Omg...i Might Be On To Something

[miamia]

Mia,

How was your Thanksgiving? I miss your posts.

I was thinking about the stuff you react to...like doing better with white rice and not tolerating the brown. Basically not doing well with the healthier foods.

Its alot like me...I've always done REALLY bad with the healthy stuff...all the veggies, alternative flours, etc.

I'm wondering if you might benefit from low oxalate?? I dont do well with brown rice either...its higher in oxalate content...whereas white rice is low. Alot of the veggies, fruits, all nuts and most grains are high oxalate. It might be worth looking into in your case.

I can provide some links if you're interested.

Its working for some autistic kids and it seems to be working for me. Obviously its just a "band-aid" but it can help reduce toxicity/inflammation.

Rachel-

Thanks for thinking of me!

Honestly my thanksgiving was not very good. Ok it was flat out bad ,it has just been a bad week and unfortunatly my body wasn't aware it was supposed to give me a break for the holidays I am going to try to talk to it about christmas and see if it will be alittle more cooperative!!!

I looked into the oxilate info but I would love it if you sent me some more links - that would be great. You know i am always opened to anything that could possibly help.

That is so fantastic that you were able to enjoy some real thanksgiving food. You have come such a long way. It is very inspiring.

Ok so I am thiking alot about the humaworm. I sent the info to my doctor and he thought it looked like a really good product. I know it has alot of ingredients and that makes me alittle nervous but i also know i am very uncomfortable and I know parasites and worms are a big issue for me- it is only for a month and it might just be worth me giving it a shot. I am very curious about your guys opinions.

I am happy to hear that everyone seems to have had good thanksgivings .

Miamia

[Nyxie63]

Hi! Just wanted to introduce myself on this thread. I've been reading this thread for awhile now and a lot of it really makes sense. Thanks for starting this!

I have elevated mercury, along with higher-than-expected levels (per my doc) of cadmium, lead, arsenic, and thallium. I have a mouthful of amalgams and, since we travelled overseas a great deal when I was young, suspect the very large amount of vaccinations have contributed to the mercury load as well. Probably won't be getting the amalgams out for awhile, since all the dentists I've found who follow the appropriate protocols want 1/2 of the money up front and I can't just pull 4 grand out of any random orifice. I've checked out Lame Advertisement.org, but not sure we qualify for the help. Still investigating there.

What got me started on the whole elimination diet thing was having reactions to corn. The reactions only started after doing a DMPS mercury challenge test ordered by the dr back in May of this year. I suspect the mercury stirred up by the test settled in my gut. Have since found out that they're not supposed to run the test if you have amalgams, since it can leech even more mercury out of your teeth. I also have some dysbiosis, but no candida. Never been tested for any AI other than Hashi's (neg) nor has anyone suggested something like Lyme.

I'm taking a slew of supplements, including iodine for my thyroid and digestive enzymes and probiotics for the dysbiosis. Also taking quite a few to combat deficiencies.

Anyway... Hi!

[mftnchn]

Welcome Nyxie!

Glad you posted. Are you also doing the gluten-free diet, or just wheat free?

[AndreaB]

The abx are making me feel terrible. I am unlike Carla, usually when I'm not online, I am really feeling terrible...no strength to get up and go on the computer.

As I am typing this, my skin is getting really splotchy and itchy so I hope this isn't the beginning of an allergic reaction. Ugh, I am so tired of all of this crap! Not to mention my mom had to walk with me up the stairs to get to bed tonight because I am so weak. This is terrible.

Is it possible that toxins are trying to come through your skin if they can't get out otherwise? I would think an allergic reaction would have started sooner, but you did say they sometimes took 2-3 days didn't you?

Carla has a laptop so she can stay in bed when she's not feeling well and still be on the computer.

I've missed seeing you......just try to check in when you can.

Ok so I am thiking alot about the humaworm. I sent the info to my doctor and he thought it looked like a really good product. I know it has alot of ingredients and that makes me alittle nervous but i also know i am very uncomfortable and I know parasites and worms are a big issue for me- it is only for a month and it might just be worth me giving it a shot. I am very curious about your guys opinions.

Is there anyway to have your muscle tester test for ingredients in the humaworm that would work for you? I don't really have an opinion on taking the whole thing......maybe Rachel could weigh in. Part of me says yes, and part of me says no. The worms do hold onto mercury too, which is why I'm considering not even doing the garlic right now. I will be emailing Dr E though.

Hi! Just wanted to introduce myself on this thread. I've been reading this thread for awhile now and a lot of it really makes sense. Thanks for starting this!

I have elevated mercury, along with higher-than-expected levels (per my doc) of cadmium, lead, arsenic, and thallium. I have a mouthful of amalgams and, since we travelled overseas a great deal when I was young, suspect the very large amount of vaccinations have contributed to the mercury load as well. Probably won't be getting the amalgams out for awhile, since all the dentists I've found who follow the appropriate protocols want 1/2 of the money up front and I can't just pull 4 grand out of any random orifice. I've checked out Lame Advertisement.org, but not sure we qualify for the help. Still investigating there.

Welcome Nyxie! Good to see you.

Definately wasn't a good idea to have the challenge done with amalgams in. May I ask what state you hail from? If you're in my state I can give you the name of my doctor. I also know of one that's reasonable in the eastern part of the US (southeastern).

My hubby has mercury problems (along with the rest of us). He was in the military and they push loads of shots so that probably is his main culprit. He has no amalgams.

Hope you stick around and join us more frequently.

[confusedks]

Sherry,

I have been really bad about the charcoal. Taking it 2 hours away from food and meds is really hard. I am also so tired and weak, walking downstairs to get water, etc. is too hard. I will try to get better about that.

I had to take benadryl last night because I was starting to break out in hives...ugh! This really worries me as far as long term abx for Lyme. I wonder what my body will do.

Andrea,

I have a laptop too...that's what I'm on right now, but being in bed is a pain with it. I'm going to try to take a bath today to help with toxins leaving so hopefully this hive thing doesn't become a problem.

Nyxie,

Welcome!!

Kassandra

[CarlaB]

The abx are making me feel terrible. I am unlike Carla, usually when I'm not online, I am really feeling terrible...no strength to get up and go on the computer.

I lie in bed with my laptop when I'm feeling bad. I have a lot of pillows, so it's comfortable.

In the beginning of treatment, I was exactly as you describe! I couldn't even walk from the bed to the bathroom right off my bedroom without help. I know others on LN have talked about keeping a pillow and blanket in the bathroom for days you can't make it back to bed. It WAS that bad for me.

I get rashes as part of Lyme. They are different rashes than hives .... mine is usually on my forehead ... it's itchy. When I've gotten hives, they've been all over, kind of splotchy. Rashes are a symptom of Lyme, so I'd Google hives to see if that's what you really have. Your rash could be a herx from the meds.

Try an epsom salt bath ... that and a coffee enema get me feeling a LOT better.

Honestly my thanksgiving was not very good. Ok it was flat out bad

Ok so I am thiking alot about the humaworm.

I'm sorry.

I think the Humaworm is a great idea for you. However, I, too, am concerned about the number of ingredients. Even Adam is having a reaction to the die-off, so you might consider starting on the children's dosage and ramping up. The children's pills are smaller and have fewer ingredients.

Hi! Just wanted to introduce myself on this thread. I've been reading this thread for awhile now and a lot of it really makes sense. Thanks for starting this!

Welcome!!! I'm glad you introduced yourself.

Oh, Kassandra, I wanted to suggest getting a big water jug to keep upstairs so you always have water available. It's really important. In the beginning I wouldn't even walk downstairs for food ... honestly, I didn't think I could physically do it without getting hurt .... so I know I wouldn't have walked downstairs for water. Fortunately, Adam owns the company and worked out of the house a lot back then.

[AndreaB]

Even Adam is having a reaction to the die-off, so you might consider starting on the children's dosage and ramping up. The children's pills are smaller and have fewer ingredients.

I hope Adam doesn't feel too poorly for too long.

I didn't realize they had children's pills. I need to look around the site more.

[ami27]

I just ordered my Humaworm I also ordered some chlorella from Dr. Mercola's site. So we'll see how well I tolerate it.

[AndreaB]

Well, we have lots of people to report how this humaworm works.

I hope the chlorella does well with you to, Ami.

[confusedks]

Carla,

That is so weird! I have been getting a rash on my forehead too!! I noticed it a couple weeks ago and thought it was just because the col weather...maybe it's not!?

I will get some water for upstairs...I was totally not anticipating getting worse. I am at maybe 10%. This is awful. I think also part of me doesn't want to drink water because I know I will have to walk to the bathroom.

I just woke up from a 3 hour nap...that was nice.

I hope Adam starts to feel better soon.

Well, off to watch Hairspray in bed!

Kassandra

[dlp252]

Hellow all! Sorry I've been missing in action...didn't realize how long it'd been since I'd posted. I've been REALLY tired the last couple of days so didn't even turn the computer on. I DID manage to straighten up my livingroom. Next is the spare bedroom so I can sleep in there from time to time if necessary.

Thanksgiving was good. We had cornish game hens, and I even ate a little yam without issue, lol. I also took my own PUMPKIN PIE!!! I found the bigger tarts at Whole Foods so I've bought THREE!! They are nicely frozen in individual pieces in my freezer and I've been having some for breakfast every day this week, and so far no issues. They are by Crave and are Wheat, Gluten, Dairy and Soy free.

We had a small gathering, just my mom and aunt, and my cousin and her husband. The husband was hoping we were having pasta for dinner, lol, so for Christmas that's what we're having. My mom was asking that she could make for me and I told her I'd just bring my own stuff. I've got the Tinkyada pasta so I'l just take a little bit of that.

Had another BioSET appointment today. Today was pesticides and herbicides--all the lovely stuff they put on our produce. As expected I reacted to a BUNCH of them and they were affecting everything...so much in fact, that my brain couldn't handle it all, so she had to find some "good stuff" to add in. I have one more appointment scheduled for next week...I'm hoping that will be the miasms. If I need more appointments I'll schedule them in January...don't think I want to fight with Christmas shoppers for parking, lol.

She wants me to retest neurotransmitters, but it's a different test than the HN doctors want me to do. I'm just trying to decide if I want to do them both. The one from HN is a neuroadrenal test and the one from BioSET is a neurobalance test. I think they'd both be good.

Hello Nyxie, welcom!

Question: how long it taking from order to arrival of the Humaworm? Thinking about when I should try to get some.

I think mine took about a week and a half or two weeks at the most....mine was in my mail box today (but I haven't checked the mailbox since Wednesday).

You mean you would not do e-coffee even if it was pink? Pink coffee no matter where you put it would be cool! If it had dye, I would just break out in a rash. Stupid dyes! You know they put blue food dye in marshmallows? WTH? They are white, not blue!

No not even for pink. I can think of one place to put it that would NOT be cool...that's one reason why I haven't tried it yet.

My LLMD asks in percentages so we have a more objective measure of how I'm doing. I think it gives a better idea even on here .... so if I say I'm feeling good and I'm 75%, it's different than feeling really good and 95%. Bad is relative, too .... sometimes a herx makes me feel as bad as 40% .... but in the beginning 25% was a good day.

Yep, mine too. He was ecstatic last time I saw him and said I was about 50-60%. I'm actually feeling even better than that now, so maybe I'll get to see him dance.

Wow....all of you guys have been a part of my life for so long now. We truelly "know" each other...or at least it feels that way to me.

I am soooooo very thankful for everyone here.

You guys mean so much to me and I just wanna tell everyone (once again) how thankful I am to have all of you as friends.

Ditto!!!!

[dlp252]

And part 2:

I know Donna isn't! LOL

So very true.

Also, I am going to start taking charcoal because I think it's important to get the toxic stuff out of my body. I will also experiment with lemon water and the baths. I used to take epsom salt baths all the time when I was little, but they started to make me feel worse, so I stopped taking them. I wonder if they were just too strong for my body...how much do you all put in your baths?

I put in much less than Carla does...I put probably between 1/2 cup and 1 cup of epsom salts and less than that of baking soda. If I put more than that I can't stay in any longer than 10 minutes or so.

I was thinking today about how sick I was last Thanksgiving .... such an improvement. I still didn't know I had Lyme at that point ... I found out Dec. 6th, so I must have taken the IGeneX test and have been waiting on the results.

Me too. I've had a few people now mention how much better I am than last year. I was really sick around this time, but I hadn't even considered the possibility of lyme at this point last year.

You guys are wonderful, and so kind. I just wish I had found this place sooner.

Glad you found us too!

I don't see that it would hurt.....it's only for a month and then you could take a break until some future time. At least you could clear out some of these guys.

I agree.

Quick update from Charlie.

I'd love to have the update.

The abx are making me feel terrible. I am unlike Carla, usually when I'm not online, I am really feeling terrible...no strength to get up and go on the computer.

Me too...I can't sit up at the computer when I feel bad.

Ok so I am thiking alot about the humaworm. I sent the info to my doctor and he thought it looked like a really good product. I know it has alot of ingredients and that makes me alittle nervous but i also know i am very uncomfortable and I know parasites and worms are a big issue for me- it is only for a month and it might just be worth me giving it a shot. I am very curious about your guys opinions.

I wish your Thanksgiving had been better. They can make the humaworm without any of the ingredients you know you'd react to. I had them leave out the sage. I have an environmental allergy to sage, and didn't want to take a chance on cross-reacting by eating it. I think sage came up on the BioSET testing too, so I did have some sort of sensitivity to the dietary side as well.

I just ordered my Humaworm I also ordered some chlorella from Dr. Mercola's site. So we'll see how well I tolerate it.

Mine just came today...I bought extra chlorella this week and also some charcoal. Now I just have to decide if I want to wait to start it until after I do my neurotransmitter testing, lol.

[AndreaB]

Hellow all! Sorry I've been missing in action...didn't realize how long it'd been since I'd posted.

Hey Donna! It's good to have an update!

I'm sorry to hear about the overburdening on the pesticides and herbacides. Somehow I'm not too surprised though.

That pumpkin pie sounds good!

Me too. I've had a few people now mention how much better I am than last year. I was really sick around this time, but I hadn't even considered the possibility of lyme at this point last year.

I don't know about the humaworm and the NT testing......

That's great news about the progress you've made too this year.

[CarlaB]

Carla,

That is so weird! I have been getting a rash on my forehead too!! I noticed it a couple weeks ago and thought it was just because the col weather...maybe it's not!?

I think it's from the bartonella. I thought that from the beginning, then it came back with bart treatment, so that made me sure it was from the bart.

I had it for a long time before I was diagnosed. It went away at the beginning of treatment.

I will get some water for upstairs...I was totally not anticipating getting worse. I am at maybe 10%. This is awful. I think also part of me doesn't want to drink water because I know I will have to walk to the bathroom.

I hear ya'. It was the same for me .... but I drank because I knew I had to.

I'm sorry to hear you're feeling so bad.

Donna, it's good to see you back.

[ShadowSwallow]

Mia,

I'm so sorry your body didn't cooperate this year for Thanksgiving. I hope it will get the memo for Christmas.

Sherry,

The only think to watch out for with licorice is its tendency to raise blood pressure if taken over a long time. But that's only a concern if taken daily for several months.

Birdy, my LLMD is of the opinion that you have to beat down the bacterial load before the herbs will work. I plan on getting on the Cowden Protocol eventually, you can read about it at nutramedix's website.

And, yes, the Lyme can cause all that. However, Lyme usually doesn't exist alone. Lyme patients typically have things like heavy metal toxicity, or other imbalances, like in the gut. I think your naturopath will be excellent in helping you with these things, but I think an LLMD would be a good idea for the Lyme. Hopefully, your naturopath will be willing to work with an LLMD.

Thanks for the resource, I'll look up the Cowden Protocol. The only thing is, every test I've had for parasites and heavy metals has come back perfectly fine. I'm not quite sure what to think of that.

Birdy,

We are the same age! I'm 17 too!!! It does sound like you need an LLMD to work with you maybe along side your naturopath? I have yet to see one, but all the naturopaths I have been to don't even really want to think about Lyme...or don't know enough about it and I don't want them to learn on me.

Wow, that's neat!! :D Yes, my dr just wanted to give me a herbal protocol for it for a month. I'm going to be seeing the LLMD at the end of January and will probably start an abx, but we'll be calling them tomorrow of the blood rest results.

It sounds like you're going through a time with the abx. Your fatigue could also be from your low ferritin level being so low. Are you stopping the abx before you do the IVs?

Welcome, Nyxie!

Donna, great to see you around.

[confusedks]

Birdy,

I am going to finish the abx before we start the iron IV's. I will be done with the abx by Friday, so we'll start the iron IV's on Monday, if everything goes as planned.

Kassandra

[aprilh]

Hello everyone! I have been reading along for a few weeks. Rachel24 turned me on to this thread from Yeastconnection forum.

I started on Celiac.com 2 years ago, then moved to yeast connection and now I am back! I am considering pursuing lyme for myself but am not sure about it. I don't have many of the terrible symptoms that most people have that have lyme. Not sure if that is a good thought process or not???

I have heavy metals, yeast issues, and a sluggish liver. I have come a long way in 2 years and my main symptoms now are recurring yeast issues which bring on food sensitivities for gluten, dairy and corn. I have had trouble detoxing metals but have had some success, I think, from using garlic and iodine, juicing and going to the sauna. I felt best when I was going to the sauna 2-3 times per week. Now that its cooled off and I am not as active I feel myself filling up with toxins again. Plus, I was feeling so much better, I started eating gluten and some dairy and I am currently paying the price for that as my yeast issues are returning!

I was reading that many of you are considering Humaworm. It just so happens that I ordered this product yesterday and am going to try it. My thinking is that if I can rid myself of some of the bacterias and parasites that I might be carrying, I might reduce the toxic waste load on my system. Then maybe in the spring I can detox more effectively.

Anyway, thought I would introduce myself!

April

Hamola from yeast connection

[Nyxie63]

Wow! Thanks for the warm welcome!

Glad you posted. Are you also doing the gluten-free diet, or just wheat free?

I've decided to go gluten-free. Wanted to see if the intolerance was to wheat or to gluten, so I did a barley challenge. Some minor reactions, but nothing anywhere near what I'd had with wheat. Figured I'd rather play it safe, just in case. So far, the only real difference I can see between wheat-free and gluten-free diets is that I won't be making hubby his beef barley soup this year. I eat very few processed foods anyway, so malt flavoring or maltodextrin aren't too much of a hassle to avoid.

Definately wasn't a good idea to have the challenge done with amalgams in. May I ask what state you hail from? If you're in my state I can give you the name of my doctor. I also know of one that's reasonable in the eastern part of the US (southeastern).

My hubby has mercury problems (along with the rest of us). He was in the military and they push loads of shots so that probably is his main culprit. He has no amalgams.

I was seriously miffed with the dr when I found out about the challenge/amalgams. You'd think he'd know better. He works in a clinic that does chelation for cryin' out loud!

I'm in PA, about an hour north of Philly. Yes, please send me the name of the dentists out here on the east coast. And thanks!

I just found out about a dentist over in the next county who (supposedly) follows the correct amalgam-removal protocols, so will probably call this coming week to ask all kinds of questions. Have I mentioned that I have a near-phobia about dentists? Its amazing the number of dentists who advertise as being mercury-free, but have absolutely no clue about appropriate protocols for removal. Honestly, I think trying to find a decent dentist is harder than finding a decent therapist. Harrumph!

Thimerisol's definitely a baddie. I'm surprised they still use it in flu shots. "A little mercury won't hurt you". Yeah.. right.

-----------------

I've been reading a little about humaworm over on the Curezone website. Still haven't figured out how you know if you need to do this or not. Any pointers? Had worms a lot as a kid, but then we lived in the tropics and it was just a part of life. Everyone in the family took the meds the drs gave us (even if only one family member had worms) and we were good for another 2-3 months. Think its possible to still have some of those nasty little buggers in my system 30 years later?

Has anyone looked into Andy Cutler's chelation protocol? If so, what do you think about it? I've been doing some reading on his yahoo group and, if nothing else, its interesting.

Thanks again for the welcome!

[AndreaB]

Hello everyone! I have been reading along for a few weeks.

Welcome April!

If you have no reason to suspect lyme then continue pursueing the metals issue. If things don't resolve or other symptoms appear then you could pursue lyme. If you've been in tick infected areas then you'd definately want to look into it.

Metals won't let the candida die out.

I was seriously miffed with the dr when I found out about the challenge/amalgams. You'd think he'd know better. He works in a clinic that does chelation for cryin' out loud!

I'm in PA, about an hour north of Philly. Yes, please send me the name of the dentists out here on the east coast. And thanks!

I just found out about a dentist over in the next county who (supposedly) follows the correct amalgam-removal protocols, so will probably call this coming week to ask all kinds of questions. Have I mentioned that I have a near-phobia about dentists? Its amazing the number of dentists who advertise as being mercury-free, but have absolutely no clue about appropriate protocols for removal. Honestly, I think trying to find a decent dentist is harder than finding a decent therapist. Harrumph!

Yes, you would have thought that doctor would know better.

The dentist I'm aware of over towards the eastern coast is in Georgia. (the website I have from him has expired) He very reasonably priced. My doctor refers people to him from where I am (Washington State) for amalgam removal. I can understand the phobia. Many dentists may be mercury free but not know how to safely remove amalgam.

Open Original Shared Link is one place to start. It doesn't list everyone who does removals safely (my dentist isn't on there, but my doctor told me he's one of the pioneers of mercury removal.

Oh, and worms are everywhere so I wouldn't be surprised if you have some. Seems like most everyone would. The reason I've thought about waiting on that right now (well one of them) is that I still have amalgams and since the worms take in mercury I don't necessarily want to disturb that until I don't have a continual source of mercury going into my body. I'm also breastfeeding still and don't want to upset my son's system more than has already happened.....he already has problems with metals.

[confusedks]

Welcome to everyone who is new.

Everyone,

So I finally mustered up the energy last night to rinse the bath tub to take an epsom salt bath. It was nice...but then I started to feel weird. It was almost like I had a fever. I actually woke up feeling a LOT better!!! YAY!!

I wonder if the mean GI dr. may be partially right about the SBBO?! That would be insane! I am still not great, so I will pursue Lyme, etc.

Kassandra

[confusedks]

Everyone who has Lyme...read this...it's REALLY FUNNY!!! You may have already read it, but I just came across it!

You might be a Lymie if...

1. You know what LLMD means, and you have one.

2. At an appointment with your LLMD the nurse has asked why you are "all dressed up" when you wore sweat pants without holes in them instead of PJs to your appointment.

3. At one time or another, you have decided that shoes with laces, socks, slippers, or flip flops are unnecessary accessories.

OR

4. You have given up footwear all together and now refer to yourself as a "barefoot hippie". (Sarah!)

5. Showering is a two hour process with a three hour recovery period.

6. Some days are "shower-optional".

7. The happiest day of your life was the one when you were diagnosed with Lyme.

8. When you were diagnosed with Lyme you cried, shouted, or hugged your LLMD (which was slightly awkward for both of you).

9. They know you by name at your local ER.

10. You have more pills in your closet than a drug dealer.

11. Your pain management specialist has informed you that your regiment of painkillers should be enough to tranquilize a horse, but they have little to no effect on you.

12. You can't sleep even though you're always exhausted. See above for horse tranquilizer dilemma.

13. Whenever you have to get an IV, you try to talk the tech into using a 22 or 24 gauge needle, with varying degrees of success.

14. You have chugged prescription nausea meds straight out of the bottle with no regard whatsoever for the dose information on the front of the bottle.

15. You wear sunglasses at night, indoors, and in the rain, but not to make a statement about how cool you are.

16. "b" and "d" might as well be the same letter.

17. Similarly, enter/exit, cup/bowl, right/left are all interchangeable and you expect people to understand which one you really mean regardless of what comes out of your mouth.

18. The list of foods you CAN'T eat is longer than the list of foods you can.

19. You wanted to dress up as Lyme Disease for Halloween to raise awareness, but then you had an abdominal attack/splitting headache/inability to move/suspected failure of (insert any organ here), and ended up staying at home in bed talking to other Lymies online about how much it sucks that your bodies can't digest candy.

20. Your BMI is so low that you legally couldn't be a runway model in approximately ten countries.

21. You have mysterious bruises, despite spending the majority of your day in bed.

22. You (or your mom, dad, or caretaker) has come thisclose to having a fist-fight with a nurse or doctor who wasn't being sensitive enough to your needs.

23. You bribe your home nurses with candy so they'll show up on time and keep the poking to a minimum.

24. You cry if you have to go away for the night and realize when you get there that you forgot to pack the Glad Press 'n Seal wrap.

25. You have a PICC line, and were initially paranoid about keeping it sterile when the doctor who put it in told you a bunch of horror stories about sepsis, but now you don't even usually remember to cover in in public.

26. You are totally un-phased by people staring at you in public. You suspect it might be due to your wheelchair, PICC line, Michael Jackson style surgical mask or something, but who really knows?

27. You laugh when you and another Lymie friend simultaneously have to go to the ER, and swap amusing stories when you get back.

28. Your favorite day of the week is "dressing change day" and you (politely) demand that your nurse scratch your arm with gauze for as long as possible.

29. You have Lyme brain or brain fog, and you could explain what it was, if only you could... what was I talking about again?

30. You can't watch commercials because of the sudden changes in light and noise, and you think that sort of thing should probably be illegal.

Add LOTS more, everyone! Every case of Lyme is different, some are more severe than others, but I hope we can all have a giggle about its quirks while we're working to get well. We can beat this! Hope this puts a smile on your face, and I'm sorry if anyone thinks it's irreverent or in poor taste- just blame my Lyme brain, okay?

Thanks to the members for these!

31. You carry around an icepack for your head.

32. Your friends no longer think its odd for you to randomly burst out laughing and/or sobbing.

33. You may or may not have punched through a wall, torn your hair out, or banged your head against the floor.

34. You don't need to wear make up on Halloween because you already look like a zombie.

35. Maps don't have meaning. The world is directionless.

36. Your phone contacts include your insurance company... who you grace with your frequent screams and frustrations.

37. You've also devised tricks to scam your insurance company to pay for rejected medications.

38. When the receptionist at your LLMD said you needed to make an appointment for the week after Thanksgiving, you looked blankly from her to your day-planner and back again and said "I'm sorry, you're going to have to be more specific. Can you point to it?"

39. You become accustomed to peeing efforts equal to women pushing out babies.

40. Your PCP & LLMD is programmed in your phone and under recent calls all too often.

41. You put the phone in the fridge and don

[CarlaB]

Welcome, April!

It's not a bad idea to get tested for Lyme if you have some of the symptoms .... better to get treated for it if you have it BEFORE you have most of the symptoms! My daughter had a handful of symptoms and she's doing great through treatment. It's much easier for her than for those of us who got really ill from it.

I think everyone has parasites .... Humaworm estimates 90% do. My seemingly healthy husband had a reaction when he started it.

Nyxie, have you looked at mercuryfreedentists.org?

Kassandra, those baths can make me feel that way, too. In the end, I feel better. It could have helped ... take another today. I'm glad you're doing better today.

I have no doubt that you have SBBO! My GI tract was a HUGE part of my problem. It's almost miraculous how much better I'm feeling! I know the Bartonella was a large part of my GI trouble, too, so it's not all because of the Humaworm.

Today, I played flute at Mass at 9AM and did not use the stool. Then we went to Starbucks. Then I cooked pancakes, hash browns, a frittata, and bacon for brunch for 8! Now I'm sitting down for the first time today!

In the beginning, my life was Lyme .... I was generally feeling bad and could do a few things on a good day. NOW, I am generally feeling good and the symptoms become annoying.

I never took painkillers before .... I just felt so bad that I didn't notice the pain, it was only a part of the problem. Now, I sometimes take Tylenol because if the pain is the only symptom, it's very annoying. Some days the Tylenol doesn't touch the pain.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! We're decorating our Christmas tree ... seems early, but Morgan wanted to do it before she went back to school.

[AndreaB]

So I finally mustered up the energy last night to rinse the bath tub to take an epsom salt bath. It was nice...but then I started to feel weird. It was almost like I had a fever. I actually woke up feeling a LOT better!!! YAY!!

Great news!

Love the lyme funnies.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! We're decorating our Christmas tree ... seems early, but Morgan wanted to do it before she went back to school.

My family always did tree and decorations Thanksgiving weekend....it's not too early.

[confusedks]

We are going to decorate our tree, but we do it in all white and blue (for Hannukah).

I knew there was something else we were going to do this weekend!!

Carla,

It's so great that you are doing so much better. I look forward to that someday...

I will definitely take another bath today. I also think taking Charcoal at 1.30 am helped. I haven't been able to take it because I can't not eat for 4 hours, but I do think it helped.

I hope you have fun decorating your tree!!

Kassandra

[mftnchn]

Everyone,

So I finally mustered up the energy last night to rinse the bath tub to take an epsom salt bath. It was nice...but then I started to feel weird. It was almost like I had a fever. I actually woke up feeling a LOT better!!! YAY!!

Kassandra, getting hot and sweaty for awhile seems to be a regular reaction for me from the epsom salts, I think it supposed to make you sweat. Glad it made you better. That and the charcoal should help. Glad you are feeling better!! Don't get discouraged if the improvement doesn't hold after you stop abx, if you have lyme, this short treatment won't be enough.