Archive for April, 2009

Long term antibiotics are the most important first defense against the early stages all the way through to the chronic stages of Lyme Disease.  It is vitally crucial that you seek the guidance of a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD) when treating Lyme.  I advise against any and all forms of self treatment in regards to Lyme because of the complexity of this disease.  Self treatment can cause many more problems in the long run and you should only follow the recommendations of a Lyme specialist so they can monitor you for any side effects, allergies or complications.

The following strategies are here to offer you the many refreshing and exciting natural options that are becoming fundamental in terms of healing Lyme.  These are all things that you can do on your own time.  These strategies are completely safe and are essentially quite easy to perform on a daily basis and most are fairly cost efficient.  Many LLMD’s will recommend their patients to follow these natural healing strategies and you may want to ask their advice before trying any of these therapies on your own to make sure it is safe for you own individual healing process.

Epsom Salt & Apple Cider Vinegar Baths – Simply add Epsom Salt to your bathwater 3-4 times a week and it is a good way to detoxify and relieve sore, painful muscles.  Apple Cider Vinegar helps alkalize and heal your body.  Both of these ingredients are fairly reasonably priced.  One tip is to work up slowly with the Epsom Salts as adding too much right away can cause weakness.

Dry Skin Brushing- I find brushing to relieve my itchy uncomfortable skin tremendously.  Preferably use a natural bristle brush with a long handle to reach your back and hard to reach places on your body.  The purpose of brushing is stimulate the lymphatic system and help the body rid itself of toxins.  Also, it helps with circulation and encourages your skin to absorb nutrients which contributes to overall body health.  A bonus is it can even help remove cellulite and it feels really pleasant on your skin. At first your skin may look red and rashy but once you brush a few times you will get used to it.  I do it everyday before I shower or bath and another helpful hint is to switch from cold to warm water temperatures when bathing to further improve circulation.

Infrared Saunas – You will feel so wonderful after using one of these saunas that you will probably want to purchase one for you home so you can use it at your convenience.  These saunas will soothe, relax and improve pain immediately upon use and can leave your body feeling great for up to 2 hours afterwards.  This is a great way to sweat out toxins and help with pain management.  I absolutely love these saunas and if they weren’t quite so costly it would be at the top of my wish list.

Detox Rocks! – This healing therapy is one of the most significant things a person infected with Lyme can do.  Detox is an essential step in your recovery plan because as your treatment causes the bacteria to break up and die these toxins have to follow a pathway out of your body.  The Lyme bacteria already causes a significant amount of toxins in the body and when the bacteria is killed it needs to be flushed out from your system because the toxins alone can cause severe illness and symptoms.  Sometimes the toxins are worse than the Lyme itself and the only way for your body to heal properly is to say goodbye to these unwanted pests.  Excellent forms of detox include but are not limited to:  Infrared Sauna, let fresh air circulate through your home by easily opening your windows, eat healthily and follow an alkaline diet, drink lots of pure clean water, detox baths, exercise, and massage.  Good detox supplements are Vitamin C, Garlic capsules, Chlorella and Charcoal.  Charcoal works wonders with absorbing toxins and cleaning out the body but it is not available in Canada yet and remember to take it 2 hours before or after antibiotics are its absorbency will pull the drugs from your system.

Meyer’s Cocktail IV Treatments- My Naturopathic Physician recommended I get these IV treatments twice a week and I found them to be a great way to build up my vitamins and minerals and boost my immune system.  Most Naturopathic doctors can do these IV treatments for you and they are fairly similar to a good multivitamin except they are infused through your blood and your body will absorb them much more efficiently.  When dealing with Lyme and co-infections we need all the help we can get and IV’s are a wonderful way to help heal your body and supply you with nutrients that you may be deficient in.  Lyme is famous for robbing Magnesium, B12 and Iron from your body and you will want to make sure that you are obtaining a sufficient supply of these vitamins.

Sleep, Sleep and More Sleep- Proper rest is so important for healing the body and reducing pain and symptoms.  I am embarrassed to admit that some nights I feel the need to sleep up to 12 hours and that if I am sleep deprived my symptoms intensify and are much more pronounced.  There is no reason to feel guilty for getting extra sleep or taking a nap when needed as this issue is at the top of the list to overcoming Lyme Disease.  It is similar to being sick with a cold or flu and you feel the urge to sleep all day. Lyme can commonly cause that tired, sleepy feeling all day.  Even if it is not possible to get extra sleep during the day make sure to get enough at night otherwise your body will be screaming at you the next day wondering why you didn’t get proper rest.

Mild Exercise- Swimming, walking, biking, dancing or gentle yoga are examples of exercise that shouldn’t be too strenuous to a Lyme patient as long as you listen to your body and start out slowly and not overdo it.  Unfortunately, some Lyme patients are bedridden and wheelchair bound and it isn’t an option for them to do these types of exercise.  If it is not possible for you to do these activities just do the little bit that you, even if that is just walking around your living room or doing gentle muscle stretching.  Any form of exercise is necessary when trying to recover from Lyme.  Many LLMD’s insist that it isn’t possible to recover from Lyme without exercise and I definitely agree with them on this issue.  In my own personal experience I have found any sort of physical activity to be fundamental in relieving depression and lifting my mood, relieving pain and improving my sleeping patterns.

Sugar is Enemy #1 – I truly understand how hard this can be at times when so many food products that we all love contain sugar but if you just keep in mind to eat sugar in moderation now and again instead of everyday all the time.  I try to limit my sugar intake during the week and then allow myself a a treat or two on the weekends just so I don’t go crazy.  I believe that if you deprive yourself too much then it is going to be much harder in the long run to stay “sugar free”.  Lyme is a bacterial infection and too much sugar intake just feeds the bacteria and makes them incredibly happy so they can multiply and spread throughout your body.  I tend to feel so guilty after having a treat because my symptoms flare up and I feel so gross that I wonder if it was even worth it at all to enjoy a Dairy Queen Blizzard.  Oh, of course it is worth it now and again!

Gluten is Enemy #2- Another hard idea to accept!  Gluten is in so many of our everyday foods that it could feel like real deprivation to you to exclude Gluten from your diet.  Personally, I feel like Gluten isn’t an essential part of our diet anyways and my body definitely lets me know that it doesn’t want gluten anywhere near me.  Of course, it is hard to avoid at all times and I occasionally slip up and eat it when out with a friend or at a restaurant.  Boy, I am sorry after though because I have crazy digestive issues and I bloat like a hot air balloon.  Gluten forms into a sugar once it is in your body and we know now that sugar is not a good idea when you have Lyme.

Alkaline Diet - There has been much research done and it has been proven that an overly acidic body is just welcoming diseases and chronic illnesses.  Diseases survive and proliferate much easier in an acidic body due to low oxygen levels in the bloodstream.  Acidity alone can cause many annoying and uncomfortable symptoms such as low energy, arthritic pain and stomach disturbances.  An alkaline diet is usually recommended by LLMD’s because it will increase oxygen in the bloodstream and help decrease the bacteria load in your body.  In general this diet is a good idea to follow for anyone who doesn’t feel well as it may improve your symptoms dramatically.  Examples of alkaline foods include:  lemons, broccoli, carrots, apples, strawberries, brown rice, poultry, fish, etc.  There are plenty of great websites who list alkalizing foods versus acidic foods and which foods are recommended.

Antioxidants- Such an important rule for anyone to follow!  Antioxidants are crucial in that they help ward off chemicals and toxins that eventually can cause cancer and other devastating diseases in the body.  They also act as a wonderful immune defense and help ward off bacteria, colds, flu’s, etc.  One of the hottest and most popular antioxidants on the market right now of course is Pomegranate (POM) Juice and Mangosteen Juice.  Another awesome antioxidant is blueberries.  My two favourites are POM Juice (I buy it in the large jugs at Costco) and Xango which is a brand of pure Mangosteen Juice.  There has been rumor that these antioxidants can sometimes even cause herxheimer reactions in Lyme patients although I have never personally experienced a herx using these products.

Therapeutic Massage – Who doesn’t enjoy a delightful massage now and then?  It is especially beneficial to Lyme patients.  It helps relax the body and mind, provides pain relief and increases circulation to sore muscles and joints and it just feels really good.  Any form of massage is wonderful but I feel the most beneficial forms are therapeutic, swedish or any form that is slightly aggressive and really works your muscles.  A relaxing massage is nice but doesn’t work the body as much as needed when trying to relieve pain.

Pain Management- Sadly, with Lyme this is a big one.  Almost everyone infected with this vicious bacteria experiences some form of pain in one way or another.  Some days are better than others but on the bad days your are probably thinking, “Dear God, please make it go away!”  I have gotten so used to dealing with the pain on a daily basis that most days I just try to suck it up but on the worst days I have to take some form on pain relief just to be able to cope somehow.  The most common pain relievers are Tylenol, Advil, etc. but there are also natural remedies you can try to relieve the discomfort.  I have heard amazing things about Acupuncture and the way it soothes pain and it is next on my list to try.  One you have had as many needles shoved in your body as me you will laugh at the word needle.  There are many wonderful homeopathic pain relievers that you can rub into your painful muscles and joints that can give you some relief.  One that has worked wonders for me is “Inflamyar” by BioResource.  It numbs my painful knees and I love it!  You can order it from the BioResource website at:  www.bioresourceinc.com.  Experiment and find what works for you but other therapies include massage, infrared sauna and in extreme cases consider consulting with a pain management specialist who can detail a proper treatment plan suited to your needs.

Tips for Dealing with Herx Reactions- Herxes can be extremely unpleasant but there are a few options that may give you comfort.  My LLMD has recommended Vitamin C capsules and to try squeezing 2 fresh lemons in water and take over 1/2 hour.  Sip through a straw and brush your teeth afterwards to protect the enamel.  If you have nausea, I find Ginger Capsules to work really great and they can be found at any health food store.

Avoid Stress as Much as Possible – Stress poses a negative impact on the body and further burdens a Lyme body even more.  I realize it is impossible to entirely avoid all forms of stress but greatly reducing and managing stress can be a healing aid on its own.  Mental stress can be just as bothersome and cause the same exhausting symptoms in the body.  Some examples of stress management are to avoid negative and life draining people, only do as much as your body allows, take a mild walk, laugh as much as possible and think positive happy thoughts. 

Positive Uplifting Thoughts and Attitude -   I’ll be the first to admit that when you are suffering with Lyme and co-infections some days you feel like not crawling out of bed and you just want nothing more than to escape from reality.  That once again, here you are on a new day, and nope nothing has changed because you are still sick.  We are all human and anyone would be lying if they said they never had a down day with this illness.  This disease pushes you to the edge and back again and again and you have no option but to become a stronger person because of it.  Negative thoughts once in a while are understandable but it is so essential to maintain a positive attitude otherwise your body is never going to heal because negativity pushes you further into stress and illness.  I have learned to accept that this illness is a part of me now and I look at all the things I can do instead of what I can’t do.  I once heard a quote a while back that has stuck with me. 

Chronic illness definitely isn’t for wimps.

Never, Ever Give up Hope! – Currently, this is such an exciting time in the Lyme world!  There are constantly new conventional and alternative forms of treatment popping up everywhere and there are so many options to choose from.  Just always keep the faith and remember that what works for one person may not work for the next person.  You may feel like a guinea pig as you endlessly experiment with one treatment after another until you find the one that gives you relief.  It is sad that so many are under the false pretense that Lyme is a quick fix, sometimes it can take years before you notice an improvement.  But that doesn’t mean that you should give up hope, keep on truckin’ until you find that answer and be patient.  I know sometimes it is easier said than done but if we don’t have hope what do we have?

Listen To Your Body – Try not to push yourself too hard as your body is healing and on the road to recovery.  We all can have busy strenuous days but remember to take time for yourself.  Find the time to read a great novel, soak in a relaxing bath or share a good laugh with friends.  Let your body be your guide and when it says you need a rest don’t feel guilty to slow down and take a few minutes.  Sometimes I get so excited to out and having fun for once that I don’t listen to my body when I should.  I regret that later on because I am so beyond exhausted that it takes me days to recuperate.  It usually isn’t practical to stay in bed for 2 days straight so do what works for you and find a happy medium.

Lyme Disease is a widespread infection caused by the invasive spirochetal bacteria known as Borrelia Burgdorferi.  The bacteria is carried by deer ticks but it has now been discovered that many if not all biting insects are capable of carrying the bacteria.  These insects include mites, fleas, flies and mosquitos.

Lyme is a potentially devastating and debilitating illness that if left untreated can cause neurological, cardiac and arthritic symptoms.  It is very important that the illness be caught in the early stages for a chance at complete recovery.  The longer the bacteria is left to spread in the body the more likely it will be to invade all major body organs and invade the muscles, tissues and blood cells.

The tricky part is that not everyone infected with the bacteria will initially know that they are sick.  The first initial physical symptom some people notice is the Erythema Migrans or “Bulls-Eye” rash.  Even scarier is that not everyone infected develops this rash or it may be hidden behind your ear or possibly underneath your hair which makes it difficult to spot.  Many people then go on to develop a “flu-like” illness which they mistake as a flu but it is actually the first signs of illness from Lyme Disease.

Lyme is commonly named the “The Great Imitator” because the symptoms it produces are also common in many other diseases such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Parkinson’s, Lupus, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety and the list goes on.  It is very common for people to see numerous medical specialists and be misdiagnosed for many years before it is proven that Lyme is the true culprit behind their numerous strange physical symptoms.

To complicate the issue even further it has been discovered that many ticks don’t just carry the Borrelia bacteria alone but can also be a host to many other complicated infections, more commonly known as co-infections.  Some of the more well known co-infections include but are not limited to:  Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Mycoplasma.  When someone is infected with both Lyme and one or more co-infections it puts even more burden on the body and the symptoms can be more advanced and additional symptoms may appear from the numerous infections.

It is very important that any possible co-infections be addressed as well as the Lyme because each infection needs to be treated separately and numerous antibiotics or natural treatments need to be considered in the whole picture.  With a delayed diagnosis these co-infections even begin to become “in sync” with each other and begin working together to further invade the body organs even deeper and therefore treatment becomes much more lengthy and complex.

Testing for Lyme and co-infections can be very difficult and traditional testing methods should not be relied upon for a diagnosis.  Lyme needs to be a clinical diagnosis based on history of exposure and symptoms and blood tests should only be used to help support the diagnosis.  Lyme Literate Medical Doctors are true experts in this field but sadly they are hard to come by in Canada and most patients have no choice but to travel to the United States to seek treatment from these doctors who are extremely knowledgeable and sympathetic to a Lyme patients needs.  They understand the complexity of Lyme and co-infections and that it is not a simple illness to treat and cure.  Also the wonderful feeling of support and encouragement that these doctors give their patients when the bacteria causes extremely painful and disheartening symptoms.

• Fatigue and Extreme Exhaustion
• Fevers / Chills / Sweats / Flushing
• Joint Pain and Swelling
• Muscle Pain and Soreness
• Tingling and Numbness, Burning or Stabbing Sensations, Shooting Pains
• Muscle Tremors and Twitches
• Headaches and Head Pressure
• Blurry Vision, Loss of Vision, Eye Pain and Floaters
• Ear Pain, Buzzing, Ringing, Sensitivity to Sound
• Dizziness and Loss of Balance
• Sensitivity to Light
• Nausea and Stomach Pain
• Kidney and Back Pain
• Irritable Bladder
• Brain Fog and Confusion
• Concentration Difficulties
• Poor Short Term Memory
• Speech and Word Finding Difficulties
• Shortness of Breath
• Chest Pain and Heart Palpitations
• Hallucinations
• Blacking Out
• Unavoidable Need to Sit or Lie Down
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder

It is so common to feel alone and misunderstood with this disease and these sources will help support you and lead you on your path to health.  Furthermore, there are fascinating leading edge therapies and treatments constantly becoming available and these sites and books will offer you hope and you can decide which options are most appealing to you.  I was so interested in learning as much as I possibly could when I initially received my Lyme diagnosis I literally spent hours and hours ingesting as much information as I could on this disease.  Following are the websites and books that I found the most enlightening and invaluable when it comes to Lyme Disease and co-infections:

(If the links don’t work please just copy and paste into your favourite web browser)

www.canlyme.com

www.igenex.com

www.frylabs.com

www.lymeinfo.net

www.ilads.org

www.lymediseaseassociation.org

www.lymedisease.org

www.drerniemurakami.com

www.neuraltherapy.com

www.lymebook.com

www.personalconsult.com

www.mercola.com

www.butyoudontlooksick.com

www.timeforlyme.org

www.publichealthalert.org

www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/id-mi/lyme-fs-eng.php

www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/99vol25/dr2509ea.html

Here is a list of Lyme books currently available that outshine the rest and I have personally read each book.  If you are having difficulty finding them in bookstores all of them can be ordered online at Amazon:

NEW!   “Insights into Lyme Disease Treatment, 13 Lyme-Literate Health Care Practitioners Share Their Healing Strategies” by Connie Strasheim  (In my opinion, this is the most outstanding Lyme book to date!)

“The Lyme Disease Solution” by Kenneth B. Singleton

“The Lyme Disease Survival Guide” by Connie Strasheim

“The Top 10 Lyme Disease Treatments” by Bryan Rosner

“Healing Lyme” by Stephen Buhner

“Cure Unknown” by Pamela Weintraub

“Confronting Lyme Disease – What Patient Stories Teach Us” by Karen P. Yerges and Rita L. Stanley

“Lab 257″ by Michael Carroll (This book may not be for everyone as it highlights some incredibly disturbing true facts surrounding the Government’s Secret Germ Laboratory)

PREVENTION IS ABSOLUTELY THE BEST METHOD TO DEFEAT LYME DISEASE!

Here is a list of some extremely important and necessary prevention techniques so that you don’t have to worry about being infected with Lyme Disease while enjoying the outdoor activities that you love the most.  These precautions are especially recommended during the months between May through the end of September.  Giving up your favourite outdoor adventures shouldn’t even be an option as long as you are careful to take the necessary precautions.  Even though it can be a bit of a hassle at times it is completely worth it in the long run and you won’t be putting your health at risk.  I would like to thank the United States Department of Health and Human Services for providing these Lyme prevention guidelines:

• Definitely avoid tick infested areas – If you are not sure which areas are infested contact your local public health office or if you have pets talk with your veterinarian as I have found them to be very knowledgeable concerning which areas to avoid due to tick exposure.
• Wear light colored clothing so that ticks are more noticeable and preferably clothes made of smooth materials as it will be harder for ticks to latch on.
• Wear long sleeved shirts, pants and a hat and closed shoes and socks.  Also be sure to tuck your shirt into your pants and your pant legs into your socks or shoes.  I know this may not be the most fashionable statement you can make but compared to falling ill with a tick borne disease this pales in comparison.
• Apply insect repellent to all of your clothing and any exposed skin.  Deet is the most common repellent but there is much controversy over it being a potential neurotoxin which means it can be toxic to the nervous system when absorbed through the skin.  In order to be effective, Deet needs to be applied directly to the skin.  If you do choose to use Deet to repel ticks remember to wash the areas where it was applied as soon as possible with soap and water. 
• Permethrin is a repellent used exclusively to spray your clothing and footwear which in turn kills ticks on your clothing before they have a chance to bite you.  It is not intended to be applied directly to the skin or taken internally as it can be toxic if not used correctly.  Permethrin is said to be nontoxic when used in low concentrations and poses no health threats to humans, just to ticks.  I am not certain of its availability in the prairie provinces but camping and hunting supply stores should have something similar to Permethrin. 
• I just recently purchased an all natural outdoor spray from my local health food store that I am excited to try!  This particular repellent is completely Deet-Free plus water and sweat resistant.  If you are looking for an alternative to the usual products that contain Deet (which I highly recommend as I believe they are much safer than exposing your body to unwanted toxins)  I suggest taking a trip to your favourite health food store.  Carefully read the ingredients on the labels as some stores may carry a selection of bug repellents.  Some great and highly effective ingredients to look for are:  Citronella Oil, Peppermint Oil, Lemongrass Oil and Vanillin (which is pure Vanilla).  These ingredients in particular have had a well known reputation for many years as being successful in deterring unwanted critters.  Another wonderful all natural repellent to try is Avon Skin So Soft Mosquito, Flea and Deer Tick Repellent.  Also, Peppermint oil can be diluted and applied directly to the skin as a safe method of tick protection.  A sure fire method to repel ticks and any other biting creatures is to eat a plentiful amount of garlic before you go outdoors.  Garlic can be taken in capsules or added to meals in generous amounts to give peace of mind that ticks won’t attach to you while outdoors.
• Avoid walking in overgrown grass and stick to the center of hiking trails.
• Once indoors remove, wash and dry all your clothing.  Also if possible, take a hot shower and use a brush on the skin.
• Inspect your body thoroughly and carefully remove any attached ticks.  Don’t forget to check pets and young children.  Deer ticks can be extremely small and therefore hard to notice.  Their size compares to the period at the end of this sentence so be very thorough with your examination.
• If you find a tick, don’t panic because if you use the right measures of removal there should be no problems.  Tug gently but firmly with a blunt, fine point tweezers near the head of the tick until it releases its hold on the skin.  Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out.  To reduce the risk of infection, do not crush the tick’s body or handle it with bare fingers.  Never, Never, Never try to dislodge ticks by using heat or chemicals because this can result in the tick injecting the bacteria and other harmful organisms into your skin.
• In the case that you have been bitten by a tick, swab the area immediately and thoroughly with an antiseptic to help prevent bacterial infection.
• For further prevention measures, I highly recommend a two week course of the antibiotic Doxycycline if you have unfortunately been bitten by a tick.   It is the most effective treatment against Lyme and co-infections when in its early stages.  You can never be too safe and a two week course of antibiotics is completely safe compared to years of complex treatment if you are indeed infected with Lyme or co-infections.

TIPS FOR SAFE TICK REMOVAL

• If you happen to notice a tick on you try to determine if it has bitten and attached itself to your skin.  If not or if it is only on your clothes you can flick it aside with either your finger or some sort of tool.  A really helpful trick is to apply tape to the tick and then lift the tape away from your body.  If the tick is attached to your skin, take a cotton ball and put a drop or two of liquid soap on it.  Place the soaked cotton onto the tick and rotate gently but vigorously for about 20 seconds.  This should cause the tick to release immediately.
• Remember to not touch the tick with bare fingers.  Place the tick into an empty pill bottle or Ziploc bag and hold onto it so it can be tested for the Lyme bacteria and co-infections if necessary. If possible, label the container with the location and date that you were bitten.  Ideally, the tick should be kept alive and it is recommended that the head of the tick still be attached to its body.  Although, whichever condition the tick is in, save it because it might be the only useful source of information if you are to develop an illness later on.  Contact your doctor’s office or Public Health Agency so the tick can be sent to a lab for testing.
• Remember to swab the bite area of your skin as already mentioned.
• Very importantly, never attempt to crush ticks during the removal process.  This can cause them to break apart and leave parts embedded in your skin or cause them to release infectious fluids into your skin.

Most LLMD’s will recommend that while undergoing treatment for Lyme it is a good idea to follow a sugar free, gluten free and sometimes dairy free diet.  You may be thinking, “Wow, isn’t the treatment enough without adding food deprivation to the mix too!”  It may seem like a hard concept to accept at first but once you find nourishing and yummy food substitutes you will realize it is not all bad.  I can’t see how allowing yourself a treat now and then will be the end of the world and you will deserve it for following such a strict diet.

I am a regular health food store junkie and I love the alternatives to my favourite food products that are currently available.  This concept has definitely come a long way since more and more people are forced to follow certain diets either to help them overcome their health issues or because they prefer to stick to a healthy way of living.  The following is a list of my favourite food substitutions that are usually available at your local health food store.

• Brown Rice Pasta – I absolutely love this pasta!  Personally, I can’t tell the difference between rice pasta and regular pasta that is packed with gluten.  Most health food stores carry a great line of gluten free pasta and you can pick and choose to whichever tickles your fancy.  I find the consistency is really good and it doesn’t get mushy and once you add your favourite toppings it is just as good as regular pasta but is a much healthier choice.
• Gluten Free Bread- Glutino has a wonderful array of gluten free products including several different flavours of bread to choose from.  There are definitely certain gluten free breads out there where you might as well munch on a piece of cardboard.  I prefer Glutino especially because they manufacture breads, crackers, pasta and many other delicious products.
• Rice Cheese – Ok, you may be thinking how could this possibly taste good but I really don’t mind this type of cheese.  It has a different kind of flavour than regular cheese but once you eat it a couple times you will get used to it.  When you use it in lasagna recipes or any of your other favourite recipes you can’t even notice the difference.  I believe the company that manufactures this kind of cheese is called Galaxy and they have several flavours to choose from.
• Agave Nectar – Yum, Yum!  This is a delightful sugar substitute and it is a completely natural sweetener so it is good for you.  There are a couple cookbooks on Amazon whose recipes are devoted entirely to using Agave Nectar.  I have used it many times in some of my favourite recipes, use it anytime you need a sweetener because it is fantastic.  Find creative ways of using this sweetener and  you will wonder why you didn’t find it a long time ago.
• Pure Raw Honey – This is another great option!  I have also used this in several recipes as a sweetener and it worked very well.  It is better to use the pure raw alternative than regular grocery bought honey because it goes through a healthier manufacturing process and there aren’t as many additives which means it is a healthier choice.
• Coconut Oil – This is a great alternative to other cooking oils and it has a yummy taste.  It supplies fewer calories than other fats, does not contain cholesterol and has been known to increase metabolism and promote weight loss.  How can you argue with that?
• Rice/Coconut/Almond Milk – I was following a very strict sugar, gluten and dairy free diet when I first received my diagnosis and didn’t know how I was going to cope without my daily glass of milk in the morning.  Although, honestly once I gave these types of alternatives a try I really grew to like them.  They have a great flavour and you can still use them in all of your everyday recipes.  I use these milks in my smoothies, with my oatmeal and the coconut milk is delightful in rice pudding and makes it oh so creamy.

There are so many more amazing alternatives you can try such as eating a mixed bowl of fruit instead of a chocolate bar when you have a sugar craving.  Try out some of the gluten free flours for making your favourite pancakes.  Experiment with different flavours and herbs/spices.  Once you get the creative juices flowing, the options are endless and you may prefer this lifestyle change and stick to it even if you are feeling better.

A website that caters to sugar, gluten and dairy free cooking where I found lots of impressive recipes is:  www.recipezaar.com

I am sure there are many more excellent websites to check out.  There is a great selection of cookbooks out there who also cater to these dietary needs.  Amazon has a great selection specifically for those with dietary restrictions so that is always a terrific place to look if you have trouble finding the cookbook you need in a bookstore.  I ordered “Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free Cooking by Susan O’Brien from Amazon and am very pleased with it.  My absolute fav’s are the Brown Rice Pudding, Sweet Potato Fries and Roasted Green Beans.

To add a little humor into the mix…… here are a few slightly irritating comments to hear when you have Lyme:

• “You look good, you don’t look sick!”- Oh my, if I had a quarter every time I heard this comment!  Is there supposed to be a certain way you need to look to be sick?  Thank God I don’t look as awful on the outside as I feel on the inside some days!  Do we need to look like a character from a horror movie to prove we are actually sick?
• “You can still do things that other people who aren’t sick can do!”  – Yes, we may be able to get together with friends for a laugh or go to a movie, etc. but our energy is very limited and we have to conserve the little amount of health we have just to be able to plan to leave the house and be one with society.  We may look fine and seem to act normal like other people but trust me, our bodies are very different and every little task we do can be a struggle some days.  The pain, fatigue, exhaustion and mental fog is like a constant gray cloud that doesn’t disappear.
• “You are able to work so you can’t be that hard done by!” – It is true that some people suffering with Lyme have no choice but to work in order to keep a roof over their heads and have the funds in order to survive.  Sadly, some are not fortunate to qualify for long term disability or if they are single parents they don’t have many options of supporting themselves and their children other than the income from a full time job.  It is not that those inflicted with Lyme don’t want to work, more likely they have no other option because of their deteriorating health condition.  What seems like such an easy accomplishment to a healthy individual can feel like a road trip straight through hell when someone has Lyme.

 ”THE SPOON THEORY”

 A truly original and interesting new way of understanding and relating to someone who has a chronic illness is portrayed beautifully in “The Spoon Theory”.

 www.butyoudontlooksick.com/the_spoon_theory

Happy, Inspiring Activities

• Watch a movie that makes you feel good.  Whether is be a comedy, romantic comedy, drama, documentary and so on.  It is amazing how a good movie can make you feel!  If you are feeling up to it why not invite a friend and go to your local theatre as a good excuse to get out of the house if you are feeling cooped up.
• Spend time with family and friends.  Don’t completely become a hermit because of your illness!  Of course you will have days where there is no way you can leave the house or even get out of bed for that fact.  Just do what your body allows and don’t forget how revitalizing and refreshing it can be to have a good conversation with a loved one.  I can feel my soul strengthen and true happiness consume me when I share a good laugh with a friend and it doesn’t matter what you do because conversation is sometimes all you need to brighten your day and outlook on life.
• For those of you who have pets, they can bring so much joy and unconditional love to your life!  They are content just to be with you and always love you no matter what.  If you are feeling lonely and want a buddy I totally suggest looking into getting a pet, whether it be a rescue pet from a shelter or from a reputable breeder.  There is no way to put into words the way your heart feels when your furry friend snuggles up to you.
• Read a great book and escape reality and your health problems for a little while.  I find when I am reading a book I thoroughly enjoy I feel completely captivated by the story and feel like I am right there with the characters.  Sometimes it is hard for us “Lymies” to concentrate and it may take a little longer to finish a book or you may have to reread sections over to fully absorb the concept but that is ok.  Take all the time you need and work on your time.
• Find a new hobby or try out new activities that make you happy.  A hobby could be anything you enjoy such as reading, mild exercise, scrapbooking or even a cooking class, etc.  Never try to let this disease overshadow your life and find an activity you relish that you are capable of doing without putting too much burden on your body.
• Music……if you are having an off day or you are feeling bummed out, listening to your favourite CD or songs on your IPOD are guaranteed to lift your spirits.  No matter what kind of mood you are in there are definitely a great assortment of songs always waiting for you.  I have recently discovered how amazing I feel when I go for a slow walk around the neighborhood with my dog and my IPOD.  Now that spring is here it feels so awesome to get out and get the adrenaline and circulation going and who better to accompany me than my four legged buddy.
• Oprah is consistently a source of inspiration.  She has and will continue to explore topics that are great for the human spirit and soul.  There have been many days where just watching her show has lifted my spirits and brought me renewed hope and encouragement.  The great thing about Oprah is you can always find a way to relate to her shows no matter what the topic is.  She does her best to make people’s dreams come true and to help change the world little by little.   Also, it is always a pleasure to watch Dr. Oz even if he isn’t talking about Lyme Disease there is something everyone can learn from him.  There is no greater inspiration than Oprah!  Check out her website at:  www.oprah.com

“Explosive…not since Michael Moore has a documentary caused such a stir across America.”
- Susan Wertheim, FOX News

“A whole different way of reporting on health…I was so moved. Emotionally riveting…a beautiful film.” (radio show)
- Dr. Mehmet Oz, Oprah and Friends Network

“[The film] gets under your skin and into your heart…[and] moves the viewer to ask serious questions about modern medicine. This film is a wake-up call that should reverberate through the halls of Congress, as well as doctors’ offices and research facilities.” (full article)
- James Swan, ESPN.com

A dramatic and frightening expose about how our corrupt medical system is failing to address one of the most serious epidemics of our times.  A dramatic tale of microbes, medicine and money, this eye-opening film investigates the untold story of Lyme disease, an emerging epidemic larger than AIDS.  Each year thousands go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, told that their symptoms are “all in their head.”  Following the stories of patients and physicians as they battle for their lives and livelihoods, the film brings into focus a haunting picture of our health care system and its inability to cope with a silent terror under our skin.

 Background

In the early 1970’s, a mysterious ailment was discovered among children living around the town of Lyme, CT.  What was first diagnosed as isolated cases of juvenile arthritis, eventually became known as Lyme disease, an illness triggered by spiral-shaped bacteria, similar to the microorganisms that cause syphilis.  Today, many of those untreated will suffer chronic debilitating illness.  Some unknowingly will pass the disease on to their unborn children.  Many will lose their livelihoods, and still others, their lives.  Yet Lyme disease is one of the most misunderstood and controversial illnesses of our time.  Difficult to test accurately, tens of thousands of people go undiagnosed—or misdiagnosed with such conditions as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, autism, MS and ALS.  The Centers for Disease Control admits that more than 200,000 people may acquire Lyme disease each year, a number greater than AIDS, West Nile Virus, and Avian Flu combined.  And yet, the medical establishment—with profound influence from the insurance industry—has stated that the disease is easily detectable and treatable, and that “chronic Lyme” is some other unrecognized syndrome or a completely psychosomatic disorder.  UNDER OUR SKIN is a powerful and often terrifying look not only at the science and politics of the disease, but also the personal stories of those whose lives have been affected and nearly destroyed.  From a few brave doctors who risk their medical licenses, to patients who once led active lives but now can barely walk, the film uncovers a hidden world that will astound viewers.  While exposing a broken health care and medical research system, the film also gives voice to those who believe that instead of a crisis, Lyme is simply a “disease du jour,” over diagnosed and contributing to another crisis: the looming resistance of microbes and ineffectuality of antibiotics.  As suspenseful and hair-raising as a Hollywood thriller, UNDER OUR SKIN is sure to get under yours.

To find out more information on this eye opening film, to watch trailers and to order a copy of the DVD please go to:  www.underourskin.com

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