tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86016260936042643832024-03-13T10:29:47.860-07:00Lauren's Lyme Lifelaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-16342231630299658512013-10-13T19:46:00.001-07:002013-10-13T19:46:33.639-07:00Depersonalization... What in the world?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, this is my attempt at updating, in some way, this blog that I have had so much trouble updating in the recent months. Forgive me, and read on, for what could be a real eye opener for many people.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I posted this in a Lyme support group that I am a leader on. I hope this helps some people to understand yet another facet of Lyme disease.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Google dictionary defines depersonalization as: "the action of divesting someone or something of human characteristics or individuality."</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">WHAT?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Yeah, my thoughts too.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So here is a better definition... Coming from<a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262888.php" style="color: #3f5794; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262888.php</a> we get this:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"Depersonalization is a dreamlike feeling of being disengaged from your surroundings - where things seem 'less real' than they should.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">People who suffer from severe depersonalization say that it feels as if the they are watching themselves act from a distance without having a sense of complete control.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Even though depersonalization is harmless, it can be extremely disturbing for the person experiencing it."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My thoughts exactly. My life has been taken by depersonalization often, some times for long periods of time (I'm talking months) and other times, just an hour or two a day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Usually, it's an occurrence that goes on for a few days to a few weeks at a time for me. It has been very hard to realize, and typically it is something that we don't realize until we are far into it, or have come out of it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I am a mom of three little congenital Lymies. And until Lyme went full-blown in my body, I was always very active with them, and with life in general.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I was an in-charge person, happy, loving life, and ready to take on the next day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Then Lyme took charge and left me, a pile of my former self, on the couch/dining room chair, ignoring the world around me, watching, through uninterested eyes, what my husband was doing (cooking the dinners that I used to cook, playing with the kids that I used to play with, etc.) and not really feeling anything at all.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I would say this is something highly linked to a form of depression. I'm not a depression expert, but I would say there's got to be more than one type! I bet, if there's not yet, one day there will be a "depression spectrum," like Autism.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I digress.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I know that since Lyme has been center stage, I've numbed. I've grown to hate talking. I've grown to loathe phone calls. In fact, I typically don't answer my phone. Even when I know it is someone I love dearly.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I simply can't bring myself to speak to anyone. Just text me. Just email me. Phone or face to face is like climbing Everest most days for me. And I mean climbing Everest WITH LYME.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Not gonna happen. <img alt="W00t" src="http://cdn.mdjunction.com/components/com_joomlaboard/emoticons/w00t.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have the Lyme that would have probably gone in the direction of an MS diagnosis. My legs and arms are the most affected (ok, my heart is too). My muscles are fatigued 98% of the day, my knees buckle 5-50 times a day, no joke. Etc.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So that climbing Everest comment? Yeah. That's how I feel about talking on the phone.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Just like watching a movie, unless you're a fanatic... LOL <img alt="Silly" src="http://cdn.mdjunction.com/components/com_joomlaboard/emoticons/silly.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" /> you don't talk to the actors on-screen. </span>You watch and let it unfold.</div>
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Watching my kids play, talk, do homework, watch Netflix, etc., and not interacting with them cuts open my chest and rips my heart out, figuratively speaking of course.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I feel like a negligent parent. When my two older girls were in school and my youngest had one year left before she started, she watched TV a majority of every weekday of the entire school year. She knew how to run the remote.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">All I had to ask her was what she wanted for lunch when the time came. And I used to homeschool my oldest! For 3 years I did this. I am an actively involved parent! Until Lyme's depersonalization.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sadly, that can be my life. And I'm willing to bet it can be many of yours' too.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What would you say to your depersonalization? What would you say to those around you? Maybe getting those thoughts down here, then copying and pasting it into a letter to your loved ones wouldn't hurt.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I was finally able to break down in a lake of tears, yammering on and on about how I have become the above case study to my husband. It actually was very healing.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It doesn't mean I have ceased depersonalization, but at least now he knows WHY and where it comes from.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So that's what I've got for you tonight. I hope it is helpful. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Peace, love, and cider mugs to you all in this beautiful fall 2013!</span></div>
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laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-63420824357655709932013-05-11T15:59:00.002-07:002013-05-11T16:07:23.784-07:00World Lyme Protest Day/Weekend and My Body Doth Protest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjppLJscd1fzWPWWaDBN3h97asPAsEpWiH8VDhWp9NQC6enAMyAwzzYPHfTzXORBqg6t3-64nkiurusQf8f5EmGBwFsN9CuykKWW_xXg94ttVvOdl6mOQo_1QMHiDIn15w4IuiV5ZEWEQ/s1600/Lyme+Cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjppLJscd1fzWPWWaDBN3h97asPAsEpWiH8VDhWp9NQC6enAMyAwzzYPHfTzXORBqg6t3-64nkiurusQf8f5EmGBwFsN9CuykKWW_xXg94ttVvOdl6mOQo_1QMHiDIn15w4IuiV5ZEWEQ/s320/Lyme+Cookie.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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So yesterday and today (May 10 & 11, 2013) there have been events going on worldwide to spread the word about Lyme and other TBI (tick-borne illnesses).<br />
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I had an appointment with my attorney for my upcoming disability hearing at 11. I laid in bed, unable to get enough energy to rouse myself, until about 9:30. Dressed and fed, we all piled into the car for the drive. As soon as we got home, it was back to bed. Netflix offers me some great nostalgia when I'm in this predicament. Let's just say today's respite has a lot to do with this guy...<br />
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The pain and fatigue is pretty bad today. I'm not even wearing a Lyme awareness bracelet. How I wish I could have been somewhere today, spreading the word. Heck, I wish I could've been enjoying the company of my kiddos. So... In honor of this weekend's events, here is a nice pictorial upload to help spread Lyme awareness!<br />
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Here's praying tomorrow is better. Sometimes it's just not that easy being green...</div>
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Remember folks... Lyme testing is unreliable. Is this the mystery in the center of your issues?</div>
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Be aware that Lyme is the fastest growing chronic illness in the world. Wisconsin is in the top 5 endemic states in the country for Lyme disease. </div>
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Lyme is like that ugly sweater your Great Aunt hand-made for you... It makes you miserable and you just can't get rid of it fast enough...</div>
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It doesn't care how old you are...</div>
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In fact, it likes to invade whole families, congenitally.</div>
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It will take you places you never thought you'd go...</div>
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And leave you with something that becomes a part of you for months... (mine, going on 7 months now)</div>
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Lyme will make you subject your children to regular traumatic blood draws for monitoring their basic functions while on lengthy treatments.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2Qpf8QqINrv8tz8Nd5A3cXqiZVzCoXeZvTQO-GokBIG6PUkzg2g0fNDunyyP_87YH45gGwmj8Q26l1TtX2cJU-0gfF0frIt0meaE6me8mX0azgXUNAcuucCzIUYALYoLFVgx8tIEyo4/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2Qpf8QqINrv8tz8Nd5A3cXqiZVzCoXeZvTQO-GokBIG6PUkzg2g0fNDunyyP_87YH45gGwmj8Q26l1TtX2cJU-0gfF0frIt0meaE6me8mX0azgXUNAcuucCzIUYALYoLFVgx8tIEyo4/s320/photo-5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Every day that you go untreated is like a ticking time bomb, ready to go off at the precise moment: the perfect storm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5s3ZPD2SHWTDc-ydI-uiWxhhleJbtPQBEa5mV0ch5rdlwst-0Ee0byKkPdK-PlPZuluZew5dlkBYmi3DmSvq8THvFZhI5DDmfI24jWJlc8_sfHMGR-269ZZ7qU7OyGtUUDtIRfFuqhg/s1600/Alice-in-Wonderland-The-White-Rabbit-Close-Up-4-2-10-kc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5s3ZPD2SHWTDc-ydI-uiWxhhleJbtPQBEa5mV0ch5rdlwst-0Ee0byKkPdK-PlPZuluZew5dlkBYmi3DmSvq8THvFZhI5DDmfI24jWJlc8_sfHMGR-269ZZ7qU7OyGtUUDtIRfFuqhg/s320/Alice-in-Wonderland-The-White-Rabbit-Close-Up-4-2-10-kc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When it does... you can't do anything but give in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3JhoZox5EbDGvdCUONhW5oLDJPCHkw-sqmRjQx7en4d-ZdGYAnfMFNepCo45o1wue3r-dRvW1hDpeiWaQDB85vrlokPxFeFdFrjkmDz6qhHPt51wtC-JMcxnfub7fg4X77GrjP1LddE/s1600/Lyme+Meeting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3JhoZox5EbDGvdCUONhW5oLDJPCHkw-sqmRjQx7en4d-ZdGYAnfMFNepCo45o1wue3r-dRvW1hDpeiWaQDB85vrlokPxFeFdFrjkmDz6qhHPt51wtC-JMcxnfub7fg4X77GrjP1LddE/s320/Lyme+Meeting.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Doctors simply aren't taught the wretched realities of Chronic Lyme disease...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NzH2JZlhrp_JVi2IeAyY_yEsWKznjtVSNsc5s5nSFaboJ6blLoEeTLJbTfwXVKhywpW395zr5mAzIElRh6DQpe6Qr2qZSKQvDM8tSrUg9qEtJWIDVI9C2FYeCj0N6wibao5nUhXXMrU/s1600/lyme+cartoon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NzH2JZlhrp_JVi2IeAyY_yEsWKznjtVSNsc5s5nSFaboJ6blLoEeTLJbTfwXVKhywpW395zr5mAzIElRh6DQpe6Qr2qZSKQvDM8tSrUg9qEtJWIDVI9C2FYeCj0N6wibao5nUhXXMrU/s320/lyme+cartoon.jpeg" width="312" /></a></div>
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There's just nothing simple about this illness.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMBjM_CZY0SzFPa3CiteOCBVCZp56RilXeM1UVE5btFomdWxqN_TvMYumVisC3X7wTzSIcjBnbYpVZnsPXSnoTLQJ6fK70xx00FkHETpLIhW7tyD3CnwYRLrigttmJNz9ScfVlxbbfus/s1600/lyme+no+easy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMBjM_CZY0SzFPa3CiteOCBVCZp56RilXeM1UVE5btFomdWxqN_TvMYumVisC3X7wTzSIcjBnbYpVZnsPXSnoTLQJ6fK70xx00FkHETpLIhW7tyD3CnwYRLrigttmJNz9ScfVlxbbfus/s320/lyme+no+easy.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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So please, if you feel there may be something to this illness and your mysterious condition, check out the rest of my blog here, watch <a href="http://www.underourskin.com/" target="_blank">Under Our Skin</a> (you can watch it online for free on Youtube, or Netflix, Hulu, and other places), and get help finding a Lyme Literate MD (LLMD) to check you out. Remember that a Lyme diagnosis is CLINICAL and NOT reliant on blood testing as the tests for Lyme are completely insufficient. They produce false negatives around 60% of the time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKw0sfmu3qsQjHvi93ergpyIAtZ6jY9QcqI0Yasfq9G8LJ23fMnHxqdsqx54jGbbNUUzVv3xeKvHKJURs9Tw_9USeF7-DeiXcaOcOXn1nPxmZjDWtOQ7BA36nu5aLLPc66TRsR0Y1E3E/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKw0sfmu3qsQjHvi93ergpyIAtZ6jY9QcqI0Yasfq9G8LJ23fMnHxqdsqx54jGbbNUUzVv3xeKvHKJURs9Tw_9USeF7-DeiXcaOcOXn1nPxmZjDWtOQ7BA36nu5aLLPc66TRsR0Y1E3E/s400/images.jpeg" width="395" /></a></div>
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Remember, regular doctors (no offense, really!) do not have the training and know-how. Not even Infectious Disease docs. I've been to more than I can list right now. None of them found my Lyme. Now, after treating for over a year, even the CDC agrees that I have it. So it wasn't because it wasn't there, it was because they simply didn't know how to diagnose it. No matter how much you trust your doctor, it would be like asking an electrician to install your new toilet. They just aren't equipped and will probably diagnose you with something else.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTproi3K_V9b3oC_fnj9rPQK_XNGsi-7QkyoECtpxPOFlNG9PmzrvaslLESSp-agWDjr48KQlH5Sxs1SP-2wfksQDnoRoI5R7es8xeGy0Qa23UDY8YRt1qbnTxvUBZZEFy-WgRCVX_0s/s1600/doc.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTproi3K_V9b3oC_fnj9rPQK_XNGsi-7QkyoECtpxPOFlNG9PmzrvaslLESSp-agWDjr48KQlH5Sxs1SP-2wfksQDnoRoI5R7es8xeGy0Qa23UDY8YRt1qbnTxvUBZZEFy-WgRCVX_0s/s400/doc.jpeg" width="359" /></a></div>
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If you need more information, talk to a Lymie. Trust in what they have to say. Visit <a href="http://www.WisconsinLyme.net/">www.WisconsinLyme.net</a> or <a href="http://www.mdjunction.com/lyme-disease" target="_blank">MDJunction's Lyme Support Group</a>. Find a local support group in your area. Just do something.<br />
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Keep the faith guys and please educate yourself! The IDSA and CDC won't do it, so we have to.<br />
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Peace, love, & cider mugs...<br />
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<br />laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-33373829450561028712013-05-09T19:11:00.000-07:002013-05-09T19:11:16.090-07:00Sitting Here Resting My Bones...You know, no matter how strong my conviction is to update more regularly, something always tends to get in my way. Call it procrastination... Call it Lyme brain... Call it what you will... I'm trying my best, and I pray you'll forgive me for the lag-time.<br />
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I've had a few big gaps lately. I had signed up to go on a 5-day field trip to St. Louis with my oldest mini-warrior early in the school year with hopes that I would be much further along in my treatment. Well, the time came and I wasn't nearly where I would have hoped to be, physically speaking, but I had already committed.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKT__5oOSSuvII9ypZsiN1FPB9vvehnwXxl5FZTdl9O-s17ASMS_j4aKvVF2LWTJ61RmO2g-cHZRIhdc8fZTEDw8jNNtlNzBOGYhZmxi1lSieBaGdQA9fFW8fvQDKx8Lcn_VnpUZod8iI/s1600/ab+arch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKT__5oOSSuvII9ypZsiN1FPB9vvehnwXxl5FZTdl9O-s17ASMS_j4aKvVF2LWTJ61RmO2g-cHZRIhdc8fZTEDw8jNNtlNzBOGYhZmxi1lSieBaGdQA9fFW8fvQDKx8Lcn_VnpUZod8iI/s320/ab+arch.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gator at the Arch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Suffice it to say, I was a bit overwhelmed with everything. But it was so worth it. I had a fantastic time with my girl, and the two choirs she is in walked away from a national competition with a silver and a gold.</div>
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Here are a few more highlights in pictorial form for ya:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_U54OrtOxZx0n4KIHZt0s7dPvF75S96kLTkFzduF5rGeTk3imw9QyVQihEjI9bU4i4rFWrSvQ3LFsj3tzfiwXecGWbipAgFRPgUOiN9CpgpdU0J5uV5jm8BSrSq2QEIkGEvp14Vdgv8/s1600/ab+mdq.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_U54OrtOxZx0n4KIHZt0s7dPvF75S96kLTkFzduF5rGeTk3imw9QyVQihEjI9bU4i4rFWrSvQ3LFsj3tzfiwXecGWbipAgFRPgUOiN9CpgpdU0J5uV5jm8BSrSq2QEIkGEvp14Vdgv8/s320/ab+mdq.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw Million Dollar Quartet at the Fabulous Fox Theater! It was amazing, and the kids (about 70 of them!) all learned a bit of terrific music history.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSdtHZrLJ-zKDZTwc6JBEcG0JdFzW49CGn_0ipGzcVZV-lsH0BYaVIh5wwxn5wmvkpKtsn6OF4I1eo9X8gbL7eCEmSBpXV7_6tOonzPtulaWKjtfKeEV0fOxVkEtFX4fYohptOuSgxZw/s1600/ab+wet+feet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSdtHZrLJ-zKDZTwc6JBEcG0JdFzW49CGn_0ipGzcVZV-lsH0BYaVIh5wwxn5wmvkpKtsn6OF4I1eo9X8gbL7eCEmSBpXV7_6tOonzPtulaWKjtfKeEV0fOxVkEtFX4fYohptOuSgxZw/s320/ab+wet+feet.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to Six Flags. Yeah. It rained that day. My brand new shoes on top, Ab's brand new shoes 100% soaked with her poor feet wet too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcb1ABTsz_dU9zxZk4MflWA6NmL0LMOQ-AJS7eSIFMQMhm8WUjP5JPi7naqMcLAVPGzv8InNisoqDCVx1pq4R2Gh6jHKtBMV75csw8jp69qBgT8P0WmbNu6Rfk9FNZ3oOIK44HaB-GiUw/s1600/ab+characiture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcb1ABTsz_dU9zxZk4MflWA6NmL0LMOQ-AJS7eSIFMQMhm8WUjP5JPi7naqMcLAVPGzv8InNisoqDCVx1pq4R2Gh6jHKtBMV75csw8jp69qBgT8P0WmbNu6Rfk9FNZ3oOIK44HaB-GiUw/s320/ab+characiture.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While we were doing our sitting and finding shelter from the rain, we got caricaturized!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-gIxo4-Tc2yeeIcIH1WyJTrCDCeYdp2hJhuxD8eDiDEGKgC6qCt0fDcqt3tdqnuhB-LHatr0fdoE3zUUWf5U7hNjFXzvdAq7y75nP681AVBw2JOAHrlVcRvy-DLOdlPUjMett-obSak/s1600/ab+spaghetti.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-gIxo4-Tc2yeeIcIH1WyJTrCDCeYdp2hJhuxD8eDiDEGKgC6qCt0fDcqt3tdqnuhB-LHatr0fdoE3zUUWf5U7hNjFXzvdAq7y75nP681AVBw2JOAHrlVcRvy-DLOdlPUjMett-obSak/s320/ab+spaghetti.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We hit the Old Spaghetti Factory too. No one mess with Gator and her pasta!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I had to take some serious breaks and was so glad to see all of the "free" time scheduled in to the itinerary. When the kids hit the pool (and the other chaperones sat and watched) I hit my room to rest. The day we went to Six Flags I was the one who sat as much as possible. Long story short, I did what I had to so I could do my duties as chaperone and not completely bottom out.<br />
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That was a week-and-a-half ago or so.<br />
A few days ago... Well...<br />
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I chaperoned my middle mini-warrior's 2nd grade class trip to the Milwaukee Public Museum. Oy. Did I not realize that meant WALKING? Holy cow. Let's just say I have crashed early for the past two nights, with ongoing leg pain (pretty severe), feet pain (also severe), headache, etc., and am kicking myself for creating a busy life these last few weeks.<br />
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And... a few pics from that escapade...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznJQQ00uXNWzZZKrt0GlQSEWdotjkptcGdUpVi03oCqSxbS9CwE5htQJCAit0Bu2uY2XxHr7afUheKxYaD3Ei8cRKI3rpjnACRttlLCs5OE8rGyKy3u5oVpD88wut6RzIjmsO8kVIGAU/s1600/mir+butterfly1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznJQQ00uXNWzZZKrt0GlQSEWdotjkptcGdUpVi03oCqSxbS9CwE5htQJCAit0Bu2uY2XxHr7afUheKxYaD3Ei8cRKI3rpjnACRttlLCs5OE8rGyKy3u5oVpD88wut6RzIjmsO8kVIGAU/s320/mir+butterfly1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Not sure what to think, but I will eek a strange smile for ya Mom!" In the Butterfly exhibit. Good times.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mNcuTX4uXBhgfqhTttynN5lpNS5G7tIW_T5wZ1to1aQayRuwPuPW4fakIAr_MuihHQk3Zn-o5VvniNVRk81dtTmgwPHz14lrnH7_i5gRddvv9otWR6XunE4r5iuDtXZHxVhXv8GSmjY/s1600/mir+butterfly2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mNcuTX4uXBhgfqhTttynN5lpNS5G7tIW_T5wZ1to1aQayRuwPuPW4fakIAr_MuihHQk3Zn-o5VvniNVRk81dtTmgwPHz14lrnH7_i5gRddvv9otWR6XunE4r5iuDtXZHxVhXv8GSmjY/s320/mir+butterfly2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom got some one-on-one time with some, too.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtd6n3Z51URCIN5DEQ3y1aQOg3tAAWlWNmlplGYO4ZvoPqQkuzi_YZSPyC4WZWtP5LuReNGmgFCQc5RuUbQc5IWRh7Dr_TCNlFDiL8uOt-9Fmchlap7L1EB7xluMD6RSRoBIAaCjzVwc/s1600/mir+butterfly3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtd6n3Z51URCIN5DEQ3y1aQOg3tAAWlWNmlplGYO4ZvoPqQkuzi_YZSPyC4WZWtP5LuReNGmgFCQc5RuUbQc5IWRh7Dr_TCNlFDiL8uOt-9Fmchlap7L1EB7xluMD6RSRoBIAaCjzVwc/s320/mir+butterfly3.JPG" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting more used to it...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqS-fYaIJ0ryHblRE9ayQaWXXvs0LRn-7DkvvYG1wlxIsofbRkzONJRnq4S0hgYOc_7Vobm70lWYxstTPkg4115AITODNVDoW2CrfkXynXtdf4Q2xhd2LZpSsdw0YD2iZu2L7XxnvNqUo/s1600/mir+glacier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqS-fYaIJ0ryHblRE9ayQaWXXvs0LRn-7DkvvYG1wlxIsofbRkzONJRnq4S0hgYOc_7Vobm70lWYxstTPkg4115AITODNVDoW2CrfkXynXtdf4Q2xhd2LZpSsdw0YD2iZu2L7XxnvNqUo/s320/mir+glacier.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh! And let's not forget the glacier! Doesn't she look like a natural explorer? Go Mater!</td></tr>
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HOWEVER... I also don't regret it. I mean, I can't stand the thought of being that absent mom. It's not in my DNA, and I'm not about to start neglecting my kiddos now. Especially not when they are going through a tough time too. So we get out there, we fight, we fall down, we get back up, and we do it all over again.<br />
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Until next time... More on the essential oils... Promise.<br />
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Chins up and keep the faith.laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-5444035127732607512013-04-15T07:31:00.000-07:002013-05-09T18:01:15.799-07:00The Essential Things of LifeSo last time we bore our gory sickie souls to you all... And while you got the prettied up version, I'm sure it was enough for you to walk away with at least an inkling of sympathy for anyone with chronic illness and the flu!<br />
<br />
Today's topic is rather tame, and even––dare I say––exhilarating, for those on a quest for wellness or even wholeness.<br />
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A few years ago, a friend of mine from church shared with me a tiny smidgeon about therapeutic grade essential oils and their benefit in our lives. I bought a few of them and began using them, very infrequently, around the house and a few times on our bodies to ward off sickness. I quickly forgot about using them so much and they sat, unused, on my shelf. (Thankfully they don't go rancid, like cooking oils do!)<br />
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The problem was, however, that I just didn't know the science behind these things, and with my personality, that was a problem... I needed more info and didn't know to ask at the time. And that is ok. Because there is definitely a reason for everything, even if we don't understand it at any given time.<br />
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Well, as you read last time, when we were hit with the plague (okay, the flu, but it felt like the plague!!!) I called my friend up for a diffuser. I still had a blend from Young Living, called Thieves, that would be perfect for this sort of thing.<br />
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Thieves is an interesting name, no? It bears this name because of where it was discovered. Back in England during the time of the plague, there was a band of grave robbers who would go into the homes and such of people who were sick and dying/dead from the plague. They would douse themselves with a blend of oils and enter the homes... And not get sick. Truth. When these bandits were captured, they revealed their oil blend to the authorities in exchange for a lesser sentence. Nice, huh? Well, this is the blend that is inside every bottle of Thieves. It is very anti-everything bad for you. Anti-bacterial, -microbial, -fungal, -viral. Everything! It also helps to bolster the immune system and more. It has a list of positive attributes that would rival even the fairest in the land.<br />
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We immediately started diffusing the Thieves as well as applying one drop on the bottoms of our feet nightly. When the oils are diffused, tiny microscopic particles of the oils are lifted into the air. The ones that are airborne actually kill pathogens in the air. The ones we inhale go directly into our bloodstream via the lungs. Most essential oils are molecularly small enough to cross the blood-brain-barrier; something most pharmaceuticals cannot do.<br />
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Our recovery from the flu was quicker than we had anticipated. What's more, I have heard from so many families in our area and in my home state how they have all relapsed. We have not. Immune-boosting power.<br />
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The reason they are called essential oils is simple: it is everything essential to the life of the plant. Nature is full of pathogens that are not only out to get us humans, but also any living thing. Plants are susceptible to illness just as we are. Think of their essential oils as their immune system. And they are powerful. Here's a great example of the power-packed punch of an essential oil: one solitary drop of peppermint oil is equivalent to 24 cups of peppermint tea! That is no joke. Just 3 drops in a two-gallon container was enough for a refreshing water beverage.<br />
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I have one more thing to say on today's post about essential oils. These oils MUST be therapeutic grade or you honestly do not know what you are getting. Some oils are chemically distilled/extracted, and residues of these chemicals can be left in the end product. Others could be blended with a carrier oil and still be called "pure essential oil" or what have you. There are even more specifics, such as harvesting time and procedure, organic issues, and more. So I urge you, if you want to give this a try, please don't go to the local shop and pick up a $6 bottle of "essential oil." There are perfume and food grades that are largely lab-derived, and do not possess the healing qualities that therapeutic grade oils have.<br />
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More to come on how these oils are fitting into my life with Lyme. Until then, keep your chin up and steady on friends.laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-51726690901570501442013-04-08T10:47:00.000-07:002013-04-15T06:51:44.945-07:00Proto-Calling All Seekers!So about 2 1/2 weeks after I blogged in February, my entire family came down with the FLU. Ugh. It was awful. Here's what happened:<br />
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Saturday, Feb 16th, we all went to bed, myself a bit eager for Sunday for two reasons. #1, Ab was headed to a regional spelling competition with the Knights of Columbus and I was going to be taking her. #2, it was my birthday. What a great way to spend a special day... enjoying one of my kiddos' academic excellence, even in the face of this disease.<br />
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Well, about 30 minutes before the stroke of midnight, my hubby and I were startled awake by Ab blasting through our door, exclaiming "Reb's barfing!" Well, she sleeps on the top bunk, so that was not going to be a fun way to spend the next half hour or so... Nick took to cleaning the bed while I cleaned the child.<br />
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We went back to bed, but I basically got to "enjoy" the wee early hours of my birthday by running every 20 minutes to the "sickie bed" when Reb would get sick again and again.<br />
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Plans didn't change, however, for Ab and myself. We went to the competition where she took 3rd place and a bronze medal. I am so so proud of that girl!<br />
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What we didn't know was that we probably ended up infecting quite a few people while there. Not the best gift, but when you don't know you're giving it away, what can you do? Kind of like congenital Lyme and my family. The unknown gift that keeps on giving. Until now, that is.<br />
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Anyway, Ab got sick Sunday evening. Reb was still sick. Then Monday came. Nick got home from work to find me, a lump of nothingness on the couch... Stomach pain. Him too. We sat there, feeling green. All of a sudden, Nick got up and went to speak to the porcelain god. The second time I've ever heard him be sick in the 15 years that I've known him. Seriously.<br />
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I sat on the couch, thinking how I was not feeling well and the bathroom on this level was occupied for the moment, and realized that I should begin my trek up the stairs as it takes me so long to climb Mount Staircase with my legs so afflicted by Lyme.<br />
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It was a grand decision. I got to the upstairs bathroom just in time. Ugh. Now the only one not sick was our middle daughter, Mir.<br />
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Nick and I lay in our bed, trying not to move for the pain, unless it was to the bathroom for another "yelling" match between ourselves and the echoing toilet bowl. How awful this flu was!!<br />
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Tuesday rolled around to find our last healthy kid incapacitated as well. At least she's the easy one. When she's sick, you wouldn't even know unless you walked in on the act. At age 7 (and earlier!) she does her business and cleans up, then it's back to bed and no one knows anything even happened. It definitely was the best order!<br />
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So... during all of that turmoil and suffering, we had some great friends bring by the root beer popsicles that were suggested by my home care nurse as well as some caffeine-free coke to drink room temp and flat. Yuck. But again, it did the trick.<br />
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The best decision we made was to have another dear friend bring over her last diffuser she had in stock so that I could diffuse some Thieves essential oil blend from Young Living. I began looking more into the essential oils and realized how amazing they are. They are like the life force of plants and work within our own bodies to help facilitate healing and wellness!<br />
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I will leave that little tidbit for you to chew on until next time. But this is the starting point of probably the best decision I could have made in a long time... Maybe since I decided to marry my husband and then have his children. Really. It's that good of a decision.<br />
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Until next time... Keep your chins up and steady on.laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-83091589025355087632013-04-06T17:33:00.002-07:002013-04-08T10:20:22.531-07:00Surely to Put a Spring in Your Step!Well, hello there... How have you all been since February? Hopefully you didn't think I was gone away. I know it's been a while.<br />
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Well I have some very good info to pass along! How about that?!?! After 1 1/2 years of treatment, I think we have finally stumbled onto greatness as far as a strategy is concerned. Now, since it's been a while, I will start back at where I left you all.<br />
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I've been doing the Glutathione pushes weekly. This continues to be a great help.<br />
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After 16 weeks of IV Rocephin, I have switched to IV Invanz. This is a new antibiotic and with that, of course, comes a pretty hefty price tag. I pray my insurance doesn't pull any fast ones on us. The two best things about Invanz is that #1 because it is so new, there is very little resistance to it, and #2, I only have to infuse once a day!!! Hooray!!!<br />
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Not much had been happening since I blogged last, so don't feel like you've missed out. Lyme is such a long-term treatment. We are marathon warriors, people. Endurance, endurance, endurance.<br />
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There is one thing I can't help but bubble over with pride to you all, though. My eldest of Lyme warrior offspring, Ab, just recently participated in her very first musical. This is something near and dear to my heart, as I have quite a history in the theatrical world. I was so proud to coach her vocally (it's something I do), and hear that she walked away from auditions with the LEAD!!!<br />
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Here she is, post-closing night performance, with her flowers and excitement. What a great kid.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCZ08ynwpr6QwKZT6slojwihz2fo4gmkOCJCGTWNfFHoMGVsry6tIQRGLT0nkBDG6ZJ8HeTaFCZHTC4XrxahIRk_Bx6CpLWTiQ9jFnYKlbSsldXD6WUZstOn82uGjqnpVOVc8PXzBlhQ/s1600/AB+FLOWERS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCZ08ynwpr6QwKZT6slojwihz2fo4gmkOCJCGTWNfFHoMGVsry6tIQRGLT0nkBDG6ZJ8HeTaFCZHTC4XrxahIRk_Bx6CpLWTiQ9jFnYKlbSsldXD6WUZstOn82uGjqnpVOVc8PXzBlhQ/s320/AB+FLOWERS.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's right, FOUR bouquets of gorgeous flowers!</td></tr>
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Even with the struggles of Lyme, she puts herself out there and lives with excellence. Of course, she comes home every night and has mom rub her aching muscles down with some essential oils... but more about that in the next post. ;)<br />
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I am so honored to have you all out there, reading along and joining me – in your own ways – in this fight. Please stick with us. We have a ways to go. I hope our story brings inspiration and maybe even a few answers or starting places for your own paths.<br />
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Big smiles and happy Spring, everybody!laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-71090777965123801682013-02-01T15:00:00.001-08:002013-04-06T17:16:12.465-07:00Say Goodbye to Toxic Things / Gloot-a-what-own?So it's been quite a few weeks since I've updated again. Here's the lowdown...<br />
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First of all, I am thrilled to report that one of us Lam girls is going to be [possibly] [hopefully] [rejoicingly] finishing with treatment in the next 2-3 months! My littlest Lymie will be set free of treatments after this next few months. We are SUPER hopeful for this to happen and are more than excited for her to start living like a "normal" kid again real soon. She is the youngest, so she's been the easiest one to treat. The other two little Lymies will continue treatment along with yours truly, dear old mom. The girls, however, do have a lot less time to treat compared to myself.<br />
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So... onto a PICC update! I have successfully had my PICC line in place for 14 weeks today. It has become a part of me in many ways, and life is "normal" with it. Yes, my husband still has to wash me and my hair in the shower... He's a good man. Yes, I still have twice daily infusions... It's boring. But I seem to have found a good relationship with PICCy. My nurse can not believe it's been in so successfully for 14 weeks without problem, except for the stupid adhesive burns I get. Yeah, those are frustrating. Even today, my skin tore when she took the tegaderm off, and boy does the betadine sting when she has to clean the area! WHOOO!!<br />
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Even though the meds have been going well and the PICC itself has been good, I have been struggling with my symptoms. And here's why: my LLND ran some new and quite specific tests that were developed by <a href="http://www.survivingmold.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker</a>, and we discovered that I have a very high chemical toxicity. It's so bad that it is worse than the Lyme right now. Basically, what this means is that my body isn't detoxing the way it should... Even with the efforts I make. The fresh lemon juice in my water all day long, the Epsom Salt baths, the Milk Thistle, juicing fresh veggies including greens and beets, etc.<br />
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So now I am also infusing a compounded substance called Glutathione (pronounced gloot-a-<b>thigh</b>-own), which is basically our bodies' number one antioxidant that it makes. This should be helping to clear my "methylation pathways," or the detoxing pathways, in my body, so that those nasty toxins have a way to escape.<br />
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So, that's the latest. Glutathione. If you want to hear someone who sounds awesome say it, check this video out, of an amazing Lyme (and much more) doctor, who happens to be German. This is Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, who is absolutely amazing. Did I say he was amazing? Yeah. If you want about a 45-minute teaching on the 5 pathways to health, basically, watch all 5 parts of his "Fundamental Teachings" on YouTube. Anyway, he says "glutathione" within the first minute, so it's a quick listen. :)<br />
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So there you have it. Pretty great. Love that doctor. He's truly a great in this world. AAAAANYWAY...<br />
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So I am pushing glutathione on Saturdays. I have had to miss a few because it's expensive. It's $40 per treatment. Which just adds to the pile of money we have flying out every week... But this one is a pre-pay only, so if we don't have the money, we don't get the treatment. Will be back on track next week with it. Can't wait for that. It does help a whole lot.<br />
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Hope you all are doing well out there! Thanks for joining us on our journey. Peace, love, and cider mugs, y'all! Stay warm!!!laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-37075229194182507582012-12-07T20:55:00.000-08:002013-05-11T19:57:48.506-07:00Getting PICC'd On and More...Life with Lyme is never dull. Except when you can't do anything but lay on the couch and cry... My intentions were to write this post a few months ago. Yep. Lyme. No fun. So here we are. Fiiiiinally updating. Hopefully will be more caught up and can continue on a more normal schedule of updates.<br />
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School started and with it came a new set of obstacles such as waking up at the right time to get all of my kiddos to school at the right times. 4K drop-off at 7:50. Back home until 8:15 to get my middle schooler off to school by 8:30, and then a half-hour wait in the van until the 9:00 hour when I can let my 2nd grader out for the start of her day. The last two schools are literally 90 seconds apart. I sit. A lot. :)<br />
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The girls have been doing great with their treatments. I really hope and pray that we won't need to be treating much longer, at least for the Lyme and Bart. The Babesia needs to be treated for about a year or so, and that's ok. Except for the part where insurance resets in January and we will have to begin paying for the Mepron again. That's the über expensive medicine. $5,000 for 3 months for one person. Our co-pay is 10% at best.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are at our quarterly post-blood draw Starbucks treat. Nothing makes a girl feel better after a poke like a nice decaf Latte, Hot Chocolate, Steamer, or Caramel Apple Spice!</td></tr>
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As for me, just like the summer, my downward spiral and plateau down there in the valley continued. My LLND and I discussed a different plan, which included me being joined in <strike>holy</strike> union with a plastic tube, better known as a PICC line. Until then, I got to stop taking oral antibiotics – as they had pretty much shredded my stomach – and begin a month-long regimen of 3 times weekly Bicillin injections, which my amazing hubby got to administer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qZsXxRqczAqf2Ea3UMb85gS28fgW97rNaAGZb9Emply-p-EPV5tzn7-8LvjLoACmJtMbtFQMkZnSAXLeuesajBekWvDi-mIQDLxwQW-6ls0xNF9fqOznRhOXmtNnjGr2NlIzpBlOJBg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qZsXxRqczAqf2Ea3UMb85gS28fgW97rNaAGZb9Emply-p-EPV5tzn7-8LvjLoACmJtMbtFQMkZnSAXLeuesajBekWvDi-mIQDLxwQW-6ls0xNF9fqOznRhOXmtNnjGr2NlIzpBlOJBg/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bicillin. A thick white goo, three times a week. 1.5" long needle, has to go ALL the way into my hip muscle. And it's not a thin needle. It's actually quite large. 21 Gauge if you know what that means.</td></tr>
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I had another Western blot (Lyme test) and this time, even the CDC (Center for Disease Control) couldn't deny that <b>I am POSITIVE for Lyme!</b> The longer you treat, the more your body can identify the bacteria and begin to make more antibodies against it. We needed a CDC-positive test result for the insurance company to approve and pay for the PICC line.<br />
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The paperwork was finally processed and the appointment was made for me to travel 3 hours to a hospital in Appleton, WI, to get my PICC line. This is not a surprise to Lymies as we know how much scrutiny our doctors are under. This was the only hospital the company could find that would allow my doctor privileges to order my PICC line. Serious drama in the medical world revolving around a tiny spirochete called Borrelia Burgdorferi (the Lyme bacteria) makes getting treatment frustrating to say the least!!<br />
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My hubby drove up with me (of course) for my appointment. A Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) was placed in my right arm, above the elbow, on the inside. This is good for up to a year, and Lord-willing, will remain until it is no longer needed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuKzgt1eTZk6-r2f9tgN7zth3poq26IeYxA7KM4BJk2AlS8OWBikO1aw-sGLPKBnV-xcMHtXxh7USFHmkcqa_QiA7afGbTL96fmR1QkuysK71lEb4EdwyZl4NNfvg7-_6CXtIAnsXnN0/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuKzgt1eTZk6-r2f9tgN7zth3poq26IeYxA7KM4BJk2AlS8OWBikO1aw-sGLPKBnV-xcMHtXxh7USFHmkcqa_QiA7afGbTL96fmR1QkuysK71lEb4EdwyZl4NNfvg7-_6CXtIAnsXnN0/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The amazing lady who inserted my PICC line. This is a surgical procedure, so Nick had to leave the room for the actual insertion.</td></tr>
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They had to try 6 times to get the catheter inserted properly. It goes up a vein that travels through the shoulder and then joins the Jugular (which we don't want) and then the Superior Vena Cava (which we do want). This is where we want the PICC – it stops just above the heart, so that the medicine gets mixed with the largest volume of blood and sent throughout the body immediately. She finally got the PICC placed and off we went to radiology for a chest X-ray to make sure my PICC looked good and in the right place. Hooray! It was, and we headed for home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here it is!</td></tr>
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So now I had the fun of learning how to infuse my meds, how to flush the line, and keep it in good condition, including not getting it wet. Press 'N Seal is good for this! So is my husband, who washes my hair for me. Yes. That's right.<br />
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Unfortunately, after the first week we discovered I have an allergy to adhesives, like my father. So we switched to hypo-allergenic dressings (called a tegaderm) and very specific tape called Mefix. The following picture shows my arm, finally healing from the blisters and sporting a new clear tegaderm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTXiMAkUmYYFMffzuF426z4YsGn6uKXgHgjj0U7sn7a4yI6eaxNyrlamQGeTx6OWcS0qrZezpqXjMmRtb8pToACy7C43M7sSIwO3TFRtQv382opDeW_HQk9fa6O7L8b_nK3vhfzeYrNg/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTXiMAkUmYYFMffzuF426z4YsGn6uKXgHgjj0U7sn7a4yI6eaxNyrlamQGeTx6OWcS0qrZezpqXjMmRtb8pToACy7C43M7sSIwO3TFRtQv382opDeW_HQk9fa6O7L8b_nK3vhfzeYrNg/s320/photo-3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, it's the same arm... the first picture was taken in a mirror. :)</td></tr>
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There were more blisters, but you get the idea. So now my life would consist of twice daily antibiotic infusions, along with taking oral meds as well. Each infusion takes about 45 minutes start to finish. I do get weekends off, though. The new protocol seems to be working. I hope. It runs on a 4-week cycle, and about week 3 I began to see some improvements.<br />
<br />
I could actually walk (still slowly) up my stairs without stopping half-way. My legs were still in a good amount of fatigue and pain at the top, but I could do it! Well, at the end of week 4, I took a major crash and it seemed that all the progress I had made was completely gone. I had more fatigue than I had had in weeks, the limb pain and fatigue was back in full-force, and my migraines came back.<br />
<br />
This disease is frustrating, to say the least. My LLND and I are figuring that this is a result of the die-off (that's the herx, or Herxheimer, reaction) from the bacteria letting go of all the neurotoxins which really make you feel sicker. Much sicker.<br />
<br />
Okay, this post is long enough. I will continue (hopefully) and keep posting regularly again.<br />
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Peace, love, and cider mugs to you all. Stay well.<br />
<br />laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-51706802202937623362012-10-10T20:36:00.000-07:002012-10-10T20:36:12.889-07:00Summer Lovin'... Not So MuchWell, as we continue our saga of the "lost summer," things get a bit uglier, with some fun interspersed. We arrived back home to Wisconsin on the last day of June. Without so much as a seemingly good night's rest, we were unpacked, laundered, re-packed, and on our way to Michigan. It was our traditional stint at the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI, where I grew up. Each year, we visit my relatives and have a blast playing "fudgie" (which is what northern Michiganders call tourists as people come up north for the fudge!!), get some much-needed R&R, and let the kids get spoiled just a bit by Nana and Papa and the aunts and uncles.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDuGuY-Rq5UKQZi77XcK7QzURZWMJnAvDoWLIB_aUp31w2TtFu2RIf_1fo-3mIL8yDmsyqSUNqdXsOUDcvkqBkcckKDMtyx_M-WT8u89eemoW9gwDcmmOPJBaCMPX914GEsLDCAaBL7c/s1600/abigail+cherry+fest+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDuGuY-Rq5UKQZi77XcK7QzURZWMJnAvDoWLIB_aUp31w2TtFu2RIf_1fo-3mIL8yDmsyqSUNqdXsOUDcvkqBkcckKDMtyx_M-WT8u89eemoW9gwDcmmOPJBaCMPX914GEsLDCAaBL7c/s320/abigail+cherry+fest+2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's Abigail... Our yearly tradition is to take the girls' pictures in front of the Cherry Festival signage. It's a great little growth chart of sorts! Oh, and these are the "pose however you wish" shots. Fun stuff...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This year, our trip included borrowing a wheelchair from my parents' church so that I could get around the big festival. Note to all: those wheelchairs with four small wheels are a joke! Don't ever use one unless you KNOW you will only be on paved surfaces!! Whew, Nick had a nasty time pushing me around on any dirt, gravel, or grass! I almost got dumped more than a few times!<br />
<br />
After 5 days of this trip, we were back on the road for home for about a week. Then we were off to Indiana for our church's annual conference for 3 days. We had a tremendous time, even though I had to stay in bed for much of the fun/free time. Too much pain and fatigue, too little was the ability to "beam" places. Ahh, where's Scotty when you need him?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwS7CqEGGQb0vtJe3uRS5SsMGEj88G8f2gcZG5Uyav9Xqmd-HdVWk4Ekf_F-QrQsgu155IPq1Jjzp22ijKlgyxdLns3q9F3zfVSS3rxG88IdDOlGGRUDR8O0hXbm_AFCUpcEGbm8WLZg/s1600/miriam+cherry+fest+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwS7CqEGGQb0vtJe3uRS5SsMGEj88G8f2gcZG5Uyav9Xqmd-HdVWk4Ekf_F-QrQsgu155IPq1Jjzp22ijKlgyxdLns3q9F3zfVSS3rxG88IdDOlGGRUDR8O0hXbm_AFCUpcEGbm8WLZg/s320/miriam+cherry+fest+2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miriam, AKA Vanna...</td></tr>
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I am happy to report the rest of July was spent at home. This summer meant a lot more pain for me. I am sure the travels didn't exactly <i>help</i> the situation out... On top of the "normal" muscle fatigue and deep muscle pains, tremors and twitchiing, I also began having pretty severe joint pain. The worst aspect was my knees and elbows. More on that later...<br />
<br />
Anyway, I began having headaches again as well. I had lived about 3 lovely months without the migraines, and now they were back. A much-needed respite, I guess.<br />
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August came, and with it, the sadness of saying goodbye again to Hannah, our former exchange daughter. She flew back home to Germany and began finalizing things for university in the fall. As for us, it meant one last big trip. Back to Michigan we went; this time to Holland, for a vacation with Nick's family.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPNeFubPdk2c4YZTIDxA7JYmKGK5JyeAHARciFzvN-nK9xCrFIz2davRieBg0IFwLhrRj6lbW-7atBnlWH2OFXNtS2rJfs84qUbNPiM5cOiAjbVnUtQI44lzFIAVciaoRmPodtJF7-DQ/s1600/rebekah+cherry+fest+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPNeFubPdk2c4YZTIDxA7JYmKGK5JyeAHARciFzvN-nK9xCrFIz2davRieBg0IFwLhrRj6lbW-7atBnlWH2OFXNtS2rJfs84qUbNPiM5cOiAjbVnUtQI44lzFIAVciaoRmPodtJF7-DQ/s320/rebekah+cherry+fest+2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Rebekah, the show stopper, apparently.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I always love these trips we take. Relaxing, fun, and his family is truly a blessing in more ways than I could tell you about in a day. Let's suffice it to say that they are truly my family as well. I am blessed to have an amazing family that I married into! Two great families. It's amazing and wonderful.<br />
<br />
This time around, I had to take things so much slower, so much easier. I made the mistake of going to the beach with the family. It is on Lake Michigan, and on a sand dune. Even though we picked a spot that was barely any incline-on-sanddune-walking at all, I still, very much, over-did it. Laying in the sun and walking in the water... whew! LOL And then, the walk back to the car... Up that tiny incline, well, compared to the rest of the beach's dunes, but it was big enough to make most people a bit out of breath, and for me, that meant stopping every 4 or so steps to rest. It was pretty intense. And I paid for it pretty hard the rest of the day and into the next two days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bL5qj2HwW4uINL0-Xs1kmmw9TlGjbcVysbzX_E-cd1km1qJfcWGRCAABp6AqVYKYMEiHX_Lbc8vI54MibyE_mBmHoyVNHckjPmnzJqptL1EEq3cjz9TUpqha2nXnHRahtF7TVj6vOms/s1600/girls+cherry+fest+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bL5qj2HwW4uINL0-Xs1kmmw9TlGjbcVysbzX_E-cd1km1qJfcWGRCAABp6AqVYKYMEiHX_Lbc8vI54MibyE_mBmHoyVNHckjPmnzJqptL1EEq3cjz9TUpqha2nXnHRahtF7TVj6vOms/s320/girls+cherry+fest+2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All three Lymie munchkins. Adorable, no?</td></tr>
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<br />
Life with Lyme + Co. is certainly a perspective changer.<br />
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The rest of August was spent getting all three of our Lymie kids ready for school. We now had a middle schooler, an elementary schooler, and a 4-K-er, ALL AT DIFFERENT SCHOOLS. This was shaping up to be a fun [read: difficult for mama-also-known-as-bus-driver] school year!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByCKOHRPUdpxK6Ee9LUYCLRiShdeVtm4qwEUGAZgku4OxRnMnUI9RcmjN4Mg54QCJHgmiSbS7Ps1oXn-tCLo-NLXOVjq4841NGxjJ4Q0TYcvJrwkZ6eAOKKLZvpDVBxI6P-UNXYAPciA/s1600/hannah+cherry+fest+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByCKOHRPUdpxK6Ee9LUYCLRiShdeVtm4qwEUGAZgku4OxRnMnUI9RcmjN4Mg54QCJHgmiSbS7Ps1oXn-tCLo-NLXOVjq4841NGxjJ4Q0TYcvJrwkZ6eAOKKLZvpDVBxI6P-UNXYAPciA/s320/hannah+cherry+fest+2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And who could forget Hannah? Our kid away from kids... Away from country... But not away from our hearts. Love you Hannah!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I guess we have made it through August. September will follow in a few days. And so much more!!<br />
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Peace, love, and cider mugs!<br />
Laurenlaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-27842146207642250272012-10-06T20:16:00.000-07:002012-10-07T10:31:39.100-07:00And another one's gone, another one's gone...Yep, Another one bites the dust! Puzzle piece, that is.<br />
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My parents called me the other day to let me know that my dad got his Western blot results back from IgeneX. They faxed them over to me and I interpreted them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SqYAd2PBuoOumF6mmgmUSnYXD0W1WMatM84J_WtocMr31PWJM5xXhDlu1dPXkhSOeDEHPLb-fDks3DvjrCbnqDRh9N-YKvaoSXU4xWZfANFG4e_iP8p3XSaRnfLOpZI7TTmy2kz5Z-4/s1600/Lyme+Cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SqYAd2PBuoOumF6mmgmUSnYXD0W1WMatM84J_WtocMr31PWJM5xXhDlu1dPXkhSOeDEHPLb-fDks3DvjrCbnqDRh9N-YKvaoSXU4xWZfANFG4e_iP8p3XSaRnfLOpZI7TTmy2kz5Z-4/s200/Lyme+Cookie.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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Yes, Virginia, there is a puzzle piece! He is positive for Lyme. And while that is such sad news for me, it is also another clue to my health mystery-history. It looks like I was most likely born with this, just like my kids were.<br />
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You see, Lyme disease is sexually transmissible. While there has been a lot of debate over this aspect in the past, more and more studies have shown that yes, it can be transmitted through intercourse. And yes, my mom will still be tested, but we know that after nearly 40 years of marriage to my dad, either she gave it to him or he gave it to her; more than 36 years ago. My guess is that she gave it to him, as he seemed to be in better health then her in my early years... but we Lymies know that it can lay dormant for years without indication, so we will never really know this for sure. It's the whole chicken versus egg debacle all over again! ;)<br />
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If you haven't yet seen it, please check out my new pages within the blog. I have added tabs at the top. Please share this blog with everyone you know. Times have gotten very tough, financially speaking. We thank you for your time, friendship, prayers, and support.<br />
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Also take a look at our new video on YouTube!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sB3ZARufMuQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I will be continuing my summer update soon. Just wanted to get this piece of news out to you tonight. And if you pray, please pray for my parents. After years of strange and rare illnesses, they finally have an answer to a huge question that has been looming ever since I found out my life was plagued with Lyme.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWgNwTYVKbl7CUBB9D2bs_824FhHGDnjJTa3SZEIgd5GQun6kj9hyphenhyphen25iGjqmzytpuorprPe-ljxfK36Gg2kvI5tJA1EGiUybUsknW_9bb4KS6qkJvwMNAtrNABPTS3u6H8PdEPcQ0C-U/s1600/lymequestion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWgNwTYVKbl7CUBB9D2bs_824FhHGDnjJTa3SZEIgd5GQun6kj9hyphenhyphen25iGjqmzytpuorprPe-ljxfK36Gg2kvI5tJA1EGiUybUsknW_9bb4KS6qkJvwMNAtrNABPTS3u6H8PdEPcQ0C-U/s200/lymequestion.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
The question of Lyme is no longer without answer for them. And it's going to be a long road.<br />
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Lots of love,<br />
Laurenlaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-65509051307594125202012-10-01T13:10:00.001-07:002012-10-01T13:11:18.164-07:00So... Enough About Me, What Do YOU Think of Me?Well, as promised, another update. This time I get to talk about me. Fun fun... LOL<br />
<br />
The summer started out sl...BAM/WHACK/POW! fast. Yeah, we thought it might have a nice, slow introduction. You know, take its time to slowly walk around us, whispering sweet nothings into our ears... introduce itself... "Hi, I'm summer, I like ice cream for a hot midday treat and breezy evening walks by the lake," that sort of thing.<br />
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Instead, May (yes, still spring, technically) presented itself with myself hosting a screening of Under Our Skin – if you <i>still</i> haven't seen this documentary on Lyme, it's high time you did! – then another "journey," as my youngest calls it, to the kids' LLND (Lyme Literate Naturopathic Doctor [who's also a nurse practitioner] for those who weren't really sure but felt silly asking), then it was off to help hosting the Wisconsin Lyme Network's annual "Lace Up For Lyme Walk" at the Milwaukee Zoo in – of course – Milwaukee. A few various doctor's appointments and the month of May was well-rounded out.<br />
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June hit with a whirlwind as well. My older kiddos finished up the school year, including my Abigator graduating from 5th grade. Terrific ceremony; we especially were filled with pride and joy to hear her name called more than 5 times for different honors and such including peer mediation, which is a terrific honor at this school, and other accolades. I shot how-to videos with a friend, had more doctor appointments, held a support group meeting (every month, actually), and then we were off to Florida!!!<br />
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An 8-day vacation for the whole family, including our former exchange daughter from Germany, who came back again this summer for a visit. We went through Tropical Storm Debby for half of this time, so we weren't able to wear me out so much. Probably a good thing!<br />
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Here is a short photo journal (so many more pics were taken of course, but you can see the highlights...)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJPgWIFhSiu7tRQwGZWe6MCf9YoHvqCzsvaefA_LTKhKA3e58F_phl0pApWcktWpENBG876tP22J3qi4aFFefEAH6KgccdmitdKZa1ZSRCOzVdaR7VaVIuMCg-30Ke29ImXLn6L3BaRU/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJPgWIFhSiu7tRQwGZWe6MCf9YoHvqCzsvaefA_LTKhKA3e58F_phl0pApWcktWpENBG876tP22J3qi4aFFefEAH6KgccdmitdKZa1ZSRCOzVdaR7VaVIuMCg-30Ke29ImXLn6L3BaRU/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got to stay at Dinsey's Magic Kingdom until it closed. Watched the castle turn brilliant colors, and then some cool fireworks.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMrXRasorSTgO03Lw8ho7GhOnB3s6BgKzvNwXsIHgA6WV1gyo29ZYmiXVz6SjJ676vay2EUjpYY99JDTho9fA3WAQvFQ4d-6V-E2pU4AbaFKyJoGHyUYuhs1ZA3LjSNqQ37ShgH0Tys8/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMrXRasorSTgO03Lw8ho7GhOnB3s6BgKzvNwXsIHgA6WV1gyo29ZYmiXVz6SjJ676vay2EUjpYY99JDTho9fA3WAQvFQ4d-6V-E2pU4AbaFKyJoGHyUYuhs1ZA3LjSNqQ37ShgH0Tys8/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "kids" on the ferry boat ride home... Yes, Dad was one of the kids at this point.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpe2M-p-xJrtp15CfrYghGHZcW6Dr_85TBYbq_E7OD0gv3D9WpGgpf6J-aHkpxM_UB_BZS28WmzW5e6be_tDA_fjqNcsxlXtW7XcbyZmcj9aoQjiOUIJ2Dyw5RQpiQutOgLAjdrl7Pe3Q/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpe2M-p-xJrtp15CfrYghGHZcW6Dr_85TBYbq_E7OD0gv3D9WpGgpf6J-aHkpxM_UB_BZS28WmzW5e6be_tDA_fjqNcsxlXtW7XcbyZmcj9aoQjiOUIJ2Dyw5RQpiQutOgLAjdrl7Pe3Q/s320/photo-2.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebekah was with me in the wheelchair most of the day, especially at night. She was plum tuckered out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd85RZtJvnzaamRvn6qGPlryD1dm_wziO0OpnXhKa57JSt4qO7o9_kPCAHfVxvvQxFVfOiZX20FRf0ROX8Z8bpsy9OUboPjDSC-jQy6yFvHZmGsI_2kK7aE5krakNpc1LRFzI_mTvV3C8/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd85RZtJvnzaamRvn6qGPlryD1dm_wziO0OpnXhKa57JSt4qO7o9_kPCAHfVxvvQxFVfOiZX20FRf0ROX8Z8bpsy9OUboPjDSC-jQy6yFvHZmGsI_2kK7aE5krakNpc1LRFzI_mTvV3C8/s320/photo-3.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Hannah over my shoulder. Friends/family forever.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqv1SZbK4BeR3OZVAQBH5ILeMhmkYhCZ_tFER7iIsLcwOR2SJAWazINgZ73Skm769vJ8qq_vdeSeuxyD3V6KTB4zLKLmxrAqiEEPiAJyT1QaPecUNguCmY7XqMZ-H2KK8qZFzClIZup7o/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqv1SZbK4BeR3OZVAQBH5ILeMhmkYhCZ_tFER7iIsLcwOR2SJAWazINgZ73Skm769vJ8qq_vdeSeuxyD3V6KTB4zLKLmxrAqiEEPiAJyT1QaPecUNguCmY7XqMZ-H2KK8qZFzClIZup7o/s320/photo-4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Lyme babies' first dance in the Atlantic. Quite the windy day! They had a blast.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzkvq1-UZbgUfJo3ghmS4_eqb7UVCFjD07Rn-khTHmF_fwbDC8a947lDD-Mtz9e3fSa3H4UgW1gTLjA2TeUH6etfkwro9gNHI05Ma5F_klRDCFmqS58kAvA-43h8ZviDqp4U-A4TVUgM/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzkvq1-UZbgUfJo3ghmS4_eqb7UVCFjD07Rn-khTHmF_fwbDC8a947lDD-Mtz9e3fSa3H4UgW1gTLjA2TeUH6etfkwro9gNHI05Ma5F_klRDCFmqS58kAvA-43h8ZviDqp4U-A4TVUgM/s320/photo-5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are, blue at Kennedy Space Center. Sorry for the grainy quality... Low light n all...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCMHgsSIvqbdWwI7tfT8xyn-sHXh_xjfQgl-aN_l4QgU-HwMHZ-fBR56FRwYGAEoBsQKfZ7m0j-AWB0Tdg4OviIXwcU5KErBbu-APkMbcW8K10JViUOVGkM5zDE0QCuYD0d8NXabck94/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCMHgsSIvqbdWwI7tfT8xyn-sHXh_xjfQgl-aN_l4QgU-HwMHZ-fBR56FRwYGAEoBsQKfZ7m0j-AWB0Tdg4OviIXwcU5KErBbu-APkMbcW8K10JViUOVGkM5zDE0QCuYD0d8NXabck94/s320/photo-6.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We even went up in space! Oh... Wait... This was a presentation. Either that or there's a huge, enormous threat shaped like a man attacking the earth... ;)</td></tr>
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<br />
Through all this my Lyme treatment was pretty much steady on, status quo. We rented wheelchairs at the parks as I can't do much walking. I guess it's better to have my hubby push me around in a wheelchair than for me to not go! It was still good fun. Especially to be able to give this experience and spend this amazing time with our kids. Even the biggest one from Germany.<br />
<br />
I didn't really have any changes in my symptoms... until July.<br />
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And we will pick up from here in a day or so.<br />
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Thanks for sticking with me folks. Peace, love, and cider mugs!<br />
<br />
<br />laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-67331090612302354812012-09-22T21:38:00.000-07:002012-09-22T21:38:15.730-07:00Ever Eat Big Bird? My Kids Have...So, it is 11:05 PM and I am laying in bed, not sleeping. Again. I actually fell asleep around 10:45 and then 10 minutes later... BAM. My mind woke up – vibrantly. I remember a few über important things that need to get done tomorrow and this following week, and then it hits me. My blog. I promised an update and my day got so busy that I didn't follow through. So... here I sit, late at night (well, for this household anyway!) and write.<br />
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SO last time I wrote was in May. A LOT has happened since then. I will post over the next several days so as not to give you a migraine from a loooong blog post. Who reads the super long ones, anyway? ;)<br />
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Okay, let's start with the kids. I had posted last time that pieces of my Lyme life puzzle were falling into place. Well, another one came crashing into its unsolicited spot about two months into my oldest daughter's Lyme treatment. Babesia. After just two months, the Borrelia load had diminished enough to give the Babesia coursing through her veins, literally, enough wiggle room to pop up and say "hello! I'm here and I'm gonna throw a party! When? NOW!"<br />
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She was exhibiting classic "Babs" symptoms, and so began the puzzle-piece-fitting and the expensive treatments. She started on Alinia, which I was, and still am, taking, along with the antibiotics to keep the Babs from becoming resistant to the Alinia, and also to combat the high strep load <i>and</i> the Borrelia.<br />
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One month later (the two younger girls started treatment a month after my oldest), my other two began showing signs of Babs as well. So yes, for sure, I knew I had contracted it all together. And yes, they too had to address this awful parasite/protozoa as well.<br />
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The nice thing is that we reached our out-of-pocket max for prescriptions at the end of August, so now we aren't paying anything for prescriptions. As long as they aren't filled for more than 84 days at a time. I kid you not. Gotta love insurance. Really. You do. Because Mepron – the anti-malarial drug used to treat Babesia that is the #1 choice of LLMDs – costs over $5,000 for a 3-month supply. Multiply that times 3 kids, for at least 9 months treatment, if not a full year. That's $60,000 for ONE. CO-INFECTION. For 3 kids. Forget the Lyme, the Bartonella, the Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and all the pro-biotics and supplements we have to purchase as well. And the LLND visits. Really.<br />
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Oh, and Mepron... is yellow. Sorry. not "yellow." It's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: yellow; font-size: large;"><b>YELLOW!!!!!</b></span> This is nothing compared to... well... let me just show you. This is Miriam. She just took her Mepron. We can call this pic "MirPron."<br />
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Drum roll please...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue2jtbPm6hsnZsOsqIZKati4AibL7T3-7p5p5OCem8_GUZPoSi-j0KLncxP85Fp5I9DClzxLy3cnonJ4WFV0qmqF7PhVsLTWxBrNeqfcCPL17c-g8BffVJ3kfUSpK1F1rWHiWyFOrfhk/s1600/MirPron.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue2jtbPm6hsnZsOsqIZKati4AibL7T3-7p5p5OCem8_GUZPoSi-j0KLncxP85Fp5I9DClzxLy3cnonJ4WFV0qmqF7PhVsLTWxBrNeqfcCPL17c-g8BffVJ3kfUSpK1F1rWHiWyFOrfhk/s400/MirPron.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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So yes, while our insurance is finicky about how many days we can get at once, at least we have it. We are truly blessed. Because as of right now and the rest of the calendar year, we don't have to pay for any meds.<br />
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Okay... we traveled A LOT this summer and the kids did terrifically. I am happy to say that we started a new school year with a new middle schooler, a second grader, and a 4K-er and they are all doing so well! Adjusting to changes can sometimes be really quite difficult for kids with Lyme + Co. But so far, this has been a smooth and wonderful transition. I am truly truly blessed. We all are. I couldn't have asked for better kids! Even with a horrid disease in their lives, they are so amazing!!<br />
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Not only are we dealing with new schools and great transitions in that respect, I really believe that we are seeing vast improvements in all three of the girls' health. Miriam (the middle one) still seems to have a lot of emotional issues, but they really only come out at home, and she still is excelling in her classes. They all have pains and random issues that Lymies are so familiar with, but they are becoming fewer and farther between.<br />
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I thank God for such amazing kids and for their extraordinary LLND. She is in every way, a hero.<br />
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More to come... Oh, so much more... For now, on this, the last few minutes of the first day of fall, peace, love, and cider mugs to you all.laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-62941938093860626772012-09-21T16:24:00.003-07:002012-09-21T16:24:59.502-07:00Why Do I Do This?I have abandoned my blogs. Again. Well, I am here. Again. I will be posting an update about my life AND the kids, probably tomorrow.<br />
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But I wanted to let you all know that I'm here. Again. It's been a really hard summer, so please forgive me.<br />
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See you all tomorrow.<br />
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Feel the love...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5s3ZPD2SHWTDc-ydI-uiWxhhleJbtPQBEa5mV0ch5rdlwst-0Ee0byKkPdK-PlPZuluZew5dlkBYmi3DmSvq8THvFZhI5DDmfI24jWJlc8_sfHMGR-269ZZ7qU7OyGtUUDtIRfFuqhg/s1600/Alice-in-Wonderland-The-White-Rabbit-Close-Up-4-2-10-kc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5s3ZPD2SHWTDc-ydI-uiWxhhleJbtPQBEa5mV0ch5rdlwst-0Ee0byKkPdK-PlPZuluZew5dlkBYmi3DmSvq8THvFZhI5DDmfI24jWJlc8_sfHMGR-269ZZ7qU7OyGtUUDtIRfFuqhg/s320/Alice-in-Wonderland-The-White-Rabbit-Close-Up-4-2-10-kc.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm late! (...as always it seems!)</td></tr>
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laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-39608339328189975982012-05-09T08:52:00.001-07:002013-05-11T19:37:24.131-07:00Missing Pieces – Unsolicited CompanyWell, well, well... I've had my first official Lyme flake-out. Ha! It's been more than a month since I've posted. I've had this massive block in my head that hasn't allowed me the ability to get *anything* done in any sort of a timely manner. It's been ridiculous to say the least. I've even begun updating and stopped, only to have it NOT save. Ugh. So here we are; ready and willing and ABLE to update. It's a big one.<br />
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The first thing I will mention is that my Lyme Life has grown quite wildly in the last month or so. I would say it is kind of looking like our "garden" at this moment... We haven't done anything yet this season. This is where my amazing veggies grow and thrive every summer. Check it out. Yikes. That's alllll weeds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxe60C7aYYYBoqZl5os66qJ3h9xcFvAvMn4pVOC_JT7O05TZGxbt6Kqv67SKblDjtS3QdFXuf9H9rZmpIkHPHpgbXiIYU3eCjKD3BkdwSzTxLpZIPHcqPPisysjU2hbpN-A6SI7_yvMk/s1600/garden+mess.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxe60C7aYYYBoqZl5os66qJ3h9xcFvAvMn4pVOC_JT7O05TZGxbt6Kqv67SKblDjtS3QdFXuf9H9rZmpIkHPHpgbXiIYU3eCjKD3BkdwSzTxLpZIPHcqPPisysjU2hbpN-A6SI7_yvMk/s400/garden+mess.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
So, why is this garden being highlighted for this post? Well, this is what I feel my life has been over the last month or so... And here's why: We had our three girls tested about 5 weeks ago. I got the results the day I was driving, in the rain, and high winds, to my own LLND appointment. My oldest is positive for Lyme and has a high strep titer. My youngest is positive for Lyme. My middle daughter, while the tests showed negative, is the most symptomatic, and therefore we believe her body is either (A) just not making antibodies to the bacteria anymore, or (B) there is so much of a bacterial load that all the antibodies are currently stuck to the pathogens and therefore not floating freely around in her blood to give a positive result.<br />
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All three girls. I gave it to them all. I did have quite the time for the rest of my drive – and really, the rest of my day – crying, mourning. But I will tell you that there is one thing I do not feel, nor will I ever feel, and that is guilt. If anyone out there is reading this, thinking how horrible it is to know that you passed a disease on to your child, it isn't your fault. Unless you purposely tried to do it. Most people, myself included, don't even know they are sick when they begin their families.<br />
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One thing did come out of this fateful day's conversation: I was able to put another piece of my own puzzle together. I was, in fact, infected with Borrelia Burgdorferi and Bartonella when I was 7. <b>[Actually, as we find out in a later post, I was born with Lyme, Bartonella and Babesia...] </b>(Although, there are a few loose ends to tie up in this respect as well... More to come on that another time.) I do believe I was re-infected and also contracted Babesia 4 years ago, here in my back yard. I pray this is accurate, as I do NOT wish Babesia on my children, or anyone else.<br />
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So, another puzzle piece identified and placed. Awesome. Unsolicited company of my own children... Well, not so awesome. However, I did have this word of encouragement for them, and I will pass it to all of you as well:<br />
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Everyone in life has a serious struggle with at least one thing; be it a health problem, financial woes, emotional trauma, relational tiffs, etc. At least in this family we are all on the same page and we all know what the others are going through. Sure, it does look a little different in each individual, but guess what? We are all in this together and can sympathize and empathize a lot better than if we all had different crosses to bear.<br />
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Everyone keep the faith, fight the good fight, and when you are at the end of your rope, look up and see Who is holding the rope in place. He is the One and only One who can truly, truly save you.<br />
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Lots of love,<br />
Laurenlaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-2759803765077506892012-03-27T16:43:00.000-07:002012-03-27T17:31:17.854-07:00Ondamed and Ranch Dressing... (What is Ondamed, you say?)I went to an amazing naturopathic conference a few weekends ago in our state's capital. It was, as I said, amazing. Bet you didn't see that one coming...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagLEoqs5yI_IwK1inZubPcnUXSH_lZGDa1hvUb7dfwTrFohcB565T_kwgXQWgYBgpthcM59MhGgnqjiq_66XMT1FkHUDe1xGRTuFOU6g7XQmwkAR6znMRBqJvdU3mPKr89u2j9n6GGqs/s1600/Madison+WI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagLEoqs5yI_IwK1inZubPcnUXSH_lZGDa1hvUb7dfwTrFohcB565T_kwgXQWgYBgpthcM59MhGgnqjiq_66XMT1FkHUDe1xGRTuFOU6g7XQmwkAR6znMRBqJvdU3mPKr89u2j9n6GGqs/s320/Madison+WI.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I learned SO much about the newest info regarding Lyme and had an Ondamed treatment. Wow. Can we say "Hello Bart!"I got up from my treatment and a friend of mine asked what was all over the backs of my arms. See for yourself... Looks a lot like chicken wire. And it wasn't there before the treatment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJH0GIhPUxi0iU9thUeEMa77QcoNtoLVa2FyTGVaraOAfYqZyYjQWxzutQOCBuGoSbp9E4oXRw8qLkWqLXDjtw58pq_p7-eVexQpBIYPiKDqWSSexmMIiYtmcNtZySg-LpTFL-KMWCbR4/s1600/bart+arm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJH0GIhPUxi0iU9thUeEMa77QcoNtoLVa2FyTGVaraOAfYqZyYjQWxzutQOCBuGoSbp9E4oXRw8qLkWqLXDjtw58pq_p7-eVexQpBIYPiKDqWSSexmMIiYtmcNtZySg-LpTFL-KMWCbR4/s320/bart+arm.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a shot of my legs, nearly 12 hours after the treatment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUXlKU8URWxZYadlhypdn1L8QzBxWzAGO88lJzxI8wpAzX_WDKULjqgouIAt-62Jxak7TtGfYaEpedenthrNJZOxWGoz6GHhoKoDb0RKj-W1UJMAFkQ4gGiSAoIpQUsyP4ZJgbLrmBfs/s1600/bart+legs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUXlKU8URWxZYadlhypdn1L8QzBxWzAGO88lJzxI8wpAzX_WDKULjqgouIAt-62Jxak7TtGfYaEpedenthrNJZOxWGoz6GHhoKoDb0RKj-W1UJMAFkQ4gGiSAoIpQUsyP4ZJgbLrmBfs/s320/bart+legs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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They truly don't look that crazy in "normal" circumstances.<br />
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So something was working, that's for sure! I am looking forward to beginning this Ondamed. It is a bit expensive, though. I couldn't believe what I heard coming from the nurse's mouth. I told her <i>nothing</i> about my situation.<br />
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She knew I had Lyme of course, but she began the treatment and began by saying, "You have cardiac issues?" Yes, I have POTS, and the Lyme and Babs have messed up my heart.<br />
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Next up: "Your central nervous system is not very good." Nope, I have Autonomic Dysfunction, which is inside the CNS.<br />
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Then: "Your endocrine system is taxed." Yes, I'm in Stage 3 Adrenal Fatigue.<br />
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Wait for it.... "Are you experiencing any intestinal discomfort?" Nope... She dials in more specifically. "Oh, it looks like you have maybe some gas bubbles more in the stomach area." Seriously? I am lactose intolerant and had ranch dressing at lunch. The Ondamed knew I cheated with dairy!<br />
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Last: "Your Lymphatic system is really bad." Yes, yes it is. Every time I do my foot detox baths, so much sludge that is lymphatic in nature comes out. It was unbelievable.<br />
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So, to sum up, Ondamed rocks. Bio-feedback is kind of what is happening. The machine communicates with the body and the body communicates back! I know, sounds weird. Almost like quackery... But guess what? It isn't. I am living proof. How she zeroed in on all of my issues was just amazing. I could not believe how accurate it was. I mean, come on. Ranch dressing? Yep. Ranch dressing.laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-82836511469974547882012-03-17T14:20:00.000-07:002012-03-17T14:20:13.901-07:00How We Roll<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today I realized (like I did yesterday, and the day before, and the day before... you get the idea, I am forgetful sometimes...) that I haven't updated in a while. Today's the day!</div>
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I thought it would be a good idea to tell (and show) you all why I can't work right now. Today, as I sit on my couch, legs elevated and arms hurting, I realize how truly sick this disease makes me physically. Over the last two days, I have been organizing all of the yarn and craft-type "stuff" that I have accumulated through the years.</div>
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It's amazing how much I have inherited from grandparents, found at rummage sales, purchased because I couldn't live without making <i>something</i> with "this awesome chunky yarn" or "that delicious colored yarn in that natural fiber," etc. It adds up. To a lot. It's almost embarrassing to see how much I have while only being in my mid-30s!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr-MkqYxiRYwQPMh3JmVZeT_8XG463Xg7jLkSqv9Ch098FIZRXsBrYN-_cLGJ4biRDuVpFMmR_cWQRx51lUtiwCGSW_4pK77OUyaa8EnVJZlWLrpkfIju49FCAsurlhl4NXMmVwyRwLk/s1600/yarn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr-MkqYxiRYwQPMh3JmVZeT_8XG463Xg7jLkSqv9Ch098FIZRXsBrYN-_cLGJ4biRDuVpFMmR_cWQRx51lUtiwCGSW_4pK77OUyaa8EnVJZlWLrpkfIju49FCAsurlhl4NXMmVwyRwLk/s320/yarn.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yarn, yarn, yarn... Yes, even in the striped bag.</td></tr>
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Anyway, to make this story short(er), I sorted, de-tangled and de-knotted the boxes and boxes of various yarns, so it could go into these great plastic storage drawers that a dear friend had given to me. I also went through 4 boxes of "stuff." You know, the stuff that we placed in the room in the basement when we moved here... more than 4 years ago... The "stuff" that memories are made of...</div>
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I almost couldn't get myself up the stairs to bed, because I had been sorting YARN while sitting down all day. It takes both arms and both legs to get me up the stairs; using the hand rail and the opposite wall to help as my legs just won't do it on their own... SO co-dependent with those arms! </div>
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So when I got to the boxes of "stuff," one box was a box of science books. Heavy. So I used my legs to slide it out of the room. And here I sit today, recovering.</div>
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I mean, could you imagine me at a job? Where I would have to "do"... anything at all consistently? I'd be fired. So, what do I do to keep myself "alive"? I volunteer for the Wisconsin Lyme Network as Secretary and on the Board of Directors. And this is what it looks like when I have a mid-morning meeting. Notice the three chairs I have lined strategically... Yup.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3JhoZox5EbDGvdCUONhW5oLDJPCHkw-sqmRjQx7en4d-ZdGYAnfMFNepCo45o1wue3r-dRvW1hDpeiWaQDB85vrlokPxFeFdFrjkmDz6qhHPt51wtC-JMcxnfub7fg4X77GrjP1LddE/s1600/Lyme+Meeting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3JhoZox5EbDGvdCUONhW5oLDJPCHkw-sqmRjQx7en4d-ZdGYAnfMFNepCo45o1wue3r-dRvW1hDpeiWaQDB85vrlokPxFeFdFrjkmDz6qhHPt51wtC-JMcxnfub7fg4X77GrjP1LddE/s320/Lyme+Meeting.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's me, listening to my friend who is across the table... And yes, that's decaf and sugar-free coffee!</td></tr>
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My meds have this nauseating affect on me. Every day, twice a day, I get like this. For about 1-2 hours at a time. Fun, right? </div>
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Ladies and gents, when you're in the Lyme world, that's just how you roll. </div>
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I know it won't be forever... But until that happens, sporadic moments of organization--as long as it's as light as yarn--and sitting-optional meetings are just what life is.</div>
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<br />laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-91518496547649591222012-02-23T17:59:00.000-08:002012-02-23T18:01:27.795-08:00Fatigued Adrenals Say What?Well, I have been to the LLMD, and have returned... No more worse for the wear, physically speaking. However...<br />
<br />
If you remember back in my <a href="http://laurenslymelife.blogspot.com/2012/01/officially-official-hows-that.html" target="_blank">"Officially Official"</a> post, I got to do a saliva test to check my cortisol levels, thus addressing my Adrenal Glands. Lymies tend to have really jacked up Thyroids and/or Adrenals.<br />
<br />
Since my Thyroid was in pretty good shape, my Lyme Doc figured I should have the ole Adrenals checked out, and well... W.O.W. is all I can say. Interestingly enough, <i>as I was sitting in the doctor's office</i>, my test results came in over the wires. Talk about your timing! If that wasn't enough, <i>as I was sitting in the exam room</i>, my Lymie friend J texted me, asking about my Adrenal test results. Uncanny!<br />
<br />
The fabulous Dr. walked in and we addressed my protocol, herxing, and my overall status. Nothing too major to report, except for the migraine that about took my head clean off my body... Well it <i>felt</i> like it anyway!<br />
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We talked about the juicing I have begun to do, and she was elated. It's really one of the best ways to detox, as the green veggies house a tree-load of chlorophyll, which is great for binding to toxins and ushering them through those intestines and out into the pool drop-off area, if you catch my drift. ;-) Did you know that if you get the toxins moving, they end up in the intestines, and if they aren't bound to anything [read: handcuffed to a special agent] they most likely get re-absorbed!!<br />
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She also encouraged me to continue the nearly famous <a href="http://laurenslymelife.blogspot.com/2012/01/that-came-out-of-me.html" target="_blank">foot detox baths</a>, as well as my Epsom Salt and grated Ginger baths, taking Milk Thistle and Dandelion daily, and drinking the freshly-squeezed lemon juice in my daily water.<br />
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Lastly, we talked about my Adrenals. Here is what we learned from the infamous spit test. I am in 3rd Stage Adrenal Fatigue. There are 4 stages.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Stage 1: "Alarm Reaction"</li>
<li>Stage 2: "Resistance Response"</li>
<li>Stage 3: "Adrenal Fatigue" or "Adrenal Exhaustion"</li>
<li>Stage 4: "Adrenal Failure"</li>
</ul>
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(You can find more information on this at <a href="http://www.drlam.com/articles/adrenalexhaustion.asp" target="_blank">Dr. Lam's website</a>. Very informative. He does split Stage 3 into 4 sub-stages, but this is apparently this is his own interpretation.)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7hSZSO5DvJ53F-CNYo5o2lgrslutnlRPrRJ81lqRVKYlZno8X6n0-oCI2JeXJurPZVE4oB7deGN0tOGuRx8pNE6BvFzjr9_SwlsrJ2onqZ9zHET_k_pugf5k3Z3ylMuLvhCRg1lhNbo/s1600/Illu_adrenal_gland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7hSZSO5DvJ53F-CNYo5o2lgrslutnlRPrRJ81lqRVKYlZno8X6n0-oCI2JeXJurPZVE4oB7deGN0tOGuRx8pNE6BvFzjr9_SwlsrJ2onqZ9zHET_k_pugf5k3Z3ylMuLvhCRg1lhNbo/s1600/Illu_adrenal_gland.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Wikipedia for the illustration. This is where the Adrenals are, perched atop the ole Kidneys.</td></tr>
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<div>
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This explains the extreme fatigue, the debilitating fatigue after limb use, and that wicked wicked belly fat I have been unsuccessful to lose – after losing 45 pounds in the last year, even!!</div>
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<div>
Next up, how do we fix this?</div>
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<div>
After learning of how serious this was, we talked remedies. There are many ways to naturally support the Adrenals, but in my [naturopathic] doctor's opinion, which I trust, she said we needed to start with Hydrocortisone capsules. And I love how she stated this next part about dosing. Ready?</div>
<div>
"Most people we start out at 5 mg, but I think we will start you out at 10." Nice, right?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
So I am – on top of my Lyme and Babesia protocols – taking Hydrocortisone every day for three months, and then will re-evaluate at that point. Hopefully soon enough we will be able to move to a natural approach in this matter, but if we started there, it wouldn't take very well. </div>
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All in all, correcting my Adrenals will take a long to time correct. Lyme for the long haul... Now it has a traveling companion. Next stop: Adrenal wellness! ETA: 3-5 years.</div>laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-83961501305463309692012-02-13T16:52:00.000-08:002012-02-13T16:53:54.790-08:00Juicy News, Juicy News (part 2)So I promised a follow-up post today, complete with a list (not exhaustive, but pretty long!) of veggies, fruits, and herbs to juice. But first, let's walk through my dinner plans for tonight.<br />
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This is my beautiful Breville Ikon Multi-Speed Juice Fountain. 900 watts of power, baby! (Excuse the crude-ish photos, I wanted to get this out today as promised...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY_C3RwJGC08XVikCsAH70GskPN6fwpHHC8LFX2MEfDGY0kWOw9WLguMUiRIDpZlD9v4r2EJKA8RESZv8y8mqKjEINJTUeW07iV8jejP8iz7dft0XlrtS87DfxQu6rgpaiIOJ07dy2EA/s1600/my+juicer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY_C3RwJGC08XVikCsAH70GskPN6fwpHHC8LFX2MEfDGY0kWOw9WLguMUiRIDpZlD9v4r2EJKA8RESZv8y8mqKjEINJTUeW07iV8jejP8iz7dft0XlrtS87DfxQu6rgpaiIOJ07dy2EA/s320/my+juicer.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>So shiny! Ooh!!! Ahh!!! (Paper towels not included.)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">Here is what a typical basket of veggies & fruit look like before they meet the teeth of Mr. Breville.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YZLxFYXcqO0Oqt5L7DA1SYr3tn_wuGMBl03k56cqcKNSntlZ2Wy2XYM6059OVnzMPtVgRMiGXHic6lsIZY5P4bJ8RtgldWYWCzEXp7rIIbX-xBGE1XSNnXhiMCFlQHi4BFZ_niFVpLY/s1600/veggies+n+fruits.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YZLxFYXcqO0Oqt5L7DA1SYr3tn_wuGMBl03k56cqcKNSntlZ2Wy2XYM6059OVnzMPtVgRMiGXHic6lsIZY5P4bJ8RtgldWYWCzEXp7rIIbX-xBGE1XSNnXhiMCFlQHi4BFZ_niFVpLY/s320/veggies+n+fruits.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yep, a whole head of romaine... NOT that whole piece of ginger, but I cut a piece off from that. And then I decided to throw in half of a lime as well. Apple, cranberry, celery, carrot, romaine, spinach, ginger, lime.</i></td></tr>
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Next up, "Gentlemen, start your engines!" I juice all of this at the appropriate speeds, and then it looks like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIwyTdhfUjq32BTcDBAYucG024Wsw5FRMAr387cxY1_oeaCWkJ2aFQgsjjT6xWb0u3aROi3wZibMgNheYV35xcjXdU9nAozcbwK2tb1YQHe6IERw3Kmmo2bRlfs6d5OV0SdEzI3zwRoY/s1600/aftemath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIwyTdhfUjq32BTcDBAYucG024Wsw5FRMAr387cxY1_oeaCWkJ2aFQgsjjT6xWb0u3aROi3wZibMgNheYV35xcjXdU9nAozcbwK2tb1YQHe6IERw3Kmmo2bRlfs6d5OV0SdEzI3zwRoY/s320/aftemath.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kind of pretty, like a mural of wildflowers painted across an Italian field... or something.</i></td></tr>
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And then... Get out the ole cowbell or triangle to call the troops in from the fields... Dinner is served!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqBbrrDyuhGanmy2flEr8EGRwf8Nu6V6xIiw0BiPyOSmm2OdSz-yvmXiaymCzLOaMozVb0EQpM_HMLOOqHO_Z2wJD6gwqYvPcTXmtWwSgGeC4tqbqM7JAvxGluS4YUWe7TPK65X21Sa8/s1600/dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqBbrrDyuhGanmy2flEr8EGRwf8Nu6V6xIiw0BiPyOSmm2OdSz-yvmXiaymCzLOaMozVb0EQpM_HMLOOqHO_Z2wJD6gwqYvPcTXmtWwSgGeC4tqbqM7JAvxGluS4YUWe7TPK65X21Sa8/s320/dinner.JPG" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A nice tall glass of Shut the H... Oh. Wait. This isn't Happy Gilmore... If you haven't seen that movie, sorry. <br />A nice glass of green goodness! Tonight's juice is a little sweet, more tart, from the lime and cranberries, and delicious! </i></td></tr>
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So, below I have compiled a list of the many veggies, fruits, and herbs that I could think of to juice. I'm sure there are more, but this is a great start for those of you who want to give it a go. There are also some tips at the end, to help along the way. I tried a recipe once. It was so stinkin' easy that I pretty quickly gave up looking up recipes and decided to just try out my own combos. You learn how much makes the right amount of juice pretty quickly. But there are a few recipes that are always great to have in stock, because of their properties. I look <a href="http://juicerrecipesnow.com/" target="_blank">here</a> for those. Darren and Veronica Haynes are the site authors of "Juicer Recipes Now" and they have some great juicing recipes, like the Alkaline Juice (#3 on the home page), and they have a page dedicate to <a href="http://juicerrecipesnow.com/15/" target="_blank">Veggie Juices</a> as well as <a href="http://juicerrecipesnow.com/fruit-juices/" target="_blank">Fruit Juices</a>.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This is a snapshot of what my typical go-to juice looks like:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Base: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 small apple (Stems always removed, but everything else is ok.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 Cucumber</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/2-1 head romaine</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 or 3 big handfulls spinach</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Then I add some or one of the following:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1" ginger root</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 or 2 carrots</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/2-1 stick celery</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/4-1/2 bulb fennel (stalks and all)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">6-8 strawberries</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 C blueberries</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 C cranberries</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1-2 leaves bok choy (Strong earthy taste... Not too fond of this one.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/4-1/2 lemon (Rind and all. Just cut and throw in.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 lime (Rind and all, like lemons.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/4-1 orange (MUST peel oranges--VERY bitter if not peeled. I cut it off with a chef's knife, peel including the pith [the white part].)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have to say that I do keep myself limited to two servings of fruit per day, as the sugars in fruits are not as healthy as the rest of the ingredients, and Lymies and sugar don't mix. I also only use apples, citrus and berries. Definitely no grapes! WAY too much sugar. And no bananas... More on that later.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have yet to try:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Beets (A friend says surely these are STRONG. But I still want to try them!)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Beet Greens</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Zucchini (?)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Summer Squash (?)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Broccoli</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cauliflower (Don't think I would juice this.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tomatoes (More on this in a minute.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cabbages</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Raspberries</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pomegranates (More on this in a minute.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Grapefruit</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Kiwi</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Watermelon</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Watermelon with rind</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pears</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pineapple</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cantaloupe</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Honeydew</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mango</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Parsley (Probably pretty strong, so go slow with this one.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mint (This would be refreshing with lime!)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mushrooms (YUCK. Never will try this. Don't think they are juicy anyway, but I hate them, so there you go.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">SO MUCH MORE I'M SURE!!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Interesting tidbits:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tomatoes and spinach have properties that are very beneficial when cooked. For instance, Lycopene comes out when tomatoes are cooked. When consumed raw, they do not have the Lycopene. I don't know why this is, it just is. And probably more than the Lycopene, like the spinach... Read on.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When spinach is consumed raw, it apparently (can't swear by this, ok? I'm no scientist or nutritionist) can block the absorption of calcium and iodine in our bodies. But when it is cooked, it allows for access to: Fiber, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium & Manganese, B vitamins--particularly Folate--Vitamin A and on and on it goes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Who knows... there may be more than this out there, too, as far as veggies and fruits being cooked or raw. But I still juice spinach. It's got a lot of chlorophyll, and this is a great binding agent for detoxing. Which is very important to Lymies, or anyone needing to move toxins out of their bodies. Raw foods also have important enzymes that die when they are cooked.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">One to watch out for is celery. I go with about 1/4-1/2 the amount a recipe would call for. Serious celery overpowering! I mean, I like celery, but when juicing, the flavor becomes seriously concentrated! So watch out for that.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Don'ts:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pomegranates are a low-juicing fruit. I've read that it's best to use a food processor on these and add to your juice if you're really bent on having pom in your glass. But I know recipes call for them, so you be the judge.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Kale is not good for juicing, IMHO. I mean, I got juice out of it, but it clogged my machine pretty quickly and I had to de-pulp it before I continued. I never had to do that before. Again, recipes call for it, and many people juice it. But I didn't think it was successful enough for a second round. Also, I've been told that if you juice too much of it, the juice gets quite bitter.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Bananas are a NO-NO. (Yes, not a no-no, but a NO-NO.) They do NOT juice. My friend (no, it wasn't me...) tried juicing one and let's just say she was quite unhappy with the experience. No juice, a clogged machine, and lots of intricate cleaning later, the lesson was learned.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So that's what I've got for you along the lines of juicing. I will keep you all posted on my progress, and will be happy to field any questions you may have about this or anything else I have written about. Happy juicing everyone, and here's to our health!</span></div>
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<br /></div>laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-79615213787772510752012-02-12T18:53:00.000-08:002012-02-12T18:53:20.432-08:00Juicy News, Folks!!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Well, peeps, along with the amazing documentary, "<a href="http://www.underourskin.com/" target="_blank">Under Our Skin</a>," I am beginning to compile a list of documentaries that I find particularly helpful. The next one, which may remain at #2 for a very long time, is called "<a href="http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/" target="_blank">Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead</a>." In this documentary star and maker, Joe Cross, embarks on a 60-day juice fast to help get his body back onto the path of health and into healing mode. Joe had a rare auto-immune disorder that was told to be "incurable." Well, after 60 days and more than 80 pounds dropped, not only was his cholesterol and blood pressure down, but his "incurable" auto-immune disorder had gone "into remission" [read: away!].</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I began thinking about how important it is to allow our bodies to heal themselves when they can, and decided that adding juicing to my diet may just be a great key to giving myself an important tool in my healing success. I inundate myself with pills every day. It's part of the protocol to kill this Lyme. I firmly believe (MY thoughts here) that in order to be successful in killing the Lyme and co-infections, a good mix of conventional antibiotics and naturals/herbals are needed. I hate taking pills. And taking a look at the photo below will tell you just what I have to deal with on a weekly basis. Yuck!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGErwP2rHcTm2LQFTJtDw3N-2tcgAzjtBFPsv7Bh34d4iiHWVsylp6TIKkauUqhuWeCeLfi0MLIWeC1LRpS6R8GEVYsiJrJ6UhE5QTvihsNYOVSc8FkK5QB130HvN87UxgUgYJb4yX65M/s1600/Pills.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGErwP2rHcTm2LQFTJtDw3N-2tcgAzjtBFPsv7Bh34d4iiHWVsylp6TIKkauUqhuWeCeLfi0MLIWeC1LRpS6R8GEVYsiJrJ6UhE5QTvihsNYOVSc8FkK5QB130HvN87UxgUgYJb4yX65M/s320/Pills.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Truthfully, not the BEST shot, but you get the idea. I take 30 pills each day.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, with that brilliant introduction out of the way... Yes, folks, in addition to being amazing, I'm also humble as humble pie. ;-)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have been juicing for a few weeks now. And I have to say that I have been feeling pretty good. Not like it's curing my Lyme, but feeling more strong and mentally alert is paramount. I have been feeling a bit more energy this past week, which is terrific. I am hoping to really go full-force after a bit, maybe with a juice fast, but not just yet. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, to make this easy for referencing and such, I will be posting a second post about juicing and options, including what my typical juice looks like, etc. I just wanted to let you all know that this may be yet another wonderful, starry-eyed, truly amazing wonder-plan to help us through this ugly disease. Please watch for the next entry, which will come tomorrow. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And tell your friends... (i.e. SHARE IT!!)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, today's entry has officially ended. But BOL ("be on the lookout," for those of you who have never watched COPS. LOL) for tomorrow's entry, where I will share with you the depth of knowledge I have gleaned from different places on juicing, including a list of things to chuck into the ole juicer!</span><br />
<br />laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-18227836907853395222012-01-31T14:03:00.000-08:002012-01-31T14:03:25.742-08:00Headaches and HurdlesI started a new medicine a few days ago. The Doxy (Doxycycline) simply wasn't doing it. At. All.<br />
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So, along with the Alinia, I began Azithromycin, or "Azith" to those of us in the Lyme world. I was so happy to switch away from the Doxy, as it really gave me horrid nausea. I leapt from that frying pan a bit hastily...<br />
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Yep, FIRE!!! Right into it. The Azith kicked into gear in 24 hours, bringing me a world of hurt. Stabbing abdominal pains... Wasn't sure if I felt like throwing up or saving it for the dark side of the moon... you get my drift? Well, neither vomiting nor the other ailment came about. Just an awful stabbing/pressure-pain all over my abdomen for a few hours each evening. This pain has been completely debilitating. It's not the "Wow, this sucks, but I can manage" type of pain. It's the "Did you hear that? I'm coming to join you, Elizabeth!*" type of pain. I almost felt like I was having a gall bladder attack at some points, and then... oh wait. I don't have one of those anymore. Heh.<br />
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Accompanying this lovely sensation is someone I'm pretty well-acquainted with: Mr. Migraine. Things got so bad last night, I couldn't even stand up. I was slumped onto my massage chair (thank God we own one!) for about two hours. You see, my heart medication for POTS doesn't allow me to lay down, as it raises my blood pressure when I go horizontal, for 4 hours after taking it. I tried anyway, and let's just say raising blood pressure during a migraine is the stupidest thing you can do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6UChvqxc__NgLDoBbuh7JXJ2WwRgpohseKRMc7CAadeuWprCtGnBBoSEP29sZYdolwfNII0YRUZxFJtk5Bl0WnlF6GYLs7osbQ9ZWA0hpHfn_N515kkg2NsAx_7mHWU5mskKE_PopfU/s1600/massage+chair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6UChvqxc__NgLDoBbuh7JXJ2WwRgpohseKRMc7CAadeuWprCtGnBBoSEP29sZYdolwfNII0YRUZxFJtk5Bl0WnlF6GYLs7osbQ9ZWA0hpHfn_N515kkg2NsAx_7mHWU5mskKE_PopfU/s320/massage+chair.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My massage chair, AKA the only place for peace in times of migraine herxing.</td></tr>
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My most-amazing-hubby-in-the-world actually got in the car and drove to Bed Bath & Beyond to buy me a bathtub pillow so that I could take a detox bath and rest my head. This is how bad my migraine was. Oh how I love him so! (My hubby, not Mr. Migraine.)<br />
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So, not only does the new medicine obviously kick my backside from one end of the house and back, it also has given me loads to think about... when hubby and I go to a movie and my legs decide not to work anymore and I literally fall into the next seat over, trying to exit the theater... Yeah. I think, "Wow. I'm glad I didn't sit in the very end seat. I would have fallen into the aisle." And "Well, I wonder how ridiculous we look," as he literally is allowing me to drag myself on his arm on the way to the car. I mean, I <i>look</i> normal enough. When you have Lyme, you don't look sick. I think I must have looked something like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yokQ0_8__ts" target="_blank">Westley from "The Princess Bride"</a> after he'd been "mostly dead" all day.<br />
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So, I'm walking a ton better today, two days later. And I'm taking the day off my Azith, and will start back tomorrow at half-dose and stay there for a few days. Then I will ramp up to the full dose. Here's to kicking some keet keester**!<br />
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*Please, oh PLEASE tell me you know what this quote is from! If not, look <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stdi-1tIUhM" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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**Keet = Spirochete (SPY-ro-keet); The shape of the Lyme bacteria, Borrelia Burgdorferi.<br />
Keester = Butt.laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-23682719461361968662012-01-24T11:25:00.000-08:002012-01-24T11:30:42.640-08:00THAT came out of ME?FOOT DETOX BATH!!!<br />
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I have a friend and fellow Lymie that owns a foot detox bath system. You know, I always have a certain level of skepticism when it comes to these things. However, I was surprisingly <i>astonished</i> by what I saw and learned.<br />
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If you're not aware, we <i>all</i> have compromised bodies by simply living in an industrialized world. And then, when you add Lyme and other co-infections into the mix, well, let's just say that my body is a veritable cornucopia of less-than-desirable elements. We all are inundated with harsh chemicals – from our foods and even the air we breathe; heavy metals – from vaccinations and other things such as mercury amalgam fillings and more; sludgy lymphatic systems; overly worn-out organ systems; and SO much more.<br />
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For me, I also have a ton of bacteria and parasite die-off that not only create more sludge by their deadness hanging around, but these miscreants also release endo-toxins (all of the neuro-toxins they had stored up before they died) into my body at the time of death. It makes me feel extremely sick and altogether just not good. So we Lymies detox, detox, detox the night away.<br />
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Our bodies naturally are working overtime trying to clear out all this "stuff" and most times, it simply can't do it all. Enter the foot detoxification system. My friend found <a href="http://www.MyDetoxFootBath.com/" target="_blank">this website</a> that sells amazing personal and commercial systems, made <i>in the USA</i>, and is located here in Wisconsin. Check them out, they're terrific. I spoke with the owner, Ryan Pattee, and ordered my own foot detox kit, and am über excited for its arrival and maiden voyage to sludgeville.<br />
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Here are shots of the water during and after my initial soak in my friend's machine. Remember that when I started out, the water was CLEAR and had only sea salt mixed in. The rest mostly* came from me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1XV0KbEfChj4_Z0k9yvN1E122t0mlnLxM7jMSv0QRA-0pLPX4R7Htam0KZPseL9Etp3DlLNi7CnxoZwW41pvLm4kmMqtS_gNDUjjibc5Sk17-bu8Pl4s1FVEsBHibyBmFzodz4tQ7TU/s1600/detoxfoot1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1XV0KbEfChj4_Z0k9yvN1E122t0mlnLxM7jMSv0QRA-0pLPX4R7Htam0KZPseL9Etp3DlLNi7CnxoZwW41pvLm4kmMqtS_gNDUjjibc5Sk17-bu8Pl4s1FVEsBHibyBmFzodz4tQ7TU/s320/detoxfoot1.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the tub. There are many colors that appear, which translate into different systems of your body that are detoxing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpZXVNST0MMHNLhfEl_Fqkyl2bHWlJlPCt4iG-zrL-MAWn6sms9cMrGcDI5gGguk-PMbPUnYKVCjMkptEAHVfZUno7DOEtDXwvkjtA_uOvyO65tYAJtnW01oI0DBAXOMWXSglar4Yh-4/s1600/detoxfoot2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpZXVNST0MMHNLhfEl_Fqkyl2bHWlJlPCt4iG-zrL-MAWn6sms9cMrGcDI5gGguk-PMbPUnYKVCjMkptEAHVfZUno7DOEtDXwvkjtA_uOvyO65tYAJtnW01oI0DBAXOMWXSglar4Yh-4/s320/detoxfoot2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark green: Gall Bladder system. I don't have a Gall Bladder anymore, but the system is still there, and is in serious distress.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuNNO9Rv8ms_x3HDkxgHzNJUhgbBqliRfgRNEY9tkMrUMClktHPkT3mVbCIivXWxcb6SSsSaiXQRb8NNpqQFCGM6EoYDhQeGvNAy_zX9DgcMoVz5CQswiMg7SukVtR2OA6DNKXxAPWVI/s1600/detoxfoot3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuNNO9Rv8ms_x3HDkxgHzNJUhgbBqliRfgRNEY9tkMrUMClktHPkT3mVbCIivXWxcb6SSsSaiXQRb8NNpqQFCGM6EoYDhQeGvNAy_zX9DgcMoVz5CQswiMg7SukVtR2OA6DNKXxAPWVI/s320/detoxfoot3.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The floaty, sludgy stuff on top is from my Lymphatic System. Loads of toxins there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PJrcOVizDKqW0eBOQcEqPMVTHeji5cK5acaqrMzeEhcXocwQ_7YjeKts-zaH0sxOdHTSLqoKXmHbgIo8i_Kqx6mlp6ZWuIQZCFyyguDt_F6_7oxuMGAU-7GEVSDRv1cuTXvneFWF-Ag/s1600/detoxfoot4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PJrcOVizDKqW0eBOQcEqPMVTHeji5cK5acaqrMzeEhcXocwQ_7YjeKts-zaH0sxOdHTSLqoKXmHbgIo8i_Kqx6mlp6ZWuIQZCFyyguDt_F6_7oxuMGAU-7GEVSDRv1cuTXvneFWF-Ag/s320/detoxfoot4.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black flecks? Heavy metals that came out of my pores. Yes. That is correct. There are several in this shot, with two larger ones at about the middle.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmqAtAD7zwIDomtVTMPuVaOpSmVyNYtKVh1sUy1zM_8bhzjTyM9htqhA-TFSSSB0OdPuhPoRSMRaYd8rCZp2Y6UKxuxqICnQmdDxsNXdFnT2SxeAClaMgZ9SYE0UQ6PlWi56B5KM4hlI/s1600/detoxfoot5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmqAtAD7zwIDomtVTMPuVaOpSmVyNYtKVh1sUy1zM_8bhzjTyM9htqhA-TFSSSB0OdPuhPoRSMRaYd8rCZp2Y6UKxuxqICnQmdDxsNXdFnT2SxeAClaMgZ9SYE0UQ6PlWi56B5KM4hlI/s320/detoxfoot5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More metal flecks. I poured the water out through a paper towel-lined colander, to catch the colors and the heavy metals.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qEGvLHybo6TOD4NZ7r4D50wij-wQGjk3FAkCLHW5fg12Psf6FjkdcEcZir-BjGqT517ylPddJRt8FhoIIDT1uKbFBbps3jgnsUS3tMKs7XQvQNh5u8BMm_5Wgi-tpSj0HHlwJ3LV8jE/s1600/detoxfoot6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qEGvLHybo6TOD4NZ7r4D50wij-wQGjk3FAkCLHW5fg12Psf6FjkdcEcZir-BjGqT517ylPddJRt8FhoIIDT1uKbFBbps3jgnsUS3tMKs7XQvQNh5u8BMm_5Wgi-tpSj0HHlwJ3LV8jE/s320/detoxfoot6.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All that orange... That would be from my joints. Some yellow from the kidney/bladder system. I have Interstitial Cystitis, a bladder disorder. I also have Bartonella, which loves to hang out in the bladder.</td></tr>
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It can also pull out yeast, which comes out as curdy white floaters, and even red flecks which indicates blood clots breaking up and being pulled out. No kidding. This is amazing.<br />
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Let me explain just a <i>tiny</i> bit about how this works. Detoxifying your body can offer benefits such as more energy, rejuvenation, sleep wellness, and healthier skin, according to their website. The following is also taken directly from <a href="http://www.MyDetoxFootBath.com/">www.MyDetoxFootBath.com</a>, as they are the experts, not me:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px;">The soles of the feet and armpits are two of the body's discharge pathways for toxins (hence the odor). The use of antiperspirant blocks one of these pathways, and over time can result in an accumulation of chemicals in the body. The feet, being the largest pathway of the body, have been used for centuries to eliminate toxins. Traditionally, feet were placed in salty sand, to foot detox. This method, however, was effective but slow, and had limitations.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The foot bath uses a direct micro-current that is very similar to low voltage electro-stimulation or cold laser, both of which have been proven to increase cellular ATP (stored energy). Introducing this increase in energy stimulate the cells to purge toxins at a much higher rate. The warm salt water is used as a conduit for exchanging ions - in other words the foot bath is like a magnet that energizes the cells and draws out toxic material right before your eyes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Water, metal, and salt will combine to produce a light water color change, as well as objects in the water even without feet being submerged. The ionic foot bath neutralizes toxins in the water the same way it neutralizes toxins in the body. Remember, the body itself has high water content, and this is where toxins become isolated.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*As a general rule, depending on geographical location, about 20-40% of what you see in the water after a foot bath comes from regional toxins in the water, and the remaining 60-80% comes from the client's body while using the detox foot spa."</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Hey, if you live close by, I invite you to try this out. This service is also available from certain spas. It is well worth the effort. And I couldn't believe how much better I slept for many nights afterwards.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So that is the skinny on the foot detox. I give this method a super-duper-ultra-mega quadruple A+++++++. Out of 5 stars, this receives the coveted 6 stars. No joke. My doctor also <i style="font-weight: bold;">highly</i> recommends doing this regularly.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Who knew detoxing could be not only this effective, but also this gross? I mean, Halloween, here we come as the scum-monsters!</span><br />
<br />laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-18696592132088597412012-01-13T15:06:00.000-08:002012-01-13T15:06:53.671-08:00Officially official. How's that?Well, I had my follow-up appt. with my LLMD today. All meds seem to be doing what they need to do. All systems seem to be going well. Well, <i>most</i> systems.<br />
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We looked over my Thyroid tests (3 of them) over the last 18 months, and she was happily surprised that mine is good. It actually is trending to lean toward the <i>hyper</i>- side, rather than the <i>hypo</i>- side. Most Lymies deal with the latter. Not me! Who knew?<br />
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So now we are going to spit in some tubes tomorrow... Of course, when I say "we," I mean "me." We are testing for adrenal issues now, via a saliva cortisol test. Four times tomorrow, I will fill a little tube with my spit. I know, you're just dying to be me tomorrow! Now that urge to chew tobacco can be somewhat squelched I guess by my impending experience. Wah-wah-waaaaaahhhhh.<br />
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Now, down to the "officially official" part... The day of all days. That would be today. For today, any voices in my head that whispered "Yeah, but it might not be Lyme..." can officially Shut. Up.<br />
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I got the results from my latest Lyme test. Yes, I tested again after 5 weeks of antibiotics. This usually always stirs up some more antibody action, and this time, it did.<br />
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My first "band" that came back positive was band 41. This can actually be a non-Lyme (Borrelia Burgdorferi) bacteria antibody. Basically, it can appear when we fight a whole array of things, especially any other pathogens with a flagella (tail).<br />
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Today's results speak to the scientific parts of my brain. Because today, band 23 came back "Equivocal." This is a word that means, "we see it there, it's just pretty light." Band 23 is <b><i>only specific to Borrelia Burgdorferi, the "Lyme bacteria." </i></b><br />
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The point here, is that if they see it, then it is there. It's not a mirage. It's there. So what if it's light? My first pregnancy test for my 3rd daughter came out barely visible, but that did not mean that I was possibly or partially pregnant. And <i style="font-weight: bold;">certainly</i> not <i>not</i> pregnant, as you can tell... I <i>did</i> mention her up there, didn't I? ;-)<br />
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So there we have it. It is officially official. Just in case those naysayers try to rain on my antibody band parade. The umbrella is sufficiently raised.<br />
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My name is Lauren and I am a Lymie.<br />
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<br />laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-65063640216625557202012-01-08T14:05:00.000-08:002012-01-08T14:05:08.334-08:00A–little A-linia goes A–Long way...Well, I am day 5 into my Alinia treatment and still at a half-dose. Thankfully the wobbly sensations are subsiding. I still do experience them, but not to the degree of my first night.<br />
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I make sure to take a detox bath about every 2 or 3 days, and that really does help. This bath has 2-3 cups of Epsom Salt, 2 cups of Hydrogen Peroxide, and 2-3 tablespoons of freshly grated Ginger root (thanks to my wonderful hubby who does the grating!).<br />
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Even with these baths, I still do experience issues. The most prominent seem to be pain (shocker) in my hands, knees, and upper arms, as well as legs, and lower arms, but they are not as terrible. I also have the worst neck pain. I am having a hard time with the Doxycycline in the mornings. I take this to make sure the Babesia doesn't become immune to the Alinia. The Doxy makes me extremely nauseated for about 45 minutes. So I know there's an end in sight, but man, those 45 minutes just <i>have</i> to be right when I'm trying to get my kiddos ready for school on a time limit. Ugh. (Just need to keep telling myself, "This too, shall pass!")<br />
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And the herx reaction that wins the "ridiculous" category is the jolts of jerking that happens when I'm trying to SLEEP! Two nights ago it was my arms. Last night it was my abdomen. I can feel an "energy" building, just like in a "restless leg" type of situation, and then – involuntarily, might I add – I jerk/jolt/twitch/whatever-you-want-to-call-it... I'm sure my husband calls it annoying. ;-) It keeps me awake, to be sure. So then I sleep longer in the morning, to catch up on the lost sleep from the early night hours.<br />
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So there's the skinny on the 'Linnie (AKA Alinia).<br />
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Kermit said it best: "It's not easy being green..."laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-27815524519342408242012-01-04T15:38:00.000-08:002012-01-04T15:38:51.496-08:00Alinia...Well, today I started a new treatment... For the Babesia... The co-infection that is, among other things, attacking my heart. I'm going to say that if the following phenomenon has anything to do with my new medicine, life will be quite interesting. And while I know that medicine usually doesn't show its effects for a day or so, is this possibly from the Alinia? Seeing as that is the <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">only</u> thing that has changed, I can't help but think it is so...<br />
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I began Alinia – well, the generic kind from Canada, because the real stuff costs over $1,300 PER MONTH and I'm not Mrs. Moneypants – and 10 hours into the first dose and I am noticing something. I am <i>wobbly</i>. Like every minute I get a little more <i>wobbly.</i><br />
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My legs are trying to give out on me, my knees <b>hurt</b>, and every muscle in my body that normally holds various body parts up/in place has become very unsure of what its primary function is... Result: many jerky/sloshy movements. I probably look like a drunken sailor/Parkinson's patient rolled into one cute little hat-sporting, scarf-wearing Lymie. Hat and scarf are staples all day long as I am perpetually <i>C-O-L-D (pronounced: freezing)</i>. The cold lifestyle is all part and parcel to the Autonomic Disorder. I just can't regulate my temperature correctly. Fun.<br />
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Anyway, that is the update. I'm <i>wobbly.</i> And I've had to hit the delete key twice as much as my normal Lyme-induced typing dyslexia typically demands. Yuck.laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601626093604264383.post-53910904281828873492011-12-30T17:44:00.000-08:002011-12-30T17:44:06.469-08:00How about an update? Whoops... It's been a while.Well, I have now been in treatment for my lovely Lyme for 9 weeks and let me say that the first 5 weeks were great... not with how I felt... but with the progress I <i>know</i> I was making.<br />
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The next 5... well... not so great.<br />
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Here is what has happened. (AKA: the Big Update from the Slacker.)<br />
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As you have probably read in a previous post, my first Lyme doctor had his license suspended. I was devastated. However, before I had gotten set up with him, I had made an appointment with another Lyme doctor. But she was a few months out as far as appointments go. So after I had been acquainted with my first doc, and had been on the Clarithromycin for 4 weeks, I had my first appointment with the new Doc.<br />
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She is amazing. I am so glad I hadn't cancelled that appointment! There was always some little gut feeling deep inside me, that would not let me cancel that appointment; even after I had such a successful first visit with Doc H. So, here we are. Not an orphaned Lymie, and still under a doctor's care. YAY!<br />
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Back to the timeline... The Clarithromycin hits deep. After a few days I began to feel the herx. (Remember, that's the bacteria die-off, resulting in a major neuro-toxin expelling, making the Lymie sicker than before.) Daily, I took steps to detoxify my system, and daily, the herxing increased. I was happy about this, as it meant I was killing these little buggers.<br />
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After 3 weeks, I began sweating again! This is part of my autonomic disorder that technically isn't curable. Things were starting to happen, and while I knew it was a long road ahead, I was encouraged.<br />
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About a week after my appointment with the new doc (5 weeks into the Clarithromycin treatment), the antibiotic puttered and stalled out. Of course. So I called and she ordered Doxycycline, 100 mg, 2/day. She also had ordered Alinia for my Babesia, as it is really affecting my heart. Well, the Alinia is über "expensivo," so we had to order it through an international pharmacy. And the waiting game began... Only taking the Doxy, and feeling my Lyme symptoms creep back in daily.<br />
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So, now, as I sit in the dawnings of the new year, I feel as if the first inklings of my healing were disrupted and a little bit in vain. It's hard to feel this way, after having reported to so many family and friends just how well things were going, and how much improvement I have seen.<br />
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I am about 100% back to my pre-treatment Lyme symptoms. The sweating has ceased again... the muscle fatigue, the aching, burning arms and legs, headaches, awful, awful brain fog and memory issues. Etc., etc., etc. It's pretty hard to be a writer with brain fog.<br />
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"Uh, honey, what's that word where it's like you really focus on things and pay special attention to detail and etc.?"<br />
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"You mean 'devoted'?" </div>
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"Yep. Thanks." </div>
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This convo seriously happened yesterday. And the typing dyslexia... yeah, that's back. It takes me about twice as long to type things as I have to go back and fix mistakes. And I'm way too perfectionist-oriented to allow them to stay that way! Maybe one of these days I will give an example of what my initial typings look like... but not just yet.</div>
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Okay, so this is my update, to date. :) I will begin treating the Babs (Babesia) just as soon as I get home from our New Years travels, and will make sure to report in way more frequently. I also have an appointment with my Lyme Doc (yes, the new one), and will have the results of my newest Western Blot Lyme test. It will be nice to see just what has stirred up after the 4 weeks of antibiotics (at the time of the testing). The antibiotics always stir more of the bacteria into the blood stream, so they are more detectable and the body shows more antibody activity... hopefully.<br />
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Have a happy New Year everyone, and just say no to Lyme in the coconut! ;-)<br />
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<br />laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18288900480091561973noreply@blogger.com1