Thanksgiving and work

 Thanksgiving was draining. Dinner, company, and lack of sleep all led to a nauseous, pained, fatigued self. Not to mention I have taken a temporary job through the Christmas season. I am happy to be working and making a little money. It is a good trial for possible future work. The good news is that despite all the activity and symptoms, I have bounced back fairly well. Work leads to some pains and fatigue, but it amazes me I can wake up in the morning feeling well again. That never happened before IV treatment. What a welcome relief. The bad part is, for now, I have less time to blog.

ILADS Live Streaming of 2012 Boston Lyme Disease Conference

ILADS Live Streaming of 2012 Boston Lyme Disease Conference

This is showing Dec. 1 and 2. Check website for your country and time zone.

MY STORM: Battling Lyme--Amber Van Wyk

I'm Lyme De-stressed

     Here is  the remedy I used to de-stress myself the other day when some things went south. I kept a positive attitude and faith that all things will work to the good for us. Then, after painting a while and cooking dinner, I ran a HOT bath. I know I've said this before, but I forgot a few tidbits. Run the hot water to about 1/2 to 3/4 full. When the water is running, close the tub doors or curtain so steam accumulates. Add about 2 cups of Epsom Salts, about 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, and a bar of pure lavender soap. The water should be hot when getting in, a bit tricky. But you do adjust. If you feel beads of sweat on your forehead, congratulations! You're in the zone! Sit there for at least 1/2 hr., and longer if you can. Always have a bottle of either cold green tea or as I like to do, a glass of water with a bunch of lemon slices squeezed into it. Keep hydrated. Bring a good book and soak. A friend of mine told me to rub on aloe vera gel  after I get out. I don't have any right now, but could easily get some. I usually let the salt keep working on me until my morning shower. When all is said and done, the muscles are relaxed, the toxins extracted for the day, and I feel 'light as a feather'. I always picture Ebeneezer Scrooge at the end of the story when he repents and jumps around the room feeling light as a feather. Whether you are in active treatment, or maintaining the ground you have gained, this is an easy way to detox.

Lyme and Stress

     Everyone has stress. It is when stress is derived from an overwhelming situation, that it effects your bodily symptoms, and ability to function in an everyday way. For instance, the sudden death of a young person, parent, or child. A divorce, abuse, threats, or someone with an addiction. These are examples of highly stressful situations which take you out of the ordinary and place you into a state similar to shock.
     Yesterday I had one of these types of stresses suddenly happen in my life. Today, I have been experiencing a variety of  Lyme symptoms. Stress at that level can effect anyone, but even more so if you have a disease. For me, I have a sudden increase in shaky hands, the feeling that my body is being stretched like an elastic both upwards and downwards, which I haven't felt treatment. Brain fog, which had long disappeared, I noticed as soon as I got up. And fatigue, that overwhelming feeling of sleep is here. I am taking my meds, but I think they are so strong this week that it increases my sickness as well.
     I thought I would share this occurrence in Lyme Patients and others who may be in an overly stressful situation with no control in the outcome. Taking care of myself is the best way to make it pass without lingering. It helps me to accept things. Today I will start with an Epsom salt bath. I will follow up with lots of green tea. I will take all the supplements and antioxidants I have in my arsenal. I will nap. I will eat healthy foods. And I will paint. A hobby may be one of the best ways to move on from the shock of your situation.
     In doing all this, my symptoms will fade more quickly, and normalcy will arrive with a pleasant peace.
     One more thing: when you are ready, find a good friend, a pastor, a counselor, just some you trust. Spill out your emotions, and description of the event which caused distress, Emotional health is just as important as physical help, especially when your body is already stressed by fighting a disease. In my case, I ask for prayer as well. It is a very powerful force in changing situations, and people's hearts.
     Fellow Lymies, I hope this helps you.

Today

OK, haven't got the nerve to start, but I am going go take about 6 antibiotics and detox pills right now. That's after taking four supplements and five prescritions of support to treatment. Here I go. If you don't hear from me for a while send me a post of encouagement!

Next Treatment Cycle

     Holiday over, new treatment cycle starts tomorrow. This time I had limited herxing. A big change from the past. No longer do I have the night sweats, nightmares, heart palpitations, blackouts, Lyme Comas, the list could go on. However, I still get anxious starting a new treatment cycle. It is tricky business to keep everything in balance. It means sticking to my supplement schedule every day, at the specific times, most beneficial. It means detoxing daily, to decrease the herxing during holiday. (steam baths/Epsom salt baths/green tea/lemon water/ and especially finding limited exercise to make me sweat it out.) It  means sticking very close to my diet. (which I have been slacking off on this holiday) It means taking all prescriptions at all the right times. It means taking all antibiotics and supports at all the right times. Like I said it is a lot of work, and a delicate balance. Even though I know this is a good thing, it is going to create a sickness of sorts as I kill off and detox the bugs etc. from my body.
     No rest for the weary, on or off treatment. Thank God I have improved or there would be no incentive to go on.