Hang in there!!! A word of encouragement

Hello folk. It has been a very long time since I have posted on here; and I am sorry for that. This forum was my life-line for years; and as I would pour it all in and soak it all up, desperate to feel like someone else might understand- I promised myself I would encourage others, when I was finally well. So here's the thing, I was diagnosed with lyme, treated with the standard protocol, felt better, then had new symptoms emerge 8 months later. Within a year I had it all- heart, kidneys, joints; the fog, the exhaustion, twitches, coordination problems, HEADACHES with nose bleeds; and so much more that I'd rather forget. Lots of pills, and specialists, all trying to treat the SYMPTOMS not the source. After almost 2 years, I found a LLMD- and got my life back. It was a hard battle, 6 months of treatment; but that was over 4 YEARS AGO, and I have been completely symptom free since then. 100%. No more heart meds. NO meds or symptoms at all. I am sooo blessed to have my health back. PLEASE hang in there, all of you. And find a doctor who will help you at the source. People come and go on this board, and once we are well we don't really want to look back, but there are many of us who have come out on the other side. Stay strong, fight the fight. -JV

I'm just curious, what would you say to someone who's not able to find a suitable doctor, whether due to the distance needed to be traveled, money, or a combination of both? Also, note the possibility of antibiotics not being an option, due to the doctor issue or, say, poor GI health.

The best answer I can think of would be to be your own doctor, basically, until a better option arises. Tough cookie, especially with limited treatment options, more than the already limited amount people with access and money can afford for themselves.

I don't mean to undermine your attempt at cheering people up, giving them hope, I just wonder how things would be different, if your journey had been different..

I like to think I can do it too, but.. hm.

Anyway, if I am a bother, don't mind me. Cya around.

Great encouragement but I think you are quite in the minority as 6 months of treatment to get symptom free is near impossible for most who've been carrying these bugs for years. Heck I started getting treatment 6 months after first symptoms and i'm over a year into treatment and worse than ever. That's the tough part with these infections there is no magic bullet everyone is different and every outcome is different. Good to share your treatment plan as that may trigger something for others.

Thank you for the encouragement - and NotQuiteAntonio - yes, for some of us, access to anti-biotics or knowledge from an LLMD isn't so easy. If you live in a town where lyme isn't prevalent, and no local doctors have knowledge, and your blood work comes back negative, IDD treat you like you are making it up and you don't have access to anti-biotics. You end up being your own healer and refuges like here become sanctuaries to figure it out.

What I would say to someone who DOESN'T have access to a LLMD.

1. track your symptoms, what you eat
2. google symptoms and see what comes up. Make an exhaustive list of what it might possibly be. Discuss this with your GP (if you have one.) Insist on tests to help you rule out things.
3. if lyme comes up again and again don't wait for a Dr., take immediate right action
4. nutrition - research what type of environment bacteria doesn't like and start here
5. Look into books by Stephen Buhner would be my recommendation - his protocol the most affordable - and helped me tremendously. Your public library may have some. I also benefitted from Horowitz's book.
6. add supplements to build the body up and get a detox rhythm going
7. begin to integrate herbs starting slowly - I began with Cats Claw, then added Japanese Knotwood, although you are supposed to go the other way around
8. ask questions and be open to answers
9. trust that the universe will bring you what you need in the moment
10. journal what you eat/symptoms, use this information to refine your diet
11. trust your gut, your intuition
12. be grateful!

Hi J.V. I wanted to say thank you for this post, its definitely given me hope that one day I can feel normal again!!

I was wondering if maybe you could elaborate on your 6 months of treatment? I know that each case is different, but it would be great if you could maybe share what your treatment involved in those 6 months, and how the alleviation of symptoms came about. Thanks!