Lyme Chick

This week I’d been having a particularly bad spell. My joints were more painful than usual and very swollen which never used to accompany the joint paint. My migraine, now on day three, had gotten to that phase where sitting up or even thinking about standing made my skull throb and feel like it was going to explode.

My neck felt like it could no longer hold the weight of my head. I was struggling.

I wanted to have some blood-work done to see what, if anything, was causing this new flare in symptoms. I was writing my doctor to ask what tests to run. I wanted my SED rate checked to see if the level of inflammation in my body was as high as it felt. Because if it resembled anything close to the misery I was feeling, I was thinking (hoping) the blood-work would reflect that.

It didn’t take long to realize what a crazy thought that was… Was I really just hoping, no, wishing my blood-work would come back with poor results!? Yes. And I’m not afraid to admit that. As a Lyme patient I am so hypersensitive to blood tests not reflecting my illness, my real, chronic, debilitating illness. Because I’ve been told over and over by so many, that my tests were indeterminate, or my blood results were ‘fine’ or heard, “We just can’t find anything wrong with you!” or, “You’re a medical mystery, sweetheart.”

As patients of Lyme it’s become a reflex for most of us to be on the defense 24/7. “No, really I’m sick.” “Yes I know what that person told you but this is real” or sheepishly repeating “Lyme Disease” to the ER doctor standing over your stretcher, indignantly standing his ground that such a diagnosis doesn’t exist, and therefor you must be crazy. An unspoken shame I’ve become accustomed to.

My symptoms are as real as the chronic disease that has caused them. My pain is as legitimate as anyone else’s… So why do I still feel like I need justification? Why do I still want tangible results to validate the way I feel?

Because, Lyme Warriors, this is as much a symptom of this disease as the joint pain and the brain fog; the relentless need we feel to prove we are sick.

Please always remember how strong you are. And that fighting this fight, is something to be proud of.

I wish I had an incredible cure for migraines… but in the meantime, lets take a poll.

I’m starting a tradition here at LymeChick! Mondays are now Poll day’s. Poll’s are helpful in gathering info and I also think it’s a fantastic way for all of us to see how common our symptoms are within this Lyme world.

And that on the days you feel most alone (which we all have plenty of) and you think you’re the only one who could possibly be too weak to crawl to the bathroom, or that the extreme pain in your right knee that stops when you stand up but throbs when you lie down is bizarre and uncommon… Well, lovely Lyme Chicks and (non-chicks) you’re not alone.

With that, here is the first poll. You might have seen me whining on facebook and twitter that my insomnia is relentless lately. I often ask myself and by often I mean at 4AM when I’m staring at the clock and everyone else in the house is asleep… Am I the only one up right now?! Is this Insomnia going to ever leave me alone? And when the sun comes up and I finally feel justified in leaving my bed, I can see those deep dark bags have made themselves at home under my eyes. (You can imagine this is one of the most distressing parts!)

I know I’m not alone in this, but lets take a poll!

XOXO

The lovely wellsphere site had a fabulous idea of the ‘This is Me’ video contest for the month of September, asking patients affected with any health issues to post videos explaining their health journey and what it’s like living with their illness.

The videos posted so far (the deadline is September 30th) are fabulous with diseases ranging from OCD to cancer.

I decided Lyme needed to be represented so I put together a short video of my story this far.

Hope you enjoy it! And be sure to check out the other fantastic videos at Health Central’s YouTube page.

I came across an article from iVillage the other day for 20 natural pain remedies from the kitchen- listing foods we’re all familiar with but I often overlook their medicinal properties. Until recently, since I’ve started exploring nutrition and its incredible health benefits, food to me was just food. And meds were meds. Separate entities that didn’t overlap.

Now that I’ve educated myself a little more though, I’m becoming pleasantly surprised of the pain-fighting benefits that are naturally occurring in many foods. The list is extensive, but I chose 5 of my favorites:

Cherries:

Cherries have anti-inflammatory activity, and one study found that 1o ounces of cherries a day reduced inflammatory markers in the blood (Journal of Nutrition, June 2003). When cherries are not in season, cherry concentrate softgels are a good substitute. You can find them in health food stores or online. Research from Michigan State University suggests, cherries, particularly tart cherries inhibit COX 1 and COX 2 (enzymes responsible for inflammation and pain) and prevent inflammation in the body. Cherries aid the body in producing similar types of chemical process as non-sterodial anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

Peppermint:

Peppermint oil may ease headaches and migraines. To create your own healing peppermint oil, mix equal parts organic pure peppermint oil. Apply oil to the temple area in a circular motion and across the forehead. For migraines, wet hair and put 4-5 drops into your hand and massage into the scalp.

Peppermint oil can also be used to relieve skin irritation and itchiness and help reduce skin redness, where inflammation is present.

Use a peppermint steam treatment, which is particularly helpful if your headache is caused by sinus pressure. Boil a small pot of water and remove from heat, adding 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Drape your head with a towel and lean over the steaming water, inhaling deeply for 10 minutes.

Coffee:

Caffeine is the among the cheapest, easiest, most available treatment for a migraine. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a vasoconstrictor. Vasoconstrictors shrink blood vessels throughout the body, which can help relieve pressure in the head that is causing a migraine. To get the best results, drinking the correct type of coffee is important. A strong, bold blend of caffeinated black coffee is recommended. Brew a strong cup of coffee to treat migraines

Caffeine can be so effective that many over-the-counter migraine medications include it as an ingredient.

Caffeine also helps you absorb other medications, which is another reason why it is included in some of these medications. And it is a brain stimulant so it can help you think better if you’re in a migraine fog.

Ginger:

According to a new study just reported in the Journal of Pain, published by the American Pain Society, daily doses of raw or heat-treated ginger effectively relieve muscle aches and discomfort — even severe pain following strenuous exercise.

So far, several studies have shown that ginger appears to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but without the side effects. In one study, taking a daily dose of ginger (30 to 500 mg.) for as little as four weeks successfully reduced knee pain in people suffering from osteoarthritis.

For centuries, ginger has been used by practitioners of Chinese medicine and by traditional Indian and Japanese healers to treat a host of conditions including vomiting and nausea, chronic coughs, morning sickness, gastrointestinal complaints and migraine headaches. It has also been used to treat both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. However, Western medicine has only recently started to seriously study the medicinal qualities of ginger.

Turmeric:

Turmeric is a rust-colored spice, it has a slightly earthy taste, and is commonly used in east Asian and Hungarian dishes. Turmeric is known not just for its aroma and taste, but also for its medicinal properties. Turmeric, known as curcumin, reduces inflammation in the body.

Reducing inflammation in the body is a key component to good, long health, so learning how to use turmeric to reduce inflammation and pain in your life can have long-term health benefits that far exceed just using this spice as a food additive.

Eat 1 teaspoon per day after a month or so. Turmeric is very beneficial as an anti-inflammatory in the digestive tract,and as an aid for the liver. You may find you digest meals better.

Healthy eating!

XOXO

Sources:

Natural News

Peoples Pharmacy

Crosby Mint Farm

Dailymail.co

eHow

Natural News_Ginger

EHow_Turmeric

I haven’t written for an embarrassingly lengthy period of time.  The main reason being, my recent gallbladder issue and surgery, has taken me much longer than I anticipated to recover from. And because I’ve discovered how common gallbladder issues are with Lyme I felt my experience with it deserved a post.

My pain started on a Saturday afternoon- it began dull and achey in my lower right abdomen, but because I am no stranger to mysterious pain with no known cause from having Lyme, I wasn’t very worried. By Sunday evening though, the pain became too sharp and intense to ignore. I went to the ER, where the doctors and nurses immediately suspected appendicitis. But the CAT scan showed no inflammation of the appendix and all it revealed was an ovarian cyst. They sent me home, instructing me to rest and take Motrin (which was a joke because Vicodin didn’t scratch the surface of this pain) and assured me the pain would subside in a few days, tops. Long story short, my pain did not subside it only became more and more excruciating with each day. I was in and out of the hospital the entire week until finally on Friday, they decided to remove my appendix because they figured the CAT scan was falsely negative, and from my symptoms and pain I had appendicitis. They were prepping me for surgery and minutes away from wheeling me into the OR when the anesthesiologist came into to talk to me about the procedure and asked me one last time where my pain was. I pointed to just under my ribcage and he looked at me in surprise, and said,

“Your appendix isn’t that high up- your gallbladder is.”

So they called off the surgeon and kept me for two more tests, an ultrasound and HIDA scan. I didn’t have any gallstones but the HIDA scan showed, Biliary Dyskinesia- which translates to a non-functioning gallbladder. Now that they knew which organ to operate on, I had my gallbladder out laparoscopically and spent one night in the hospital. As soon as I woke up from surgery, I was extremely relieved because the initial stabbing pain was gone and replaced with a lesser pain from the incisions.

The more I asked around and found many other’s with Lyme had similar issues, if not the same one, I became increasingly curious. A) Why are gallstones/diseased gallbladders so common in people with Lyme? Not believing for one second any of this was a coincidence and B) For those of you who still have a (healthy) gallbladder, what preventative measures can one take to prevent losing theirs?

During my research I discovered the following article that connects Rocephin to symptoms of gallbladder disease AND an article that gives detailed info on what Lyme alone can do to harm your gallbladder — so my question remains: Was my (and so many others with Lyme) diseased gallbladder caused by intravenous Rocephin treatment, not to mention the other never-ending list of antibiotics I’ve been on over the years? Or was the disease and eventual removal of my gallbladder caused by my Lyme itself?

An article from Drug Lib states:

There have been reports of sonographic abnormalities in the gallbladder of patients treated with Rocephin; some of these patients also had symptoms of gallbladder disease. These abnormalities appear on sonography as an echo without acoustical shadowing suggesting sludge or as an echo with acoustical shadowing which may be misinterpreted as gallstones. The chemical nature of the sonographically detected material has been determined to be predominantly a ceftriaxone-calcium salt. The condition appears to be transient and reversible upon discontinuation of Rocephin and institution of conservative management. Therefore, Rocephin should be discontinued in patients who develop signs and symptoms suggestive of gallbladder disease and/or the sonographic findings described above.

And an article from DoubleCheckMD exploring the possibility of Ceftriaxone- Associated Biliary Complications.

Finally the website, Antiseptic Dorogova talks about the link between not only rocephin and gallbladder inflammation but how Lyme Disease, can damage your gallbladder, and lists herbs that are possibly helpful in supporting your gallbladder against a Lyme infection.

While the question still remains partially unanswered to me, there is no doubt in my mind that Lyme played a role in my recent surgery and it’s possible this issue may have been prevented if I was fully aware of the dangers certain drugs posed.

Please become informed, and ask your LLMD and/or whomever you see to treat your Lyme how you can protect your gallbladder. Because it’s obviously not necessary, but it certainly is nice to have all your organs!

Xoxo

Happy Valentines Day! ♡ I love valentine’s day. Chocolate, roses, pretty colors. Today’s extra special though, because I get to announce the winners the Lyme Chick Photography Contest!

Scroll down to meet and congratulate the winners! Thank you for entering and supporting Lyme Disease awareness and artistic expression! Congrats! XOXO.

Elizabeth Ross’s “We Can Beat This”

Annette Sharp’s “LYME ACTIVISM”

CONGRATULATIONS and thank you!

The past 2 months I’ve been steadily spiraling downward.  I’d been experimenting with different doses and regimens. Minocylcine, Plaquenil, Zithromax, Tindamax. My LLMD’s approach was to hit Lyme and my all the various co-infections hard. The only problem being that it hit my body harder. For 2 months I’ve been puking more than actually eating. My staples have been broth, gingerale, and occasionally if I’m lucky, saltines.

I called my LLMD many times frantically asking, ‘Is this normal? Why am I having such a violent reaction to these antibiotics? Is this the antibiotics reeking havoc, or possibly dare I say, a herx!?’

AND how the hell is one supposed to know the difference?

He agreed I need a break. How long a break he wouldn’t clarify- he first said to take away one antibiotic at a time and see which one was creating such a vile reaction. But I pleaded with him saying I need a break from EVERYTHING just for a week. My body needs a chance to rest and EAT and build back up a little strength.

So this leads me to my next question. One that is, much like everything else in the Lyme world, controversial.

What does one do when antibiotics aren’t enough? When antibiotics seem to be doing more harm than good?

These questions have no clear answers, and the usual answers are wrought with controversy and just as many issues as the typical antibiotic route.

The holistic route combined with the traditional allopathic route seems to be my next best bet.

Meaning incorporating more holistic aspects, (acupuncture, supplements, nutritional support, diet, oxygen, exercise, herbal remedies, detoxing.) with my next cocktail of antibiotics.

I’ve heard of success stories from both people who chose strictly holistic treatment and those who did only antibiotics without the accompaniment of any supplements or further support.

I think for me though, at least at this point of my illness, my goal is to find a balance between the two.

I’m slowly starting the holistic route but definitely not overnight. I’m tightening my diet to gluten free, yeast free, sugar free, corn free, and soy free, based on allergies/sensitivities. And I’m taking supplements, and detoxifying aids. While my body’s taking a break from the antibiotics I’ve been on for over a year, I’m trying to strengthen and support without adding any additional stress.

I am not trying to say which path is better. Bottom-line I have no idea. I’m just experimenting during this break from traditional treatment. I’m looking at a new world of holistic treatment, possibilities, AND incorporating them with antibiotics- that I didn’t even think to learn about before. And I’ll keep you posted!

XOXO.

1/1/11

This seems like as good a date as ever to start fresh!

I am so excited to say goodbye to 2010 and hello to a brand new year of health, happiness, and hopefully, if I’m successful with treatment, a Lyme FREE year!

I can say confidently that 2010 was the worst year of my life, and things can only look up from here. 2010 was a year of pure sickness, it was the first time in my life I was forced to slow down, and watch life happen from my bed.

I’m thrilled to welcome the New Year and my resolution is- can you guess?! To beat Lyme, once and for all. To win this battle forever.

And I wish nothing but the same for all of you. I hope 2011 brings you more health, laughter, and joy than you ever anticipated or thought possible. And maybe, this year will be the END of Lyme.

Happy 2011! Lots of love.

XOXO.

Over the holiday’s I’ve been trying to think of a fun way to give to the Lyme community. I wanted to come up with a exciting way to make some money for the Turn the Corner Foundation, that was artistic and engaged Lyme patients themselves. So heres the idea,

I’m holding a Lyme Photo Contest!

I’m picking two winners. The winners will receive a Lyme Chick shirt, Lyme Chick mug, and $50 donated to the Turn the Corner Foundation in their name.

Lets raise some money, and win some goodies! Enter now!

Contest Guidelines Below:

• Photos must be original.
• Photos must be Lyme related.
• You can submit as many photos as you want. There is no limit.
• No graphic/violent images please.
• Submission deadline is February 14, 2011.

Submissions may be sent to lymechicky@gmail.com