Feeding Frenzy: Science's Battle Against Ticks
this is the most menacing tick pic I have ever seen, never mind the frightening article
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
lyme apt. at JSC results
I will always be grateful for the help I have gotten and continue to get from Dr. Jemsek. I know all the controversies, trust me. IDSA vs. ILADS, chronic vs. post lyme, antibiotics vs. alternatives, etc., etc.. BUT, for me, the only help I have gotten which has made a difference is from the expertise of Dr. Jemsek. Yes, it's been hard. Better to be battling for life, than unable to battle at all, though. That's where I was when I started with him. Unable to battle anymore, and losing the battle. There have been times in the past two years when I wondered what I was doing, and if it was the right thing. How does one have faith in treatment when treatment is hard and progress is slow? I don't, but I have faith in the good Lord above and I know he has his hand in this. My saving grace. Literally.
At my apt., Dr. Jemsek and I discussed my latest symptoms compared to the ones I had in my September apt. at my January phone consult. I was able to report the ongoing fevers/sweats/chills had gone away since January. My top three concerns were fatigue, limb weakness, and word find. He was not terribly concerned about these, as we are moving on the direction of getting rid of them. He did a thorough check of my neurological reflexes, and for the first time ever I was not sore to the touch anywhere! Not my neck, back, jaw, nothing. No twitching, no spasms, no pain. It was like I was a normal person. Even I was surprised! What a difference to be 'normal'.
One of the most encouraging things was that he recognized that my Babesia is basically taken care of! That is why the fever chills have gone away. That is why I can smile again! (at least some of the time....)
However, no, I will not be taking the summer off from treatment. It was a nice fantasy, but that's it. I will be having a severely toned down treatment. I will have a much lower dosage of antibiotic, this time with Minocycline (another parasitic to get any left over Babesia, should I still some lingering). Two weeks on treatment, three weeks off. Should be good. Looking forward to a summer of feeling well most of the time. Yes, I will continue to feed my cells all the supplements they need to grow and regenerate. And eat right. Farmer's markets are just around the corner. Again, I am happy to have a doctor who tends to the whole body, and making me healthy on the cellular level. Without healthy mitochondria, we can't do too much.
Interestingly enough, I realized I really was on the road to recovery when he described my brain as having been flushed of most of the biofilms and spirochetes and that I should pursue activities to rebuild areas of my brain which have been damaged. I just love that! I had one LLD tell me damage was permanent. Let me tell you, when you have a father like I did, whose heart regenerated a brand new artery around the damaged area, all by itself, you have an understanding of the capacity of the body to regenerate. My brain can be healed. (I know, some of you who know me are laughing) But in all honesty, even though I need to pursue it, I can do it. My biggest eyebrow lift came when he told me to start pursuing something that I have always wanted to do, but never have, as part of the brain stimulation. That was like opening the world to me again. Of course, the thing I have wanted to do is write a book. So, write I will. That ought to wear me out again. Guess the subject.
The last thing I asked about was my stamina (fatigue related I think) and how to build it up. I complained that every time I have tried in the past to exercise, I have paid for several days afterward, with pain and malaise. He assured me I should be past that point. What? Is this possible? I'll let you know. We all (my husband too) talked about Physical therapy vs. just doin' it. I admitted I needed motivation, and a strategy so I don't overdue it, and thought I could get that with P.T.. Evidently not. We took time right there to set up a plan of action until next time I see him. Just like in the old days, I need to stretch out, get my heart going a bit, then go for a nice gentle walk. I can expand as I am able. PLEASE someone hold me accountable! I desperately want to be able to ride (horses), drive (cars), garden, hike, run, swim, wrestle with my dog, anything. I'll do my best.
That's enough for me today. I am well on my way to recovery, but I want to keep on track, not go backwards. I need a little rest. Then time to make dinner. I am a very grateful woman today.
Cost of Seeing Dr. Jemsek Worth Every Penny
you.tu.be/DK0F9Ts8w8
or go to you tube and search title above. Thank you Claire!!
or go to you tube and search title above. Thank you Claire!!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Another appointment Friday
Today there was no pretending when I had to fill out the forms for my appointment. Dr. Jemsek now has a patient portal on his web-site. I can download a form to fill out and bring to discuss with him. Better to have a few days to think it over and write answers, than to try to remember on my own, or leaf through my notes, when he asks how things are.
The first question is: What are your three biggest concerns right now? I answered for two so far. Fatigue, and limb weakness. I tested this against my husband, and not so surprisingly, he said the same thing. There a lot of 'number threes', so I will think about it. I'll have all day Thursday in the car to write that one down. I am eager to have a discussion with Dr. J about my progress so far and where he sees me along the spectrum. My secret mission is to 'take the summer off' and see how I do. I'm not sure if that is a good or bad idea. I still suffer from the revenges of Lyme Infections, but even today, the suffering I have is about 10-20% of the suffering I had 2-15 + years back. Ooh La La, I don't think I could take that. This is bad enough thank you. I don't know how I did it. I don't know how an of us does it.
"I tell you, take up your mat and go home". I'm taking it.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Yolanda Foster's Experience With Lyme: LRA Gala
youtu.be/6djL18fXj8
Watch how she stops to take her breath, and how she leans over to rest of the podium. Her story is way too familiar.
Watch how she stops to take her breath, and how she leans over to rest of the podium. Her story is way too familiar.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Friday, April 5, 2013
Our Lyme / Autism Story
http://you.tubek4x2LdQmHry
You can find it on you tube if you can't open this. Some Autism is definitely Lyme. Especially suspect it if the child is oversensitive to light, sound and touch. Off and on low grade fevers, lethargic. It could take 2 years for the fetus's bacteria to grow to a point there are enough to effect the child. Please check your kids through IGenex Labs in Palto Alto CA.! Rule out everything you can.
You can find it on you tube if you can't open this. Some Autism is definitely Lyme. Especially suspect it if the child is oversensitive to light, sound and touch. Off and on low grade fevers, lethargic. It could take 2 years for the fetus's bacteria to grow to a point there are enough to effect the child. Please check your kids through IGenex Labs in Palto Alto CA.! Rule out everything you can.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
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