Omg...i Might Be On To Something

[Rachel--24]

So does this mean you've graduated?

I assume you'll know if your pathways get blocked again?

Yeah...I guess I graduated.

If my pathways get blocked I'm sure I'll start feeling really sick....like I felt when I was taking all that NDF.

I'm being so good with everything right now. I'm still doing my NDF only every OTHER day and I'm not racheling anything!!

I felt really GOOD today. I didnt have alot of symptoms until I got into a "confrontation" with a customer. I got heated and then I got major symptoms....it took about an hour to settle down.

The woman ended up complaining about me.

Stupid customer.

I told Anna about that and she said I have too much histamine so thats whats happening when I get symptoms from emotions. She said even though I'm not actually reacting to a food or chemical or anything else...my body is still responding with histamine. So I'm getting reactions from my emotions.

This is the way its been since I first got sick and the reactions from getting upset or excited or overly emotional are actually far worse than what I get from food or even chemicals.

It doesnt last as long but it hits immediately and it hits me hard.

I think shes right because it does seem like histamine...my head starts swelling and I get instant throbbing headache...plus I get some hot flashes and end up feeling really jittery. Its hard to calm down cuz it feels like my body's all revved up.

She gave me something thats suppossed to calm down histamine or reactions from emotional stuff. I dont mind taking the homeopaths because they seem to help me and I never get reactions from them. They're not expensive like NDF, Cats Claw or Transfer Factor. Those are my 3 expensive ones. NDF costs the most.

[Clark Bent as Stupor-Man]

I haven't had a chance to read the board the past week or 2 (just moved into a new apartment over the weekend and got cable and internet installed this morning)... I have a couple quick questions regarding lyme disease... I plan on somewhat-begrudgingly starting antibiotics within the next week... I'm hopeful to see some positive results but really don't want to head backwards health-wise even if it's just for a short period of time with the typical go backwards before you go forwards treatment... I also stopped all prescription medication within a month or 2 of going gluten-free and am hesitant to start taking antibiotics, especially knowing that one month of them likely won't quite do the trick... as a side note, I will also probably get tested for heavy metals toxicity at some point, but I'll be starting the antibiotics before any of that...

anyway, here are a couple questions... I'm sure I have other questions I'm forgetting but here's a few off the top:

1. Aside from taking Tylenol a week ago, I haven

[Rachel--24]

I talked to Anna about my diet and candida. I told her I'm really focusing on this now and I'm already feeling better.

I asked her if having so much candida could be whats causing me to not excrete well. She said that the yeast could definately be clogging up my pathways and getting in the way of detox.

I told her how I'm not doing ice cream anymore but I still eat potatoes...which I know is not good. I dont wanna go back to the candida diet I did 2 years ago which was really limited...plus I was getting exposed to alot of mold with some of the foods but didnt know it back then.

She said the potatoes are ALOT better than ice cream and as long as I eat them with protein (like my beef) its not that bad. She said the protein slows down the breakdown into sugars....so it wont feed the yeast as much as if I were to eat it by itself....without protein.

I told her the other thing I'm eating again is oatmeal....because I need the fiber but not too sure if its gonna cause problems. She said she doesnt like to have anyone eating oats because of the mold.

I told her I do notice problems with oats because of the mold but was hoping my reactions will be less now that I'm taking nystatin and not eating ice cream or other moldy foods.

She said she would prefer Quinoa. I know I'm not going there with the Quinoa...for one thing its GROSS. Also I get really bad reactions...dont know if its mold or that soapy chemical stuff....but I'm not eating it again. Quinoa is HEINOUS.

She said if I'm gonna eat oats I should take all my oats and toast them first...it will take care of some of the mold.

I only started on the oats again yesterday and I had one small bowel which I noticed reaction and then I "created" some oat cookies...and didnt have any noticeable reaction.

I had the oat cookies again for lunch today without incident.

I told her about my cookies...the oats are toasted from baking. She said its better that way. I have no problem eating the oats this way....cookies are perfectly fine with me.

I'll probably try toasting my oats and then making cereal with them and see how it goes.

I asked her if I'm eating a few things which may feed candida am I getting nowhere?? She said no...I'm still making headway...because I'm taking nystatin.

She asked if I was taking charcoal. I told her I am (Dr. Amy wanted me on it). She said this is gonna take care of alot of die-offbut there is also going to be metals getting freed up by the dying yeast. She said the charcoal will also absorb some of the metals but I should take chlorella to bind with whatever is still floating around so it doesnt get redistributed.

I told her about my chlorella experience so she tested me and said I'm ok for it. She said to try it again...starting out low and working up slowly. I returned one brand of chlorella but I still have a jar of the first stuff I bought. I guess I could try it again.

She said it will be good not only for absorbing the metals but for alkalizing my system. She wants me to have some "green" stuff to get more alkaline.

She also said I should try getting a little sulfur in...egg yolks, a little garlic...a little onion. She said to just do a little at a time. I told him I'm having some eggs now and seem to be doing ok...except I do get some gas.

I asked her if some people just cant ever eliminate the toxins enough to recover. She said shes never seen that happen....shes had people that were so loaded with bacteria, yeast and other bugs that she didnt think they could possibly get rid of it all....but amazingly they did and they got better.

So I asked her about the autistic kids...dont some of them just not get better?? She said with the autistic kids it takes alot longer but they get better as well. They start speaking, making eye contact, etc. She said she has some who completely popped off of the "spectrum" and now attend regular school.

She said she gets the kids from DAN! or Amy Yasko....the ones that couldnt take any kind of supplements at all and the Dr.'s just end up throwing their hands in the air. Those are the kids that come to her clinic and shes able to get them to where they're chelating and taking stuff....and getting better.

She said if they arent methylating they are just totally stuck...they cant take anything if they're not methylating. So thats what happens with alot of the autistic kids...they cant improve because of this and theres not a bunch of clinics out there to do this type of treatment.

I asked if I'm methylating?? She said yeah...because thats what we've been working on with the pathways and my pathways are open right now. Also getting the minerals in me...like sulfur...that stuff is essential for my recovery.

Then I asked her about genes...and being genetically susceptible to ceratin toxins...like mold. What if we can never excrete the toxins because genetically our body doesnt recognize them as being harmful??

I couldnt understand all of the scientificness she was explaining to me but she was saying that our genes are protected...they're actually coated and nothing can alter them. She had the electrical cord from the computer and she said the genes have an outer coating same way the wires in the cord have a coating around them.

It doesnt matter how many pathogens are inside the body...they cant get to the genes and they cant alter them in any way. However...if one of the wires in the "cord" were to be exposed...the pathogens could get in and start doing some damage to the entire entity. So basically things can get disrupted and we can then become susceptible.

I dont know if I'm explaining it totally accurately and there was more to it...but its hard for me to retain it all.

In the end I told her if the Autistic kids can do it....then so can I!!

[Rachel--24]

2. Is it possible to transmit lyme disease through sex and is it something to be concerned about at all? I think I read somewhere that lyme has been detected in semen, but from doing a quick search and from the impression I

[AndreaB]

I'm managing a few quotes but have little to say, I've been in business seminar the past two days, bad lights and over air-conditioned, way too much talk about taxes, I'm worn out, also nowhere to eat and all I've managed to take is almonds and a can of salmon.

That's not very much food. I hope this seminar is done and you can get some food and rest.

I felt really GOOD today. I didnt have alot of symptoms until I got into a "confrontation" with a customer. I got heated and then I got major symptoms....it took about an hour to settle down.

I'm sorry about the confrontation. Maybe she was having a bad day and you were the brunt of the attack.

I haven't had a chance to read the board the past week or 2 (just moved into a new apartment over the weekend and got cable and internet installed this morning)...

Welcome back Charlie. I was wondering where you were. I think you did tell us you were moving though didn't you?

She said she would prefer Quinoa. I know I'm not going there with the Quinoa...for one thing its GROSS. Also I get really bad reactions...dont know if its mold or that soapy chemical stuff....but I'm not eating it again. Quinoa is HEINOUS.

I'm not super fond of quinoa either and it doesn't settle real well. Course it may be the fruite spread to make it more palatable.

Just recently my friend suggested I get on it...mostly for protection in case I ever got a boss who isnt very understanding. I havent had any problems with work that have made me feel like its necessary to pursue this....but it might be a good idea. You never know what could happen.

May not be a bad idea. You don't know what you're going to go through once you can start some more treatments.

[CarlaB]

Syphillus can be sexually transmitted....and its a spirochete bacteria very close to Lyme. I dont think its too far fetched to think Lyme can be transmitted the same way

I only have a minute, so there's more I'd like to say than what I'm going to.

I do not know the answer to Charlie's question. I know that Adam does not show the slightest symptom and that I had Lyme before we met. Maybe he has it and his immune system is strong. I'm not worried about him getting it from me because if he were going to, he'd already have it. I am worried about getting better and getting it back from HIM. I'm going to talk with my LLMD about that.

The thing that makes me wonder whether it could be is that, yes, syphillus is transmitted that way, but gingivitis is not and it's also a spirochete. Plus, through our mouths, and through the other personal area, we have foreign substances entering our body. It would be hard for something to get past our immune system there.

I think the jury's still out on this one. I'm not worried about Adam, but if I were not married, I would be more worried about passing it on.

Charlie, will your doctor only give you 1 month? That definately will not be enough! I hope that's not what you are saying.

I actually immediately went from feeling 15% to 20-25% upon starting meds. Some people feel worse when they start them. Herxes are bad, but if you have to work, then talk to your LLMD about letting up a bit on the meds during a herx. I keep taking them and focus on detoxing what's making me feel bad.

I slept terribly last night and today, I'm "normal" tired, not herx tired. So it is getting better. I'm sure that was my herx yesterday as it was due yesterday and it felt like one. Plus I was up half the night crying ... that's definately a herx symptom!!

Well, I have to pick Chloe up at the ortho, she just got her braces off!!! <---- her new smile will be like this!

[dlp252]

Ok...I got put on Transfer Factor tonight. Who else is on TF??

This is a totally different TF from what Dr. Rick had me on last year. Anna put me on this stuff....

Open Original Shared Link

I AM, I AM! I started taking it a couple of days ago...I was waiting until I had been on the NT Factor for a few days so I could see if either gave me a reaction. Scott is the one who recommended this one for me, but I'd been waiting for Anna's stock to come in. So, I've taken it for two nights now and so far so good. It also has colustrum in it which has casein (I think), but I'm hoping that it's in a small enough quantity to not cause problems for me.

I think the NT Factor is also helping me (also from Anna)...I've noticed a bit more energy this week. That's exactly what she said it would do.

I'm glad you've "graduated" I hope I get to soon...I asked Susan about that...she seemed to think I have at least a few more weekly visits left. She said the food panel alone would take 3-4 more tries, and then she wants to test me for something new...I forget already--sheesh it was just on Saturday that she told me.

3. Has anyone gotten FMLA for their job due to lyme? I had FMLA in the past, which I only managed to get for 3 months before my primary doctor told me it

[dlp252]

Yikes, I just read the link Rachel provided and I noticed it said to store in the refrigerator...I have mine sitting out on my coffee table.

[happygirl]

Synopsis of Law-FMLA

Covered employers must grant an eligible employee up to a total of 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for one or more of the following reasons:

for the birth and care of the newborn child of the employee;

for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care;

to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or

to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.

[dlp252]

Thanks Laura. Hum, maybe that's in addition to the disability leave that my employer gives, because I don't remember it being called FMLA, but maybe it was, lol.

[AndreaB]

I've been considering it again lately since I'm just exhausted most of the time...I am afraid that whatever my test results show...metals toxicity or lyme or mold or a combo of them...that the treatments will do me in and actually make me feel worse before I get better. I can hardly get out of bed NOW, and I'm scared of the treatments, lol.

I'm really thinking you should at least have it lined up if you need it.

Yikes, I just read the link Rachel provided and I noticed it said to store in the refrigerator...I have mine sitting out on my coffee table.

[dlp252]

This is why I'm confused...the medical leave that I took before...I just needed to let my employer know as soon as I knew, but the doctor was the one who put me out and there wasn't really any advanced stuff that I know of other than the pre-authorize for the surgeries themselves. I got a note from him and then my employer did most of the rest...I just needed to fill out the paperwork.

[happygirl]

fmla protects your job for 3 months for the above mentioned reasons. they aren't required to pay you, but are required to let you take that time off, either all at once, or over the course of the year. you can use unpaid or banked vacation time, etc.

it only applies to certain employers...all fed employers, and companies with 50+ employees, and i believe you have to have worked there for a year?

[dlp252]

fmla protects your job for 3 months for the above mentioned reasons. they aren't required to pay you, but are required to let you take that time off, either all at once, or over the course of the year. you can use unpaid or banked vacation time, etc.

it only applies to certain employers...all fed employers, and companies with 50+ employees, and i believe you have to have worked there for a year?

Ah okay, that makes sense. Thanks!

[happygirl]

welcome . i wrote about it in grad school for a class

[AndreaB]

Hi Laura!

How have you been?

I don't work outside the home anymore but it's nice to know about the fmla. I knew about the birth/adoption but not the illness aspect.

[happygirl]

andrea, whats interesting about fmla is that it only LEGALLY covers, parent, child, or spouse (taking care of them). So, for women, who are often the caretakers of the family, this could legally be a problem, if you needed time off to take care of an in-law (who are NOT covered).

Now, this doesn't mean that your employer won't let you have time off, (and any employer can choose to give you more than 3 months, obviously), but FMLA only covers certain groups, for a certain time limit. After that, LEGALLY, ... your job is not protected.

[dlp252]

We had two people (used to work in my department) who were out on disability for over a year each...they finally were terminated, but I think my employer had to wait that long.

[CarlaB]

Okay, this is definately a herx! I feel like I've been run over by a truck. Bev, take what I said yesterday and multiply it! It came on a little more slowly than usual ... I can't wait for the feel better than before part!

[Mtndog]

Okay, this is definately a herx! I feel like I've been run over by a truck. Bev, take what I said yesterday and multiply it! It came on a little more slowly than usual ... I can't wait for the feel better than before part!

Oh sorry....yucky. If what I'm experiencing is a herx, it is nasty. I passed out so hard yesterday after noon and I feel like every CELL in my body aches. How long do these things last, if indeed that is what it is? I want to cry but I'm literally too tired and miserable.

Rachel- Congrats on your graduation!

Tomorrow is my endocopy- I think my biggest fear is that they will find refractory sprue (or just that my villi ain't looking so hot) or Crohn's and want to put me on steroids. Steroids suppress your immune system and if I do have Lyme, I DON"T want to be on steroids. I'm just hoping that I don't have two things that conflict with each other. I am scared about this more than anything else.

Good golly Miss Molly.

Hi NoGlugirl, rinne, laura, Donna and everyone else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CarlaB]

It varies how long they last. Didn't Theralac trigger yours? If so, then I'd guess it's a candida herx and I don't really know about those.

The first month I had a clear herx it was 5 or 6 days. Last month it was 3 days. This one, even though part of today I had to spend in bed, isn't as bad. Crying is always part of a herx for me ... I don't know if it's just my brain needing the detox or if I'm really this upset ... or maybe a little of both. I know I herx a lot in my brain ... I get disoriented and confused ... very badly ... can't even answer simple questions.

I was able to take a sauna. I pulsed my sauna ... 30 minutes in, 10 out, then 15 more in. I feel good enough now to shower and I might even be able to lay down downstairs instead of in bed.

Every cell aching does sound like an accurate description. I'll cry that it hurts, then Adam will ask what hurts, and I can't say anything specific, IT just hurts.

Steroids would be a very bad idea if you have Lyme. It can make it much worse. Let's hope that it isn't even and issue for you.

[CarlaB]

My LLMD had me start on Questran powder to help with the toxins in the digestive tract ... I asked about chlorella and they said later, not now. I haven't looked up Questran yet to see what it does.

[AndreaB]

Okay, this is definately a herx! I feel like I've been run over by a truck. Bev, take what I said yesterday and multiply it! It came on a little more slowly than usual ... I can't wait for the feel better than before part!

Sorry Carla. I'm looking forward to the better than before too.

Tomorrow is my endocopy- I think my biggest fear is that they will find refractory sprue (or just that my villi ain't looking so hot) or Crohn's and want to put me on steroids. Steroids suppress your immune system and if I do have Lyme, I DON"T want to be on steroids. I'm just hoping that I don't have two things that conflict with each other. I am scared about this more than anything else.

I seriously believe lyme is the problem and not the other two. Try and relax and get some rest. We are here for you.

[mftnchn]

Sorry Carla. I'm looking forward to the better than before too.

I seriously believe lyme is the problem and not the other two. Try and relax and get some rest. We are here for you.

Hi Andrea and everyone,

Andrea suggested that I jump in here even though I don't have time to read this whole thread! Whew!

I was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2000, probably got it in the early 1980's. I seem to be on the other side of it finally!!!

I was on antibiotics for 6+ years. It took 8 months on antibiotics before I started to see improvement, and the only thing that indicated we were on the right track during those 8 months was the herxes! After a year and a half I could go up and down stairs and walk a half hour or so, which I couldn't do for some time prior to treatment.

I tried several detox things (couldn't stand a sauna, but that's a good one): alternating hot and cold showers which is not pleasant, dry skin brushing, taking activated charcoal between meals, extra fluids.

The thing that helped the very most was coffee enemas. My doctor gave me an instruction sheet on this--otherwise I certainly would have never tried it!

(I just discovered about celiac, and I have always had constipation mostly as symptoms, so this helped in that area too).

What the explanation sheet said is that the coffee stimulates the release of bile, so helps cleanse the liver I guess which is doing all the detoxing for us.

Another up side of this was that it usually will nip a cold in the bud, if I catch it at the beginning. I remember my doctor said that, but I forgot until I noticed it myself over time.

Sherry

[CarlaB]

Hi Sherry, thanks for jumping in and sharing your story.

I was diagnosed with Lyme in December, but I most likely got it back in the early 1970's. I had debilitating health issues three times, but they resolved with diet, exercise, sunshine, sleep, etc. This most recent time, starting in 2003, I couldn't get better no matter what I did.

I discovered I felt better eating gluten-free, but didn't see other improvement. On this thread, I learned about Lyme Disease and got tested last Dec. I've been seeing a doctor in NY and started antibiotics in Jan.

I wasn't as disabled as many get from Lyme. Except for a couple months, I've actually even kept up with lifting weights, though I had to stop cardio. I was about 15% in Jan. Now I'm about 60%, except for today with the herx.

Last summer I couldn't even walk around the block, now hubby and I go for long walks after dinner. I'm not feeling great, but as you know, even some improvement is encouraging. I even started back with the cardio last week. Only 20 minutes slowly on the elliptical.

Gotta go eat, but I agree, detox is key. I have a FIR sauna. I also take lots and lots of detox supplements and drink lots of water.