Archive for the ‘Psychological Aspects’ Category

Removing Parasites to Fix Lyme & Chronic Illnesses – Dr. Jay Davidson & More

http://drjaydavidson.com/removing-parasites-fix-lyme/  Sept. 2017

REMOVING PARASITES TO FIX LYME AND CHRONIC ILLNESSES
by Dr. Jay Davidson

Article Summary

  • Parasites are more common than you might think. About 50% of the western world has parasites. Importantly, parasites can play a part in almost every common illness, and they can prevent the effective treatment of chronic disease.
  • Parasites can range from microscopic creatures, to huge tapeworms. Anyone can be affected by parasites, but there are some patients, such as those with poor immune systems and Lyme sufferers, who are more risk-prone.
  • The symptoms of parasites and Lyme are often very similar. It may be easy for many people to overlook the presence of a parasite in their body. Common symptoms range from insomnia and bruxism, to anemia, skin conditions, and more.
  • Parasites and Lyme disease go hand in hand. When parasites are within your system, it is impossible to remove Lyme. Some studies have even found that parasites can protect the bacteria of Lyme inside themselves.
  • Treating parasites can also mean treating chronic illness. Often, treatment for parasitic infections will begin with a careful consideration of diet. Make sure to remove grains, sugars, and pork from your diet. You should also consider adding substances like garlic, diatomaceous earth, and coconut oil.
  • One of the most powerful treatments for Lyme and parasites is Mimosa Pudica. This substance paralyzes parasites and flushes them from the system.
  • Management for parasite die-off will be necessary during a cleanse. Removing Lyme and parasites from your body can be an exhausting process.

DO YOU HAVE PARASITES?

It is difficult to think that there might be parasites crawling around inside you. The concept is nerve-wracking, and just plain disgusting. Experts believe that more than 50% of people in the Western world will suffer from a parasitic infection in their lifetime. It is easy to understand why this is the case when the human body is crawling with bacteria. The digestive tract holds more than three pounds of bacteria alone.

Although some bacteria can be good for your body, improving nutrient absorption and digestion, other bacteria can be devastating. When the bacteria in your system gets out of balance it creates a perfect place for parasites to thrive.

Parasites can enter your body in many ways and eating lot of fructose and glucose feeds the parasites helping them multiply. Pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics, can also deplete the digestion system of bacteria and encourage parasitic growth.

For people with chronic Lyme, the problem is that they may not know they have a parasitic infection. This can mean that you are attempting to rid the body of disease while the parasites inside you are still acting as a host for Lyme disease itself. Researchers believe that parasites could play a part in every common illness. If you want to get rid of a chronic disease, you need to start by killing parasites.

The first step, of course, is recognizing that you have parasites in your body. The disturbing truth is that you probably do. Studies indicate that most people have parasites – especially those with chronic illnesses like Lyme.

The Symptoms of Parasites: What to Watch For

Remove-Parasite-Lyme-2

Parasites are complex creatures. Almost always associated with inflammatory diseases, including chronic Lyme, they actively prevent good health. A parasitic infection can range all the way from tiny microscopic organisms, to tapeworms that are several feet long. A parasite can enter your body through water, food, or even just skin contact.

The key thing to remember is that anyone can have a parasites. These creatures are not just common for impoverished countries and unhygienic environments. Parasites are a common all over the world, including the United States.There are factors that can mean you have a greater level of risk.

Factors that can increase your risk of parasite infection include:

  • You frequently swallow water from ponds, lakes, rivers, or other unhygienic sources.
  • Your immune system is compromised, perhaps because you’re suffering from chronic Lyme.
  • You work in a medical environment that might include direct contact with feces and bodily fluids
  • You travel frequently to tropical regions where parasitic infections are more common.

The symptoms involved with parasitic infections are varied. Many involve skin problems, such as hives, rashes, eczema, and psoriasis. According to Parasite expert, Dr. Todd Watts, one of the most common problems links back to trouble sleeping. Many of his patients suffer from insomnia and “bruxism”.

Bruxism, or the grinding of teeth, can happen because parasites are more active at night. Additionally, parasites can also be responsible for anemia and blood sugar problems. Before you begin treating your parasites, you may need to come to terms with some of the common symptoms. For chronic Lyme sufferers, pinpointing symptoms can be particularly difficult. Lyme symptoms and the signs of parasites are often very similar.

Some signs that you may have a parasitic problem include:

  • Insomnia, consistent fatigue, and poor sleeping habits
  • Lowered immune systems, the appearance of new allergies, and constant illness
  • Rashes, itching, and skin problems such as sores, or eczema and Psoriasis
  • Mental problems such as brain fog, anxiety, or depression
    Food cravings
  • Joint and muscle pains
  • Eye spots or difficulties with sight
  • Anemia, low blood sugar, or adrenal fatigue
    Parasites and Chronic Lyme Disease

It is an uncomfortable truth that the human body is crawling with hundreds of strains of bacteria. When properly balanced, the right bacteria can be beneficial. However, when bacteria falls out of balance, problems begin to occur. In chronic Lyme disease patients, imbalance is a significant problem. Ongoing inflammation within the body, and issues with the immune system can throw the entire system into chaos.

In many circumstances, parasites enter the body because we create the ideal environment for them. With a compromised immune system from Lyme disease, consistent gut problems, and exposure to various chemicals, we are welcoming parasites in. Experts, like Dr. Watts, believe that to overcome chronic infections such as Lyme, we need to first address parasites.

Interestingly, it is also worth noting that some parasites can house Lyme disease. In other words, if you do not remove the parasites from your system before treatment, you’ll still have protected Lyme bacteria in your system living inside of the parasites. One study, which examined the brain tissue of patients who died due to serious neurological conditions, revealed that Lyme can thrive within nematode worms.  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/06/03/borrelia-hiding-in-worms-causing-chronic-brain-diseases/, and https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/08/09/dr-paul-duray-research-fellowship-foundation-some-great-research-being-done-on-lyme-disease/

Without a protocol that takes parasites into consideration, treatments for Lyme disease may be temporary, or completely ineffective. While it is possible that treatments that do not engage parasites might lead to some improvements in your symptoms, many problems will remain or return later on. This is because parasites allow Lyme disease to persist within the body, inside the parasites, even after treatment.

On top of the problems that parasites impose when it comes to Lyme, they also cause a range of problems in general with your health. Simply ignoring the presence of parasites in your body could mean overlooking solutions that could allow you to achieve optimum health.

Treating Parasitic Infections to Treat Chronic Illness

Treatment for parasitic infection can come in numerous forms. There are a range of natural treatments that can help to eliminate parasites and prepare the body for better health. Most of the time the best solutions for parasitic infections involve changing your diet and using the right supplement at the right time.

People suffering from parasitic problems in combination with Lyme can make the problem worse by consuming sugars. It is often recommended that you remove all sugars and grains from your diet during a parasitic removal so you are not feeding the parasites as you try to eliminate them. Dairy can also present problems for some patients, although you should seek out guidance from a professional.

Natural Solutions For Parasites:

Just as there are foods that can worsen parasitic infections, there are other foods that can help your circumstances. For instance, pumpkin seeds help to fight off parasitic infections. There are also a range of other solutions that are commonly recommended, including:

  • Garlic: Garlic can be a powerful solution when removing yeast and parasites. It is a natural source of health-boosting nutrients. To use garlic, simply mince two cloves into a glass of water.
  • Cinnamon: Cinnamon can be a fantastic remedy for a range of different illnesses. Cinnamon can break down a parasite infestation and kill fungus in the body.
  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C is wonderful for boosting your immune system. While fighting Lyme disease, Vitamin C can give your body the antioxidants it needs to thrive. For the purpose of parasite removal, it is best to take around 5,000mg per day.
  • Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a naturally nourishing anti-fungal substance. You can consume coconut oil throughout the day to support parasitic removal and soothe your gut.
  • Apple cider Vinegar: A rich source of B-vitamins, apple cider vinegar is useful for neutralizing the pH in your gut, which can help to make the intestines healthier. By boosting your microbiome health, you can improve digestion, and remove parasites at the same time.
  • Diatomaceous Earth: Effective at killing parasitic eggs, and parasites, Diatomaceous earth is great for improving your digestive tract.

Natural solutions

Foods To Avoid:
Banishing parasitic infections is a complicated process. Generally, you’ll need to focus on introducing positive substances into your diet, while removing dangerous substances. There are some foods that will naturally help parasites to thrive. Since your aim will be to remove parasites at all costs, stay away from:

  • Pork: Pork is one of the most common sources of parasites. Because pigs consume and process food differently to humans, there are toxins present within the flesh of the animal. It is crucial to avoid pork when cleansing your body of parasites.
  • Grains: Wheat and many other grains containing gluten can quickly break down into sugar. Sugar not only feeds parasites, but also leads to intestinal inflammation.
  • Processed foods: Processed foods are bad for your health because they contain a lack of nutrition. However, it is worth noting that these foods also contain a great deal of sugar.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol impairs the immune system and many other elements in the body. To improve your body functioning during a parasite cleanse, avoid alcohol.
  • Sugar: Sugar reduces the functioning of the immune system, and feeds parasites.

MIMOSA PUDICA AND KILLING PARASITES
One of the best treatment solutions for removing parasites is a Mimosa Pudica (Para 1) protocol. The best supplier of premier, fat soluble, additive free Mimosa Pudica, is Microbe Formulas. Importantly, while there are other Mimosa Pudica options on the market, the Organic Mimosa Pudica offered by Microbe Formulas is the most pure form for treating parasitic infections.  https://microbeformulas.com/collections/frontpage/products/microbe-formulas-mimosa-pudica

Mimosa Pudica actively paralyzes parasites and forces them to fall away from their position on intestine walls. This means that parasites can be effectively flushed from your system.

With Mimosa Pudica, patients have seen huge improvements in their lives, thanks to the removal of parasitic infections. The good news about this substance, is that it is a powerful tool to include in any parasite protocol. This means that regardless of what your parasitic treatment includes, Mimosa Pudica (Para 1) could enhance your protocol.

The system fits into every GI and GAP protocol, because it helps to create a healthier gut microbiome. To make the gut system more effective, it is crucial to get all the mucus, parasites, and other dangerous substances out of your stomach and intestines. Whether mucoid plaque or parasites, you need to begin by clearing out your microbiome.

Mimosa Pudica supplements should be used for at least six months. The supplement mentioned above is particularly effective because it plays multiple parts in recovery. Not only does it bind the toxins in the body, but it also repairs cell membranes. On top of that, it delivers positive nutrients into the blood and digestive system.

Importantly, if you are considering using Mimosa Pudica, you will need to deal with issues of constipation first. If you’re struggling to pass bowel movements, this can be a serious problem for any parasite or detox program. Although the substance itself can cause a little constipation at first by releasing things throughout the body, it is important for patients to manage their bowel movements. Make sure that you use enemas, magnesium, and frequent water consumption to push your bowel movements through.

Managing Parasite Die-Off
As we bring this conversation about parasites and Lyme disease to a close, one important thing to mention is parasite die-off. Crucially, as you move forward with your parasite cleanse, you may notice that you begin to suffer from a range of symptoms caused by the death of parasites in your system.

Regardless of the cleanse you choose, the process of removing parasites and Lyme from your body is exhausting. It is crucial to make sure that you get plenty of rest. Sometimes its best to take some time off of work if possible to reduce stress and recover faster. On the other hand, you might consider using a gentler cleanse to help acclimatize your body. Some of the symptoms you might expect during die-off include:

  • Headaches: Pain and headaches are common with parasite die-off. Sometimes, these pains are a result of a change in your internal environment. In some cases, headaches can also be a result of parasites moving around in your head.
  • Crawling sensations: A parasite cleanse is an uncomfortable experience for your unwanted guests. This means that the parasites might begin to move around in your body. The truth is that many patients will not be able to feel this movement. However, you may convince yourself that you can notice a crawling sensation.
    Issues with digestion: When parasites are living in your body, digestive problems are common. In some cases, as you begin to rid the parasites from your body, you might find that the symptoms appear to get worse. You may experience issues like diarrhea and bloating as your body eliminates toxins.
  • Skin sores: As mentioned above, skin problems are a symptom of parasites. However, sores can also occur when the body tries to remove toxins and parasites too fast. The skin can suffer from breakages and sores over time.
  • Problems with emotional stability: Parasites thrive on your nutritional income. A parasite can also steal away the nutrients and minerals that you need to enjoy good mental health. You might struggle from periods of anxiety and depression during die-off.
  • Cravings: As mentioned above, parasites thrive on sugars and other types of food. It is important to remove these foods from your diet during a parasite cleanse. However, doing so could leave you with specific cravings. Make sure that you do not give in to them!
  • Respiratory effects: Killing parasites in the body can mean that your system takes drastic measures to rid you of the infection. Increasing the flow of mucous is a common way to respond to contaminants. There’s a chance that you’ll experience respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold.
  • Frequent bruising: When parasites begin to feel threatened, they can move around. Sometimes, the restlessness of parasites in your body can cause them to move closer to the skin. When this happens, you might find that you see more bruises on your body.
    Ultimately, it is fair to say that removing parasites from your body can be a difficult and uncomfortable process. However, if you want to overcome Lyme for good, it is essential to start by killing parasites.

If you leave parasites unattended in your body, they can contribute to a range of illnesses and diseases, including chronic Lyme. On top of that, it is simply impossible to live in good health with a buildup of parasites in your body.

Join me for live Q and A’s at www.ParasiteGroup.com, every Wednesday at 3pm EST

_______________________________________________________________________________

More on Parasite treatment:

Dr. D. KLINGHARDT PROTOCOLTo be used only under the direct supervision of qualified medical practitioners.  

The following represents only PART of Dr. K.’s protocol. Other herbs and therapies comprise the complete protocol. They can be found in the “A Deep Look Beyond Lyme” in the note book. That information is from 2011 and is being updated as Dr. K and other physicians learn more.

The following drugs are used for a year in rotation to kill parasites.

  1. Biltricide 600 mg – twice daily (q. 12 hours) for two days
    Absorption increases most when taken with a high carb meal. A high fat meal increases it almost as much. Take with grapefruit juice to increase absorption also.
  2. Ivermectin 12 mg – one 12 mg (or four 3 mg) tablet(s) four times per day for fourteen days (take at the same time as Pyrantel Pamoate) on an EMPTY stomach.
  3. Pyrantel pamoate (liquid – 4 teaspoons) 1000 mg per day at bedtime for fourteen days.
  4. Albenza 400 mg – Two 200 mg tablets twice per day for fourteen days (after completing fourteen days on Ivermectin and Pyrantel). Take with food. (every 12 hours)
  5. Alinia 1000 mg – Two 500 mg tablets twice per day for fourteen days (after completing Albenza) every 12 hours

(A’s addition from Dr. Clark’s Book – Levimasole 100 mg (3 times/day) before meals)

THEN 2 HERBS:

  1. Mimosa Pudica (Biopure) – ½ teaspoon 2x/day for fourteen days mixed drink, milk or juice
  2. Arteminisin (Biopure) – 200mgs 2x/day for fourteen days.

ALWAYS take with 4 oz. of grapefruit juice 30 minutes before meals.

REPEAT ENTIRE SEQUENCE 4 TIMES.

_____________

According to Dr. Lee Merritt, parasites are what we call cancer.
  1. Go here for Dr. Lee Merritt’s parasite guide. She mentions pathologist Dr. Alan McDonald, an outspoken supporter of chronic/persistent Lyme/MSIDS, and his autopsies of MS patients.  100% had parasites in the brain and spinal cord.
  2. Her website:  https://drleemerritt.com/
  3. Merritt’s MMS1 guide:  https://drleemerritt.com/media/Chloprine_Dioxide_Protocol_updated_30_Oct_2024.pdf
  4. https://rumble.com/v5jr3v8-chlorine-dioxide-a-basic-guide-to-get-started..html?mref=8nn9r&mc=3nyri  In one half hour Dr. Merrit explains how she uses MMS1.

______________

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/03/23/rebecca-keith-on-mcas-parasites-lymemsids/  Nurse practitioner Rebecca Keith on Parasites and MCAS.

For another take please read this by Susan Luschas, PhD, and mom who has done a lot of footwork for her family:  http://www.debugyourhealth.com/parasites-in-humans/#Kalcker-Protocol

http://

“Dr. Klinghardt has suggested that when it comes to parasites, this is where some of the pharmaceutical options really shine and are often necessary. –Quote from Better Health Guy.com. Our family had to learn this the very hard way (See 5 years and thousands of dollars in the previous section).

I no longer believe that you can get rid of parasites in humans without prescription medications. If I could do it all over again, here is a list of what I would do, in order from first to last:

http://www.preventionandhealing.com/articles/Parasites_Often_Hidden_and_Undiagnosed.pdf  and http://www.preventionandhealing.com/articles/Lyme-Disease-Autism-and-Beyond.pdf  Excellent articles, both by Dr. Simon Yu, M.D.

http://www.wormbook.org/chapters/www_anthelminticdrugs/anthelminticdrugs.html  Here we learn an inconvenient truth about nearly ALL coinfections including nematodes: Despite the prevalence of parasitic worms, anthelmintic drug discovery is the poor relation of the pharmaceutical industry. The simple reason is that the nations which suffer most from these tropical diseases have little money to invest in drug discovery or therapy. It comes as no surprise therefore that the drugs available for human treatment were first developed as veterinary medicines. There is thus a pitifully small repertoire of chemotherapeutic agents available for treatment (see Table 1). In some respects, this situation has been exacerbated by the remarkable success of ivermectin over the last twenty years (Geary, 2005), which has decreased motivation for anthelmintic drug discovery programmes (Geary, Sangster and Thompson, 1999). This prompts concern, as anthelmintic resistance has been widely reported in livestock and it may also only be a matter of time before this phenomenon occurs in parasites of humans.

The drug industry just isn’t attracted to these pathogens.  Frankly, treatment is in the stone ages on all things TBI.

For more on detoxing:

Treat the Infection, Psychiatric Symptoms Get Better

It has long been a belief of mine that pathogen involvement should be considered with psychiatric issues, particularly with Lyme/MSIDS.  I came to this conclusion after watching my husband battle with anxiety, depression, memory loss, rage, sudden crying spells, fear of abandonment, and other bizarre symptoms https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2015/09/16/bizarre-symptoms-msids/ which were completely new and out of the blue, while we were in treatment for Lyme/MSIDS.  Upon further reading and talking to other patients, I became convinced.

The following article adds further credence to this idea:  http://www.ijporlonline.com/article/S0165-5876(16)30380-9/fulltext

While this study is not a randomized clinical trial, it reveals improvement of psychiatric symptoms when concurrent sinusitis was treated and resolved.  

Treatment was amoxicillin & clavulanic acid.  A few received  clindamycin or azithromycin, all of which are common antibiotics for Lyme/MSIDS and other infections.

The conclusion of the study stated that there is mounting evidence that inflammation and/or infection can affect neuropsychiatric health.

This has been reported before by a prominent LLMD.

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2015/10/18/psychiatric-lymemsids/

LLMD, Dr. Horowtiz, goes on record stating that antibiotics are effective in Schizophrenia. With irony he points out that the authors attribute the reason minocycline helped these patients is due to its ability to affect glutamate pathways in the CNS, blocking nitric oxide-induced neurotoxicity, and inflammation in the brain. He reminds them that minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that very well may be treating an infection. He also emphatically states that he has had several schizophrenic patients test positive for Bb, the agent of Lyme Disease. After taking doxycycline they improved significantly and with the help of their psychiatrist, were able to reduce and in some cases eliminate all of their antipsychotic medication. It is important to note that patients remained stable on antibiotics but their symptoms returned if they stopped treatment. He says a doctor should suspect MSIDS in psychiatric patients if they have a symptom complex that has good and bad days with associated fevers, sweats and chills, fatigue, migratory joint and muscle pain, migratory neuralgias with tingling, numbness and burning sensations, a stiff neck and headache, memory and concentration problems, sleep disorders with associated psychiatric symptoms.
Horowtiz also reports the work of psychiatrist Dr. Brian Fallon who has linked Lyme Disease to paranoia, thought disorders, delusions with psychosis, schizophrenia, with or without visual, auditory or olfactory hallucinations, depression, panic attacks and anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, anorexia, mood lability with violent outbursts, mania, personality changes, catatonia, dementia, atypical bipolar disorder, depersonalization/derealization, conversion disorders, somatization disorders, atypical psychoses, schizoaffective disorder and intermittent explosive disorders. In children and adolescents MSIDS can mimic Specific or Pervasive Developmental Delays, Attention-Deficit Disorder (Inattentive subtype), oppositional defiant disorder and mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, anorexia, Tourette’s syndrome, and pseudo-psychotic disorders.

Minocycline has also been found to help MS:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/06/04/minocycline-for-ms-and-much-more/

For patients with psychiatric issues, it’s important to rule out infections as players, unfortunately, that’s often nearly impossible for Lyme/MSIDS as the testing is so poor.  ALL doctors need to become more educated on tick borne illness and its ability to cause and/or exacerbate psychiatric and cognitive issues.  Hopefully, long gone are the days where Lyme/MSIDS is considered a mild dermatological disease with some joint involvement and fatigue.

This stuff can put you in the psych ward.

For more:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/01/17/lymemsids-and-psychiatric-illness/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2015/10/18/psychiatric-lymemsids/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/06/20/suicide-lyme-and-associated-diseases/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/09/19/three-things-for-parents-to-watch-for-regarding-tbis/

 

 

 

 

PANS/PANDAS, Steroids, Autoimmune Disease, Lyme/MSIDS, & the Need For Medical Collaboration

http://www.neurosciencechicago.com/pans-and-pandas-in-pediatric-diagnostics/  The Neuroscience Center

PANS and PANDAS in Pediatric Diagnostics

PANS is a relatively new term used to describe acute-onset OCD cases. PANS stands for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome and includes all cases of abrupt onset OCD, not just those associated with streptococcal infections. PANDAS, is an abbreviation for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections.

PANS & PANDAS is used to describe the group of children and adolescents who have sudden onset of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorders, and in whom symptoms worsen following conditions such as streptococcal infection (Strep throat & Scarlet Fever), influenza, chickenpox, Lyme disease, and mycoplasma (which causes so-called walking pneumonia). The illness can become a psychiatric emergency within 48 hours, and should be treated by a Pediatrician (or other primary care physician) along with a Psychiatrist.

Currently, the illness is conceptualized as an example of mis-directed immune attack, and might occur because of a kind of similarity between antigens on the viral or bacterial agent and childs own cells – so the body begins to attack itself.

Both PANS and PANDAS are clinical diagnoses. They are made by a physician after clinical evaluation. The history must reveal an abrupt onset of OCD and/or tics (or sudden, dramatic worsening if the child had pre-existing OCD or tics). Laboratory testing will not confirm or negate the diagnosis. Testing can suggest different routes of acute and/or long-term treatment – relevant tests include anti-streptococcal antibody titers, anti-nuclear antibody titers, and a test of immune reactivity, such as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein.

The primary care physician will likely prescribe antibiotics, nutritional support, and perhaps steroids. Sometimes, IVIG (immunoglobulins administered by IV) or plasmapheresis (a way of purifying blood and then replacing it into the patient). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is occasionally useful to restore physiologic resilience and aid in stabilizing immune dysfunction. Psychiatric care will likely include traditional anti-OCD interventions such as medication.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Great, concise information.  A warning; however, about steroids if pathogens are involved as certain steroids (catabolic) can suppress the immune system, allowing infection to proliferate and worsen.  This has happened to many a Lyme/MSIDS patient when they were misdiagnosed initially with things like fibromyalgia, MS, and other autoimmune conditions and given catabolic steroids such as prednisone or cortisone.  https://www.verywell.com/anabolic-steroids-corticosteroids-difference-190456

Not all steroids do this and it’s important not to take a broad brush stroke condemning all when some actually build the body up (anabolic) as well as the fact patients may even require small doses of catabolic steroids such as cortisol if they aren’t making enough.  Blood tests are often used along with a clinical diagnosis to determine these imbalances. http://www.hormone.org/diseases-andconditions/adrenal/adrenal-insufficiency

So type of steroid is important as well as dose.

Nothing’s ever simple, is it?

And to confuse things even more

                  HLN, Published 2012, Approx. 8 min.

What if an apparently normal, intelligent and productive person suddenly became psychotic, violent and unstable? Susannah Cahalan, tells her frightening story in the book Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness.

In this case, Cahalan was finally diagnosed after the doctor had her draw a clock, a common test for Alzheimer’s patients.  When she drew it, all the numbers were on the right side, demonstrating that the right side of her brain was not functioning as well as the fact her problem was neurological not psychiatric.  She was found to have autoimmune encephalitis and the treatment is very high doses of steroids which suppress the immune system as well as IVIG, a blood product prepared from the serum of between 1,000 and 15,000 donors https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1809480/, and plasmapherisis, a plasma exchange to rid the body of abnormal antibodies http://plasmapheresis.net.

  Her doctor, then Staten Island surgeon, Dr. Najjar, speaks here about the professional isolation he felt due to the lack of collaboration between the disciplines of psychiatry and neurology.

This problem also exists for Lyme/MSIDS and must change.

 Boy’s Lyme Disease Morphs into Autoimmune encephalopathy.  It took 10 years and 20 doctors to find out 12-year-old Patrik had Lyme disease. Just 4 months later the doctors discovered he also has a condition where his immune system attacks his brain.  Dr. Souhel Najjar, Cahalan’s doctor, heroically saves the day again.

  (Trailer  here)  Zero Media  Published 2017.

These stories are critical to share and with today’s technology we can do this easily.  Please pass this on to every parent you know as it may save another life.

For more on psychiatric Lyme/MSIDS: https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2015/10/18/psychiatric-lymemsids/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/01/17/lymemsids-and-psychiatric-illness/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/07/26/can-lyme-steal-your-mind/

 

Should I Tell My Employer – I have Lyme Disease?

https://globallymealliance.org/howwhen-should-i-tell-my-employer-i-have-lyme-disease/  by Jennifer Crystal

THE CHRONIC ILLNESS CONUNDRUM. WHEN PERSONAL ISSUES ENTER THE WORKPLACE.

One of the many factors that led to my 2007 relapse was a huge research project I was doing for the magazine I was working for at the time. The incredible amount of energy and brain power that I put into the project caused my neurological symptoms to flare, until I was physically and mentally overwhelmed. My doctor suggested I take a week or two off work while I restarted antibiotics.

“But my editor doesn’t know I have Lyme,” I replied sheepishly.

“Why not?” he asked.

“I didn’t want her to think I’m not capable of doing my job.”

My decision to be secretive was born of fear: I was afraid of being judged, afraid of being defined by my illness, afraid of being seen as unreliable, afraid of losing the job I needed to help pay my medical bills. The irony was that by not telling my boss the truth about my health—and my limitations—I had worked myself into a situation in which  I was incapable of doing my job.

Angst over when or if to tell an employer about one’s illness is a common and scary struggle for patients of any chronic malady. It’s especially tricky with a relapsing disease like Lyme, which can flare, and impact work ability, without warning.

I was lucky because I worked from home. I set my own hours, so as long as I met my deadlines, it didn’t matter what time of day I did my work. I could write and edit articles from my couch, in my pajamas, and my boss was none the wiser. I napped in the afternoon and no one knew.

Not everyone has the same flexibility. Some Lyme patients find themselves struggling to look alive from nine to five, wishing they could curl up under their desks. They come home exhausted, unable to do anything but sleep.

The flexibility of my job, however, had its downsides.  I was paid by the hour. It was easy to forego social plans in favor of doing another couple hours of research. I lost my sense of work-life balance. How could I give myself downtime if I could be doing work and making money? The more hours I put in, the more money I made; the more money I made, the smaller the medical bills became, but the larger the medical issues grew.

After restarting antibiotics, I had such a bad Herxheimer reaction that I became bedridden and incapacitated. I couldn’t perform the daily tasks of living, let alone the duties of my job. I had no choice but to tell my boss the truth.

As I hesitantly explained my situation to her over the phone, she stopped me and said, “Oh, I knew you had Lyme…I read that article you wrote about it.” After attending my college roommate’s wedding in Florida in 2006—just as I went into remission—I’d written a piece about that experience for our college alumni magazine. I’d forgotten that my editor had gone to the same college, and received the publication. “I remembered that piece and have been so amazed with how much work you’ve been able to do in spite of all you’ve been through,” she said.

She offered to have me slow down for a few weeks, and when even that was too much, she hired a temp to cover me for a month. She didn’t sound annoyed, or frustrated, or put out, or any of the negative reactions which I’d imagined. Instead she said, “You are a critical part of this operation. I want to work with you through this. Just tell me how I can best help you and respect your needs.”

Had I been upfront with my boss in the first place, I would have saved myself the stress and anguish that contributed to my relapse.

It goes without saying that not everyone has such an understanding boss. Not everyone is able to take time off without jeopardizing their career, and not everyone can remain financially afloat if they do take a leave of absence. Many Lyme patients are the chief breadwinners for their families. In addition to their paychecks, they desperately need the health insurance their job provides, even though the work itself can lead to a relapse of the illness that requires insurance coverage in the first place.

It’s quite a conundrum, with no set answer.

One thing that is true across the board, though, is that Lyme sufferers and other patients of chronic illness are not in these difficult positions by choice. When I expressed to my doctor my concerns about telling my boss about Lyme, he said, “Having Lyme isn’t anything to be ashamed of. It’s not like a secret addiction or something you did to yourself. You were bitten by a tick—it could have happened to anyone. I think, if anything, your boss should be impressed that you’ve been able to do so much while managing this illness.”

He was right! Lyme disease wasn’t my fault. It wasn’t anything to feel guilty or embarrassed about. A good boss will understand that.

Ultimately I had to quit my job at the magazine. Unable to care for myself or pay my bills, I moved back in with my parents at 28- years of age. I was very lucky to have their help, but the move was a blow to my independence and my pride.

I kept my doctor’s words in mind, though, as I wrestled myself back into remission. Once I was well enough to work again, I understood the process, slowly, first volunteering, then taking on small freelance projects. I also reevaluated my interests and capabilities. I knew I couldn’t work in a pressured editorial position again, and I knew I couldn’t keep a traditional schedule. So what could I do? What was I passionate about? What was a career that offered a more flexible schedule?

My readers know the answer: I channeled my medical experiences into writing and teaching, et voilà, here I am penning this post. Do I still have fears that I’ll relapse and not be able to keep my commitments? Of course. But I’m upfront with my colleagues. And, most importantly, I’m upfront with myself about my limitations, and that honesty has made me capable of more than I ever could have imagined.


Opinions expressed by contributors are their own.

Jennifer Crystal is a writer and educator in Boston. She is working on a memoir about her journey with chronic tick-borne illness. Contact her at jennifercrystalwriter@gmail.com

_____________________________________________________________________________

**Comment**

For the other side of the story and reasons why you may NOT want to tell your employer:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/10/11/why-you-may-not-want-to-tell-your-employer-you-have-lymemsids/

I stand in amazement at patients who are able to continue to slog through work while in treatment.  For those of you who do, please take this article to heart.  You are in-between a rock and a hard place for sure, no question.

I’m thankful that more workplaces are becoming more flexible allowing people to work from home or have flexible hours.  Chronically ill people need this flexibility.

The other issue that begs to be pointed out is the importance of educating others about this disease(s) as chances are they too will experience it personally or with someone they know.  By sharing your experiences, you will inadvertently be educating more people and since mainstream medicine still has its head in the sand, if we want others to be informed, we have to do it.  

 

It’s All in Your Head – Until Finally a Lyme Diagnosis

https://www.lymedisease.org/circuitous-route-lyme-diagnosis/

Jackie-Golan-300x289

My circuitous route to a Lyme diagnosis  

By Jacquelyn Golan

Two years ago, if you had asked me to tell you about myself, it would have gone something like this: I am 30 years old. I co-own an event design company. I have a husband who is a successful songwriter and the love of my life. I have a pug named Peter who I adore. I like traveling to new places, trying new restaurants and hanging out with my friends and family. I just finished a six-month cooking course for fun. I love my life.

Worst Two Years Of My Life
Now, let me tell you about myself today. I am 32 years old. I have an incredible husband, loving friends and family who have stood by my side through the worst two years of my life. I am not able to work.

It is a huge accomplishment if I make it out of my house at all in a day. Cooking, once my favorite hobby, seems daunting and I must constantly search for foods that do not cause an allergic reaction. Everyday tasks that once seemed easy, now take every ounce of my energy to complete.

Two years ago, my life took a devastating turn. I had been feeling “off” for a few months. I was losing weight quickly and felt like the issue was stemming from my stomach. So, I went to a GI specialist. After my blood panel came back normal, he said whatever it is will pass and recommended I resume normal activity.

Shortly after, I went on vacation with my husband and in-laws. Then, all hell broke loose. I felt painfully weak and fatigued and began to have panic attacks, which I had never had before. It felt like they were triggered by something in my stomach.

I Really Thought I Was Going To Die
By the end of the trip, I was too sick to fly. We rented a car and drove 19 hours home. I really thought I was going to die. I kept asking my body to stay strong enough to make it home so I could die in my bed.

By the time we arrived, I had an array of symptoms: severe aches and pains, a burning sensation all over my body, brain fog, shortness of breath, severe fatigue, and heart palpitations.

For the next year and a half, I was primarily house-bound, except for doctor visits. I went back to the GI specialist, who now said I had small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). I could not tolerate the antibiotics he prescribed. I stopped them and went to an internist who said I had leaky gut and started me on that protocol.

With little improvement, I went to yet another GI specialist who could also not find anything wrong with my blood panel. He said my SIBO was not bad enough to cause the symptoms I was experiencing.

He then suggested it was all in my head. As did the next internist I saw. That’s the worst, isn’t it? Why would I make this up? I loved my life. This is the last thing I wanted to happen.

I was so weak and malnourished, I felt like I was dying. Why could no one help me? I felt like giving up. If not for my strong support system, I might have.

Many more doctor visits followed. Cardiologists, endocrinologists, energy healers, acupuncturists. You name it, I tried it. Still, no improvement and no answers.

Finally, A Breakthrough
I then stumbled upon an integrative GI doctor who changed everything. I went there not expecting him to tell me anything different then the last specialist, but he did. He said my symptoms sounded like Lyme disease, and that he was sure my test would reflect that.

I was not convinced. I had been tested for Lyme twice before and both tests had been negative. I did the testing again anyway and there it was—positive for Lyme.

A range of emotions came over me. Sad, angry that I hadn’t been tested properly before, skepticism, relieved that I finally had a diagnosis.

He referred me to a Lyme-literate doctor and that is when I slowly started getting better. The LLMD put me on immune-boosting supplements, Lyme-killing agents and weekly ozone IV treatments, which would knock me out for days on end.

Today
Six months later, I am better but not yet back to myself. I still have setbacks. I have brain fog, aches and pains, food and chemical sensitivities, anxiety and fatigue. I continue with weekly IV treatments and take more supplements than I can count.

I still have days consumed by tears because of how much my life has changed. I still face excruciating thoughts rolling through my head. Is this my new normal? It can’t be. I won’t let it be.

I do think the worst is behind me and my goal is that when I am strong enough, I will dedicate my time to helping those with Lyme and co-infections. We need to build awareness. It is misdiagnosed way too often. Lyme hides. Proper testing Is essential. We need to make treatment readily available and affordable for those in need.

Until then, stay strong my fellow Lymies. And know that you are not alone.

Jacquelyn Golan lives in Los Angeles.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

**Comment*

This story has a common theme:  vague symptoms that doctors completely underestimate which grow unabated over time leaving a person a shell of who they were before.

In this day and age with all the information that has come out about ticks moving everywhere, of stories such as this one, of the CDC finally admitting there are 300,000 NEW cases of Lyme per year with the actual number being much higher, and finally telling doctors to treat empirically without waiting for test results https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/07/12/start-treatment-if-tbis-are-suspected/, you would think TBI’s (tick borne infections) would be nearly the FIRST thing that goes through a doctor’s mind particularly in an endemic area.

Yes, Lyme isn’t everything but LYME CAN BE ANYTHING.

This is another story and example of how unprepared most doctors are to diagnose and treat one of the most complex illness(es) known to man.  The writer does not mention coinfections but the fact she is so ill would indicate to me by experience that there is involvement, making her case even more complex.  Also, it is widely known in the Lyme world that borrelia has many strains – one discovered recently – and the symptomology can present differently. https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/09/11/new-borrelia-strain-lanei-discovered-named-after-dr-lane/

Please remember that current 2-tiered CDC testing uses ONE STRAIN.  Can you see why so many test negatively?  https://www.lymedisease.org/lyme-basics/lyme-disease/diagnosis/

For more:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/02/13/lyme-disease-treatment/