Archive for the ‘Lyme’ Category

May: Lyme Disease Awareness Resources

May: Lyme Disease Awareness Month Coming Up

Need some resources on Lyme and other tickborne illnesses to share with neighbors and friends?

Go here for downloadable posters and brochures to educate others on this very real 21st century plague.

The posters include everything from tick prevention to symptoms experienced, to a handy chart listing details about coinfections, to a sheet on Lyme facts that defy the commonly touted narrative regurgitated by most doctors.  Very helpful stuff.

For more on tick prevention:   https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/04/12/tick-prevention-2019/  Includes a multi-pronged approach covering you, your pets, and your yard.

For more on what to do if you are bitten by a tick:   https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/04/21/help-i-got-bit-by-a-tick-what-do-i-do/  Great advice here.  Be prepared and always carry a tick removal device with you at all times.

Remember, ticks have been found in the most unlikely places.

I shared this before but it’s worth repeating: the wind can blow ticks off of trees into your yard.  I had a Lyme advocate tell me that ticks were blowing into her pool, located quite a distance away from all trees.  I experienced this myself last summer when I noticed a tick that suddenly appeared on my beach towel on the deck of my pool where again – trees are some 30 feet away and nothing else is around the pool. It was a particularly windy day.  I also met TV anchor Mike Schneider who relayed in person to me how he was infected at a friend’s garden party on their deck and whose feet never touched the grass.  Schneider believes he was infected by a tick dropping or blowing out of a tree onto his head.  While most researchers deny this phenomenon, I’ve heard it too many times for it to be coincidental.  Birds transporting ticks is a much bigger issue in my opinion than mice, yet mice get all the press coverage and research money.

Category:

Activism, Lyme, Uncategorized

The Power of Fasting For Health

**DISCLAIMER**

I’m not a doctor.  As with all treatments, always discuss with your doctor.

The Power of Fasting For Health

Recently I saw a book that intrigued me called, “Starving to Heal in Siberia: My Radical Recovery From Late-Stage Lyme Disease and How It Could Help Others.”

While I admit I haven’t read it yet, fasting is as old as time itself, and even Upton Sinclair wrote an article back in 1910 on his experiences with fasting.  He then wrote “The Fasting Cure” which is considered a historical work.

Intermittent fasting or time restrictive eating is all the rage now.  Studies on rats have shown this form of fasting can reduce weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and improve blood sugars.

The type of fasting utilized by the Lyme patient in the book, however, is called dry fasting which is an extreme version of intermittent fasting which involves restricting both food and water intake.  Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have found that dry fasting (fasting without food or liquid) from dawn to dusk for four weeks has an anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic effect on the proteins in a type of immune cell called a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC).  A previous study found similar results in blood serum.

But Heal Lyme?  My interest is piqued.

The following article may help explain why fasting can also help Lyme/MSIDS patients, and those who are “vaccine” injuried:

https://wmcresearch.substack.com/p/friday-hope-fasting-removing-senescent

Friday Hope: Fasting – Removing Senescent Cells and Reducing ROS

Our greatest weapon against the Spike Protein may just be self-discipline.

WALTER M CHESNUT
MAR 31, 2023

The Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 induces two phenomena which drive cells, and ultimately organs, into a state resembling the oldest old. These are Senescence and the induction of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species).

SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Induces Paracrine Senescence and Leukocyte Adhesion in Endothelial Cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34160250/

A Preliminary Study about the Role of Reactive Oxygen Species and Inflammatory Process after COVID-19 Vaccination and COVID-19 Disease
https://www.mdpi.com/2039-7283/12/4/63

However, we have a therapeutic which is very effective against both phenomena. It is one that is the free and universally accessible. This is the therapeutic of FASTING.

Far from being a cure-all, I believe the evidence demonstrates that adding fasting to a COVID, Long COVID and Spike Protein Injury protocol will prove very effective. Additionally, fasting will also most likely be proven as a prophylactic against COVID and Spike Protein Injury.

Fasting is extremely effective at preventing and removing Senescent cells.  (See link for article)

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**Comment**

Wild animals that are sick stop eating.  This innate intelligence allows their bodies to heal and transfer all the energy spent in digestion toward healing. A lot of energy is used to digest food. This is also a similar tenet of the Gershon Therapy for cancer and other degenerative diseases.  By juicing only organic fresh fruits and vegetables, less energy is required for digestion and more for healing, plus the patient can absorb more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

Go here for Autophagy Fasting: Benefits and How To

Briefly, autophagy is the body’s natural way to clean up damaged cells.  My old holistic doc once told me, “The body is like a kitty litter box because crap builds up and needs cleaning out.”

For more:

Category:

diet and nutrition, Lyme, Treatment

Persister Cells: The LINK to Lyme Disease

https://holtorfmed.com/articles/lyme-disease/persister-cells-is-there-a-connection-to-lyme-disease?

By Holtorf Medical Group

4/4/23

Persister Cells: A Major Concern in the Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem in the world today. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics has led to the development of bacteria that are resistant to many of the drugs we use to treat infections. This has made it more difficult to treat bacterial infections and has resulted in increased morbidity and mortality. One factor that contributes to antibiotic resistance is the presence of persister cells.

What are Persister Cells?

Persister cells are a subpopulation of bacteria that have the ability to survive antibiotic treatment. These cells are not resistant to antibiotics, but rather they enter a dormant state that prevents them from being affected by the drugs. This means that even after a course of antibiotics, some bacteria may remain in this dormant state and can continue to cause problems later on.

This is a major concern in the treatment of bacterial infections, as persister cells can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance and make it difficult to completely eradicate an infection. Researchers are currently working to develop new treatments that can target persister cells and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.

Connection to Lyme Disease

According to a recent review published by the Global Lyme Alliance persister cells may play a role in the persistence of Lyme disease. These cells can enter a dormant state, similar to the spirochetes that cause Lyme disease, and may contribute to the chronic nature of the disease. Current treatments for Lyme disease, such as antibiotics, may not be effective against these persister cells. Therefore, researchers are investigating new treatments that can target these cells and prevent the recurrence of Lyme disease. This highlights the importance of understanding the role of persister cells in infections and developing new treatments to combat them.

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. In addition to the well-known symptoms of Lyme disease, such as fever, fatigue, and joint pain, some people with Lyme disease may experience problems with their vision.

Current treatments for Lyme disease typically involve antibiotics, which are effective in killing the actively growing bacteria. However, persister cells can enter a dormant state and evade the effects of antibiotics, leading to a possible recurrence of the disease.

To combat this problem, researchers are investigating new treatments that can target persister cells and prevent the recurrence of Lyme disease. One approach being studied is the use of drug combinations that can target both the actively growing bacteria and the dormant persister cells. Another approach is the use of drugs that can stimulate the persister cells to become active again, enabling the antibiotics to target and kill them.

Understanding the role of persister cells in Lyme disease is crucial to developing new treatments that can effectively eradicate the bacteria and prevent the recurrence of the disease. It is important to note, however, that the best approach to combating the spread of Lyme disease is through prevention, including avoiding tick bites and seeking treatment early if symptoms develop.

Persisters in Other Chronic Infections

A study published in the journal Nature found that persisters may be responsible for the development of chronic infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. The researchers found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common bacteria associated with cystic fibrosis, was able to form persisters in the lungs of patients with the condition. These persisters were able to survive antibiotic treatment and contribute to the chronic nature of the infection.

Another study published in the Journal of Bacteriology found that persisters may be involved in the development of chronic urinary tract infections. The researchers found that E. coli, the bacteria responsible for most urinary tract infections, was able to form persisters in response to antibiotic treatment. These persisters were then able to re-emerge and cause recurrent infections.

While the role of persisters in chronic infections is still not fully understood, these studies suggest that they may be an important factor in the development and persistence of these infections. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind persister formation and develop effective treatments for chronic infections.

Dormancy vs Activation of Persister Cells

One approach being investigated to combat persister cells is the use of drugs that can stimulate the persister cells to become active again. By doing this, the antibiotics can then target and kill the persister cells, instead of just putting them in a dormant state. However, this approach is still in the early stages of research, and it is not yet clear if it will be effective in treating bacterial infections.

Another approach to targeting persister cells is to use a combination of antibiotics that can target both the actively growing bacteria and the dormant persister cells. This approach has shown promising results in vitro and in animal studies, but more research is needed to determine if it will be effective in humans.

It is important to note that targeting persister cells is just one part of the fight against antibiotic resistance. It is also important to use antibiotics responsibly and only when necessary, to prevent the development of new resistant strains of bacteria. Additionally, the development of new vaccines and alternative treatments is also important in reducing the need for antibiotics.

Final Thoughts

Persister cells may contribute to the persistence of Lyme disease, and current treatments may not be effective against them. Researchers are investigating new treatments that can target persister cells and prevent the recurrence of the disease. However, prevention remains the best approach to combating the spread of Lyme disease.

For more:

Category:

Lyme, research, Treatment

Homicide, Two Assaults, And Suicide in Lyme Patient

https://danielcameronmd.com/homicide-two-assaults-suicide/

HOMICIDE, TWO ASSAULTS, AND SUICIDE IN LYME DISEASE PATIENT

lyme-disease-suicide

A case report by Dr. Robert Bransfield and colleagues describes a patient who developed substance abuse issues after struggling with Lyme disease and was eventually charged with homicide and two assaults. The patient later committed suicide.

By 

The article entitled “A Fatal Case of Late Stage Lyme Borreliosis and Substance Abuse,”1 describes a patient exhibiting aggressiveness, violence, and homicidality. Like many Lyme disease patients, the man experienced a delay in diagnosis and treatment. (One study reports that subjects enrolling in a trial of Lyme encephalopathy were ill an average of two years before being diagnosed.2)

The patient’s Lyme disease symptoms progressed. “Further disease progression contributed to him feeling desperate as a result of multiple late-stage symptoms,” wrote Bransfield et al.  According to Fallon et al., the number of Lyme disease patients who feel desperate is not clear. 2

Based on more than 30 years of experience treating Lyme disease patients, Dr. Bransfield previously described a wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Lyme disease patients. “… neuropsychiatric symptoms, usually presenting with significant comorbidity which may include developmental disorders, autism spectrum disorders, schizoaffective disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders (panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, intrusive symptoms), eating disorders, decreased libido, sleep disorders, addiction, opioid addiction, cognitive impairments, dementia, seizure disorders, suicide, violence, anhedonia, depersonalization, dissociative episodes, derealization and other impairments.”3

“Further disease progression contributed to him feeling desperate as a result of multiple late-stage symptoms.”

The patient’s condition worsened.  “The pathophysiological effects of the infection resulted in an increased number and severity of multisystem symptoms, disability, and substance abuse,” the authors wrote. “He experimented with multiple substances in an effort for relief.”

The authors added, “During acute deterioration of his mental state from phencyclidine withdrawal, NMDA agonism increased, he committed a homicide, two assaults, and suicide.”

In an earlier study, Dr. Bransfield described substance abuse, cannabis use, and intoxication in Lyme disease patients.4

Bransfield and colleagues advised prompt diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease to help prevent addictive disorders, substance abuse, and death.

“More effective diagnosis and treatment and attention to substance abuse potential in these patients may help prevent some cases of addictive disorders, substance abuse, and death.”

Related Articles:

Mental health in COVID-19 and Lyme disease patients

Lyme disease and depression

Lyme disease patients at risk for suicide

References:
  1. Bransfield RC, Embers ME, Dwork AJ. A Fatal Case of Late Stage Lyme Borreliosis and Substance Abuse. Abstract. Journal of Affective Disorders Reports. April 2023. Last viewed 4/1/23 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666915323000641?via%3Dihub
  2. Fallon BA, Keilp JG, Corbera KM, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of repeated IV antibiotic therapy for Lyme encephalopathy. Neurology. Mar 25 2008;70(13):992-1003. doi:10.1212/01.WNL.0000284604.61160.2d
  3. Bransfield RC. Neuropsychiatric Lyme Borreliosis: An Overview with a Focus on a Specialty Psychiatrist’s Clinical Practice. Healthcare (Basel). Aug 25 2018;6(3)doi:10.3390/healthcare6030104
  4. Bransfield RC. Aggressiveness, violence, homicidality, homicide, and Lyme disease. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2018;14:693-713. doi:10.2147/NDT.S155143

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**Comment**

Most are not diagnosed and treated promptly and nobody has a clue how many patients are going through something similar to this poor man.  Most of us feel desperate at some point.

For more:

Category:

Lyme, Psychological Aspects, research

Bedridden Woman Diagnosed with ALS, Ended Up Having Lyme/MSIDS

https://twitter.com/dralmiller/status/1575837175484411905

Tweet from Dr. Alfred Miller:

Recent case: 30 y/o female, bedridden, returned from the Mayo Clinic diagnosed with ALS.This patient was then properly tested for Borrelia & coinfections.  Results confirmed Borrelia & Bartonella infection.Appropriate antibiotics began. Now patient able to ascend & descend stairs.   
Although this is a year old, it’s a potent reminder that things are often not what they seem – particularly with neurological diseases that have been slapped with a label but have many causes.
Dr. Miller has been an outspoken advocate for Lyme/MSIDS patients for years.  He started on this journey after his own daughter in law was given an ALS diagnoses but struggled with tick-borne illness.  Like so many patients, she tested on the CDC ELISA testing, and was told it couldn’t be Lyme/MSIDS.  Miller wouldn’t accept this prognosis and sent her blood to a specialty lab where sure enough, it came back positive.
Miller believes all patients who have been given a diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease—including ALS, MS, lupus, and fibromyalgia—should be evaluated for Lyme disease.

Our most ardent supporters are usually infected or have loved ones that are infected.  All of a sudden, they “get it,” after having to travel the same pot-holed riddled path as suffering patients and see for themselves the complete mismanagement of a complex disease that hasn’t made any forward progress in over 40 years.
This is the reason I feel strongly the CDC/FDA/NIH should not be given one more dime.  These agencies don’t care about public health at all and are in fact complicit in a crime against sick patients, whom they not only haven’t helped them one tiny bit, but have in fact abused and neglected them.
For more on Dr. Miller:

Category:

Lyme, Testing, Treatment