Ultra, and it had me herxing well for a few days. The others I have done aren't so severe. I keep repeating the same settings until I test that they are no longer needed. (One took 4 sessions to clear up; the custom program took only 1 session.) This is not an overnight fix, to be sure, but progress is good!
I have noticed, again, just how important the support supplements are! I hadn't gone to my alternative doctor for about a month, and was feeling really puny by the time I got it together to go. For the first time, Lyme wasn't the priority in my system....something else was. When I got my supplements updated, I sure noticed a difference in my energy again! I think that if a body has to fight off Lyme, it needs all of the support it can get....especially when you consider all of the systems that it affects.
Very interesting news: I tested positive for MTHFR...but only one copy of the 1298. Some have said that this shouldn't be that big of a deal, but something just isn't right for me to have so many sicknesses. It was pretty scary to read what it can affect! My M.D. that I am now seeing admitted to not knowing much about it, and when we looked together at the blood test results, we saw the recommendation for supplementation...so she prescribed Nephro-Vite for me. As it turns out, it was a terrible mistake to take this! I ended up feeling extremely drugged the next day, and sick. I couldn't focus, had trouble walking, and on and on. Doing 2 long sessions of detox with Rife, I eventually started to improve, but I honestly feel like it's taken me a few days to clear it out of my system and feel somewhat normal again!
I then read about how those particular vitamins, etc. were recommended for the other form of MTHFR, the 677. What a big difference the right (or wrong) supplements can make! I will not be so careless again, thinking, "What harm can some vitamins do?" From what I understand (going by what I have read, and from what others in Lyme groups have shared with me), I had completely the wrong supplements that made my body work harder than ever.....but that it's also possible that they opened up some detox pathways, and I detoxed a bunch at once. It's all a little overwhelming to read about, to be sure! I was very excited, however, to find that there are specialists for MTHFR, and a friend of mine is going to one, fairly nearby. She said that she has had life-changing results! I won't even tell you the supplements she is taking, as I don't want anyone to think it's a blanket cure. I think (given my experience) that it must be important to get careful and specific help for each person.
I have also ordered a test kit from 23andme, to test other possible genetic weaknesses. This kit runs about $100, and you simply spit into a vial and send it to the company. They give raw data about your genetics, which you can then run through a couple of companies online (for about $20) to read the results. I was talking with a lady who found that she had the same copy of MTHFR gene as I did, but that a bigger issue for her was another gene that affects detoxing. Given that there can be different genetic issues that can affect how we recover from Lyme (detox is huge for Lyme, for instance), I think it wise to find out this information. Then, perhaps, the right supplementation can help me get a faster recovery!
https://www.23andme.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=bing_search_brand_usa&utm_content=23c_Search_Paid_Brand&cvosrc=ppc.bing.23andme&keyword=23andme&matchtype=e&creative=3027890123&orderitemid=12032635790
You may ask why my alternative doctor never picked up on this: He just tests the body and organs in general. I suppose he could test me all day and finally figure it out. But he goes by priority for the body (the heart, etc.). However, I could take supplements to him to test. Perhaps he doesn't have all of these supplements there. I just know that he does help, and I wouldn't do without the supplements he provides! And when you are sick for a long time, you do whatever you can to help! These are just the protocols that are helping me.:)
I have been very busy with little boys, now that they are out of school for the summer. In fact, I am not spending as much time doing chores as I am directing them and nagging them to do them! Taking care of kiddos all day (with the predictable fighting and boredom that happens in summer) certainly take lots of energy! (I do enjoy having them around. :) ) Still, I do laundry and a bit of dishes, as well as some cooking. The days when I do a lot extra, I most certainly over do it, and end up too tired the next day. Interestingly, when over-tired, it seems like I am mostly fine if I get more sleep. A good nap does wonders!
Another land mark: I went to the river with my family. There is a little hike to get in and out (not much, but a lot for me!). I was thrilled to be able to get to such a beautiful spot, thanks to that trusty cane. Hiking out, I had to rest a time or two, but it was uphill with sand and rocks to traverse. The next day, I was very sore.....but then, by the afternoon, I was pretty well recovered! I also have enjoyed just getting outside more, in general. On good days (and when I am not too busy working), I get out there a few times. I am so glad to be able to do that!
So, in general, I am stronger....but I get pretty tired, as I am doing more. I seem to be up for more, in a sense that I can go to a church potluck, and enjoy visiting lots, and often do so without a nap later. I am also not as stiff and sore on Mondays, and the other days when I have outings. It used to be that I would need a whole day to recover, the following day. Now, I can even do a bit of work the same day!
As for Rife, I continue to do it once a week, with the detox setting. One day, I really hit on a good one! It was custom program 27 on my BCX Ultra, and it had me herxing well for a few days. The others I have done aren't so severe. I keep repeating the same settings until I test that they are no longer needed. (One took 4 sessions to clear up; the custom program took only 1 session.) This is not an overnight fix, to be sure, but progress is good!
I have noticed, again, just how important the support supplements are! I hadn't gone to my alternative doctor for about a month, and was feeling really puny by the time I got it together to go. For the first time, Lyme wasn't the priority in my system....something else was. When I got my supplements updated, I sure noticed a difference in my energy again! I think that if a body has to fight off Lyme, it needs all of the support it can get....especially when you consider all of the systems that it affects.
Very interesting news: I tested positive for MTHFR...but only one copy of the 1298. Some have said that this shouldn't be that big of a deal, but something just isn't right for me to have so many sicknesses. It was pretty scary to read what it can affect! My M.D. that I am now seeing admitted to not knowing much about it, and when we looked together at the blood test results, we saw the recommendation for supplementation...so she prescribed Nephro-Vite for me. As it turns out, it was a terrible mistake to take this! I ended up feeling extremely drugged the next day, and sick. I couldn't focus, had trouble walking, and on and on. Doing 2 long sessions of detox with Rife, I eventually started to improve, but I honestly feel like it's taken me a few days to clear it out of my system and feel somewhat normal again!
I then read about how those particular vitamins, etc. were recommended for the other form of MTHFR, the 677. What a big difference the right (or wrong) supplements can make! I will not be so careless again, thinking, "What harm can some vitamins do?" From what I understand (going by what I have read, and from what others in Lyme groups have shared with me), I had completely the wrong supplements that made my body work harder than ever.....but that it's also possible that they opened up some detox pathways, and I detoxed a bunch at once. It's all a little overwhelming to read about, to be sure! I was very excited, however, to find that there are specialists for MTHFR, and a friend of mine is going to one, fairly nearby. She said that she has had life-changing results! I won't even tell you the supplements she is taking, as I don't want anyone to think it's a blanket cure. I think (given my experience) that it must be important to get careful and specific help for each person.
I have also ordered a test kit from 23andme, to test other possible genetic weaknesses. This kit runs about $100, and you simply spit into a vial and send it to the company. They give raw data about your genetics, which you can then run through a couple of companies online (for about $20) to read the results. I was talking with a lady who found that she had the same copy of MTHFR gene as I did, but that a bigger issue for her was another gene that affects detoxing. Given that there can be different genetic issues that can affect how we recover from Lyme (detox is huge for Lyme, for instance), I think it wise to find out this information. Then, perhaps, the right supplementation can help me get a faster recovery!
https://www.23andme.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=bing_search_brand_usa&utm_content=23c_Search_Paid_Brand&cvosrc=ppc.bing.23andme&keyword=23andme&matchtype=e&creative=3027890123&orderitemid=12032635790
You may ask why my alternative doctor never picked up on this: He just tests the body and organs in general. I suppose he could test me all day and finally figure it out. But he goes by priority for the body (the heart, etc.). However, I could take supplements to him to test. Perhaps he doesn't have all of these supplements there. I just know that he does help, and I wouldn't do without the supplements he provides! And when you are sick for a long time, you do whatever you can to help! These are just the protocols that are helping me.:)
Saturday, May 24, 2014
5/24/14
I haven't posted on here, in a bit, but have had lots of goings on...
First, I was able to make it to my church convention, and didn't do too bad at all! Using the wheelchair was definitely a smart move. It's normally lots of walking, and I would have slept through the important parts. I also used my cane a lot, and it is really helpful, when I am tired! One thing that I hadn't counted on....people kept looking at me with such sadness that I was very overwhelmed! However (as I didn't want pity; I have worked hard to get where I am!), I decided that it was a big Lyme-awareness campaign, and also, that those caring folks would be praying for me.:) I won't turn away prayers for my encouragement!
A couple of days after my return, I had an amazing day. It sort of surprised me after it was all done. I was able to watch the kids and have them work on homework; tend to the sick ones; I made 2 meals (plus an extra one for dinner); I did laundry all day, and folded it when it was done; I was even able to do dishes! I have also been strong enough to go outside more, which is something I am thrilled about! (I sure didn't want to miss out on all of Spring!) Not every day is like this, but I am sure thrilled to have one here and there. I really am getting stronger all of the time!
Also, my immune system is getting much stronger. I am so thrilled! I got a flu-ish sort of thing, when we returned, but I was the last to get it, amazingly. And I wasn't horribly stuffed up, like the boys. This is such a huge thing for me! I did Rife for the flu, which I must say is a bit tricky. There are so many frequencies! How do you know if it's a cold or flu or mycoplasma?? Even muscle testing which ones to do, there are so many that it can be overwhelming. I guess I hit on something helpful, to be sure, because it only lasted for that day. Now I am targeting the batch of little skin issues I have. I keep thinking of things I can use Rife for... I am going to take advantage of it as much as possible, as my immune system certainly has enough to fight off!
Speaking of Rife, I have had some interesting findings. The way I muscle test it is as follows:
First, I test for which frequencies are positive for my body. Then I go down my list and test for the priority for my body, using a scale of 1-10 (10 being the greatest priority). Then I do Rife for the greatest priority, of course. What I have been finding is interesting, though. Maybe the greatest priority would have been setting 118. So I would do this one, and the next time I would go to do Rife, I would test this again to see if it's one I need to do. It would be positive, but a low priority number, so I wouldn't do it. I would move on to the next priority. However, the following time I went to test, 118 would be a higher priority, say, an 8! This kept happening again and again, with different frequencies, and I began to see a pattern. In short, I believe that (obviously) it takes more than one session to really kill them. Further, the remaining bacteria in that frequency multiply very rapidly (as we know, already). So basically, since they weren't all killed off, they would go ahead and have a field day when they weren't being targeted! This last week, I did 2 Rife sessions for Lyme: both the same setting. I haven't yet tested to see if that group of bugs need to be zapped again, but it will be interesting to see!
I had some interesting news about frequencies this week! There are sites that provide updated frequencies! I got to wondering about it, as I flipped through my Rife manual, looking for a setting for the boys' cold, and couldn't find any settings that tested positive. I realized that it's probably very similar to a flu shot...they update them every year. There are always new bugs that come along. I was very happy to find this site, which has some more current info:
http://www.electroherbalism.com/Bioelectronics/FrequenciesandAnecdotes/CAFL.htm
The nice thing, too, is that with the BCX Ultra, you can program your own custom settings, so lists of frequencies don't have to be typed in each time.:)
I'll let this be all today....hopefully this all makes sense; little boys are running around being little boys!
First, I was able to make it to my church convention, and didn't do too bad at all! Using the wheelchair was definitely a smart move. It's normally lots of walking, and I would have slept through the important parts. I also used my cane a lot, and it is really helpful, when I am tired! One thing that I hadn't counted on....people kept looking at me with such sadness that I was very overwhelmed! However (as I didn't want pity; I have worked hard to get where I am!), I decided that it was a big Lyme-awareness campaign, and also, that those caring folks would be praying for me.:) I won't turn away prayers for my encouragement!
A couple of days after my return, I had an amazing day. It sort of surprised me after it was all done. I was able to watch the kids and have them work on homework; tend to the sick ones; I made 2 meals (plus an extra one for dinner); I did laundry all day, and folded it when it was done; I was even able to do dishes! I have also been strong enough to go outside more, which is something I am thrilled about! (I sure didn't want to miss out on all of Spring!) Not every day is like this, but I am sure thrilled to have one here and there. I really am getting stronger all of the time!
Also, my immune system is getting much stronger. I am so thrilled! I got a flu-ish sort of thing, when we returned, but I was the last to get it, amazingly. And I wasn't horribly stuffed up, like the boys. This is such a huge thing for me! I did Rife for the flu, which I must say is a bit tricky. There are so many frequencies! How do you know if it's a cold or flu or mycoplasma?? Even muscle testing which ones to do, there are so many that it can be overwhelming. I guess I hit on something helpful, to be sure, because it only lasted for that day. Now I am targeting the batch of little skin issues I have. I keep thinking of things I can use Rife for... I am going to take advantage of it as much as possible, as my immune system certainly has enough to fight off!
Speaking of Rife, I have had some interesting findings. The way I muscle test it is as follows:
First, I test for which frequencies are positive for my body. Then I go down my list and test for the priority for my body, using a scale of 1-10 (10 being the greatest priority). Then I do Rife for the greatest priority, of course. What I have been finding is interesting, though. Maybe the greatest priority would have been setting 118. So I would do this one, and the next time I would go to do Rife, I would test this again to see if it's one I need to do. It would be positive, but a low priority number, so I wouldn't do it. I would move on to the next priority. However, the following time I went to test, 118 would be a higher priority, say, an 8! This kept happening again and again, with different frequencies, and I began to see a pattern. In short, I believe that (obviously) it takes more than one session to really kill them. Further, the remaining bacteria in that frequency multiply very rapidly (as we know, already). So basically, since they weren't all killed off, they would go ahead and have a field day when they weren't being targeted! This last week, I did 2 Rife sessions for Lyme: both the same setting. I haven't yet tested to see if that group of bugs need to be zapped again, but it will be interesting to see!
I had some interesting news about frequencies this week! There are sites that provide updated frequencies! I got to wondering about it, as I flipped through my Rife manual, looking for a setting for the boys' cold, and couldn't find any settings that tested positive. I realized that it's probably very similar to a flu shot...they update them every year. There are always new bugs that come along. I was very happy to find this site, which has some more current info:
http://www.electroherbalism.com/Bioelectronics/FrequenciesandAnecdotes/CAFL.htm
The nice thing, too, is that with the BCX Ultra, you can program your own custom settings, so lists of frequencies don't have to be typed in each time.:)
I'll let this be all today....hopefully this all makes sense; little boys are running around being little boys!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Diagnosis
I had to share this info from a friend:
"Lyme 101: The standard Lyme titer (ELISA blood test) run my your doctors office is about 40% accurate. You are better off flipping a coin to determine if you have Lyme Disease rather than relying on this test.
Reason #1: It isn't actually checking for the bacteria in your blood but antibodies instead. You will not build antibodies for about 4-6 weeks after the bite so guess what your test will always say if you test before that time frame? NEGATIVE!
Reason #2: The current test only checks against ONE strain. There are over 200 strains of Lyme, with some exceptionally variant strains in the southeast. Hmmm...guess what your test will say if you have a strain other than the one they test for? NEGATIVE!
That's why you treat your yard & save all ticks you pull off of you & your family!"
It's well known that there are a lot of false negative tests for Lyme! I like the Igenix test, and muscle testing is even better....it can test for bugs in cyst form, as well (at least, my doctor can).
"Lyme 101: The standard Lyme titer (ELISA blood test) run my your doctors office is about 40% accurate. You are better off flipping a coin to determine if you have Lyme Disease rather than relying on this test.
Reason #1: It isn't actually checking for the bacteria in your blood but antibodies instead. You will not build antibodies for about 4-6 weeks after the bite so guess what your test will always say if you test before that time frame? NEGATIVE!
Reason #2: The current test only checks against ONE strain. There are over 200 strains of Lyme, with some exceptionally variant strains in the southeast. Hmmm...guess what your test will say if you have a strain other than the one they test for? NEGATIVE!
That's why you treat your yard & save all ticks you pull off of you & your family!"
It's well known that there are a lot of false negative tests for Lyme! I like the Igenix test, and muscle testing is even better....it can test for bugs in cyst form, as well (at least, my doctor can).
Thursday, May 1, 2014
5/1/14
It's been an interesting last couple of weeks! I was taking my doctor's herbal supplements, but I began having a lot of herx. The Cat's Claw that he had me on was so strong that it felt like I was as sick as I had been on antibiotics. I definitely knew that they were doing something! However, I stopped them....
We have a church convention coming up in a couple of weeks, and I need to be able to pack and also work on building up stamina...not be super sick feeling and not be able to even think straight, let alone walk around. I still have Rife, which I am doing 1-2x a week, depending on how the week goes.
The detox setting has become my new best friend, with the Rife! I don't remember what I posted here before, about it...In the past, when I have done Rife, I have felt really tired and like I had worked out every muscle at the gym. Now, I do the detox at the end of the setting, and I can still walk around the next day (though I am definitely tired), and there isn't the achy feeling. Definitely worth doing!
Also, I started doing the detox setting when I was on Cat's Claw, too, and it totally helped! The problem was that the Cat's Claw keeps working for hours (or more), so doing detox one time wasn't enough. It might have been ideal to do it 3x a day, actually...which is still worth it. At about 1/2 hour at a time, it still bought me a lot more good hours in the day! The way the detox works, supposedly, is to neutralize the toxins. All that I know is that it definitely helped...and I noticed a big difference when I didn't do the detox, too.
An interesting thought about herbal antibiotics (such as Cat's Claw)....I have concerns that the bugs could build up a resistance to them, as with antibiotics. Also, that they could potentially cause the bugs to run and hide places (such as the brain). For this reason, I was careful to do the Rife with them, though it was really pushing it to do so. Finally, I wonder what the benefits of doing the herbals are, when you have Rife. Obviously they are killing bugs, but is it necessary to kill 24-7 and have the detox issues (and be miserable)? I am not ruling out the Cat's Claw forever, but I do still prefer the 1-2 days a week of feeling mildly yucky vs. the non-stop flu feeling. And is there really any reason to go there, if I continue to improve? It's not overnight, to be sure, but I am steadily improving!
Land mark! I was able to go to WA to see my dad, who had had a stroke, though it took a while to recover when I returned. I was also able to walk up a flight of stairs! I expect to possibly use the wheelchair at the church convention, as there is lots of walking here and there...to bathrooms, dining area, etc....and the idea isn't to become so exhausted that I sleep through the whole thing.;) I am also planning on purchasing a cane, as my balance becomes iffy when I am tired....and I realize that I use my husband for a cane a lot! It should be interesting to see how I do. I had a very tired day yesterday, but I was also recovering from Rife. My first shopping trip was very brief, and I felt faint by the time I got to the car....but I am fully recovered today, feeling good, getting lots done!
We have a church convention coming up in a couple of weeks, and I need to be able to pack and also work on building up stamina...not be super sick feeling and not be able to even think straight, let alone walk around. I still have Rife, which I am doing 1-2x a week, depending on how the week goes.
The detox setting has become my new best friend, with the Rife! I don't remember what I posted here before, about it...In the past, when I have done Rife, I have felt really tired and like I had worked out every muscle at the gym. Now, I do the detox at the end of the setting, and I can still walk around the next day (though I am definitely tired), and there isn't the achy feeling. Definitely worth doing!
Also, I started doing the detox setting when I was on Cat's Claw, too, and it totally helped! The problem was that the Cat's Claw keeps working for hours (or more), so doing detox one time wasn't enough. It might have been ideal to do it 3x a day, actually...which is still worth it. At about 1/2 hour at a time, it still bought me a lot more good hours in the day! The way the detox works, supposedly, is to neutralize the toxins. All that I know is that it definitely helped...and I noticed a big difference when I didn't do the detox, too.
An interesting thought about herbal antibiotics (such as Cat's Claw)....I have concerns that the bugs could build up a resistance to them, as with antibiotics. Also, that they could potentially cause the bugs to run and hide places (such as the brain). For this reason, I was careful to do the Rife with them, though it was really pushing it to do so. Finally, I wonder what the benefits of doing the herbals are, when you have Rife. Obviously they are killing bugs, but is it necessary to kill 24-7 and have the detox issues (and be miserable)? I am not ruling out the Cat's Claw forever, but I do still prefer the 1-2 days a week of feeling mildly yucky vs. the non-stop flu feeling. And is there really any reason to go there, if I continue to improve? It's not overnight, to be sure, but I am steadily improving!
Land mark! I was able to go to WA to see my dad, who had had a stroke, though it took a while to recover when I returned. I was also able to walk up a flight of stairs! I expect to possibly use the wheelchair at the church convention, as there is lots of walking here and there...to bathrooms, dining area, etc....and the idea isn't to become so exhausted that I sleep through the whole thing.;) I am also planning on purchasing a cane, as my balance becomes iffy when I am tired....and I realize that I use my husband for a cane a lot! It should be interesting to see how I do. I had a very tired day yesterday, but I was also recovering from Rife. My first shopping trip was very brief, and I felt faint by the time I got to the car....but I am fully recovered today, feeling good, getting lots done!
Saturday, April 12, 2014
4/12/14
Landmark day....I helped move a desk the other day, without thinking about it!! It wasn't a huge desk, but my son was moving it, and I jumped in to help! I started to pick it up, and thought, "Whoa, that's a little heavy...." But I did it, and it and I didn't feel faint afterward, or anything! My strength is returning, even if stamina is slower....
I am also getting much closer to driving! I haven't had any feelings of dizziness or anything at all. I am getting stronger and stronger. In fact, I would have driven already, except that my littlest guy said I couldn't.:) And it didn't work out, anyway. I was going to drive myself yesterday, but I had a really tired day, and want to be completely at my prime, since I haven't driven in so long. I am very cautious, anyway!
I had a visit with my doctor yesterday.....it went well and confirmed what I had been thinking....The Lyme isn't all the way gone, but I am doing much better! I got some new supplemental supports, which is good. He also confirmed that the yeast is all gone.:)
Spring is killing me! I want to be outside doing something! Soon....
I am also getting much closer to driving! I haven't had any feelings of dizziness or anything at all. I am getting stronger and stronger. In fact, I would have driven already, except that my littlest guy said I couldn't.:) And it didn't work out, anyway. I was going to drive myself yesterday, but I had a really tired day, and want to be completely at my prime, since I haven't driven in so long. I am very cautious, anyway!
I had a visit with my doctor yesterday.....it went well and confirmed what I had been thinking....The Lyme isn't all the way gone, but I am doing much better! I got some new supplemental supports, which is good. He also confirmed that the yeast is all gone.:)
Spring is killing me! I want to be outside doing something! Soon....
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Rife for Dogs
Well, I decided to do Rife for the dogs! Our Monkey (his name) has had terrible diarrhea. He also was going for a day or two at a time without eating, and looked kind of puny. We knew that he was bit by a tick and had a Lyme rash, when I was really sick...but I was fighting for my life, at the time...we couldn't do anything about it. We also suspected parasites.
After spending $75 on wormer at the vet for one type of parasite, only, and not knowing what the trouble really was (it could have been the Lyme!), I decided to try muscle testing. I really didn't have much to lose, and I have been muscle testing for myself. (I go down my Rife manual list and just muscle test to see which frequencies to do--since there are probably a dozen for Lyme, alone, it helps to know which direction to go!) So I sat down with my list of frequencies and put my foot in contact with Monkey, and began to test. For those of you not familiar with what this might look like, I am just putting pressure on one of my arms, to see if there is resistance. When there is something positive (or present) the muscle stays strong. When there's something that doesn't ring true with the body, the muscle is weak. I have heard it compared to a lie detector test. It does take some practice, to be sure. Here I was, testing the dog!
Well, I am happy to say that my results seemed to be efficient. I was able to get definite responses, which helps me feel like they are more accurate. There would be a definite muscle weakness on some things, and strong on others. For instance, I was able to determine that there wasn't cancer involved, or ulcers. I tested things on a 1-10 level of priority for the body. Monkey definitely came up with several frequencies for Lyme as the body's priority, while our other dog didn't have any come up positive. (This makes sense, since she has had a Lyme vaccine, though she is due again.) Monkey also came up positive for a few parasites. Emmy Lou, our other dog, had mild cases of most of these same parasites. The only down side of muscle testing, is that you have to know what to test for. But at least I had a place to start, something to try! I tested that the diarrhea was from the parasite, not the Lyme---which was a relief, because if it had been from Lyme, it would have meant it had gone into his kidneys, liver, etc...a very bad sign. I decided to take care of the parasites, first, since they can spread to us, and also, because I would need to bring them inside to do the Rife. Also, the parasites seemed like a quicker fix that the Lyme.
Now what to do? I called up a lady I knew that used her Rife for her horses, and she was really helpful! I have a BCX Ultra Rife machine. We use the glass wands for us, but for the dogs, I just used the metal ones that came with our set. The dogs never touched the machine itself, just the metal wands. At my friend's recommendation, I didn't use the foot plates. I just held the metal wands on the dogs, and made them lay down. One dog was jumpy, but they did okay. And I didn't have to worry about cleaning all of the same equipment that I use for us! It also made me feel good that I was kind of getting a mini treatment myself, for the parasite, just in case. I am happy to report that Monkey's diarrhea was gone this morning (I did the Rife last night), and his little eyes seemed bright! Since he seems like he is doing well, I think I will work on another parasite tonight. It's tricky to get them to sit still for very long, so I had to break it up. Plus, I didn't want him to get horribly sick from the die-off! I did the lowest setting. I made sure to treat both dogs at once, since it is likely that the two could be passing things back and forth. It just seemed prudent. When I am finished working through the parasite settings, I will move on to Lyme, which is likely to take some time. But I do feel hopeful about it!
After spending $75 on wormer at the vet for one type of parasite, only, and not knowing what the trouble really was (it could have been the Lyme!), I decided to try muscle testing. I really didn't have much to lose, and I have been muscle testing for myself. (I go down my Rife manual list and just muscle test to see which frequencies to do--since there are probably a dozen for Lyme, alone, it helps to know which direction to go!) So I sat down with my list of frequencies and put my foot in contact with Monkey, and began to test. For those of you not familiar with what this might look like, I am just putting pressure on one of my arms, to see if there is resistance. When there is something positive (or present) the muscle stays strong. When there's something that doesn't ring true with the body, the muscle is weak. I have heard it compared to a lie detector test. It does take some practice, to be sure. Here I was, testing the dog!
Well, I am happy to say that my results seemed to be efficient. I was able to get definite responses, which helps me feel like they are more accurate. There would be a definite muscle weakness on some things, and strong on others. For instance, I was able to determine that there wasn't cancer involved, or ulcers. I tested things on a 1-10 level of priority for the body. Monkey definitely came up with several frequencies for Lyme as the body's priority, while our other dog didn't have any come up positive. (This makes sense, since she has had a Lyme vaccine, though she is due again.) Monkey also came up positive for a few parasites. Emmy Lou, our other dog, had mild cases of most of these same parasites. The only down side of muscle testing, is that you have to know what to test for. But at least I had a place to start, something to try! I tested that the diarrhea was from the parasite, not the Lyme---which was a relief, because if it had been from Lyme, it would have meant it had gone into his kidneys, liver, etc...a very bad sign. I decided to take care of the parasites, first, since they can spread to us, and also, because I would need to bring them inside to do the Rife. Also, the parasites seemed like a quicker fix that the Lyme.
Now what to do? I called up a lady I knew that used her Rife for her horses, and she was really helpful! I have a BCX Ultra Rife machine. We use the glass wands for us, but for the dogs, I just used the metal ones that came with our set. The dogs never touched the machine itself, just the metal wands. At my friend's recommendation, I didn't use the foot plates. I just held the metal wands on the dogs, and made them lay down. One dog was jumpy, but they did okay. And I didn't have to worry about cleaning all of the same equipment that I use for us! It also made me feel good that I was kind of getting a mini treatment myself, for the parasite, just in case. I am happy to report that Monkey's diarrhea was gone this morning (I did the Rife last night), and his little eyes seemed bright! Since he seems like he is doing well, I think I will work on another parasite tonight. It's tricky to get them to sit still for very long, so I had to break it up. Plus, I didn't want him to get horribly sick from the die-off! I did the lowest setting. I made sure to treat both dogs at once, since it is likely that the two could be passing things back and forth. It just seemed prudent. When I am finished working through the parasite settings, I will move on to Lyme, which is likely to take some time. But I do feel hopeful about it!
4/8/14
Wow, what a lot of changes this month!
I can't believe it was a month ago, Sunday, that I was having those seizure-y attacks. This time, I went to church, and such a difference! I was able to go, be awake, enjoy the potluck lunch and visit, get my own food....and I tried to take a nap, and couldn't fall asleep! That night and the next day, I could walk around without a problem. In fact, I am just getting around, so much better, in general!
I have been consistently doing Rife about once a week for the Lyme, and trying to sneak in a treatment for yeast once a week, too. The yeast came back, which kind of makes sense....I still hadn't been on probiotics, still hadn't rebuilt my system, after the antibiotics. I really felt a need to get that yeast under control, and I am happy to say that it's on the run! I also now have my probiotics, which will help tremendously! (I use Metagenics brand.) I had a thought.....I wonder if a lot of the "colds" I was getting were caused by yeast? I know that yeast can be a big issue, to be certain. But I haven't had those "bugs" since I got the yeast more under control. Interesting!
I can tell that I am getting stronger, because I am back to my old tricks of having some insomnia...or not being able to nap (my brain goes 90 miles per hour!). I really take it as a good sign, even though it's ideal to get rest!
It's time for another visit to my alternative doc to get the supplements "updated"...to see what my body needs for support and do more muscle testing. This is so helpful! I haven't been taking the supplements the last week or so, since they were mostly meant to be temporary...and it seems like your body wants a change in enzyme support, for instance, if it's needed. I can only imagine how much stronger I will feel, with nutritional support, back again.
Another interesting thing, that's come up: I have been made aware of the MTHFR gene factor, and I would like to get tested for that. A friend keeps urging me to do so...and I keep reading that so many of my fellow Lyme sufferers have a problem with this. I have had a lot of chronic sicknesses, over the years, and it would be interesting to know if this could be a cause, or not. The good news is that, if so, there are some simple supplements to help! Wouldn't that be a life-changer? Sometimes it's just nice to understand what's going on!
http://www.stopthelymelies.com/12/post/2013/10/mthfr-mutations-in-lyme-disease-for-dummies.html
I can't believe it was a month ago, Sunday, that I was having those seizure-y attacks. This time, I went to church, and such a difference! I was able to go, be awake, enjoy the potluck lunch and visit, get my own food....and I tried to take a nap, and couldn't fall asleep! That night and the next day, I could walk around without a problem. In fact, I am just getting around, so much better, in general!
I have been consistently doing Rife about once a week for the Lyme, and trying to sneak in a treatment for yeast once a week, too. The yeast came back, which kind of makes sense....I still hadn't been on probiotics, still hadn't rebuilt my system, after the antibiotics. I really felt a need to get that yeast under control, and I am happy to say that it's on the run! I also now have my probiotics, which will help tremendously! (I use Metagenics brand.) I had a thought.....I wonder if a lot of the "colds" I was getting were caused by yeast? I know that yeast can be a big issue, to be certain. But I haven't had those "bugs" since I got the yeast more under control. Interesting!
I can tell that I am getting stronger, because I am back to my old tricks of having some insomnia...or not being able to nap (my brain goes 90 miles per hour!). I really take it as a good sign, even though it's ideal to get rest!
It's time for another visit to my alternative doc to get the supplements "updated"...to see what my body needs for support and do more muscle testing. This is so helpful! I haven't been taking the supplements the last week or so, since they were mostly meant to be temporary...and it seems like your body wants a change in enzyme support, for instance, if it's needed. I can only imagine how much stronger I will feel, with nutritional support, back again.
Another interesting thing, that's come up: I have been made aware of the MTHFR gene factor, and I would like to get tested for that. A friend keeps urging me to do so...and I keep reading that so many of my fellow Lyme sufferers have a problem with this. I have had a lot of chronic sicknesses, over the years, and it would be interesting to know if this could be a cause, or not. The good news is that, if so, there are some simple supplements to help! Wouldn't that be a life-changer? Sometimes it's just nice to understand what's going on!
http://www.stopthelymelies.com/12/post/2013/10/mthfr-mutations-in-lyme-disease-for-dummies.html
Monday, March 31, 2014
3/31/14
I have had some interesting things happen since I last posted here....
First of all, I have gotten every little bug under the sun....a couple of different things a week. I am waiting for my probiotics to come, and I am hoping that this will make a huge difference for my poor immune system! I haven't rebuilt it, since I did the antibiotics. It often seems like it's the little things that bring you down.
However, in between being sick, I am most definitely getting stronger! I was able to get out to church yesterday, and today, I am not sore! I usually am pretty weak after I have gotten out, but I am doing fine....maybe a little wimpier, but I haven't had any trouble walking, or anything...no stiffness, either! I am pleased to be able to do some little things, without thought: walk outside and take a picture of the mountains; clear a few things off of the table; get something instead of ask someone else to get it; do plenty of laundry.
I have been doing Rife about 1x a week, even though I had thought I would do it more..it's just how it's worked out. It's a little tricky, having so many bugs...I don't want to overdo it. I had a different experience, last time....I decided to do a lower setting, and found a lovely "detox" program at the end. The following day, I didn't herx much at all. I wasn't stiff, as I usually am (normally I feel like I have worked out hard at the gym). I did pretty well! I resolved to do this detox setting again. Also, why not start at a lower setting, and do more frequently?
On Saturday, 3/29, my cold was much worse. I had had it brewing the day before, but this was much worse...a sinus migraine starting, and general yucky feeling. Since I really wanted to get out on Sunday, and I really didn't see how I was going to feel better in time, I decided to flip through my Rife manual and see what there was for a cold. Well, I picked the right one! I was concerned about herx, and rightly so...but what happened was that I started feeling sick right away (this is typical, with me)....so instead of just having a headache and cold, I felt rather miserable, achy, and had an upset stomach. I drank lots of water. The herx and cold lasted for a couple of hours or so, and then I started to get better! By Sunday morning, that cold was mostly over, and today (Monday)...nothing at all. This is the type of cold that I would have expected to last a week or more. It would seem that the Rife made the cold fast forward...the normal detox of a cold had to happen faster...but I was thrilled to be able to make it out--and very happy to be feeling better, too, of course.:)
First of all, I have gotten every little bug under the sun....a couple of different things a week. I am waiting for my probiotics to come, and I am hoping that this will make a huge difference for my poor immune system! I haven't rebuilt it, since I did the antibiotics. It often seems like it's the little things that bring you down.
However, in between being sick, I am most definitely getting stronger! I was able to get out to church yesterday, and today, I am not sore! I usually am pretty weak after I have gotten out, but I am doing fine....maybe a little wimpier, but I haven't had any trouble walking, or anything...no stiffness, either! I am pleased to be able to do some little things, without thought: walk outside and take a picture of the mountains; clear a few things off of the table; get something instead of ask someone else to get it; do plenty of laundry.
I have been doing Rife about 1x a week, even though I had thought I would do it more..it's just how it's worked out. It's a little tricky, having so many bugs...I don't want to overdo it. I had a different experience, last time....I decided to do a lower setting, and found a lovely "detox" program at the end. The following day, I didn't herx much at all. I wasn't stiff, as I usually am (normally I feel like I have worked out hard at the gym). I did pretty well! I resolved to do this detox setting again. Also, why not start at a lower setting, and do more frequently?
On Saturday, 3/29, my cold was much worse. I had had it brewing the day before, but this was much worse...a sinus migraine starting, and general yucky feeling. Since I really wanted to get out on Sunday, and I really didn't see how I was going to feel better in time, I decided to flip through my Rife manual and see what there was for a cold. Well, I picked the right one! I was concerned about herx, and rightly so...but what happened was that I started feeling sick right away (this is typical, with me)....so instead of just having a headache and cold, I felt rather miserable, achy, and had an upset stomach. I drank lots of water. The herx and cold lasted for a couple of hours or so, and then I started to get better! By Sunday morning, that cold was mostly over, and today (Monday)...nothing at all. This is the type of cold that I would have expected to last a week or more. It would seem that the Rife made the cold fast forward...the normal detox of a cold had to happen faster...but I was thrilled to be able to make it out--and very happy to be feeling better, too, of course.:)
Saturday, March 22, 2014
My Husband's Lyme Treatment
My husband, Jerry, has cared for me, from day one. I
am so fortunate, because so many don’t have support, or anyone to care for
them! However, after a time, Jerry started to wonder if he had Lyme, too. He
started thinking about how his hips and knees had hurt for ages. He assumed it
was due to his work as a construction worker, and that one day, he would need
surgery. He had had some really tired spells, too. By this time, we had no
insurance. Our Unemployment had run out, so affording the $260 blood test wasn’t
an option. Our insurance application was/is taking forever! We were so
fortunate to have help from family, and an occasional sale from a car, etc. Jerry
started to get worse, needing a lot of rest. He went to our alternative doctor,
since it was a cheaper “test”. He confirmed that Jerry also had Lyme and
co-infections.
This was a very difficult time. It was hard for Jerry
to accept, but he was glad to have an answer. He still doesn’t want to accept
it completely, and he still wants to have an “official” blood test done. It was
also difficult because he began needing more and more rest. He napped frequently.
Each evening, it became a matter of taking turns caring for the kids. I would
stay up and long as I could, without needing to lie down, and then he would get
up and have a turn. Homework suffered, as did the kids! We weren’t able to keep
up with them, well, or help them with homework. I remember sitting and trying
to stay awake… just a body…there.
Now, Jerry wasn’t sure what to think of all of the
alternative health care. He still planned on doing medical treatment and
antibiotics, when he could. He was impressed by the examples given of people
helped by antibiotics in the documentary, Under Our Skin (See reference below.)
But since he “made” me do the antibiotics, I “made” him do the Rife! It was a way
to get some sort of treatment started. In a way, he was my guinea pig, too, as I
was still on antibiotics, which were very expensive. I pestered him each week
to do his treatment. Now, instead of sleeping a lot, he started to be able to
be up for the whole day! He also started working out at the gym. He wasn’t 100%
convinced that it was the Rife. He thought that maybe it was the gym, or
possibly the Rife. Each time that he would do the Rife, he would sleep most of
the next day, and at night, too. He didn’t take any of the support that our
alternative doctor had recommended, and he still ate the same as always….He
prefers meat and not many veggies or fruit, and he really loves his sugar. I’m
amazed that he has made as much progress as he has, with this diet. However, he
was feeling pretty good! He still had to be a little careful not to overdo, but
he was able to accomplish a lot, and be up all day!
This pattern continued for about a month. Then he
waited for quite a while to do the Rife treatment. It was probably 10-14 days
in between treatments! He started to go downhill again, though not as bad as he
had been. He would go to the gym and come back feeling shaky and queasy, unable
to finish his workouts. He started to need more naps again, and would seek out
early bedtimes. On 3/20/14, he did another treatment. He slept most of the day
the next day (yesterday), again….and slept last night. I’m sure he is having a
herx reaction. I will make sure that he does regular treatments now, and I’m
sure that he will, too. He, like me, is not out of the woods yet, to be sure! I
wondered, too, if he had killed all of the spirochetes (Lyme bugs) that were accessible,
and now some more were coming out from cyst form…? In any event, continued
treatment is necessary.
It’s really kind of a funny thing, to do Rife
treatment. Planning a treatment is like planning a flu….Do I want to be sick
today, or tomorrow? When do I have other appointments? When is it convenient?
Well, of course it’s never convenient, but it is awfully nice to be able to
schedule a down time (though odd)! I also did my Rife treatment on the same day
as Jerry…and had a wimpy day yesterday; today is likely to be a little better,
but I’ll still be tired. Jerry is likely (given his pattern) to feel pretty
good today. We all react differently. To me, though, it’s better than a
constant sick feeling, with antibiotics.
Lyme
gets to the core of who you really are. Some people
consider Lyme a bad thing, and in a way, they are very correct! But I have also
heard it said that Lyme is a great teacher, and I embrace this theory. I
learned so much of love, when I was at my sickest. My relationship with Jerry
(my husband of 16 years) was stronger, because of it. Even the fact that he is
now sick is helpful to us….I have had other health problems, and now, in a way,
he can really understand me better. Would I wish Lyme disease on anyone? Of
course not!! However, I can see a benefit from it. It is a very difficult experience,
which boils things down for us. What can I learn from it? What is most
important? I have learned to have more patience. I have also always found that
there can be opportunities to help others, somehow, in every experience. I
learned that I have a lot of people that really love me! I learned that I am
stronger than I realized! I can’t even begin to list all of the lessons I have
learned, truly.
For Jerry, he is just beginning this journey, in a
way. Jerry isn’t used to being sick, as I have been. He is a very strong
person, who is fiercely independent. He is a hunter, who hikes all over the
mountains. He is a very hard working carpenter, who is truly at his happiest when
he comes home from a hard day of work. He is a great reader, is very smart, and
never stops learning. He loves horses and music and being in the ocean. He
doesn’t slow down. He hates being indoors! It’s been difficult for him to learn
a new job, taking my place. He is getting better at it…though he is still so
torn. He wants to be outside, especially now that it’s spring. He longs to be
able to work hard! He sneaks outside, and gets his glow back. He feels hopeful
about the possibility of going back to building bridges, soon. Who knows what life lessons this “teacher”
will have for my husband? That’s a personal journey.
4/2/14
I just have to give a little update, here, about Jerry's pain. He says that he has no more pain in his knees or hips, since doing the Rife treatment! Such good news.:)
4/2/14
I just have to give a little update, here, about Jerry's pain. He says that he has no more pain in his knees or hips, since doing the Rife treatment! Such good news.:)
http://www.amazon.com/Under-Our-Skin-Mandy-Hughes/dp/B004I0J1AI/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1395505920&sr=1-1&keywords=under+our+skin
Thursday, March 20, 2014
3/19/14
Had a really productive day, yesterday! I did lots of laundry, folding, went through little boys' dressers, helped with homework, got them all ready for bed.....I'm doing better! Just have to not feel guilty for sitting down and resting.....pace myself!! Hauling baskets of laundry around, though, is making me remember a few muscles I had forgotten about. Definitely get tired out. But still moving today!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
3/18/14
It's hard to pace myself! Can I be content with doing laundry and folding it (not all at once) and helping kids with homework; getting them ready for bed? It should be plenty. I still work on my knitting designs, but feel a little guilty. It won't do any good, however, to wear myself out! I had to work on recovering from my outings on Sunday. Maybe going to lunch was a bit much.
Besides learning to be patient and pace myself, another concern I have is that people won't understand that I am not back to 100%. Better, yes...but able to handle everything, magically better overnight? No.
My next goal: to rebuild my immunity. I have yet to take a bunch of probiotics. My boys have a cold/flu going around, and as I am tired today, I worry that I will get something else! However, I am doing pretty well! I do need to make it a priority to get some of my favorite probiotics, Metagenics.
Besides learning to be patient and pace myself, another concern I have is that people won't understand that I am not back to 100%. Better, yes...but able to handle everything, magically better overnight? No.
My next goal: to rebuild my immunity. I have yet to take a bunch of probiotics. My boys have a cold/flu going around, and as I am tired today, I worry that I will get something else! However, I am doing pretty well! I do need to make it a priority to get some of my favorite probiotics, Metagenics.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
3/16/14
3/15/14:
"So beautiful out today!! I was able to stand outside for maybe 20 minutes, and soak up the fresh air and sun....and daydream about hanging my clothes out, and riding [horses].....Rifed last night, so I had herx today, but still able to do laundry and a little dishes! I really hope to make it out to church tomorrow!!"
I went outside and rubbed my dog's tummy....I have always been creeped out by ticks, even before Lyme. I see ticks on them, and I wonder if I will ever be able to do this, without taking a shower, right after?
3/16/14
"I made it out to church, yay!!! No collapsing, nothing bad, for the first time in at least 2 months, I think...? Still strong enough to make it over to Jerry's folks for lunch....Now, I'm definitely tired. But I can still walk!!
I still had some herx (toxins from dying Lyme make you feel like you have a flu), from Friday night's treatment, so doing really well, considering!:)"
I'll wait a couple of days to Rife.
"So beautiful out today!! I was able to stand outside for maybe 20 minutes, and soak up the fresh air and sun....and daydream about hanging my clothes out, and riding [horses].....Rifed last night, so I had herx today, but still able to do laundry and a little dishes! I really hope to make it out to church tomorrow!!"
I went outside and rubbed my dog's tummy....I have always been creeped out by ticks, even before Lyme. I see ticks on them, and I wonder if I will ever be able to do this, without taking a shower, right after?
3/16/14
"I made it out to church, yay!!! No collapsing, nothing bad, for the first time in at least 2 months, I think...? Still strong enough to make it over to Jerry's folks for lunch....Now, I'm definitely tired. But I can still walk!!
I still had some herx (toxins from dying Lyme make you feel like you have a flu), from Friday night's treatment, so doing really well, considering!:)"
I'll wait a couple of days to Rife.
Friday, March 14, 2014
3/13/14
"Ha! Even though I can tell I'm fighting off Jerry's cold, I still got up and danced a bit today!!!
Yesterday, I overdid, for sure. But Jerry was sick, so for 6 hours, I monitored a pull-your-hair-out homework session; made dinner; did dishes; played referee to fighting kids; played mom!!
I can walk. Without fainting. I could probably even manage to get dressed, except I keep using that energy to do other things, like laundry. And, speaking of, I seem to be able to carry laundry, a load here and there!
Yay!!! Now to find some Thieves oil, for the cold...."
My immune system is going to need to be built up after all of the antibiotics! I ate garlic and thieves oil to help with the cold. Today (3/14/13) I am fine! I plan to do Rife again, today. I know that this will be a process.....it isn't going to happen over night, but I feel so much better!
Yesterday, I overdid, for sure. But Jerry was sick, so for 6 hours, I monitored a pull-your-hair-out homework session; made dinner; did dishes; played referee to fighting kids; played mom!!
I can walk. Without fainting. I could probably even manage to get dressed, except I keep using that energy to do other things, like laundry. And, speaking of, I seem to be able to carry laundry, a load here and there!
Yay!!! Now to find some Thieves oil, for the cold...."
My immune system is going to need to be built up after all of the antibiotics! I ate garlic and thieves oil to help with the cold. Today (3/14/13) I am fine! I plan to do Rife again, today. I know that this will be a process.....it isn't going to happen over night, but I feel so much better!
My Experiences with Lyme Disease, Antibiotics, and Rife
My Experiences with Lyme Disease, Antibiotics, and Rife
In the beginning, when I was first sick, I didn’t know what
was wrong. I actually had a tooth removed, because there was a chance that it
was infected (it turned out that the infection was in cyst form) and I thought
it was killing me. I was getting weaker and weaker, at an alarming rate! I had
just recovered from a bout of mono (I also have Chronic Mono/Fatigue), and had
been getting stronger, when out of the blue, something hit me. I, like so many
others, never got the bull’s eye rash. In fact, I never even knew that I had
been bitten by a tick.
Now, each day, I was losing something….the ability to do
laundry, which I could do the day before….the ability to make dinner. I would
be left gasping, out of breath, and dizzy. Next it was the ability to walk. I was
in a wheelchair, suddenly, because I couldn’t seem to be able to walk very far,
without collapsing. It was very difficult to get dressed, so I stopped, unless
I had to leave the house. Getting to church or the doctor’s wore me out,
because it took too much energy to get ready. I would have to recover for a
couple of days, whenever I went out. I was so weak that taking a shower was a
huge ordeal, and I stopped being able to get food for myself. Going to the
bathroom took up a lot of strength, and at times felt impossible. I got so weak
that I was unable to roll over in bed at night, without waking up and making a
big effort to do so. I couldn’t cover myself up; the blankets were too heavy. I
became exhausted after talking for a few minutes on the phone. My husband,
Jerry, cared for me, and for the children.
I was officially diagnosed with Lyme and co. back in
November, 2013. Preliminary blood tests, a couple of months before, had been
iffy, and the wait for the second blood test seemed to drag on and on. I had
begun to develop the common pain in my joints, and neurological symptoms, as
well. I began having trouble typing, when I was able to be up and try to work
at my computer. Words would scramble themselves, and it would take a few tries
to unscramble them. I felt out of it, and my normal “sitting down” work,
designing knitwear, didn’t seem possible. I was in a “brain fog”, and couldn’t
think straight. I was getting weaker by the day. I am a stay at home mom of 3
boys, ages 13, 10, and 8, and they were afraid that Mommy was dying! So was I.
While I was waiting for the second blood test, I saw my
alternative doctor, who diagnosed me as positive for Lyme. He used a technique
called Nutritional Response Testing, a method that involves muscle
testing…using your body as a lie detector test, to see what you have, and which
supplements your body needs. Muscle testing also involves the belief that the
Chinese have that your body has meridians. My husband and I agreed that I would
do alternative treatment while waiting for the Western Medicine doctor to get
back to me. So I did the doctor’s alternative supplements, and also a treatment
called Rife, once a week.
Rife is a machine originally invented by
Royal Rife, back in the 1930’s. He was a scientist who worked for the
government and was awarded 14 different major science awards, at that time, for
his research! His machine utilized dark field microscopy to find the organisms
causing disease, and used frequencies (similar to sound breaking glass) to
target and kill those organisms. He began treating advanced stage cancer
patients, and cured them! (The patients were seen by a panel of doctors, who
agreed that they were cured.) What happened? Well, enter conspiracy, which you
are welcome to research, if you are interested. In the meantime, Rife machines,
while expensive, are available on the market today. They are not FDA approved,
but they work, thank you very much! My alternative is antibiotics, which brings
me back to my treatment. http://www.royal-rife.com/
Now, each week, with Rife and the
supplements, I was beginning to improve, instead of go downhill! My joint pain
disappeared, and hasn’t returned. (I feel like it was caught early enough.) My
brain fog disappeared. I started to be able to think more clearly, my typing
problems got better, and I began to regain some strength. Each week, after Rife
treatment, I would have a herx reaction, feeling extra tired for a couple of
days, and then I would feel stronger, overall. I started being able to get dressed and
comb my hair again, on a daily basis, and showering wasn’t as difficult. My
husband noticed the difference, though he had been skeptical, at first.
Here are some Facebook posts, from that time:
November 15, 2013:
November 15, 2013:
“So, while waiting for the md to get things
figured out (and with her permission), I went to alternative doc today. He came
up with a Lyme diagnosis too...I have started on some support supplements, and
did the rife machine treatment today. Hopefully I will start feeling better
soon! It'll probably take some time. Crossin' my fingers.”
November 17th, 2013:
“It feels wonderful to have the strength to
roll over in bed, without having to wake up and make the effort to do so! It
feels luxurious to be able to stretch and move around a bit (even though I am
still weak)!”
November 18th, 2013:
“So happy...after a bit of a wimpy day
yesterday (though I was able to make it to church!), I had a dentist
appointment today, and didn't have to use the wheelchair!! So glad. I am tired
out, but not as tired as I would have thought. The stuff the alternative doc
has done is helping!!:)”
December 2, 2013:
“Well, after recovering from all of the business of the holiday, etc., I feel like I am doing pretty well! Yesterday was church, and even though I was exhausted from getting ready, it only took me an hour to get ready, instead of the 2 hours last time! I was still able to walk by the end of the day, too, without too much wobbling. Lots of other signs of improvement. Instead of getting tired out after making out one bill, I was able to do all today. I am able to knit longer, without breaks, and able to go back to the majority of my knitting designing, too. I am no longer freezing to death, or starving, either! So glad. Even though I am still weak and tired, when I look back over the last days, I have made so much progress!!!”
December 17th, 2013
“Soo....I have been extra tired lately, but
then I realized that I have been doing a lot more! I am now able to do a couple
of loads of laundry a day; I am able to 1/2way babysit the kiddos now, and boss
them around; most days, I can heat up my own food for lunch; I am able to work
for a long time on my knitting and designing, etc. so it's all good! I am able
to walk into my doctor's appts. and church, even if I get a little wobbly at
the end. I still sit most of the day, but can do a little more. And even though
I am wiped out at the end of the day, it's not a bad thing....just like someone
else might feel after working hard all day. Trying to balance. Getting there!”
After this time, for various reasons, I stopped doing
Rife for 3 weeks. I was getting stronger, for one thing, and my alternative
doctor thought I didn’t need to do Rife; that the supplements would do the
trick on their own. For another thing, I got sick with a flu, and then there
were holidays. It took a lot of strength to be able to go to other’s houses for
the holidays, and that did me in. The clinic was closed, over the holidays.
During this time, I started to go downhill again, but not even close to where I
had been. I just started to struggle, and, more importantly, I lost my forward
momentum. So much for the idea that the supplements would handle everything!
But before I could go back to doing the Rife, I got the second blood test back,
from a company called Igenix. The results were very clear: I had an acute,
recent case of Lyme.
Now, though my husband was skeptical of my alternative
treatments, he still noticed the difference. But because my infection was
recent, and I had a good chance of leading a normal life (the earlier you do
antibiotics, the better your chances are), he thought I should do antibiotics.
A lot of other people thought I should do antibiotics, too, so I agreed. I
planned to do a couple of courses of antibiotics, and then go back to doing the
Rife and supplements, since I knew that they had been doing something!
I began taking the antibiotic, doxycycline, first, and
felt sick. Incidentally, you can’t do Rife and antibiotics at the same time! I
tried to sneak in one more treatment, and herxed so bad that I was very
miserable, and swore there was no way I could continue this. But after I
stopped Rife, I was just really sick. I felt like I had a bad flu. This was to
be expected, as I herxed. (When the Lyme and co. dies off, it produces toxins,
causing “herx”, or Jarisch-Herxheimer
reaction.) I stopped being able to do laundry, and
get dressed. I was just sick. The doctor upped my doxy. And finally, after a
while, I did get stronger, gradually. I started to feel a little better, like I
had been feeling with the Rife treatments (except, without the underlying
energy). I had been on antibiotics for a couple of months.
Church, always so important to me, became very difficult,
to say the least. One Sunday, I got ready (a feat) and got in the door, and
felt so exhausted and woozy that I had to go and lay down (we meet in homes).
The next, I thought I might throw up, and had to go lay down. The next, I was
sick with the flu. It became a pattern.
Then, on February 20, the doctor added amoxicillin. I was
now on 2200 mg. of antibiotics a day. On February 27th, I got my
first seizure-y sort of experience. I thought that they were muscle spasms, and
they seemed to increase with stress or activity. I didn’t like it, didn’t
understand….My hands and arms started curling, and my speech would get a bit
slurred. I was forgetting things. I put a bunch of Young Living Lavender oil on
my feet, and tried to relax. The oil kind of kept things at bay. This was on a Thursday.
Then, the following Sunday (March 2nd), I got
ready for church, determined to make it! I made it, and sat on the couch and
slept. I couldn’t stay awake. Then, I started to wake up, but my hands were
curling, and I started having spasms again, full blown. They got worse and
worse. By the time church was over, they were severe, and Jerry took me into
the back bedroom. I couldn’t walk. I lay in bed and had severe spasms, and my
speech was all over the place. The spasms were so exhausting! I was completely
aware of what was happening, but I had no control over my muscles. My neck,
face, legs, back…everything had spasms. Then I would lay back, exhausted, and
try to explain what was happening, to no avail. My sister-in-law came in the
room (she is an R.N.) and figured that I was having a seizure. I heard them
debate whether to call 911 or take me to the hospital. I tried to communicate
my concern that, if I was having muscle spams, maybe my heart would spasm, too.
As Jerry carried me out to the car, I lost consciousness. During the short
trip, I drifted in and out, mostly out.
As I was admitted, the spasms returned. I continued
having them in the E.R., and each time I would be exhausted. Getting blood was
rather nerve-racking! Somehow, I was able to get the words out, however, to
explain which meds I was on. After a while, the event finally stopped. I was
spent, but my speech returned to normal. The hospital didn’t have the equipment
to be able to do an EEG or run sophisticated tests. The doctor informed us that
he didn’t think that the events were seizures, since I was able to be aware,
and also because I didn’t lose bladder control. He said that the events weren’t
harmful; as they didn’t seem to affect my heart or lungs, and that the muscle
spasms didn’t go beyond the skeletal muscles. He suggested that they were
either a result of the Lyme, or the newer antibiotic. He suggested that I stop
the newer antibiotic until I talked to my doctor, but said that, because the
events weren’t deadly, it was up to me. I was released, and spent.
As my regular doctor had left the country for a family
emergency, and the other doctor in the office wasn’t familiar with my case, we
pondered what to do. We decided that I would keep doing the antibiotics unless
another event happened, though I was afraid. We have no insurance (we lost it
when Jerry had to stop work to care for me), and hadn’t had time to get any
other insurance; going to a neurologist, as the E.R. doctor had suggested,
seemed impossible. Besides, I had done research, and realized that these sorts
of things weren’t that uncommon, with Lyme. We were afraid of them coming back,
and afraid for the kids to see, though.
Meanwhile, my typing got crazy again, and I couldn’t
think, couldn’t seem to knit, which is my sanity. My speech still wasn’t back
to normal, either, which was frustrating. I decided to stop all antibiotics for
a couple of days and try to detox. A friend, who has Lyme, thought that maybe
my problem was due to the fact that I had done nothing to detox, when the Lyme
was killed off. I took turmeric tea, detox baths, and clay. It didn’t seem to
help the neuro-symptoms, though.
The next day, Monday, I seemed to be doing okay, but
lived on lavender oil! It seemed to sooth the nerves a bit, but only barely
kept things at bay. I seemed okay, so Jerry went out for a bit, leaving me with
the kids. The minute he left, someone broke a glass, and 2 of the boys started
fighting. Of course! I began to have spasms, a bit, and my oldest asked if we
could please call Grandma (my mother-in-law). Right then, Jerry called, and
said that he was going to have her come, as he didn’t feel comfortable leaving
me. Luckily, she only lives a few minutes away. So Grandma came to the rescue.
She also massaged my shoulders, and it helped tremendously! I stayed still, put
lavender on, and did deep breathing. I was able to not have a full-blown
attack. Again, after the event, I was exhausted.
In the meanwhile, since others had suggested that I may
have had a seizure, I began doing research. I found out that there are many
different kinds of seizures. You can have bladder control and be awake. There
was no way to know what this was.
On Tuesday (March 4th), my husband suggested
that I see my alternative doctor. I had been nervous to go, afraid that he
would be frustrated with my choice to do the medical route. But I was ready to
go and get some answers. I was able to get in that day! We rushed down, and he
confirmed that the Lyme and co. were indeed back in the brain/sinus area….as
well as fungus! I also had itchy yeast patches on my body. He gave me some
supplements (spleen support, since mine was weak; a detox; enzymes; also garlic
to take when I Rifed, to help drain toxins). The beauty of muscle testing is
that you get a custom made protocol…..and I had only spent $100 (though I did
have a few of the supplements already)! I went home with a plan. I would do the
Rife for a few days, until the bugs were out of my head! I had been reluctant
to do the antibiotics, anyway, because I typically don’t tolerate drugs well,
and am very sensitive to them. Also, I have read lots of articles about how
antibiotics don’t always work for Lyme, or that people have to keep going back
to them. I was losing faith. It was not okay that they had allowed the bugs to
get in the brain. 2200 mg. of antibiotics, and it allowed them in my brain! I
knew what worked for this, and I was going to do it. My brain, my life.
That night, exhausted from the doctor’s visit, and unable
to have control, I had another event. This time, I lost bladder control. It
started when I was emailing my family. My email started okay, but suddenly, all
of the words jumbled up, and I couldn’t finish. There was a distinct point
where you could see that something had happened. I could feel all of this
coming on, so I got into the shower, to try to get myself calmed. I was still
very aware, so I was able to hear myself making strange noises while I shook. I
knew that Jerry was keeping an eye on me, so in desperation, I ran a hot bath.
This was a mistake; Jerry didn’t realize how bad I was. He came to check on me,
and I was only able to moan through the closed door. Thinking I was okay, he
went back to tend to the kids. The spasms stopped, but I could see the edges of
my vision begin to blur. I was exhausted, alone, and apparently, about to
faint. I managed to get myself out of the tub. I was safe, and this one wasn’t
as bad…I recovered faster.
Determined to get rid of this, I did two Rife settings
for Lyme that night, and began the supplements. (My dad bought me my own Rife machine!)
On Wednesday, as I hadn’t herxed very badly, I did yet another two settings. I
felt pressured to get back to my antibiotics, lest my family panic. Thursday I
had a pretty severe herx, meaning that the bugs were getting killed…Meanwhile, I
began to research antibiotics and Lyme in the brain.
From my Facebook:
March 5th, 2014 (2 days after the last event):
March 5th, 2014 (2 days after the last event):
“Neuro-symptoms are not all gone, but way
better today. And I am way stronger! Feel a lot more confident, etc. I think
I'm up for another treatment today. Keep them on the run!!”
March 7th, 2014:
“I'm doing way better today, Mom. No spams
(only a tiny bit yesterday), speech is almost back to normal today, and hand
curling is almost completely gone. I haven't had another one since...2 nights
ago, I guess!”
March 9th, 2014:
“Well, I have serious things to think about,
health-wise, and am trying to make some informed decisions!
Meanwhile, I am doing pretty well, with my alternative treatments. No more spasms, seizure-y things; my speech seems to be back to normal, as does my typing (no scrambled letters). I feel back to my normal, Lymey self.
I had too good of a day yesterday...I overdid it! I was able to get 4 loads of laundry done, unload the dishwasher (a biggie, for me), make a simple dinner, and the checkbook done...on 6 hours of sleep (not enough right now). That’s pretty unheard of, as of late. I did sleep in, but not doing bad, now.
Meanwhile, I am doing pretty well, with my alternative treatments. No more spasms, seizure-y things; my speech seems to be back to normal, as does my typing (no scrambled letters). I feel back to my normal, Lymey self.
I had too good of a day yesterday...I overdid it! I was able to get 4 loads of laundry done, unload the dishwasher (a biggie, for me), make a simple dinner, and the checkbook done...on 6 hours of sleep (not enough right now). That’s pretty unheard of, as of late. I did sleep in, but not doing bad, now.
“Tonight, I am going to do a rife for
fungus (which was tested by alternative doc to be a big part of the problem).
But already had lots of improvement with the supplements, too.”
March 11th, 2014:
“I am really pleased!
Yesterday was a very good day. I am really kind of amazed at how well I am
doing! Just folding all of the laundry is something I haven't been able to do
in so long, though I have tried. I always have to stop after a few things, worn
out. But I also washed several more loads, and was able to load the dishwasher,
too.....and got the kids ready for bed, as Jerry was too wiped out...
“Mind you, any one of
these things, a week ago, would have caused me to pause and hold on to
something, to try not to faint. Every time I had to wash a load of laundry, I
would have to seriously recover, and try not to faint.
“ALL of these things
together would have definitely meant that I couldn’t walk afterward, and I
would have needed to recover for a long
time. Today, I shouldn’t be able to move. Instead, I have a bit of bounce!! So
exciting!!
“There is an underlying
bit of energy, under the surface….Now the trick is to be very careful not to
overdo it!”
Since I have started doing Rife again, my rashes have
almost completely cleared up. This is after only one treatment. I plan to do
another treatment tonight.
Because I had this scare, I had to make some serious
decisions about my health and my treatment of my Lyme disease….And to decide
whether or not I should continue with antibiotics. I had already been doing research, had joined a few Lyme
support groups on Facebook, and had talked to the new Lyme friends I had made.
Here is what I found:
-The medical community is in a complete uproar over Lyme.
There isn’t an agreed upon treatment for it. The CDC claims that Lyme can be
cured with a month’s worth of antibiotics. (Chronic Lyme is, apparently, in the
patient’s head.) The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society say that
prolonged antibiotics are needed. Many, many doctors now feel that prolonged
antibiotic treatment is necessary for symptoms to be in remission, and they are
closer to the truth. There are doctors who have lost their licenses due
to prescribing extended antibiotics for their patients. Still other doctors
don’t believe Lyme exists! (I should invite them over.)
-According to the International Lyme and Associated
Diseases Society, there is no cure for Lyme. “Many patients with
chronic Lyme disease require prolonged treatment until the patient is
symptom-free. Relapses occur and retreatment may be required. There are no
tests currently available to prove that the organism is eradicated or that the
patient with chronic Lyme disease is cured.” http://www.ilads.org/lyme/about-lyme.php
Some people feel like they have their life
back, with antibiotics, but there are no guarantees. So many people report
improvement, only to get sick with Lyme after they stop antibiotics (or even
years later). I will talk about this more, later, if you are able to continue
reading that far! My theory is this: If there isn’t a cure, then why not do the
treatment that works for you….the one you feel most comfortable with?
-I have “met” many people online who have said “After 8
years, I am finally feeling better”, “2 years on antibiotics, and I am still
sick as a dog, with no improvement”, “5 years on antibiotics”….You get the
idea. I have a new friend that has been on antibiotics, and she is just
failing. She is 93 lbs. and losing weight fast, and doctors are stumped. Others
say that they felt better after years of antibiotics, only to feel bad again,
later. One doctor in town has a wife with Lyme, and said that she has been on
antibiotics for years, and has to go on I.V. antibiotics when she gets bad. I
have researched many forums, talked to lots of people in Lyme support groups, and
talked to my friends that have Lyme. I
have to look at the results around me!
-People have also reported “getting their
life back” with Rife treatments, and it is gaining popularity, as more and more
people are dissatisfied with antibiotics. It too, can be a long treatment, but
a much more pleasant one to go through and much easier on the body. I feel
better on Rife. Rifers do maintenance Rife, after a time. I have hopes of
completely eradicating it, however, and then using Rife for Mono!
-Lyme, as many are aware, isn’t just about Lyme anymore.
It isn’t the same disease it used to be, as now it is hanging out with many
co-infections, which can be every bit as bad as Lyme, if not worse. So a friend
that was “cured” of Lyme disease, many years ago, may not have had the same
disease that we are fighting today.
-The National Cancer Institute reports that “women
who took antibiotics for more than 500 days - or had more than 25 prescriptions
- over an average period of 17 years had more than twice the risk of breast
cancer as women who had not taken any antibiotics. The risk was smaller for
women who took antibiotics for fewer days. However, even women who had between
one and 25 prescriptions over an average period of 17 years had an increased
risk; they were about 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer
than women who didn't take any antibiotics. The authors found an increased risk
in all classes of antibiotics that they studied.” I read in a related article that this is due
to the problems in the gut.
So, wait a minute! We are going to kill
Lyme with antibiotics to have a better quality of life, only to be at greater
risk of developing cancer? If I take the long-term antibiotics, I am more than
50% likely than someone else to get cancer? I think that we deserve to know
that.
-I have a friend (with Lyme) who was recently
hospitalized for 12 days because she was having major stomach issues after
taking antibiotics so long. Can your gut, the place where 60-70% of your immune
system resides (depending on who you talk to) ever really recover, after years
of antibiotics?
-It is also said that your gut health can affect your
mood, and possibly cause depression. Just what we need, on top of serious
illness: extra depression!
-There are many people (including some doctors) that
believe that antibiotics, if used incorrectly (or just in general) can cause
the Lyme to feel threatened. The Lyme and co. then go into cyst form, where
they can’t be reached by antibiotics….or, they go to places that are harder to
get to. Could this be why the bugs jumped to my brain, suddenly causing
seizure-like events? I firmly believe so. I also believe that, as is common
with antibiotic-takers, that it caused the fungus, as well.
It is known, scientifically, that Lyme and co. do go into cyst form. They can live for a long time in this state, and cannot be reached by antibiotics, during this time. The sufferer then feels better, only to get sick when the spirochetes leave their cyst form. Some doctors actually “pulse” the patient’s antibiotics, meaning that they take a few days off to give the germs time to come out (or, as some believe, giving them a false sense of security, so that they come out, and be killed.). There are many people who feel that Rife can get to the Lyme while it is in cyst form, and I am certainly willing to give it a shot! I have been told that a helpful alternative cyst-buster is Grapefruit Seed Extract.
-I tend to be sensitive to drugs in general, so is it
possible that I may have also just not been doing well with antibiotics? Perhaps.
I wonder how many people have to overcome the side effects of the drugs
themselves, and work around them, in order to try to heal. Another person in
one of my Lyme support groups also reported severe damage from taking Cipro…. “Three
Cipro pills messed up my life more than Lyme ever could...”
-In different Lyme groups I joined, I asked if any of
them had relief from neuro-Lyme symptoms, by taking antibiotics. I got lots of
different answers. I was told “Yes, but it would take a lot longer on
antibiotics”, “Yes, but only with I.V. antibiotics”, “I still have neurological
issues”, “Maybe with a year of antibiotics”. I personally don’t think I feel
comfortable letting the bugs hang out in my brain for that long, to see what
kind of damage they can do! (Not when I know something that has personally
helped me!) I have something that seems to not have trouble getting past the
blood/brain barrier.
-Do I believe that the antibiotics killed some of the
Lyme? Certainly! I just don’t feel that they were a safe, long-term option for
me, and I obviously had problems with the side effects.
For those of you wondering, the Rife machine I am using
is the BCX Ultra. It costs about $2600, if you are lucky…though, you may be
able to become a dealer and get a much better deal, I don’t know (I didn’t
think to do this). However, having
said that, I know that there are 2 doctors in my little area that each has a
machine that they allow their patients to use. Since it isn’t FDA approved,
they have to be careful. One charged $20 a treatment; the other charged nothing
if you had a visit already ($35). You may have to ask around to find someone
with a machine. Try your health food store; chiropractors; massage therapists;
alternative doctors and sorts. They may be able to point you in the right
direction.
I firmly believe that the supplements have made a huge
difference, along with the Rife, in that they support the body through it all,
and help with detoxing, etc. This is helpful for energy levels, as well as for
healing. I made a choice to not do any more antibiotics, and just stick with
these two protocols.
What if you don’t have access to a Rife machine? I know
that there are a lot of people who choose to do herbal antibiotics, such as
Samento + Banderol. I have heard of others doing well with really good quality
cinnamon oil. I myself have been taking Samento along with Rife. I feel that it
is probably helpful for the days that I am not doing Rife, and my alternative
doctor doesn’t think it hurts to do the Samento with Rife. There are many
alternatives in treatment.
What if I choose to do antibiotics? First of all, each
person has to make their own choices. No matter which treatment you choose, it
is important to detox. I personally live in a small area, where there are no
LLMD’s (Lyme Literate Doctors), and I simply can’t afford one, regardless. My
doctor didn’t mention detox to me, perhaps because she wasn’t aware….? I have
learned since how important it is. If I had to do antibiotics, I would consider
an LLMD, or simply do both the M.D. and alternative doctor together
(admittedly, this can be tricky). I think that the gut health is very important,
and my M.D. did recommend taking probiotics along with the antibiotics. (It is
important to take a couple of hours after the antibiotics.) I also had an M.D.
tell me once that if you take one dose of antibiotics, you needed to take a
strong probiotic for 30 days afterward. So rebuilding the intestinal health is
very important. Some doctors feel that problems in the gut can cause
auto-immune diseases. (And we have already learned that they can cause the body
to have trouble fighting off cancer.)
Diet- Some feel best on a grain and sugar-free diet. I
limit my grains, and certainly white breads. I don’t eliminate them, at least
at this point. Sugars I am very careful with, but I may allow myself one bite
of dessert, here and there. There is no need to feel completely deprived.
That’s just my own personal view, and others may feel differently. I also feel
best if I make sure to drink lots of water (which you need to do, in any event,
if you are doing Rife), and lots of vegetables. Sometimes it’s easier to add
green powder to smoothie, as an easier way to get some greens down. I use Vitamineral
Green, and find that the flavor isn’t too strong.
I am very excited to be moving forward and
making progress in such a quick manner! The energy that I get from a forward
momentum no doubt helps in the healing process, as well. I am very fortunate in
that I was able to catch the Lyme fairly early on, and not everyone will
experience the same results. I am not a doctor, and am not offering any
treatment, of any sort. I do wish everyone the best health, no matter which
path they choose!
***I am not a doctor, and am not attempting to treat or diagnose any disease. Rife is not FDA approved. These are just my own personal experiences. Results may vary.***
For more information rife machines and where to get them, you can visit here:
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/petalknits
For more information rife machines and where to get them, you can visit here:
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/petalknits
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)