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shirleyculler456-blog · 6 years

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Through the Peaks and Valleys of Living With Chronic Lyme Disease

Our story begins when I was a youngster, around the fifth quality of Elementary school. I was an adventurist kid, spending all day long outdoors until that predictable call that dinner has been ready. Usually I was building or maintaining my castles! Using the neighbors fence as one side of my fortification and concocting ways of hanging sheets or blankets to help make the other walls of my fort took a lot of preparing and execution you know! It was my second home and that i spent hours in my forts with lot's of scary crawling insects that bothered me non-e. It was with this time that I came down with a horrible illness that will left me bedridden for over a month. The Doctor said I had Mononucleosis, which maybe I did. My Dad was an avid fisherman and my family spent nearly every summer at Leach Lake within the great state of Minnesota. The long car trips always made me ill with car sickness. I was the only real child of 7 that got car sick every time I rode in a car for more than 10 minutes. I did, however , usually look forward to our family trips to Minnesota. That was time enjoying in the woods, enjoying the "catch of the day", participating in capture the flag, swimming in the lake and just as being a kid. I remember many bug bites, especially those through the giant size mosquito's in the northern woods of MN! They could devourer a person in less than three minutes. I also invested 3 weeks every summer at a christian horseback riding camp. Even today, I remember my favorite horse, his name was Turk! Just read was some of the best times of my childhood but also could very well have been once i contracted Lyme Disease and co-infections. I struggled at school all of my life. I couldn't fully comprehend what was being shown regardless of the subject and I dreaded reading a book. We became more of social person who excelled at dance, number skating and synchronized swimming. This summer camp is exactly where I was introduced to Jesus and initially invited Him in to my heart to be my Lord and Savior. Although I didn't fully comprehend this new love relationship in which had just bloomed in my heart, this single second in my life would prove to be my strength in times of weakness, my favorite song of joy in desolate desserts, my point in turbulent waters, my best friend in times of loneliness, the guard of my mind and soul, my prince of peacefulness and SO much more. This choice was the best choice I could have available. At the age of 19, I set out on a big experience. I moved from IL to the Bay Area inside CA as I had an older brother living there. This Mother died when I was 14 and my Father ended up being an alcoholic. I may not have taken this big voyage if things at home were different. My life in LOS ANGELES is where I grew strong in the Lord, acquired my baby and met my husband. It was meant to be. I actually spent the next twenty years working hard and playing even more difficult. One very memorable camping trip to the Russian Water in Norther CA rendered me sick as a canine for weeks. It didn't make any sense when i was feeling great prior to our trip and the individual I was with wasn't sick. I often wonder if it was the point of contracting Lyme Disease, although I did not notice a tick on me or take note of any kind of rashes. I wasn't looking for these things either, as I have never even heard of Lyme Disease. I've read that just 30%-40% of people with Lyme Disease recall seeing some sort of tick or the classic bull's eye rash on them. Such as many people with Lyme disease, I don't know when I caught it. I spent years going to the doctors for long-term sinus infections, one after another. I began using naps in my car while at work and was usually fatigued most of the time. In 1995, I was in a near deadly car accident. In a coma, I found myself at the gates with heaven and in awe of the peaceful white light which was surrounding me. I was being drawn into the light everywhere I felt sure that I was going to see the face for Jesus. The doctors were not sure if I was going to allow it to be. My life was hanging in the balance and I experienced a life enhancing meeting with an angelic presence, who had a message for me. The actual message was a bible verse, "For I know the plans I possess for you, declares the Lord. plans to prosper you and never harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29: 11 The place I was in was extremely tranquil and I was not aware of my accident or any pain or perhaps injuries. I was calm and had no fear. I seriously desired to stay in that place! It was not to be and also the years ahead, God kept his promise and obviously showed me His plans for my life. Though the occasions ahead would prove to be extremely difficult and I often strayed from the God who loved me, He was still very own shepherd keeping a watchful eye over His careless child. God took me along paths where This individual highlighted my need for Him, placing me in situations wheresoever my strengths were irrelevant and my weaknesses have been glaringly evident. Through the dessert marches, He drew us closer and closer to Him. I would discovered blooming blossoms of peace in the most desolate places. For these points, I am grateful. This was His plan, I am sure of it! Because of the brain injury I encountered, I was given massive dosages of steroids to halt my brain from swelling. It had been either steroids or death. Due to the steroids, my defense mechanisms was weakened and this is when Lyme disease grew alot into every fiber of my body, unbeknownst to me as well as regardless of when I contracted it. I was on disability regarding 6 months and recovery was slow going and difficult. My spouse and i struggled with physical therapy and struggled with movement generally. I did months of biofeedback in hopes of regaining mind function. I was increasingly feeling sick and my body was racked with pain and fatigue. It was as though I had to teach my figure how to do things again. My brain was sluggish and increasingly having difficulty with word processing, placing sentences together and staying focused. The other symptoms that began rearing their ugly heads were severe neck and also back pain, vertigo, severe balance issues, weakness, depression, knocking headaches, memory problems, losing peripheral vision, anxiety along with fear of leaving my house and fear of driving, or in a car. This was NOT recovery. After numerous attempts of getting assist from the hospital that took care of me after the car accident, My partner and i started venturing out to other Doctors in hopes of finding out there why I was having all these symptoms and not recovering from the actual accident. My quest started with seeing a Specialist who ignored all the physical symptoms and recommended a good antidepressant as a solution. I saw several MD's that previously had no answers for me. The list of Doctors goes on and... Though I was still symptomatic, it was time to return to function. I ended up getting a great administrative job at a hi-tech company with an even greater boss! An angel of a manager who I grew to love because of her compassionate cardiovascular. I made good money and the job wasn't as well demanding and that is exactly what I needed upon returning to the work pressure. This job and my boss were a gift through God and an answer to prayer! In 1996, I was overjoyed by the surprise of my baby daughter! Though I had been to be a single parent, there was NO doubt on the birth about my child. I did well with pregnancy. I experienced better while I was pregnant, not great, but much better. Was this part of the "plans I have for you"? Certainly it was! I had been given the gift of motherhood, for the I am eternally grateful! I met my husband Tom more than a decade ago and we married in 1999. That was quick!! It was really like at first sight. On our first date, we met at cathedral and then went for coffee. On the way to coffee, I asked him if this would be OK to put the seat back and take a small nap!! "No problem", he says. We laugh for sure often as he didn't know just what a napper I might be. That was just a little preview! My husband became my most powerful supporter and I would not be where I am today without having him. He is one of God's greatest gifts to me! Had been this part of the "plans I have for you"? Of course! Which verse that was placed in my heart was really resonating u started to see very clearly that God did possess a plan for my life and thus my returning to life on earth was not a accident. Shortly after marriage, we moved from the Bay Region to Livermore, CA. I'm trying really hard to be a great Mom, a good Wife, a good Homemaker and a good Step-Mom... it wasn't happening. I was sleeping 14 hours per day, extremely fatigued, emotionally depressed, in chronic pain in addition to overwhelmed with my new life. I found a new Main Doctor. After a MRI of my spine, this Physician exclaims, "I know what is wrong with you"! The very best words I had heard in years! He proceeded to inform me that I had a severally herniated disc inside my neck. He recommended that I have a C6-C7 fusion since the disc was severely compressing my spinal cord. After second and 3rd opinions, we decided to go ahead with the surgical treatment. More steroids... and again, the recovery was gradual. I was extremely disheartened as the surgery didn't help me really feel any better, other then knowing the herniated disc wasn't providing pressure my spinal cord. This Doctor also diagnosed me together with Fibromyalgia. In conversation with my sweet sister-in-law, the girl suggested I see her doctor. She too was sick for many years, without any answers, until she found this Integrative Doctor that diagnosed her with Celiac disease. When this occurs, I was ready to see any doctor in hopes of finding out and about what was wrong with my health. I went to notice her doctor and after an initial consultation, he said this individual thought I had Lyme Disease. What!? Lyme Disease? I had not heard of it. I trusted this Doctor, unlike all of the previous Doctors, he seemed genuine and really listened to my family. I accepted his diagnosis, although I had no idea actually meant. He informed me that in a few weeks, one of the best Lyme Specialists in the country was moving into his office. I had formed blood drawn for the Western Blot test to confirm the existence of Lyme antibodies. I was so relieved to finally understand what was wrong with me! I had no idea what treatment would certainly entail and how long I would be in treatment. I also received NO idea about the toxic overload, candida issues, or herxheimer reactions. I was just, at the time, so relieved to lastly have an answer! Before I could see this Lyme Professional, my family took a trip to Hawaii and I was sent having a bottle of artemisinin. I was taking maybe 4 every day and I started feeling better than I had in years. Furthermore , i think the warmth and humidity was helping me launch toxins through sweat. We had a great vacation! Upon coming back, I went in to see the Lyme Disease Specialist plus she confirmed that I had all the pertinent bands intended for Lyme-positive on the Western Blot. I recall her informing me it will take between 3-5 years of treatment. Over the following three years I tried many different combinations of antibiotics, yet could not tolerate many of them. The herxheimer reactions in the beginning were being extremely tough. There were nights when I wasn't sure if I would likely wake up the next morning. I clung tighter and stronger to the Lord. Pressing 0n, I started making progress in about year 4 and I felt like I was throughout remission. I felt well enough to consider moving to COMPANY and that's what we did. Shortly after moving to CO, I just started to feel ill again and there was something new. I can barely walk on my legs as they were in a lot pain. I then tested positive for Bartonella and Myclopasma. Initially I was diagnosed with Lyme and Babesia. Now Bartonella and Mycoplasma? I don't know if I was reinfected or maybe if I had these co-infections all along. I do think the climate change and elevation had something to do with this, but I started back sliding. Traveling to CA each and every three months to see my LLMD was an enormous task. I recall having several meltdowns in the airport as I was discombobulated and to weak to manage my luggage. Where I am These days After 10 years of antibiotics and other various treatments, I am approximately 70% better than I was when first starting treatment. I have additionally used various alternative therapies, supporting therapies and have created some big diet changes. One way I plan on assisting and sustaining my health is through a more organic approach, healthy eating and healthy life style practices. These types of steps have all been crucial to regaining the amount of health which i have. Probably more importantly, I have adopted a great change of mindset. I am NOT my disease and life using Lyme Disease is but a fleeting moment in time in comparison to eternity. I know what eternity holds for me and I can make the best of my life until that day comes, 1 day at a time. I no longer focus on what I cannot do, nevertheless find joy in the simple things in life. I do not really focus on every symptom I have, but rather focus on living a new contented and functional life the way I am. I also concentrate on the one who sustains me and my first real love, Jesus Christ. He has given me many glorious gifts and even breaths His life into me daily. His grace are new every morning! What has Helped me in order to Regain Health First and foremost, I will be eternally grateful to this is my LLMD. She is a brilliant and very compassionate woman. Antibiotics, undoubtedly have helped me to regain much of my health. Therefore i'm starting to focus on more natural approaches going forward. I will remain on a low dose maintenance antibiotic regimen while adopting a far more holistic lifestyle and incorporating more natural treatments to keep and further my health. Living a more balanced life by means of prayer, education, exercise, diet, nurturing my own body together with having healthy relationships has become a priority, not an option. On the web a big fan of using a FIR Sauna and have carried out so regularly for the past 5 years. I believe I would not need been able to tolerate antibiotics for as long as I have without the normal use of the FIR Sauna. It has been the best health investment There are made. I use Glutathione in a liquid form to further assist with detoxification. I will also be incorporating various detoxing "cleanses" with the Global Healing Center and other well known health institutions. When i take quality supplements and herbs. It has taken everyone years to figure out the most effective regimen for me. I absolutely believe Positive a much healthier person because of them. One way I know this is how I miss a few days, I don't feel as well. As i write extensively about supplements and herbs on my "supplements" page. Many have been recommended by my LLMD. Other people, I have learned about through the Natural Cure Lyme Disease community and research. Learning from mistakes has been part of the process. On occasion, I get vitamin infusions at my LLMD's office. I am always left feeling rejuvenated and energized by them. Diet has played a vital role in regained health. I went gluten totally free about one year ago. The effects were felt almost instantly. I had less abdominal bloating, I lost weight, I notice less stomach aches and more energy. I am currently their studies at the IIN! I believe diet alone can be the difference among health and sickness in general and there are more studies linking serious illness to poor diet. I am working towards the greatest diet possible and looking forward to more health gains by way of optimal eating. I have started juicing and I look forward to these types of wonderful vitamin infusions daily. Exercise has always been a major battle due to muscular skeletal pain and stiffness and insufficient energy. I am pushing myself to walk at least twice a week. I have found that it is really motivating if you like the area you might be walking in. With that, I drive to the beach for a few natural Earthing and walking. Walking through a pretty recreation area is also quite pleasant. I'm progressively increasing the number of strolls I take and also the duration. There was a time where walking around your block was too exhausting. I have also been doing regenerative yoga on a fairly regular basis. I always finish sensation very relaxed. I do experience increased pain the next day, nevertheless I'm expecting this will decrease with more practice and period. Moving increases oxygen in the blood stream and helps to keep our own joints more flexible. Prayer and a positive mindset have worked miracles. I am strong in my faith and the Lord is my rock. He is also my Prince of Peace, the Wonderful Counselor, my Defender, my Healer, my Lighting in the Darkness and the Way, the Truth and the Life! He could be my everything and I take great comfort in Your pet. If I am focused on all of His wonderful ways, I can not sit with a negative mindset. Reading my daily devotional is how I start my day and prayer is actually how I finish it. It is a great way to live life and maintains me grounded. I still have bad days, but many much more good ones. This is a stark contrast to the early days associated with treatment. I still live with daily chronic pain, exhaustion ( to a much lesser degree), cognitive challenges along with other symptoms that wax and wane, but nothing in comparison with years ago. I have come a long way and you can too! I am still exploring and praying for a cure and making every work to become a healthier person because I want to make the most of the time I did on earth. I have faith that a cure is coming! Lyme recognition is on the rise. With IBM commercials talking about Lyme illness and LD plastered on the Jumbo Tron in And. Y. City and the Daytona 500. These are huge jumps towards awareness. Our day of healing will come! Along with my education at the IIN, I am hoping to be able to help other people who are struggling with Chronic Lyme Disease and other chronic illnesses in a very practical way. I deeply desire to be used by Our god to encourage, support and share what I have learned during the past 10 years relating to chronic illness.

#natural cure Lyme disease

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