Okay, friends.
I'm going to throw it all down here and then get on with my life.
As most of you know I've been quite sick for just over a week. My tests came back this weekend. And – while holding a plate of coconut-lime cupcakes no less – I got news from my doctor that I have Lyme disease.
Lyme disease. (Some of us call it Lymes or Lymes disease because it just sounds better with that bonus s that doesn't actually belong.)
Lyme is different for different people. For me is started like the
stomach flu. When that passed I was left for days feeling like I had
taken cold medicine, unable to drive, spell, write, or formulate
coherent sentences.
I would stand in my bedroom for minutes wondering, "Why did I come up here?"
And goodness. That's really no fun.
Telling people you have Lymes elicits one of four responses:
1. The Not-From-Around-Here
"You've got lime what?"
2. The Buddy
"You have Lyme? Me too. Let's hug. And then let's talk about our symptoms, herbs and antibiotics."
3. The No Big Deal
"Lymes? So what? Even my dog has Lymes. Just take some antibiotics and get over it."
and 4.The Tragedy
"You have Lymes? [Tragic scrunchy sad face] I am so sorry. I am SO SORRY. Did you know that some people with Lyme can't walk because the spirochetes attack their nervous system? Oh my God. What if you can't walk? Oh! I am SO SORRY!
"You never fully heal from it you know. It's so sad. Let's hug. And cry. And hug again.
Oh. My. God. I am so sorry. [Repeat tragic scrunchy sad face]"
And really, all four are kind of true.
Okay, not the first one. But I wish we had more lime cupcakes and less Lyme disease around here so that counts for something.
As for "the Buddy"'s take: holy epidemic. I live smack dab in the middle of the midwestern blue blob on this map.
I know one family who decided to move away because they were so freaked out by the prevalence of Lyme in our area. Really.
It's everywhere where I live.
Everywhere.
And those are just confirmed cases. It's the tip of the iceberg.
But you know, "No Big Deal" has a good point, too. Because my dog has it too. She just finished her month of antibiotics as I begin mine. it's so widespread that it sometimes seems like something you are bound to get – and get over.
If everyone has it, it can't be so bad. Can it?
As for "Tragedy", she has a point too. Actually, she has the most points of the bunch.
Unfortunately.
And as much as I'd like to brush her off as a whack-job, I can't.
Because while catching Lyme early is a very, very good thing, even a month on antibiotics isn't a guarantee of wellness.
Lyme is a tricky bugger that hides from the antibiotics and has a nasty habit of coming back months, years, or decades later and wreaking havoc on your muscles, joints, and nervous system.
Lyme is scary shit.
It is.
And when people hug me and say encouraging things like, "You can beat this Rachel!" I feel like they think I have terminal cancer or something. And that's a little frightening.
Actually, a lot.
So I'm shaking it off and taking it on the way I take everything on.
With research, diet, herbs, remedies, and anything else that feels like a fit. (Including the keychain of Saint Jude I found the day before I got sick. I've decided the he's the patron saint of Lyme Disease. Saints will still go to bat for me if I'm more Pagan than Christian, won't they? I think so.)
And yes, 30-days of antibiotics.
My beautiful, beloved gut flora is so dead.
This means I'm staring down antibiotics that I'm grateful to have, several tinctures that feel like magic in a bottle, a few vitamins, and assorted herbal remedies.
I'm not drinking, I've cut caffeine, and I'm going to bed early every night. I'm trying to chill out.
I'm hoping that by taking this on from all angles I'll emerge truly well and will all of my faculties.
Heck, maybe better than when I went it.
I promise to share with you my healing protocol as soon as I know what that is. I'll devote a post to it here.
As to other writing, I'll write when I can. When the words come easily. It might be a lot, it might not. We'll just have to wait and see.
Thanks for being awesome and supportive and for biting your tongue when you want to say "You can beat this, Rachel!" (Okay. You can say it if you really mean it…)
If you or some of your favorite people are fighting with Lyme right now, I've started a Pinterest board where I'll collect good information. You can find it here.
But enough of all this.
Let's get on with this beautiful life.
Love,
Rachel
P.S. Your positive, loving comments here are so appreciated. More so than you could possibly know. Please. keep. commenting. x
I have total faith that you can beat this! Be well, rest lots, and know that we’re rooting for you! Xoxox
However your lyme disease unfolds, I have no doubt that you will face it with the most natural forms of “close to the earth” healing strategies. Good food, good rest, eventual good health. I’ll send you some magical healing energy – dispatched via faeries.
It sounds like you are taking the best parts of all worlds to heal yourself the most holistic & whole-istic way you can. Good luck, I’ll be hoping you get everything you need!
Holding you with warm and healing thoughts. I hope the antibiotics do their job efficiently and thoroughly. And that the other treatments heal and support your body, rebuilding and nourishing you. You are such a vibrant woman, I hope you feel fabulous soon! Thank you for sharing glimpses of your life with us– I feel blessed to read your words.
I think you have the best attitude possible for any kind of sickness. I’m sorry that you’re feeling poorly and hope that things improve greatly, quickly.
oh geeeez rachel!! living in the northeast (my entire state is solid blue on that map) i so feel you here… and i know “the tragedy” response well. it’s too commonplace, living where we both live… i’ll be thinking of you and sending lots of healing love your way. i love the pinterest board you’re creating too, what a great idea. hang in there, rachel! xoxo
I think i didn’t get a chance to send well wishes before so please accept them now. I must say, you somehow probably just the wrote the most beautiful post ever on lyme disease. You shared wisdom and humor, and your photographs are gorgeous!!!
Love from Renee,
who is really happy she doesn’t live in one of those very blue states, cause she is the kind of person who would want to move away, kinda at least…
Dear Rachel, I have been reading about Lyme disease lately, we live in one of those states where it is prevalant too. I have picked ticks numerous times off my children, and I try not to panic.
You are strong, and your attitude is inspiring. Thank you for sharing this, and I am sending you loving thoughts and healing vibes!
Melanie
When I saw this on Pinterest, I was hoping that it was just something you repinned, and not a post that you had written (not that I wish Lyme on anyone). Such a scary thing – my dog also has it…
But you know what? I like to think that you’re better equipped to deal with this than most, since you’re already so immersed in the world of nutrition and herbs, which really seems to be the way to deal with Lyme & its symptoms.
I’m glad you know what it is. Sending you love and light. Let me know if I can help.
Oh MOMMA it will be ok! You know how I know? Because I HAD LYMES and I’m OK! I really am! I did (and am doing) so many natural things (I will email you) and I did antibiotics. It will be OK! Have you got the book Curing Lymes Naturally, because if not I’m going to send it to you, it’s ah-mazing.
Unfortunately this seems to be a banner year for ticks. Even the southern part of Wisconsin is really bad this year. Both my parents had lyme because they own 40 acres in Washara county. When they were getting treated it was more than 25 years ago and they had a doctor who wouldn’t treat them until they had a positive lyme test. Even though the test was only about 35% accurate at the time and even though they had the bullseye rash where they had picked off ticks. After a couple of years they did finally test positive and went through the treatment available at the time. Keep in mind that today’s treatments are much better than what was available 25 years ago. I will be following your posts with interest as I am waiting for my appointment to be tested, having symptoms of extreme brain fog, joint pain and extreme fatigue. And like Angela said, lyme and it’s symptoms are best dealt with by living a lifestyle as close to the earth as possible. And this is a good example of how natural living and modern medicine can work together to bring healing. And just a side note, Saints don’t care if you’re Pagen or Christian. If they won’t support you they aren’t really Saints. Sending a big glowing healing ball your way.
I’m so sorry to hear that you are not well, I really hope this is something that gets shaken off very quickly and you feel better soon. I know this is cold comfort but I have found, through bouts of quite serious but certainly not life threatening illness, that there is a sort of serenity that comes out of it all. When there is nothing you can do but just slow down, take it easy and find peace. It is hard, but it is a good lesson to embrace when possible. I remember acutely being on nasty steroids that fried my brain and I couldn’t see out of one eye so couldn’t read and watching tv or listening to the radio freaked me out. I just sat in the garden and listened, silent and listening to the sounds of spring around me, noticing the flowers, the colours and hearing the earth and her voices. I remember wondering when was the last time I was still like this? Even in the horrid there will be moments of revelation, moments of peace and knowing xxx
Thinking of you and sending healing thoughts your way. Hoping for the best possible outcome. Take it easy and be extra kind to yourself. Don’t fret, your loyal readers will hang with you whether you post once a week or once a day. Take care.
Sending healing thoughts, and love.
Like Angela said – I saw this on pinterest, and was hoping it wasn’t true….
Wishing you a speedy path to healing and wellness, I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts!
I am so sorry Rachel, sending you many healing thought.
You are strong and beautiful and have a very powerful soul. This illness shall pass. You are loved. By. So. Many.
Hey, I’m that one who says “Hurray! I have a Lyme buddy! Let’s tackle this little bugger together!”
I ran the gauntlet of responses you enumerated and I decided that I feel better thinking that (a) it’s not the end of the world and (b) I’m going to be all right. Fortunately, the abx (and extra sleep and positive attitude) seem to finally be having some effect on my aching joints and stiff neck. Today. Nearly a week after starting them. (Bummer about that metallic taste in my mouth though.)
It was a huge deal for me to even concede that I *might* have it, since I have a real macho streak when it comes to illness and especially pain (cf. my unmedicated VBAC with my 11 pound daughter). It was *so* hard for me to list my symptoms for the doc. I felt like such a whiner. The list seemed endless and I even managed to forget a few, like the brain fog (d’uh) and ringing in the ears…
So. If I can concede to needing help, then the spheres will probably respond, right? At least that’s what I choose to believe.
And, while Lyme disease is nasty, and can be very nasty indeed for some, I’m not one who is willing to leave my beloved, dream-come-true little piece of paradise because of it.
Incidentally, the prolific deer tick bloom of last month seems to have abated, at least here in the Hollow. Thank goodness. It was particularly bad this year.
Peace, love and herbal supplements,
Genie
Healing thoughts being sent your way.
Check out this article posted this week about Lymes in the Sheboygan Press. Very interesting….
http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20130629/SHE0101/306290324/In-the-dark-Man-suffers-from-effects-of-what-he-believes-is-Lyme-disease-but-the-medical-community-isn-t-so-sure-with-video-?odyssey=tab|mostpopular|text|FRONTPAGE
I have no idea about what to say, I have no experience with the disease although it’s common here, too, and your hear a lot, and I just know you do your best to beat what can be beaten and I’m happy to learn more through your words.
Why I’m commenting is because your pictures are so sweet and your little studio details are so gorgeous and that wool hanger is a fantastic idea. I’ll go looking for this tool… but well, I don’t live in a farmhouse…
You’re a great girl!
Rachael, I’m so sorry youve been given this challenge to deal with, Someone who’s so in touch, and..in love with nature, kinda ‘unfair’ to throw you this curve ball. I’ll be cheering you on from NE Pennsylvania, we’re in the thick of the blue, too! You’ve been an inspiration to so many, hopefully our love and far-off frienship will help carry you.
My husband had Lyme Disease over 20 years ago when we were living in the Hudson Valley–MAJOR Lyme zone. I caught it immediately (bullseye rash), he did 30 days of CRAZY levels of penicillin. He is 100% totally fine. It took a few months of crazy amounts of probiotics and liver support tinctures to even out his gut. He has no lasting effects, he felt MUCH better within 3 days of starting the antibiotics.
A healthy body makes a lousy host for these critters. Kill ’em dead and protect your body.
This is treatable and beatable. Give ’em hell!
OK so first– I’m sorry this is the answer you got, but I’m glad you got an answer to why you’ve felt so badly.
But I think your attitude, your acknowledgement of the four responses, is why you will defeat this thing. Calm, strong, gathering information, being wise and proactive.
Thanks for all the beauty you keep putting out into the world.
Big hugs. You are strong and wise and you’ll be amazing navigating this. I grew up in WI and remember being absolutely terrified of Lyme Disease. To the point where I refused to play outside during the summer and obsessively checked myself for bullseye rashes and hidden ticks behind my ears. Thankfully adulthood has taught me to see that while it can be serious, it’s not the death sentence I made it out to be, and intotally should have played outside more 🙂 Rest well, let your beautiful family help you heal. xoxo
May the journey of healing bring plenty of light…the light you have shared on this blog is a wonderful ray of sun
I’m so down with the fairy dispatch.
How kind!
Thank you dear one!
Thank you! Without humor we’ll die like my gut flora…
I don’t have the book. But I probably should. Thanks for suggesting it!
SO crazy. Our doc is all about the lymes. We joke that that’s his shoot-from-the-hip diagnosis for everything. As for the saints: that’s what I was thinking. 🙂
Beauty.
Agreed. Thanks, Kim.
My dear Genie, you are my Lymie Buddy Numero Uno. Come over. We can hug, cry, and compare symptoms.
Thanks, Tami. I’ll take a look.
Thanks Fraulein. I took the photos a couple of weeks back and keep meaning to share. It seemed like the right time!
I know it will! Thanks Gina.
I like the notion of a healthy body being a lousy host. Thanks for that.
I’ve got my bat out for you too girl. Heal up won’t you? xoxo
I noticed the Lyme pins on Pinterest and assumed you were researching a post…but didn’t suspect it was such a personal subject. No one would ever choose Lyme disease, of course. But I believe that, through sharing your research and whatever wellness regimen you develop, you will reach, help and encourage many, many people. Just a thought for later, when the adrenaline has worn off and you’re wondering what the heck to think next. 🙂
Oh, my. I think I need to post just for balance. I am squarely in the ‘no big deal’ camp (having had it and caught it early and taken antibiotics and been absolutely fine and knowing countless other people who’ve had it and been fine too). Lyme, in my opinion, is akin to having the flu. AND so, I am very confident that you will begin to feel better very soon–those antibiotics are mini-miracles–and you will re-populate your gut in just the right way with every fermented thing you can think of (can’t think of anyone who could do it better than you can!). There are many incurable, crazy-scary diseases in the world, but MOST of the time, lyme is not one of them, especially when caught early (as you know). Good luck to you in your healing!
Wishing you well, sending good thoughts your way and keeping you in my prayers.
So sorry that you have to take this journey with Lyme. It is so complicated, but I know you know yourself and will get yourself healthy again. I got Lyme about a year ago. 45 days antibiotics, and then herbs and such since. I am doing well, but still is lingering, especially when I get stressed.
Please write about your journey so others can learn. It was only by remembering what a fav yoga blogger had written about getting Lyme that it made me realize I probably had it. If it wasn’t for her words I would have waited weeks for treatment. And I respect your research and your path so much that I would love to know what you find out. I totally know what you mean about gut health. But I’ve learned the hard way that Bartonella gets in the gut, so build that baby back so it doesn’t progress.
Samento has worked wonders for me. I notice when I don’t take it or run out for a week. (its a special form of cats claw that they use in Europe with success for HIV/AIDS patients). Also, drinking mad amounts of Liver Detox tea made huge difference. There is research behind that too. The liver gets bogged down so the detox stuff helps to keep things flowing, and get the lyme processed and out.
If you feel like reading more about my lyme journey and a great live blood cell analysis I did that pinpointed what exact suppliments my body needed to heal to get my immune system up and running at 100% to do a better job at fighting Lyme, here ya go. http://thedomesticyogi.blogspot.com/2013/02/live-blood-cell-analysis-shines.html
Love and hugs rachel. My friend has lyme disease from a tick. He plays the accordian, loves cold climate, and sometimes deals with arthritis.x
Well rachel not sure i can say anything that hasnt already been said but you are so in tune with your body and how to help and heal it just listen to that. You are loved and cared for by so many near and far and definatly not on this journey alone. Keep fighting and keep resting all at the same time.
I’m sure you’ll go out in your yard and find some kind of tasty weed that will cure lyme. 🙂 Well, at least you know why you’re sick so you can attack it head on! Both my kiddos got lyme; I was FREAKED, but it was one of those “no big deal” things. My mother-in-law got it, and it didn’t sit too well with her but she’s gotten better over the years. We’re ALWAYS finding ticks – maybe we should get ourselves some free range chickens after all? I hear they’re good for eating bugs.
I’m sorry and thankful, because now you know what is it.
I have been feeling bad for years and still not shure.
I hope you’ll beat it, it can happen, si I wish it will.
I just reed last week an essay by Amy Tan, the last one of The opposite of faith. I recommend it, she shares how seh release she has it too.
I send you hogs and love.
I am sorry that it happened to you. But I have a feeling that many others will be blessed and lucky to follow your lead (as you find what works in your clever and holistic way) towards recovery too. You make everything and everyone who is connected to you better off and the world a little easier for all of us. We are blessed to have your words, knowledge and spirit to guide us!
Thank you Trillyon. So kind.
Hugs right back.
Ha! I can only hope. Until I do I’ve actually just planted one of the herbs that’s used to treat lyme: teasel. Because there both so much lyme here and so many grow it/make it/do it yourself people that the coop sells teasel plants. 🙂
Thanks so much for all the good thoughts. I’ll take a peek at your post very soon.
Yea for balance! Thanks Mikaela.
Oh dear, sorry to hear the news. I think your body was telling you it is time to SLOW down. I’m sure that with time and the right mix of traditional and alternative medicines you will conquer this challenge. A book you might be interested in checking out is: Mind Over Medicine by Lissa Rankin, MD.
I think your Pinterest board is an awesome idea and will be a blessing to those who suffer from Lyme Disease and run across it.
I loved seeing the cute little wooden spinning wheel toy. I had one as a kid and it brought back memories seeing it again.
Feel well.
Be well.
Be healed.
God willing you will feel better soon. Hang in there with what you have and you have enough :). Your conditions don’t define you. You are inspiring and don’t let any disease tell you otherwise.
Please let me know if you need anything. ANYTHING.
Love and hugs.
Farhana
Oh, I’m so sorry. Lyme is something we’re always concerned about, playing in the woods so often. Sending positive thoughts your way.
Having just moved back to New England, we’re in full tick check mode every night here. It does concern me…. but I try not to be crazy. It doesn’t keep us from being in the woods….
Sending you lots of healing thoughts. xoxo~
Keep a good outlook because it never hurts. Our minds are so very powerful! Regarding saints, of course they don’t play favorites. They were all human like us with their own challenges. I’ll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, Rachel.
Hugs,
Anne
I’m just going to say that you are truly kick ass for such a telling and inspiring post while you take this time to heal. As for your gut flora, meh, you know what to do…lots of kombucha, kraut and other fermented foods. They will repopulate before you can blink an eye. Be kind and easy on yourself. Many blessings, Rachel.
I know a woman who doesn’t go into the woods anymore because of Lyme. I can’t take it that far. Even feeling like this – it’s better than losing the woods. x
So much kindness. Thank you.
Thank you. I’ll check out the book!
For sure right? And for the record, I totally think you will beat it. Western + traditional medicine combined….. good to have both on your side.
Hi Rachel
Sending the love…strength and positivity! You are so already overpowering those lil’ buggers.
Dear Rachel,
I’m so sorry to hear this, and send you love and healing light from (also lyme-infested) Maine! Catching it early really is very, very good. And all of the gut support stuff that you will know how to do, and the alternative remedies to help your body heal… it’s all so important. I feel you will be just fine at the end of your healing journey from this. Lots of rest is such a good idea too! Please give yourself the time to heal, for real. Remember not to jump back into regular life when you start to feel better, but really wait until it’s really time! Everything else will take care of itself, be taken care of by your loved ones, or can just wait until you’re fully recovered. I’m sure you’re people will take good care of you too! Blessings on all of you.
Hi Rachel. If you haven’t read about it, Japanese Knotweed is well known for it’s ability to help the body fight Lyme disease. Also, Mike Bieser with Fizzeology (in Viroqua) first started eating cultured foods because of his struggles to repopulate good gut flora after taking antibiotics for Lyme disease. If you haven’t met him, he’s an incredible person and local proponent of cultured foods.
Well wishes,
Jess
Hi Rachel! We are homeschoolers in the Madison area, homesteading and planting all kinds of delicous things, raising animals…all learn as you go. So many parallels! Hella ticks too. I didn’t read all the comments so it could have been mentioned, but wanted to let you know about the United Plant Savers conference in your area in early August. Do you go? We’re thinking of growing commercially and I’m going for that reason but if I remember right they had some lyme on their schedule too. Check it out, and let me know if you plan to go!
http://www.unitedplantsavers.org/content.php/134-events
Rachel, thank you for posting this. I’m sending your link to my cousin as her husband has Lymes disease. Sending hugs, love and prayers your way. xxoo
Rachel, I’m writing you as a follower from homeopath, Joette Calabrese’s team, as I just read your post here on Lyme disease. We are located in upstate NY, lots of woods and country out here, and Joette has dealt with a plethora of Lyme disease cases and has a proven protocol that I would love for you to check out. Joette also has an international consulting practice and I recently spoke with her about your case. She would be willing to have a conversation with you in regards to your specific case and provide you with her homeopathic protocol as a professional courtesy. I know that you are interested in finding out more about holistic approaches to this, so I thought this would be a good move to recommend. Please do connect with her, she has a wealth of information and is an amazing woman! You can complete the contact form here http://joettecalabrese.com/conversation, she’s looking out for YOU and will get back soon. 🙂
Rachel, just recently found your blog and I wanted to tell you it has been inspiring. I don’t know much about Lyme disease, but your approach seems so solid, I’m sure your journey through this difficult time will continue to provide inspiration. Keep living your beautiful life!
Your Pinterest board and links came just at the right time. My brother-in-law as Lyme and it just progressed so much he has Bell’s palsy. And that’s after he’s been on doxy for two days. He is in eastern Iowa and they wouldn’t test him or even consider Lyme a differential diagnosis for a long time (despite my BIL and sister’s asking specifically). Finally, my sister took him to University of Iowa hospital where they had their heads in the right place. This after weeks of unexplained fever and pain. Glad he is on the right path now, but it will be a long and painful one for him. Again, your blog comes through with just what I need. Thanks and I hope your recovery is swift and complete.
I’m sorry to hear this, Rachel. I am from East Lyme, Connecticut, the epicenter and namesake of Lyme Disease. I had the bull’s-eye rash before most people even knew what it was. The day I got it (around 1979-1980?), my mom was reading an article to me about it from the newspaper (again, people knew VERY little about it then)and said it could be fatal, at which point I literally fainted, and woke up to her yelling at me on the floor, begging me to wake up. All of which to say…yes, it’s traumatic news, but yes, you can beat it. I’m here to tell you that you can, via typical response #2, I suppose. You would never know that I had it many years ago. I’m completely free of it now. Sending you wishes for a similar outcome!
Rachel…Well, heck…I’m speechless about how to send some good energy your way…But I do want to add a smidgen offering of advice…FERMENTED FOODS!!!! With your round of antibiotics you’ll be ingesting, and with deep and humble respect for your gut flora (there ought to be a national gut flora appreciation day), make a big batch of sauerkraut and eat it at every. single. meal. It honestly will help enormously. I just came off 6 months of Body Ecology Diet and it is amazing how my gut is continuing to thank me. It is all I can offer at this time for you, and some good healing energy directed your way.
xo Jules
Yes! Thanks, Jess. I’ll be taking that along with Cat’s Claw and Teasel. And I know Mike. He’s been in touch since I got sick. Thank so much!
Awesome. Thanks for this. I wasn’t planning on going, but maybe…
What a generous and lovey offer. I’m in! I’ll reach out today. Thank you!
Thank you Tara!
I’m blessed in having a doctor who goes to Lyme first – everything else second. He’s on it. I can’t imaging having to fight a doctor to take you seriously. Good luck to your family!
Oh, goodness! Thanks for this, Joy. Be well.
Heck yeah. I even drank the juice from the jar after dinner last night. Kind of gross, but necessary. Thanks for your note!
Great! Her office is on-wait for your call! I’m so excited for you, Rachel!
Hoping for your very speedy recovery! Sending healing thoughts your way.
Rachel, that sucks but I’m sure you will recover. We, too, live in the woods of WI and are out in it everyday. The way we prevent ticks without driving ourselves nuts is with guinea hens and heavy deep woods OFF sprayed on our clothes, particularly boots. So far, so good, with 8 guinea hens scouring our property daily for ticks, which are their preferred food, we never even see ticks on the dogs. The other bonus isthe guinea hen eggs, fantastic and you get to eat the ticks! Good luck!
Looking further into books. Is this the one you were recommending? http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Lyme-Disease-Naturally-Treatments/dp/1556438737/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373064657&sr=8-1&keywords=curing+lyme+naturally
Rachel, I too was hoping you didn’t have Lymes when I saw your post. I’d just been reading up on it and didn’t realize all it’s health issues. You are inspiring, and in spite of this setback, I know you’ll continue to be enlightened, encouraged and empowered…this will not keep you down, but if you do, stop and let others help you. The best to you as you face this challenge, which is what life is about.
Joy
Thank you, Rachel, for this honest, thoughtful writing on something that must have been (and continues to be) hard for you to come to terms with. Writing like this counts for so much and helps more people than you’ll ever know. My three-year-old was diagnosed with Lyme Disease last summer, though we’re hoping she’s Lyme free now. Our warning sign was a small, red rash around the tick bite site that showed up three weeks after we found the tick. We had her on antibiotics for almost six weeks and we continue to pray that between the prescription and her body’s beautiful ability to heal that all will be well. It’s been ten months now and she hasn’t had any other Lyme symptoms aside from the rash, but boy was it a scary, difficult experience to go through. I did lots of research myself so I can imagine the sorts of less than pleasant things you’ve run across. What a beautiful gift you’re giving the world by sharing your Lyme Disease Pinterest board! That will be such a wonderful resource for others who are struggling and looking for all the helpful, encouraging, info they can get. Thinking of you during this tough time. I hope things look a little brighter sooner than you think. 🙂
The irony in all this is that my symptoms came on the night I gave my guineas away. It was instant guinea hen karma. (I hated them. And we got all of our ticks in the woods, so I gave up.) Glad youre staying tick-free with yours though!
I know, KNOW, that you will beat those little critters (are they critters?) down with your immense knowledge of natural healing and healthy crunchy living! And in the end you and your fabulous gut flora will prevail! (I’m imagining you in a lime green superhero cape about now…)
Be well my friend! Write whenever you can and let us know how you’re doing 🙂 No pressure though!
I fall into a few of your response categories. I’m a Lyme buddy, but despite having what was considered a very bad bout of Lyme, I’m also in the no-big-deal camp. I also know how much it stinks while you’re dealing with it.
The good news: two weeks of doxy cures almost all Lyme. The bad news: your body can continue to react to the spirochetes, even after they’re all dead. It doesn’t mean that you’re not cured, just that it takes a while for your body to fully heal.
I’m going to message you because I started to write out the story and it turned into quite an epic tale.
If you haven’t read it, Alice Walker’s autobiographical “The Same River Twice” includes her experiences with undiagnosed Lyme disease while working on the screenplay for the movie The Color Purple, which if I remember correctly she was unable to finish and it wasn’t used.
Alice is a buddhist and her perspective is always unique and inspiring. She has a way of releasing books (or I find them) at exactly the time the similar themes are calling to me. I haven’t read her latest on raising chickens because I’m resisting my husband’s desire for urban chickens…but I digress 🙂
Hoping you are on the fast tract to recovery 🙂
Something I find a little neat in this, St. Jude is the patron saint of impossible cases. Looks like you found the medal at a very appropriate time.
You and your family will be in my thoughts
Okay……I live close to you right, smack, dab in the middle of the blue blob too. I didn’t know about the blue blob, yikes!
Oh, very cool about St. Jude and he being the patron saint of impossible cases and you finding the medal at this moment. I tell ya…I swear by St. Anthony…he never fails to direct me to lost items ;-). Wishing and hoping for a full recovery for you and many healthy, happy days!
Still thinking of you and sending positive healing thoughts Rachel!
Hey Rachel, a friend shared this with me a while back but I just now saw it. I have been battling Lyme for almost 2 years and have made so much progress! I have actually gotten rid of chronic symptoms I had previous to lyme! Message me back and we compare and share info! I hope by now though you have made great progress but if now I have so much info to share with you 🙂
Kim
Dear Rachel,
I am writing because I have very late stage Lyme Disease and am dying from it and I have a concern about your treatment- I am in the midwest too and I know how hard it is to find a Dr. in this area- But if you can, please, please, please visit ILADS and ask for a referral to an LLMD. 30 days antibiotics is not enough. I am only 33- you look like a young person too- and if you can get this taken care with a LLMD at the beginning stage, you will be so much better off and can really have a total quality of life come back to you.
Best wishes,
Denise
My sweet angel nephew just got the results that his lyme markers are gone!!! His family used a Rife machine and epsom salts…hope your battle is going well, and if by chance, you haven’t heard of Rife, I hope that you are able look into it, and that it can help you too. I have to admit, I didn’t give it much hope when we were told about the process but he is better and he had all the hope we needed.Best of luck to you and thanks for your great words! 🙂
April, A friend told me about and Im considering it for my husband who also was diagnosed but just isnt bouncing back. Thank you for reminding me to look into it further!
I am so sorry to hear about this.
Sorry it is late–I am a relative newbie here.
My husband’s Lyme was cured and he is now symptom-free. He did it via Field Control Therapy, which has a lot of documented cases that have been treated with success. The person we see is in River Falls, WI of Flowing Rivers Acupuncture. It is very affordable and easy, too. Thought I’d pass it on in case you didn’t know about it yet.
Take care and be well soon 🙂
Lots of healing thoughts to you.
Lisa
Good luck with it! I had it for at least 8 yrs and have tested 4 times this yr and I am in remission…still recovering from the damage it caused to my body…..do not give up! I kicked it with the help of many herbs, rife machine, diet, acupuncture and so much more….it is a hateful disease but cure able!
Hello,
Just wondering how you are doing? I have had Lyme myself for over 8 years now (that I Know of). A lot of my crazy symptoms have diminished but others have remained and gotten worst. Chronic exhaustion is always going on. I have severe allergies to weird stuff that are similar to anaphylaxis. Do you have any weird allergies that you did not have before Lyme? Do you still take antibiotics?