There are some things I’ve been meaning to tell you…
Maybe you’ve noticed I haven’t been around as much lately. I want to let you in and tell you why.
I’ve been writing this post in my head for months. There are several drafts that have never left the confines of my brain. Do I really want to put this into the world — or rather, my world? Will these words sully my happy little blogging space where we talk about dancing bears and high five each other over the melted chocolate in our bra? This silly space where I tell you about trying to cook bacon pantsless? Everything is breezy, sunny, honest and goofy over here. I like it. It feels happy. That’s my intention. I have a feeling you come here to laugh. I love that you do. Honestly, truly.
But sometimes I’m not laughing. Sometimes I’m scared. Sometimes my gut is swirly and dizzy with anxiety. Sometimes life hands you a bucket of lemons and you get exhausted in the process of trying to make lemonade — it’s too many lemons for one person to juice. You want some of these lemons? I could use someone to share them with. I guess this post is me giving you a handful of lemons — sharing some sour honesty and being vulnerable enough with you (my wonderful readers) to let you in on what’s been going on lately. Whew. This feels vulnerable. I feel naked without my usual puns and sarcasm. Naked, with a whole bunch of lemons. I’m only kinda sorry for the visual.
About six months ago, I got a gut-sinking phone call. I had been waiting for the doctor to call all day, but when the phone rang my heart raced. It was a swollen tidal wave of heartbeats — the kind you can hear loudly in your ears, forcing your teeth to chatter with each pounding beat. I was scared. I answered anyway. I could tell immediately from the apologetic tone in my doctor’s voice that the news wasn’t good. But, forcing myself to listen, she said these words:
“Gina, you’ve tested positive for Lyme Disease.”
My pounding heart sunk a little deeper and settled into a hollow space deep in my belly. I cried. I cried hard for five minutes. Then, miraculously I felt a sense of profound relief.
Now there was an answer. Something that made sense of a myriad of weird and frightening symptoms: debilitating anxiety attacks, light sensitivity, joint pain, pelvic pain, hormone imbalance, hypothyroidism, breath hunger, exhaustion, unexplained weight gain, nerve pain, heart palpitations, and a slew of gastrointestinal issues (just to name a few). Here’s a complete list of potential symptoms–It’s overwhelming.
These are all things I’ve experienced in some capacity since I was seventeen years old. I’ve been seeking answers to health questions as long as I’ve been an adult. Most of the time being met with, “it’s all in your head. How about some antidepressants?” This response didn’t work for me. My intuition knew it was something more. So I kept searching, even though it was totally easy to feel crazy.
I asked my doctor, on this same phone call, a few necessary questions. “Wait…so, I’m not crazy?” I asked. She assured me I wasn’t. I also asked her earnestly, “so I’m not going to die, right?” She assured me I wasn’t going to die, but reminded me it was serious.
She didn’t have to remind me. I had lived this. This is probably the most infuriating part of the story. My mom has Chronic Lyme Disease (which they have now determined can be passed from mother to baby if you are untreated at the time of pregnancy). After escalating health scares and her own set of crazy symptoms, she was finally diagnosed with Lyme Disease in her forties. By this point in time, some of her organs were starting to shut down. The disease had made its clever way into all the systems of her body. It has been suggested to her that she’s been sick with this disease for over thirty years.
Her treatment was a slew of intravenous antibiotics pumped methodically into her body through a port in her arm — an expressway to a catheter near her heart. It was scary and grueling. I watched my mom, a person who, despite health issues, was a vivacious woman bursting with energy take a turn and begin to wilt into a person who was aching, breathless and tired. That’s the thing about Lyme — it doesn’t like it when you piss it off. Lyme is caused by a spirochete bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi, usually passed to it’s host through a tick bite. This bacteria can cleverly make its way into any organ in your body and wreak havoc on all of your systems. It’s commonly referred to as “The Great Imitator” for its ability to present itself as a slew of other diseases. Just ask my mom how many times she’s heard the words MS, or Lupus. Lots. It’s also one of those diseases that tends to get worse before it gets better. As you kill the Lyme you experience a die off of bacteria which creates a buildup of biotoxins in your system. These dead bugs might build up in your system faster than you can eliminate them. This causes something called a Herx reaction. These reactions tend to bring on all of your worst symptoms and can vary in severity. Like I said, it’s no joke. On the plus side, even though my mom’s case was extreme she did get better and is able to manage her disease. It was a process but she’s back to living life. She’s got a sparkle back in her eye and some pep back in her step.
I ended that phone call with my mind reeling. This is where the fear set in — the moment I realized I had to fight. I was going to war with some pretty intense bugs. I was pissed off. I looked in the mirror and thought to myself will I become a sick person that I don’t recognize anymore? It was as if my entire life shifted in a matter of seconds. This was supposed to be the year to go to Europe. This was supposed to be the year to start a family. Now this year was something different. I cried. I made lists of questions. I read books. I cried and laughed simultaneously (which is a particularly crazy emotion) as if to say, “wow, this feels bad — comically so”. It’s been a tug of war between feelings of relief and feelings of grief. My brain fluttering back and forth: I’m so glad they FOUND this. Why couldn’t they have found this sooner? My mom had it — why didn’t anyone think to test for this until now? Am I tough enough for this? What if I’m not tough enough…Jeez, I just want to feel better. Is there really NO cure for this? I’m scared. I don’t want to feel scared. I’m too young for this crap. What is this going to look like for me?
So for the last six months that’s what I’ve been doing behind the scenes. Yes, I’ve been baking some banana bread and smiling and cracking jokes (can’t stop), but I’ve also started this really intense war against the weird bugs that have been living in my body for most of, if not my entire life. I’ve been juggling this creative space between fevers and detox baths and wicked spikes of anxiety. I’ve been letting myself rest (maybe for the first time in my life) without guilt or judgement. I’ve been trying to do everything I can to heal so that I can do all of the things I want to do. Believe me, there is a lot I am hungry to do. My spirit is full of things I want to accomplish, and this illness has been a very strict, very palpable lesson in slowing down. It’s frustrating to not have the energy to do the things you want to do. Some days are good and some days are scary. But I will tell you the good days have never tasted so sweet in my entire life. The first good day I had after a week long Herx, I cried — but out of joy. There was energy in my bones and no aches in my joints. I took myself on a walk in the spring air and when I came back I was bursting with gratitude for that day. It was a glimpse of what lies beyond this diagnosis and this crazy fight. It was hope. Sweet, sunshiney hope — the kind of hope that puts on tap shoes to go to the grocery store and wears bedazzled hot pants because she can. I like that kind of hope.
Don’t worry, my blog isn’t going to become sad or lacking in puns. This will not turn into a depressing sick blog. But sometimes life is serious and I think it’s okay to share those moments in here too. It’s only human. Thanks so much for reading my story and for helping me juice all of these lemons that life has handed me into a spicy lemonade. I appreciate you. I think it’s taken me so long to write this post because in a way, writing it felt as if it was admitting to myself that I’m sick (and I really don’t want to be). I have a fear inside of me that I will become this disease — that it will take over. But, that is just a fear, right? I am not Lyme. I am Gina — just a girl who loves to laugh, makes pretty great cookies, kisses her dog on the lips, loves fiercely, doodles wildly outside the lines, gives a firm handshake, and sometimes (even if she doesn’t like to admit it) is a little bit scared.
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I can imagine this post was difficult to write, but thank you for candidly sharing your story, Gina. It’s okay to be scared, too, in the face of something so difficult and foreboding, but I have confidence that you’ll find relief in doing the things you love, just like you mentioned above. Also detox baths because they just sound soooo soothing. Hang in there.
Beautifully written Gina. So glad you shared it. Your mom’s story shows the light at the end of the tunnel! 🙂
First, let me say I am a big fan of your blog. I’m still learning… Next, let me tell you that aside from being a healthy chef, I am also an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, so if you need any advice or suggestions, please feel free to contact me — I would be happy to help in any way I can. Thanks for the post. You clearly have a great attitude (and attitude is everything) — this will be a learning and growing experience.
Thank for sharing Gina! It’s important to share these things. Everyone has battles that go on behind the scenes some worse than others. I have Chron’s and also my hormones are all types of screwed up. So ya after yrs of searching for answers I found the answers but sadly kind of have become that energy-less person I don’t recognize but I haven’t lost hope. We can NEVER lose hope!!! I have good days too with energy which makes me know that not all is lost. This is tough but you are tougher!!! We’re all in this together mama. And yes resssssst, whenever you can and always without guilt. My illness taught me about slowing down big time. There may be no cure, but there is remission with no symptoms. You got this girl!!Lots of love.
Thank you so much for sharing! I don’t know you, but I love who you are. You are a blessing. Praying for strength, healing and peace.
Hugs to you, Gina. I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been dealing with so many lemons lately, but I’m glad you were able to share a few with us today. Praying for you and thinking of you, girl. <3
Thank you for your beautiful blog. You definitely have a way with words. I love how you embrace the good days. I too was recently diagnosed and it is a scary crazy time. The more people learn about Chronic Lyme the more people can get treated. You made me smile and I pray for your speedy recovers.
Oh, Gina. What scary news to receive… and in turn, what a terrifying thing to write about here. You’re so strong, and I have no doubt that your sense of humor and all the above mentioned activities, like the detox baths, will keep you upbeat, though I’m sure there will be some tough days.
Sending you all the positivity and love from Texas, chica!
I am very confident, that this, nor nothing else in life, will diminish your bright spirit and willingness to share and create. Wishing all of the health and healing in the world to you! Be well.
XO,
Tara
First, let me say that I love your blog… the funny, sarcastic, and yummy one, and the painfully honest and human one. You are a wonderful writer, and though most of what you write is full of witty humor and good cheer, a truly good writer can also tackle the difficult twists that are thrown at them in life and share them beautifully with their audience. I hope you continue to share with us your brave fight (and conquer) of that nasty disease when you feel the need to do so. I believe that you will beat this and I look forward to hearing about more and more good days!
Thank you. Just thank you. People need to hear authenticity in its various forms bc it’s real, bc it’s life, bc we can all relate in some form and we are all join through this. Whatever a person’s ‘this’ is. I’ve been hiding out. As I read every word I felt the conviction and permission to publish some of my own drafts in my head, that it’s okay to be real, this real and to admit you have a disease when maybe you’d rather crawl in a proverbial hole of denial and say, ‘No, thanks, I’ll wear tough today instead, I’ll wear ‘normal’ I’ll wear well.’ Or I’ll just avoid it all together (my readers, my blog, my passion) and come back when I’m better. But the reality…the truth…the honesty…I am in postpartum thyroid hell holding on by a breath and just short of a tear every. single. day. I know I need to write this. I’m not there yet, but you’ve given me the courage for when that day does come. Heart you so much, Gina. For just being you…in all forms.
-R
I love your bravery. I am so glad there is an answer to long held questions. I hope you can take each day with the grace and humor that I know dwells deep in you.
You are an incredibly courageous person, Gina…thank you so much your genuine, heart-felt sharing. You definitely have many gifts, and I think perhaps the greatest one, and the one that will serve you best in facing this new challenge is your sense of humor. I am certain that no one who comes to read your daily blogs and recipes has escaped the curves that Life has to give….for me, personally, one big lesson has been to replace hope (which has disappointment embedded in it) with FAITH. And my message to you, today, is that I have great faith that you will learn how to heal yourself from this illness, and your inner LIGHT will continue to shine forever brightly.
Gina- Keep being brave, all of the light and good in you will come out ahead. 🙂 I know Lyme is scary, I had to be tested for it before, but luckily for me, it never came to be. I’m certainly glad to hear that your mom is getting through the worst of it. Remember to ask for what you need… help, support, laughs… So many people here are in your corner and hoping you are back to full speed soon!
Ohhh friend! I am just so dang proud of you for telling the world this part of your story. Yes you are Gina, and if anything, this disease is making you a more profound human being who is touching the lives of so many. I love you so, and am grateful to count you as a friend. You keep on sharing your truth, girl. Shine that light! We are all cheering you on. xo, Becca
Wow Gina, that’s quite something! I admire your strength and your humor and I hope that will be enough to get you through it. Thanks for sharing this with us today, I’ll send some good vibes up North! 😉 xoxo
You should never apologize or feel shameful for sharing something so personal. If people like your blog, they follow you for a reason. They become your internet family you never knew you always wanted. I saw a great saying on Pinterest (because that’s where all of lifes appropriate sayings live), it said “Everyone is fighting their own battles, try not to be a cunt”. We are all human, life happens and we need to be supportive of everyone. Love, light and loads of healing words and food!!
Wow! I too have been rehearsing what to write on my blog to explain my experience of being diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease and Endometriosis. I have the same fears you do, about losing myself to the disease and wondering what will become of me in the future. My blog set up didn’t work the first time and is currently being rebuilt. It will be up new and way more awesome soon and your post has inspired me to just be honest in my story. I am mostly light hearted like you but we are all vulnerable humans at the core. I could not have expressed those sentiments better than you have and your post read like the words I would say myself. Thanks for having the guts to just tell it how it is.
You ARE tough enough – you’re one of the toughest cookies I know! Love your face and your heart and your soul… I’m so sorry you’ve gotten this diagnosis, but I couldn’t be happier you’ve found some answers. xoxoxox
Thank you for sharing! That was said so beautifully and honestly and will help and inspire others. I love the simple, quirly way you express things. You are making a difference, even more than you were before. I’m sure writing that was an important part of the healing process for you. I pray you find the right people to help you. If you haven’t already you may want to look into seeing a naturopath, osteopath and acupuncturist. Body Talk is also amazing for healing. Just some suggestions! You are right, you are not the disease, but it will help shape you into a better human being than you were before. Lastly, another blogger and food lover like yourself dealt with lyme disease a few years ago, and was able to overcome it. She might be a good one to follow and/or get in touch with – http://inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.ca/
Prayers for you are coming!
I expect that there will be many well-intentioned people who will be offering you all kinds of suggestions as to who and what you might consider doing. So I will add my two cents. You are about to be thrust into one of the most profound journeys of “self-discovery’ of your young life. In the event that you don’t already do this, I think it would be extremely valuable if you had a daily/regular meditation practice. Again, if you are lacking in either experience or knowledge in this area, I would suggest you look into Mindfulness Meditation. Perhaps there is someone in your area or a group that meets regularly. There are all kinds of resources online, but in my experience it is most helpful if you had a real life teacher to work with.
I sincerely hope this advice is beneficial…moment by moment….you can and you WILL win this battle..
Wow. I had no idea Lyme disease was so serious. I have this vague memory as a kid getting told by our camp counselors that if we felt tired after we found a tick attached to our body to tell them. But I always assumed it was something that could be gotten rid of with a quick round of drugs.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. But you are right. It’s a great thing they know what it is. That means you can start to fight it. No more people telling you that you’re crazy or that the pain is in your head. I’ve got fibromyalgia so I know what that’s like. You got this.
Also if it helps, maybe you should read books about killing bugs, like Ender’s Game 🙂 They obviously messed with the wrong person.
Beautifully written, Gina. Thank you for having the courage to share your story with all of us. xoxo, Kelly
Thank you so much for sharing Gina. I am sending as many positive vibes your way as I can. Thank you for all of the energy you put out there in the world.
Brave and beautifully written. Thank you.
I’m experiencing my second major bout of some unnamed health problem. Next Monday is my appointment to discuss MS with my doctor; I think I’ll go ahead and ask to be tested for Lyme again too to be sure. After over 8 yrs of my health being more of a roller coaster than a Sunday afternoon ride on the beach, I’m ready for answers!
You’re honesty will help others. That is the most I ever have hoped for with my own writing.
Wow Gina. I started pinning some of your recipes a while back and always found your blog so bubbly and full of fresh air. I think you’re a lovely writer and have a great attitude to life. Reading this post has floored me, because I am in the same situation. I was diagnosed with Lyme 6months ago, after being sick for 4years and not knowing why. I have gone through all the same emotions, and it almost felt like you were writing the thoughts right out of my head. I also haven’t had the courage to “come out” about my diagnosis to everyone yet, because it’s such a devastatingly difficult topic. You have done so candidly, and brilliantly with colorful language – and so very open and real. I am also working myself up to having the same courage to compose such a message and make my story public. I am especially struggling with how to inject so much positivity into the message despite how difficult it is, all while getting the message across that it is the struggle of a lifetime. A war for warriors. I sincerely applaud your bravery in sharing your story – you are inspiring. How you keep up with a blog and everything while doing the full-time job of a Lymie in recovery just amazes me. Thank you so much for sharing. Much love and healing to you fellow Lymie warrior. We’ll win this fight xoxox
We all are scared when all of a sudden dealing with health issues. You wonder if you will make it. You have a good attitude and will be a strong one! It was wonderful of you to write about your experience. Would like to hear more as you go along–so share. We are all here to be with you on your journey!
I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis Gina. As I was reading your post, it reminded me so much of my “newly diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease” blog post that I wrote last summer. http://twinglesmom.blogspot.com/2013/08/did-you-say-disease.html If you need support or want to bounce treatment idea’s off each other, I would welcome it! I’m an ultra runner & find healing through running/exercise & holistic treatment such as acupuncture, craniosacrial therapy & whole plant food supplements. Sending you positive healing vibes!
I cannot even imagine how hard this post was to write, but I am so glad that you shared your story. You are such a strong person, even though you don’t always feel like it. I know you will beat this Lyme and your life on the other side will be full, beautiful, and invigorating. I love you to pieces!
I can’t thank you enough for sharing your story! I was just diagnosed myself last week by an MD. It is funny but I was happy to get the diagnosis! After 7 years of health problems and no real answers (besides an autoimmune diagnosis) – finally something to tackle. I got tired of hearing that it was all in my head and having antidepressants pushed on me.
I do hope you’ll consider sharing your journey – it would be a great resource for others! I’d love to know your protocol. I’ve always dealt with my health issues naturally and hope to continue to do so. I’m going to tell my naturopath about the diagnosis and see how he wants to treat me as opposed to the traditional route of antibiotics and the low dose naltrexone the MD offered.
Please keep us posted and continue to keep your head up and KICK LYME BUTT!!!
Hi Gina,
Perhaps I missed something, but I’m curious about blood tests? Don’t they have an easy test for Lyme Disease? Were you never tested for it until just recently? I ask because I’m experiencing many of the symptoms you described, and I just got tested for Lyme Disease and it came back negative. Is it possible to have it and the blood tests to miss it? Please let me know!
Hi April,
YES! It is absolutely possible that you got a false negative. It is estimated that the traditional lab tests used to diagnose Lyme can miss up to 50% of cases. You can find a lot of articles about this if you Google it. Igenex has a more reliable test (more expensive and not covered by insurance), but because the tests rely on the presence of antibodies it can still create a false negative (when you’ve been ill for years, your immune system may fail to mount a response/ produce antibodies — the body’s coping mechanism — and thus won’t be positive.
I have been working on overcoming Lyme for 4 years and am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. For anyone looking for resources, I recommend Better Health Guy (site and great FB page) as well as the teachings of Dr. Klinghardt.
It takes a lot of guts to write about your personal life like this. You are amazing and I know you will come out of this even stronger!
I love you! I am sooo proud of your courage and your strength, you are one tough cookie! I know putting this out there and sharing it feels soo vulnerable right now, but I truly think this is a wonderful step in the healing process. I cannot tell you how impressed I have been through this whole journey so far, in your incredible ability to keep laughing. I am so grateful that our paths have crossed, Gina. You are a bright spot in my life and you make me sooo happy! I am so very honored to have you as a friend, thank you. xoxo
Ahhhh, Gina. I am so, so sorry. You are such an inspiration for having the courage and strength not only to fight this but to share the fight with us. Thank you so much for sharing this — you are such a positive and uplifting (and hilarious) presence that I would have never guessed you were facing such an ordeal. Now that’s the definition of a strong, kick ass woman. (Also, you did a Whole 30 in the midst of this?! Damn, homie.) Sending you good thoughts, healing vibes, and a whole heap of admiration — you ROCK.
Gina, hun…. so sorry about this but I’m glad you’re speaking out. Or writing it out!
Opening up is so hard, but it’s a good way to start the healing process.
I’ve been in those similar shoes of hearing a tough diagnosis. There also is no cure for the illness I was diagnosed with. So… I know the frustration, anger and sadness that comes along for the ride. BUT you will pull through… just take it one day at a time and be patient.
You are so courageous and inspiring. You can beat this! I know you can 😉
Sending the biggest hugs!!! xo ella
One positive (sort of) is that you are SO, SO far from alone in this. Yes, more people are affected now than ever, but that is promoting more awareness so I’m really hoping that researchers and doctors can come up with something better than what we have. And that insurance companies cover it.
I know so many people now who are suffering with this and it makes me afraid to go outside. I have been experiencing some strange symptoms myself that have been connected with Lyme, so I may get tested myself. My arms are swelling up on and off and I feel pressure in my veins all of the time. That among other things.
Thank you for your story. We need all of the awareness we can get.
What amazes me most about you is your attitude. I know you don’t always feel positive, but the fact that you are able to feel and express gratitude for a good day after a week of bad ones is amazing. I’m struggling with positivity and gratitude while dealing with short-term, much less debilitating health issues. Thank you for being so honest. I wish you weren’t having to deal with this, but your “realness” about it is such a gift.
Thank you for sharing your story Gina. I can’t begin to understand what you are going through. I will pray for your recovery. I will hope with you for that bright sunshine in the future when all of this will pass. It will come.
Thank you so much for your honesty and sharing your struggles…I know it must have been hard. I am in awe of what a positive (and hilarious) outlook you continue to have, and know that will only help you to get through it! You will be in my thoughts as you continue to make yourself better 🙂
Gina,
Reading your post, memories came to mind of being a young girl and my Mom and her friends gathering in the kitchen, always with something on the stove or in the oven (there were 10 kids to cook for). This place, around the kitchen table was where she measured out flour, sugar, nuts, & produce that she bought in bulk and shared with the neighbors. It was where she bandaged a scrape or wiped our tears, often with the corner of an apron. Most of all it was a place where people gathered, stories were told, local news shared and often the place for a cup of tea and heart to heart talks with her girlfriends.
I would venture to say your vulnerable sharing does not intimidate your dear readers but rather draws us a little closer to the real person who happens to share great recipes, has a quick sweet wit, is fun to “hang out” with. I appreciate your sharing, I learned something important! Please continue to share as much as you feel open to, and may you continue to find strength in times of weakness, and know you have created a community that supports you, that dear one is pretty wonderful.
Thanks for allowing me to be a part of that.
Sara
No words — just thinking of you and sending positive energy.
You my friend are BRAVE and STRONG and so loved. Thank you for opening up and sharing this with the world. I really love the part about letting yourself rest without guilt + judgement. Oh and I also really love your haircut.
XOXOXOXOXO SHERRIE
I love your blog and recipes, and I know for sure that you will beat this thing soon!
You are supported by a lot of people. It’s a great thing to know!
Thank you for sharing! I am sending a lot of energy and love from here 🙂
Gina, You are so brave! And it is your vulnerability is one of the things that makes you so brave. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with the world. We can all learn a thing or two from you. Lots of love to you! xo
Hello Gina,
My daughter-in-law sent me the link to your blog, and how grateful I am that she did. I enjoyed your beautifully written entry on Lyme disease. I was diagnosed in November of 2013, shortly before you were. I too, have suffered for decades with the ravages of this horrific disease… a disease that is so political and ignored in mainstream medicine. It is not the fault of the general public about such ignorance regarding Lyme disease, there has not been the needed awareness campaigns and there is a definite need to promote more awareness.
After years of suffering, I took my health into my own hands, and, I ended up diagnosing myself through my own research. I learned that if I didn’t seek out a Lyme literate doctor, I would never get better. So, I continued to research and was lucky to find a literate doctor (ILADS) closer than I thought I would (only one hour drive), as I live in SLC, Utah. Lyme disease is less prevalent here than on the East and West coast, but becoming more and more common every day. My doctor told me recently that 1/3 of his patients are now Lyme disease, with some of his patients flying from distances as far away as Australia.
I found myself triggered while reading your post, in a good way! As I was reading, the computer screen became blurred from the tears that welled in my eyes and the faucet could not be turned off for a time. It brought up emotional feelings, memories, questions, and I couldn’t decide if I belonged in the category of daughter or mother from your story. I have feelings that I did have Lyme while I was pregnant, at least with my youngest child, for starters. He is away from home currently and will return in October. I plan to have him tested, as he exhibits all the symptoms of a Lyme baby and is complaining more and more of symptoms that I can see are Lyme related But of course, mainstream medicine would never consider such a thing when examining him. There is so much change needed.
I wish you all the best in your new journey. I understand and appreciate your comments of not allowing Lyme to identify you…. that there is much more to “Gina” as a whole, than Lyme disease! You go, girl!! I will look forward to your blog posts in the future, and if you ever need someone to throw questions at, I am more than willing to share the things that have helped and things that have not helped. Your section “Meet Gina” mentioned you are located in San Francisco. I was notified about a great Lyme literate doctor practicing there, and one of my cousins offered to fly me to see him and have a second opinion. I’m curious to know who your Lyme doctor is? Is he ILADS certified? You can read more about my story if you are interested on http://rally4good.com/cynthia-story/, as well as, a Facebook page Help Cynthia turn Lyme into Lyme-Aide at https://www.facebook.com/Lyme.fundraiser?ref=br_tf, and a fundraiser my children started at http://www.gofundme.com/wwwgofundmecomcynthia. I will look forward to reading your future posts, and PLEASE, if you have specific medical information that would benefit me, let me know. We are now Lyme sisters and need to band together!
I am a quote person and heard the following quote a few days ago. I love it!
“Don’t let yesterday take too much of today!” ~Will Rogers
Best wishes always!
~Cynthia
Gina, please know that we’ll help support you through this battle. It was brave of you to share. Here’s to openness and being closer because of it. Much love ~ A
I know from personal experience to be told news like what you have been told and every single emotion just seems to crash into your life. I have a condition that is very similar to Lyme Disease, same symptoms but different. But I read your post and I thought I should let you know about this clinic in Bali that specialises in your condition and uses a therapy like kidney dialysis but instead they take blood out from one arm then put it through the machine, takes out all the bad toxins and virus, then re-oxengenates with the purest form of oxygen and buts the vitamins back into the blood, then put it back through the other arm. There has been videos of patients who have Lyme disease, who have done this treatment and with a healthy diet are living symptom free. I was very cautious because you hear things about Bali, but I did all the research and was going to go do the treatment but unfortunately timing and money wise I have been able to yet. But here is the website….http://www.lymediseaseneogen.com Do your research, if you live in USA there are a few there. But I thought you should just know and I hope this may help in some way.
Wonderful blog. Will follow you. I am on med leave with Lyme diagnosis. Hoping to return to work soon.
So sorry to hear Gina. I too have had Lyme since I was 26. I am now 60. I wasn’t diagnosed for 9 years. It is a terribly disabling disease which forced me to keep changing careers as I got sicker and sicker. Finally at 50 I hit the wall and went on disability. The biggest help I got was when a Lyme savvy doctor figured out I had adrenal fatigue and thyroid issues from the Lyme. When I was put on cortisol, it was like a miracle, the difference it made. I got my life somewhat back. So if you have not had a saliva test for cortisol levels you might want to. I continue to suffer from chronic migraines that started with the Lyme and still have a lot of soft tissue and joint pain, but make the best of it. I was a very athletic person and all I have been able to do for the last 30 years is walk, which I do as much as I can. Keep a positive attitude and keep up on the latest research along with trying any alternative treatments that sound promising. Some things help and others don’t, but I find trying things can have a positive outcome. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey with Lyme. And try to keep smiling! Sarah
My sister just shared your blog with me and it is exactly what I needed to hear. I was just recently diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease. I am trying to find my footing and not let it define me. I love what you said and how you said it. It really helped me to see that I can take these lemons and make a fantastic lemonade
Julie! I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Sending you lots of love! So glad that you’re here. Know that you’re not alone. xoxox
Thank you for sharing this. I have been going through some strange symptoms that doctors are not taking seriously and so I am wondering what kind of specialist did you see?
Thank you!!! I was diagnosed with Lyme disease in my brain last week. I saw your blog while researching The Whole 30.
I had to retire on May 31 for health reasons, 10 years before I was planning to. I am trying hard not to let LD define me, and hope that that gets easier. Hopefully as the iv antibiotics start to work, although I know I will feel worse before that happens. I would love to hear what has helped you.
My symptoms of Lyme disease occurred in 2017, but was diagnosed in 2019. I had severe symptoms ranging from headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans, i had difficulty with my joints, heart, and my nervous system.. I was given medications which helped but only for a short burst of time, then I decided to try alternative measures and began on Ayurvedic treatment from a natural herbs centre, It has made a tremendous difference for me (Visit www. natural herbs centre. com)
Sending Prayers, after my Lyme Disease diagnosis, our family physician was very open when looking at alternative medicines and procedures, with his guidance i started on Lyme disease Ayurvedic treatment from Natural Herbs Centre. The treatment worked very effectively for my Chronic Lyme, most of my severe symptoms simply vanished within the first 3 months on the treatment, i feel better now than I have felt in years and i can feel my strength again. Remember you are not fighting alone