My Lyme doctor has said many times over the years that we are missing something. He’s taken me down several roads that have proven to be part of the equation and have been helpful – but symptoms still linger or return. I asked him recently if he thought I still had Lyme. So he ordered…
Pain – Excruciating Pain
Sunday was hard. Pain was high, all over weakness and body aches, shortness of breath, lightheaded, neuropathy, digestive distress. Monday was excruciating. In bed all day, in tears most of the time. I had just finished a few days of detox, which is always hard, but this felt different. It felt like I was crashing,…
There is NO Quick Fix
There’s an article in lymedisease.org by Wisconsin Watch who interviewed 5 women with chronic Lyme. it’s a long article and while I don’t necessarily disagree with them, I do think their view of costly alternative treatments is a little skewed. https://www.lymedisease.org/chronic-lyme-patients-wisconsin/ The article overall does a great job of explaining how Lyme is overlooked by…
Dr. Steven Harris – LLMD
This is my Lyme doctor. I am so grateful to him for his work in this specialized field and for the compassionate care he and his team have given me over the last 7 years. The Big Picture Lyme disease: is the most common vector borne disease in America the most common tick disease in…
The Joy of Life
I hate being sick. Hate it. It’s impossibly hard most days. I cry. I get mad. I feel hopeless at times. It’s ok to have a pity party just don’t unpack and live there! But I choose how to live with this sickness. I choose love. I choose joy. Yes - it’s a choice. Every…
Mysterious Illness – Videos
As we close out Lyme Disease Awareness month, I'd like to share two videos that expose the symptoms and conflict around Lyme+ . Mystery Illness: The Many Symptoms - 30 mins Under Our Skin - Documentary - 90 mins
Letter to Family & Friends
I've written a letter for Lymies to share with family and friends who may not yet understand the complexities of this sickness. This is a complicated disease to diagnose and treat, but that means it's also complicated to live with it. If you suffer this sickness, give yourself a break, let yourself rest. If you…
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
Mast Cells are important components of the immune system. They are triggered by infections, toxins, and even stress - essentially telling the body to attack the foreign invader. Many Lyme patients develop Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), a condition that causes mast cells to become hyperactive, reacting to every stimuli, including foods, smells, even the…
Understanding the “Cure” for Lyme
Preface: If you have shared information with me on a cure for Lyme, thank you, I very much appreciate it, but I want you to understand why I (we) don't take your advice. If you know someone who has been sick with Lyme and has "been cured" or is "in remission" - celebrate with them.…
I Am One
I've lost several friends in recent years to cancer - and I've seen friends battle and fight and suffer that cruel disease. I have nothing but respect for anyone who has been in that trench. I do not discount the terror that comes with a cancer diagnosis. It is horrible, it is painful, it is…
PhilippiJoy 