Archive for June, 2011

Lyme Disease is caused by the invasive spirochetal bacteria known as Borrelia Burgdorferi which can be transmitted to unsuspecting humans and animals most commonly through deer ticks.  Although research has now confirmed that many if not most biting insects such as ticks (including all species), mosquitos, flies, mites, fleas, bed bugs, etc. are capable of carrying the bacteria as well.  The bacteria are known for their characteristic cork-screw or spiral shape.  This gives the bacteria the advantage to literally “drill” themselves into your body’s organs.  The infectious bacteria then proliferates and causes widespread infection in the body.  There are currently hundreds of strains of the Borrelia Burgdorferi bacteria that have been identified so far.

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, muscles, collagen, 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.  The most common carrier, the deer tick, can be just as small as the period at the end of this sentence and spotting them can be very difficult at times.

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, Autism, Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Alzheimer’s, 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.

Count the garden by the flowers, never by the leaves that fall.  Count your life with smiles and not the tears that roll.  ~Author Unknown

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 and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Rickettsia).  Lyme is potentially just a piece of the puzzle.

If that weren’t enough ( I hear ya!)…… viruses occasionally come into play as well! Either because they were transferred at the same time as the tick or bug bite or because many times viruses that are dormant in our bodies reactivate as the Lyme bacteria invades and suppresses our immune system.  Viruses and other infectious critters that can potentially overwhelm the immune system include but are certainly not limited to:  EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus), West Nile Virus, Herpes Virus, Candida, Chlamydia Pneumoniae, Parasites, Molds, Mycoplasma and so on.  Please refer to the following categories for additional health issues that commonly need to addressed in the bigger Lyme picture:  Inspiring Healing Strategies Advancing into the Lymelight and My Lymestyle

When our immune system becomes overloaded, infections that are normally kept under control can become problematic.  Every human being has infectious organisms, viruses and bacteria in their bodies but it is when the immune system becomes distracted or overwhelmed that Lyme and accompanying infections can throw our delicate systems out of balance and illness can occur.  Dr. Klinghardt believes that Borrelia is possibly the bug that opens the door for all the other infections to enter our systems.  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.  The most successful outcomes are reached by addressing every possible infection and burden on the immune system.

It is very important that any possible co-infections, viruses, yeast, molds, parasites, etc. be addressed as well as the Lyme because each factor needs to be treated separately and numerous antibiotics, natural remedies, medications, supplements, etc. need to be considered in the whole picture.  With a delayed diagnosis these co-infections and their friends begin to become “in sync” with each other and protect themselves in colonies surrounded by biofilm.  In this type of scenario these “bugs” begin to invade the body organs even deeper and create protective shields to ward off antimicrobials to further protect themselves.  This is why the infections need to be hit at constant levels with treatment in order to break them up and kill them.  Therefore, treatment can become quite complex, disheartening and lengthy.

Lyme has now been proven to be spreading to almost every region of the world and innocent victims must take precautions no matter where they live or travel to avoid risk of infection.  This widespread infection does not discriminate and anyone can be at risk.  Amazingly, Dr. Klinghardt believes that many people are carriers of the infection, but because of each individual’s own unique immune response, the severity and type of symptoms varies greatly.  A diagnosis is usually only made if someone is suffering with severe and persistent symptoms and has exhausted every avenue of treatment.  Others, who are not symptomatic may potentially be at risk of developing full-blown Lyme at some point in their lives. It may or may not happen.

Ticks attach to deer, birds and wildlife and areas that were previously unknown to host tick populations can now be at risk as ticks travel on wildlife, drop off and create new homes for themselves.  Ticks don’t need passports to get across the border, ha ha!  Animals can be infected and if a tick feeds on them and goes on to bite a human, the vicious cycle begins.  It is never my intention to frighten you as we all love to spend time outdoors, you just need to take precautions.  Once you are armed with all the necessary information your mind can be at ease.  Please read the category:  Tips to Prevent Lyme

Secondly, global warming is changing the world and climate in dramatic ways.  The temperature has increased over the past few years and has even caused ice glaciers to slowly begin melting.  More and more regions in the world that endured freezing temperatures over the winter are now experiencing milder temperatures.  Things are shifting and the world is changing.  This plays a part in Lyme as well due to the milder temperatures.  Tick colonies are not freezing out like they normally would in the winter months.  This in turn, is causing more reproduction of ticks and the spread of this infectious disease.

I would like to introduce you to a brand new book that has just been released for the new year!

“Lyme Disease – The Perfect Weapon”

Kaitlyn V. Johansen

This is the story of how three people out of a family of four in Canada had their lives affected by Lyme Disease.  It almost brought their lives to a crashing halt forever.  Read about the research done, their experiences and how they used themselves as guinea pigs to try different natural remedies for healing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) now states that Lyme disease is the largest infectious disease epidemic in the world.  The total cases of HIV, H1N1 and West Nile Virus cases do not hold a candle to the number of people affected by Lyme disease.  This disease is caused by a tick bite or person-to-person transmission and other vectors are also suspect.

Lyme disease masquerades as Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, heart arrhythmias, and many mental disorders including ADD, Bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s and personality or conduct disorders.  If you have had many tests done and nothing has been found, are exhausted, have many aches, pains, headaches and are feeling anxious or depressed for no reason, please consider that it may be Lyme disease.

There are many natural antibiotics and other supplements that may help you to feel considerably better.  They are also much cheaper than flying to another country to see a Lyme doctor (if you can find one who has the time to see you), paying for massively expensive and strong antibiotics that will make you feel worse than you do already, supplements, hotels, car rentals and other expenses.  Natural healing is definitely the way to go.

Introduction

Lyme disease is unlike any other disease known to mankind. It can ruin your health, your career, your relationships, your bank account and your life. It is insidious and will mimic any disease or health condition there is.  It has been called the “new great imitator”.  Syphilis had been called the “great imitator” in the past because it is also caused by a spirochete and the symptoms are very similar.

The longer you have this disease, the more everything you have is slowly eroded away.  You can’t understand why you have this brain fog, your body is sore and you are so exhausted you can hardly get out of bed in the morning. You think you may have a thyroid problem and see a doctor to get tested.  Your tests come back normal. You start to get bad headaches which you never had before, your neck is sore and your eyes hurt in bright light.

You start taking painkillers.  You can’t exercise like you could before because you get short of breath.  You get tested for anemia, your iron and B-12 are low and you can’t understand why.  You start flipping out over minor things and your family doesn’t know what is going on and they start staying away from you. Even though you feel terrible, everyone tells you that you look fine.

Well, friends, this is Lyme disease and no test in Canada will ever tell you that you have it. After ten or twenty years, you may die from a bad infection because your immune system is shot, or a stroke because the blood vessels in your brain have been demolished by the infection or heart failure because the bugs have invaded the nice, soft squishy muscle and will not leave.  Or maybe you will just have the major pain of arthritis and be in a wheelchair, but no one will be able to help you because you have fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue which are nice pseudonyms for non-diseases.

Welcome to our world.  We were lucky enough to have had our Lyme disease diagnosed and found help from compassionate doctors in the United States. They tried for a couple of years and we got better, but we did not get totally well.  We have investigated and researched hours and hours and hours and now have great insight to what this disease means and how to manage the symptoms and get to feeling a lot better. This book has been written to help people in Canada who suspect they have Lyme disease because nothing or no one has been able to help them feel better. Their lives have become unmanageable and they are getting very depressed.  Some have lost their jobs, their savings, their homes and their families. They do not know where to turn.

Copies of “Lyme Disease – The Perfect Weapon” are now available at McNally Robinson Booksellers in Saskatoon and online at:

http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/

Infection and inflammation from Lyme has definitely caused me some very interesting and peculiar symptoms.  Some of the afflictions have been tolerable and others downright scary to the point I would get rushed to ER because it felt like my whole body was falling apart.  I am a little embarrassed to display these pictures for the world to see but I believe it is so important to spread as much awareness about Lyme as possible.

The unfortunate people who are affected by the Lyme bacteria may just be considered the “lucky” ones if they notice the telltale bulls-eye rash on their body.  This is a promising sign so haul your butt to the doctor immediately and get your hands on a prescription of Doxycycline to wipe out the early infection.  Many people are not blessed with this first physical sign and therefore may not know the cause of their illness and spend years being misdiagnosed and searching desperately for an answer to their ill state of health.

These are just a few pictures that I have taken during my Lyme journey and I was oddly overjoyed to capture these “kodak moments” as they are virtually the only few physical symptoms the bacteria has caused me.  The majority off my symptoms are invisible and anyone who doesn’t know me would say I look just fine and would probably never realize I am living with a chronic illness.

Swollen & Painful Knees #1

Swollen & Painful Knees #2

Swollen & Painful Knees #3

Swollen & Painful Knees #4

Secondary Bulls-Eye Rash #1

Secondary Bulls-Eye Rash #2

Secondary Bulls-Eye Rash #3

 

 

Listed below are just some of the symptoms caused by Lyme Disease.  Every person is affected differently and may only have a few of these symptoms.  Lyme is causing more obscure and strange symptoms as the years go by but these tend to be the most common.  You may have various other symptoms not listed here.  You would certainly need to seek counsel from either a LLMD or LLND for a proper diagnosis as Lyme tends to mimic every possible disease or illness under the sun.  It is because of this reason that correct diagnosis can tend to be difficult at times.

Those suffering with Lyme do not need to “look” a certain way to be sick.  Lyme can very much be an “invisible illness”.  Since the bacteria affects every person differently and because every immune system reacts and responds in its own unique way there is no “one size fits all” in this scenario.  Some are in wheelchairs, bedridden and confined to their homes.  Others are symptomatic but can still live full lives.  The rest are like me where we look perfectly healthy but are suffering on the inside and struggle to live productive lives.  If someone is not physically disabled in some fashion there is no way to tell who is harboring the bacteria or not.

The proper testing needs to be performed in order to know for sure if you are suffering with Lyme or a completely different form of illness.  Some chronic illnesses that look like Lyme can indeed turn out not to be.  Please seek the advice of a Lyme specialist for your own peace of mind and to guide you on the right path to wellness.  I wish you all the best in regaining your health and happiness!

I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle.  I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.  ~Mother Teresa

• Extreme Fatigue and Exhaustion Resembling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Fevers / Chills / Sweats / Flushing
• Flu Like Symptoms
• Sinus Congestion
• Muscle, Joint and Bone Pain Throughout Entire Body
• Joint Pain and Swelling
• Stiffness and Tightness in the Joints
• Tingling and Numbness, Burning, Pinching, Stabbing Sensations, Shooting Pains
• Muscle Tremors and Twitches
• Muscle Weakness, Clumsiness, Loss of Muscle Coordination
• Feeling of Paralysis
• Headaches and Head Pressure
• Neck Cracking, Stiffness and Pain
• Blurry Vision, Loss of Vision, Eye Pain and Floaters
• Ear Pain, Buzzing, Ringing, Sensitivity to Sound
• Facial and Jaw Pain
• Dizziness and Loss of Balance
• Sensitivity to Light and Sound
• Nausea and Stomach Pain
• Kidney, Rib and Back Pain
• Irritable Bladder
• Chest Pain and Heart Palpitations
• Shortness of Breath
• Hallucinations
• Blacking Out
• Constant “Gray Veil” Surrounding Your Vision
• Unavoidable Need to Sit or Lie Down
• Poor Stamina and Endurance
• Unexplained Weight Changes
• Sleeping Problems – Too Much, Too Little, Vivid Nightmares, Constant Wakening
• Brain Fog and Confusion
• Concentration Difficulties
• Poor Short Term Memory
• Speech and Word Finding Difficulties
• Mood Swings
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Attacks
• Aggression and Rage
• Paranoia
• 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)

Lyme Identified in Saskatchewan:

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/webarchives/20071213015940/http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/99vol25/dr2509ea.html

Lyme Fact Sheet:

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

Most Recommended Websites:

http://www.canlyme.com/

http://www.lymeinfo.net/

http://www.ilads.org/

http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/

http://www.lymedisease.org/

http://www.timeforlyme.org/

http://www.lymebytes.blogspot.com/

http://www.betterhealthguy.com/

http://www.drsusanmarra.com/

http://www.personalconsult.com/

http://www.publichealthalert.org/

http://www.lymebook.com/

http://www.mercola.com/

http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/

Dr. Klinghardt has one of the most brilliant and gifted minds in the world of Chronic Illness and Lyme Disease today.  I am absolutely blessed and honoured to be partaking in his treatment protocols and truly feel they are leading me on the path to wellness.  I wanted you to have access to his invaluable published articles and treatment approaches as outlined on his fascinating website.  You can feel free to browse the following website at length to learn more about his teachings and learn why he truly is a world renowned teacher and healer.

http://www.klinghardtacademy.com/

Comprehensive Medical Center is the home of Dr. Klinghardt and his outstanding colleagues.  This world renowned center is located in Kirkland, Washington near Seattle.  My Lyme journey has recently geared me on the path to Dr. Klinghardt’s Medical Center and I am extremely fortunate to be in the hands of such fabulous and warm hearted practitioners.  Their services and techniques are on the leading edge of treatment protocols in the world of Chronic Illness and Lyme.

I absolutely love how the practitioners tailor each individual’s protocol to their own very specific needs as each person is affected differently by this illness and their body responds in very distinct ways.  In my Lyme journey I have come to understand (although it took me a long time!) that Lyme is very rarely the main culprit in this crazy illness.  My fabulous practitioner has helped me to make sense of this whole maze and has clarified the main issues beautifully.  Comprehensive Medical Center truly approaches treatment with a whole body approach to make sure you are getting the best care possible and to leave no stone unturned.

I have learned so much since my first visit to Comprehensive in July 2010!  I thought I knew a lot about Lyme…… that is until I started my treatment at the clinic!  Having already gained a wealth of knowledge, it is my sincere pleasure to share as much of these resources with you as I possibly can.  Please take a look at the following website to learn more about what the clinic has to offer.

http://www.commedctr.com/

Online Support Groups are a great resource to share treatment ideas, gain intelligent information and feel the warm embrace of other kindhearted people dealing with Lyme and Chronic Illness.  If you feel this could be an avenue to pursue for you, I highly recommend CanLyme which is a Canadian Support Group which helped me tremendously when I was first diagnosed with Lyme.  This support group contains so many caring and kind people dedicated to helping others heal from Lyme.  Also, LymeNet in the U.S. is particularly beneficial in that you can learn about the newest and exciting treatment approaches that are sometimes limited to us here in Canada.

http://www.canlyme.com/ – Just click on “Live Discussion” on the far left hand side of the home page.  You can choose to register as a member or feel free to browse the terrific information on the discussion boards.

http://www.lymenet.com/ – Just click on “Flash Discussion” on the far left hand side of the home page.  Once again you can either choose to register as a member or if you prefer you can browse the discussion boards.

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:

“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

“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!)

“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)

“From Fatigued to Fantastic” by Jacob Teitelbaum (*Excellent resource for those suffering with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia.  Lyme can be the underlying culprit in these illnesses and symptoms may overlap.  I found it to contain really useful information and can indeed be helpful in many forms of chronic illness.)

Explosive…not since Michael Moore has a documentary caused such a stir across America.

~ Susan Wertheim, FOX News

To say your work will save tens of thousands of lives in the next 50 years is likely an understatement.

~ James Schaller, M.D.

A fierce and beautiful film! A truth-telling, soul-wrenching, anger-igniting work of art.

~ Jean Houston, Best-Selling Author

A gripping tale of microbes, medicine & money, UNDER OUR SKIN exposes the hidden story of Lyme disease, one of the most serious and controversial epidemics of our time. Each year, thousands go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, often told that their symptoms are all in their head. Following the stories of patients and physicians fighting for their lives and livelihoods, the film brings into focus a haunting picture of the health care system and a medical establishment all too willing to put profits ahead of patients.

Background

In the early 1970′s, a mysterious illness 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, one of the most misunderstood and controversial illnesses of our time. 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.

Difficult to test accurately, tens of thousands of people go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The Centers for Disease Control admits that more than 400,000 people may acquire Lyme disease each year, a number ten times greater than AIDS and West Nile Virus 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 gripping 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 alarm 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 ineffectiveness of antibiotics. As suspenseful and hair-raising as any Hollywood thriller, UNDER OUR SKIN is sure to get under yours.

I encourage you to take a look at the following Under Our Skin Trailer on YouTube.  The film is beautifully portrayed and will shock you and sadden you at the same time.  It stirs up many emotions and is incredibly powerful.  Under Our Skin is a riveting and intense film which will truly move you and give you goosebumps.

http://youtu.be/z5u73ME4sVU

To find out more information on this eye opening film, view upcoming screenings in your area, watch additional film excerpts and order copies of the DVD please go to:

http://www.underourskin.com/

*** Under Our Skin is now available for viewing at iTunes and Shaw on Demand! Please check the above website for additional viewing options.

In this category I wanted to share with you a few of the amazing and simple procedures that have helped me find tremendous relief on my Lyme path.  All of the procedures I have listed below can be performed on a daily basis in the comfort of your own home.  Unfortunately, many afflicted with Lyme and chronic illness don’t have the means to seek help from the sometimes pricey Lyme specialists, so I wanted to offer cost friendly options that you can do on your own without necessarily seeking the guide of these doctors.

Many of these treatments are excellent methods for detox and will help flush the nasty stuff that has built up in your body from the Lyme bacteria, co-infections, viruses, parasites, etc.  I have come to appreciate how vital detox is when healing the body from Lyme.  Many if not all LLMD’s and LLND’s would agree that detox is just as important as the various antibiotics, herbs and natural remedies used to eradicate the bacteria.

I know that you will feel just as vibrant, energetic and alive as I do after working these essential routines into your daily healing schedule.  They may seem a tad daunting at first but I assure you once you get comfortable with these procedures you will wonder where they have been all your life and you will look forward to making time in your schedule to enjoy them.  You can have peace of mind knowing that you are treating your body like the temple it is!

I promise that all the information I have listed below is safe and that I undergo these treatments on a regular basis.  I guarantee I will only suggest protocols that I have personally used and trusted.  Many LLMD’s and LLND’s will recommend that their patients follow these natural healing strategies so if you have a trusted doctor you may want to ask their advice before trying any of these therapies on your own to make sure it is safe for your own individual healing process.

To feel keenly the poetry of a morning’s roses, one has to have just escaped from the claws of this vulture which we call sickness.  ~Henri Frederic Amiel

Coffee Enemas – Oh, I hear ya!  I was thinking the exact same thing when enemas were suggested to me by my practitioner!  “You want me to put that hose where?!?”  Coffee enemas can be a foreign and scary thought when first entertaining the idea of them.  Although, let me tell ya, they work!  Once I got comfortable with them I couldn’t believe the results.  I felt so energetic, clean and lively after doing each flush.  I now perform them 3-4 times per week and I love them.  I can tell automatically if I miss a day because my body feels toxic, heavy and gross.

Coffee enemas are used as a great tool to detox as they help to stimulate the liver to release toxins and garbage to be carried out through the colon.  They have been used for many many years by people with cancer and chronic illness and are now popular in Lyme culture.  I recommend checking out S.A. Wilson’s website below as they are pioneers in the coffee enema business and create specially formulated organic coffee specifically for enema use.  It is best to use only organic coffee so as to not introduce anymore chemicals into our already toxic ridden bodies.  The website also offers instructions on how to perform an enema or you can just google “coffee enemas” as there are tons of recipes and information on them.

http://www.sawilsons.com/

Epsom Salt Baths – I add 2-3 cups of Epsom Salt to a very warm bath and soak for a minimum of 20 minutes.  This is a great way to detoxify and sweat toxins through your largest organ, your skin.  Also, the salts help to relieve sore, painful muscles.  Epsom Salt is very reasonably priced and can be found at your local drugstore, Wal-Mart or Costco.  One tip is to work up slowly with the Epsom Salts as adding too much right away can cause weakness from released toxins.  Also, when first starting out limit your soaks to 20 minutes and work up as tolerated.

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 to 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.

A good rule of thumb is to dry brush toward the heart or the lymph nodes that the region drains to.  You will find this helpful when you have uncomfortable swollen glands in your armpits or neck.  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.  Or, if you have a detachable shower head try running the coldest water you can tolerate over your body starting with your legs and slowly working upwards.  The cold water will remove dead skin cells and stimulate the body.

Chiropractic Adjustments – What a godsend these have become!  I never realized the importance of adjustments for the first few years I was struggling with Lyme.  Now, they have become a staple in my regime.  Some people prefer to go once or twice weekly but I find once every 2-3 weeks is usually sufficient unless I am having a flare up in my pain levels or something feels out of whack.  I have recently come to realize that chiropractic adjustments are so much more than just getting “your back cracked”.  They help to readjust your nervous system so all of your bodies signals are firing properly which in turn can significantly reduce your pain levels.  I have been fortunate enough to find a holistic chiropracter in that he doesn’t crack backs but in turn uses a clicking device which aligns the bones properly in my body.  Structural problems are now being addressed in Lyme practices as these issues can have a great impact on a Lyme ridden body.  It really is just another piece of the puzzle.

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.  Another plus is massage greatly aids in lymphatic drainage and will help relieve sore painful lymph nodes.  Any form of massage is wonderful but I feel the most beneficial forms are therapeutic, swedish and lympthatic drainage as these can help release toxin buildup, fluid and pain from your muscles and joints.  A relaxing massage is nice but doesn’t work the body as much as needed when trying to relieve pain.  I get regular swedish and lymphatic drainage massages and I look forward to them so much.  They have helped tremendously with my pain levels and I feel such a sense of overall well-being and calmness afterwards.  I think you would love them just as much as I do!

Mild Exercise- Stretching, 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 can, even if that is just walking around your living room or doing gentle muscle stretching.  I do regular mild full body stretching which has been so beneficial to my tight sore muscles and joints.  Boy, do I feel relaxed and oh so good afterwards!

Any form of exercise is necessary when trying to recover from Lyme.  Many LLMD’s and LLND’s insist that it isn’t possible to recover from Lyme without exercise and I definitely agree with them on this issue.  Don’t be hard on yourself thinking you need to run a marathon as even the gentlest forms of movement are incredibly helpful.  As your body heals from this illness you will be fully capable of engaging in all your favourite sports and activities once again.  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.

Hormone Replacement – It is very important that hormones be tailored specifically to each individual person.  Some Lymies may have more of a need for replacement hormones than others.  This will need to be addressed through the proper testing with your Lyme specialist.  I just wanted to be open about my own personal experience.  Due to the chronic stress and illness on my body over the years it became very apparent that I needed some adrenal support.  Adrenals are the little glands that sit on top of your kidneys and help your body deal with stress and support your immune system.  Unfortunately, it is very common to see adrenal exhaustion in Lyme Disease and Chronic Illness.  This illness can deplete these small glands rather easily but there are many promising prescriptions and natural products that will help to rebuild and support these little guys.  Your doctor will know which product is best suited to your needs and you will be on your way to having happy healthy adrenals once again.

The thyroid is another gland that seems to have a rough go of it as well.  More or less, it’s the same type of scenario in that the stress on the body can really wear down thyroid function.  Oh, happy day…… there is great news when it comes to this gland also.  With the proper replacement product (whether it be precription or au natural) all can be well again.  Wow, have I learned that missing a dose is not acceptable!  These hormones are so critical in the fight against Lyme and provide your body with all the fighting power it can.  Also, your body receives the extra boost it so rightfully deserves and needs.  Lyme specialists are very aware of the importance of balancing hormones so I feel quite sure this will be addressed in your treatment plan but if you suspect a hormone issue definitely feel at ease discussing this with your doc.

Supplements – Did I mention supplements?  So, this tends to be the way the cookie crumbles when receiving help in the Lyme department.  Many, so many supplements.  Once I get used to each treatment protocol and get rolling with my supplements it’s a breeze.  Although, I do have a schedule on my fridge to help with my Lyme brain.  Anyone who can remember which supplements to take at which meals and before, between, at bedtime, etc. deserves a prize of some sort.  Sure, swallowing all these pills can get frustrating at times and I have thought, “How can I possibly get another pill down my throat?”  In the end, it is for the greater good since Lyme robs our bodies of so many essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients.  Knowing that our bodies are being pumped full of all these glorious golden little pills definitely brings peace of mind and the willingness to get the job done.

Yes, indeed I am on a full spectrum arsenal of prescriptions and supplements but they are benefiting me so much that I now welcome them with open arms.  You really do get used to it after a bit.  Only a Lyme specialist can tailor the best treatment plan specific to your body’s needs so, if you have the means, I highly recommend this approach.  Seeking the help from a Lyme doc is the best avenue to approach in order to avoid possible side effects, allergies and extreme herx reactions.  They will know best which medications and supplements can be taken together at the same time.

Top Supplements – Although there are many different brands and variations out there that you might need to experiment with, the main supplements I have found to be most beneficial are:

• Magnesium – Lyme is famous for stealing our Magnesium supply in our bodies so replacing this essential mineral is very important.  I find that it helps me feel more relaxed so I can sleep better at night.  It alleviates my achy, sore muscles and decreases those odd chest/heart pains and palpitations.
• Essential Fatty Acids – These are an essential!  Essential fatty acids including Omega 3′s and Omega 6′s are proving to become a staple in chronic illness.  In Lyme, they help beautifully with inflammation and brain function and are a critical aid in the recovery process.
• Vitamin C – A super booster for the immune system!  When battling Lyme we welcome all the help we can get in strengthening our immune systems to fight off these nasty critters.  Recently,  phospholipid and liposomal formulas have been gaining much attention as having the absorbancy rate of an IV as compared to taking them orally.  These formulas are showing much promise in the Vitamin C circles.
• Probiotics – These are the healthy bacteria that are desperately needed in the gut after antibiotics, antimicrobials, herbs, etc. are ingested in strong doses to kill the Lyme bacteria in our bodies.  Probiotics help to replace the good bacteria that is killed off during Lyme treatment and helps to restore our immune function and balance the gut.
• Vitamin D3 – This incredible essential vitamin is gaining much attention in the media in that it helps prevent numerous diseases including MS, Alzheimers, Cancer and so on.  This is one vitamin that the majority of the population does not get enough of due to lack of natural sunlight on a daily basis.  Even if we follow a healthy diet we run the risk that we are still not getting enough Vitamin D in our bodies.  We absolutely need this little pill to help regulate our immune systems and help lower inflammation.

Clean Diet – Sorry to be the bearer of bad news on this subject!  This is and continues to be a hard thing for me to accept.  When I first started Lyme treatment it was stated to me over and over again that I have absolutely no sugar, no gluten and no dairy.  Sugar and gluten have some wonderful substitutes out there and I thought I may possibly manage those ideas.  Although dairy is one of my best friends and I couldn’t fathom life without it!

Fortunately, I have recently been muscle tested for dairy and the testing proved I can handle dairy quite well and there is no need to eliminate it from my diet.  I was ecstatic to say the very least!  I guess being a Type B blood type has its benefits in that I can handle dairy quite well!

So, when it comes to diet in the Lyme world it is often stressed that sugar, gluten and dairy are the enemies but I find it to be a very individual approach.  If you are under the care of a Lyme doc I would recommend seeking their advice on the diet topic.  If your doc performs muscle testing this is even better as this testing can address specific concerns to specific foods.  Organic food is also very often stressed to cut down on the chemicals and preservatives in our already toxic bodies.  Organic can get quite pricey so just do the best that you can.  Even if you can only afford a few organic items that is definitely better than none at all.

Sugar is a particularly nasty substance to begin with as it weakens the immune system, breeds candida and causes major inflammation in the body.  Indeed, sugar is a critical issue to those ridden with the Lyme bacteria.  The Lyme bugs LOVE sugar and will gobble it up like it is going out of style!  This in turn causes the bacteria to multiply like crazy and further spread into all the organs in your body.  I can certainly notice when I treat myself to this ingredient that my symptoms flare like crazy, I become irritable and curse why I did this to myself.  It really is addicting so the more you consume the more you want.  I find after I cut it out I feel much better in a couple days and don’t get the insane sugar cravings.  Many times this is not you wanting the sugar but the Lyme bugs, candida and parasites that are willing to do anything to get it.

I certainly don’t completely deprive myself!  I find it easier when I am eating at home because I can prepare all my recipes from scratch using healthier substitutions.  So, I try to make wise food choices as best I can when I can.  I so look forward to dining out with my hubby and girlfriends so I can indulge in my pastime favourites from time to time.  So, don’t be too hard on yourself for indulging in your favourite guilty pleasures from time to time.  I find expecting to never touch sugar, gluten and dairy again a huge thing to expect and is much easier said than done.  Have that occasional piece of pizza just don’t overdo it.  Feel good doing the best you can and making healthy choices.  I think you will find your symptoms to be much more tolerable when switching to a clean diet.  This makes the process so much easier when you can reap the benefits!  Please check out the Recipes / Diet category for more information.

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.  Lyme can cause symptoms quite similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and may cause that unrelentless sleepy feeling all day long.   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.

You may want to get your thyroid and adrenal levels checked as low levels can rob you of energy and cause excessive sleepiness.  I know if I miss my hormone pills at 8:00 am I can sleep in till noon without even flinching an eye lid.  Insomnia can be a big issue for us Lymies as well and can be frustrating to say the least.  Depending on our bodies cycles and flare-ups from treatment it can become such a hassle laying in bed at night for hours with the inability to doze off.  Occasionally, I go through a week at a time having difficult sleeping patterns and I just want more than anything to soar off into dreamland.

Lavendar oil has worked wonders for me in this department!  You can experiment with it to see what works for you.  Some rub a little on their pillow case at bedtime to help them drift off.  I dab a little just under my nose and behind my ears and breathing in the delightful scent helps calm the brain and make getting those zzzz’s happen much faster.  Melatonin in small doses has worked for some Lymies and can be found at your local health food store.  I’m not an advocate for prescription sleep aids as these pills have the potential of becoming habit forming and cause excessive drowsiness.

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 meditation, avoiding negative and life draining people, only doing as much as your body allows, taking a mild walk, laughing as much as possible and thinking positive happy thoughts.

Positive Uplifting Thoughts and Attitude -   I’ll be the first to admit that when you are suffering with Lyme and the accompanying issues that go with it, 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 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 and makes me chuckle!

Chronic illness definitely isn’t for wimps.  ~Unknown

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 go out and have some 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.

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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.

Organic is now becoming a new way of life when living with Lyme.  Non-organic foods can sometimes be laden with harsh chemicals, preservatives, hormones and toxic substances.  As Lymies we are already trying to do our best to keep our bodies clean and toxic free as we are already overwhelmed from the toxins that Borrelia and its friends throw at us.  Organic foods are still somewhat limited to us here in the prairie provinces so I would just say to take advantage of organic products whenever you can.  Farmer’s markets are always a fabulous source of fresh organic fruits, veggies, herbs, etc. and strolling around checking out all the mouthwatering goodies is so much fun.  Now that spring has finally arrived Farmer’s markets will be popping up throughout our cities and towns everywhere so why not skip the grocery store and take advantage of these local markets.  It is always a great idea to help out and support our local farmer’s.  Health food stores and grocery stores are starting to introduce organic foods as well so organic is slowly becoming a big part of the picture.

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 following specific 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.  I was so excited to go into my local grocery store and see their new line of “natural foods!”  So, more and more grocery stores are getting on the whole food craze which is terrific to see!

I am in awe everytime I step into Whole Foods in the U.S. and it is my dream that one day we will have this store too.  They are a huge grocery store dedicated solely to whole, natural foods!  You can create gluten free pizzas, sample sugar free desserts, enjoy naturally made soda pop and so much more.  It is like one of our local health food stores but 10 times the size.  So, if you ever find yourself vacationing or seeking Lyme treatment in the U.S. and come across a Whole Foods…… you should really treat yourself and take the time to revel in the experience.  You will be amazed!

Here are just a few of my favourite healthy foods:

• 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.
• 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.
• Xylitol – A 100% natural sweetener!  You may already be familiar with Xylitol as it is frequently used in our favourite chewing gums.  Although Xylitol tastes and looks just the same as regular sugar it is so much healthier and contains half the amount of calories.  This wonderful all natural product also won’t raise your blood sugar levels the way regular sugar does.  You can use Xylitol in all your delicious desserts to replace sugar as it has the same amount of sweetness vs. regular sugar.  Just use it the same way and in the same amounts as you would use regular sugar.  Where sugar consistently wreaks havoc on our bodies; Xylitol heals, repairs and helps build our immune systems.  Give it a try, you will love it!
• Pure Raw Honey – 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.  Coconut oil is a “super oil” in that 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?  I have recently learned this glorious oil is antimicrobial and antiviral as well so it can be a helpful tool as part of your Lyme treatment.  I incorporate coconut oil into my daily smoothies and it gives them that wonderful tropical flavour I love so much!  If that is not enough to make you want to run out and buy it…… it also has healing properties for the skin.  It can help soothe dry, chapped skin, psoriasis, rosacea and so on.
• 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.

Gluten Free Chickie is a wonderfully unique website in that it doesn’t just offer gluten free recipes, it offers so much more!  It gives readers a thorough and intelligent guide to dining out and finding great gluten free food in Alberta.  Also available are FREE gluten free food tours!  I love it, such a smart idea!  Please click on the logo to guide you through this one of a kind website!

Food.com is a website that caters to sugar, gluten and dairy free cooking where I found lots of impressive recipes.

http://www.food.com/

Elana’s Pantry is an amazing gluten free website that hosts tons of recipes for simple mouthwatering delicacies.  Also, it is a great resource for organic, healthful recipes.

http://www.elanaspantry.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.

Testing for Lyme Disease is currently quite controversial as the conventional medical community will state that the standard ELISA blood test done through our provincial labs is most accurate to diagnose Lyme.  Some lucky people will actually receive a positive result but this occurance is very RARE.  The Western Blot is the more precise blood test but provincial labs refuse to perform this test unless the first test – the ELISA comes back positive.  So, in turn our labs are missing a significant amount of positive Lyme diagnoses because of their reliance on a faulty test.

All Lyme doctors will tell you that the ELISA is garbage and a waste of time.  It doesn’t hurt to get your family doctor to run this test for you but I don’t want to see you get your hopes up because the majority of the results are negative.  The scary fact is that just because your ELISA test comes back negative…… this does not mean that you don’t have Lyme!  It still can’t be ruled out as a diagnosis until further testing is performed.  I can’t even remember the numerous occasions where I have heard some poor person say “Well, my ELISA came back negative so it can’t be Lyme!”

We are taught to rely on blood tests to give us the truth but sadly this is an illness that can evade blood detection and sometimes a sick person doesn’t produce enough antibodies for the ELISA to pick up.  It is stated by the Health Agency of Canada that Lyme is a clinical diagnosis based on exposure and symptoms.  Blood tests can be used to support and confirm a Lyme diagnosis but should not be relied upon.  The EM or bulls-eye rash is absolutely the first physical indication of Lyme exposure and the patient needs to be treated with Doxycycline immediately.  Early treatment is critically important to preventing further dissemination of the bacteria in the body.  I really do believe a 2 week course (sometimes longer) of Doxycycline can never hurt when Lyme is suspected in the early stages.  Better to be safe than sorry!

Another devastating truth is that many non-Lyme doctors and specialists have been taught that once Lyme has reached the chronic stages (months to years) that there is nothing that can be done and the patient is left to suffer.  Or, the doctor may decide to prescribe you 2 weeks of antibiotics.  This is not nearly enough treatment after being infected for months to years with this bacteria.  This is absolutely false and I need to go to my “happy place” anytime I hear this statement as it breaks my heart.  This is the farthest thing from the truth and with all the false information out there on Lyme people are becoming terrified of this illness and there is no need for that.  Of course, prevention is the best method as you don’t want to contract the bacteria in the first place.  But if you happen to be infected and maybe don’t find out until months or years later ~ there is hope!

There are many kindhearted and compassionate LLMD’s or LLND’s out there who desperately want to help you.  The good news is British Columbia now has a handful of Naturopathic doctors who are taking on Lyme patients and have been trained by one of the best B.C. Lyme Specialists – Dr. Murakami.  The U.S. is home to Lyme specialists in nearly every state that offer the newest cutting edge therapies.  I certainly sympathize with how scared and lost you can feel with this disease but things are changing and Lyme patients are now given more encouragement and support than ever before.  These are the reasons why I felt such an urge in my heart to share Prairie Lymelight with all of you so we can connect and give each other support, hope and encouragement on our journeys together.

Success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion.  You must set yourself on fire.  ~Arnold H. Glasow

Ok, so to the Lyme testing!  I would recommend the first thing to do if you suspect you or a loved one has been infected with Lyme is get to your family doctor right away.  Infectious Disease Specialists are not always on board with treating Lyme unless you have a positive test so I can’t say for sure if they will be of help to you or not.  It is certainly worth a try and you may want to discuss this with your family doc.

Requesting the ELISA test from your doctor is never a bad thing as the fee will be covered under your provincial health plan.  You may just be one of the lucky ones who receives a positive result so you never want to throw this option out the window.  However, if you get the ELISA test done, receive a negative result and continue to suspect you are infected with Borrelia I highly recommend you get tested through IGeneX.  This is a lab in California that specializes strictly in Lyme and co-infection testing and is one of the best in the world for detecting these illnesses.  Many if not all LLMD’s and LLND’s rely on IGeneX when testing their patients who already have a clinical diagnosis or who are suspected to have Lyme.  As I mentioned before, not everyone infected with Lyme produces antibodies so IGeneX can’t guarantee every test will come back positive.  In this case, further evaluation needs to be done.

You will need the requisition form signed by a doctor.  If you have a caring, willing family doctor to sign for the test that would be fantastic.  Or, maybe you see a specialist that would sign for you.  If these aren’t options, then most likely you will need a LLMD or LLND to sign for you.

You can contact IGeneX and they will send you the test kit free of charge.  Once you have a doctor’s signature you can take the test kit to your local lab and they will draw blood for the test.  I believe most labs have experience in dealing with various test kits from the U.S. if not, a good lab will find out the necessary information so they can help you with your test kit.  It is then up to you to ship the test kit to the address enclosed in your kit.  Payment is also up to you and the price varies depending on which tests you have done.  The most common and effective test to begin with is IGeneX’s Lyme Western Blot.  Although IGeneX offers various effective tests for detecting the bacteria.  Testing for co-infections may be a possibility as well as the majority of those infected with Lyme are also harboring one or more co-infections.

You may already be working with a Lyme specialist so if you have been diagnosed clinically with Lyme or it is suspected most likely your doc will order the required tests for you.  Some doctors keep the IGeneX test kits on hand at their office so they may just sign off and get the ball rolling for you.  Either way, the instructions are quite simple and you can be reassured you are getting one of the best tests done for your health.

For more information regarding IGeneX and their testing please visit their website at:

http://www.igenex.com/

The CD57 blood test is advancing into the Lymelight and is being considered a “magic tool” when standard testing and even IGeneX aren’t giving the desired results.  More and more LLMD’s and LLND’s are using this brilliant blood test as a diagnostic tool to help diagnose Lyme, monitor treatment progress and to help aid in the correct time to stop antibiotics, including natural antibiotics.  The CD57 test measures a specific type of white blood cell that functions as a “natural killer cell” or “NK” cell.  NK cells are said to invade and destroy infected cells and foreign invaders.  There is question whether Lyme can be adequately controlled by the body unless the NK cells are functioning properly.

Lyme specialists are starting to rely on the CD57 test as a means for diagnosing Lyme since the standard ELISA and Western Blot blood tests are not always a reliable indicator for picking up Lyme antibodies.  If the CD57 is low this is a strong indicator that you are infected with the bacteria.  The lower your “NK” cell count is, the stronger the infection and its effects upon your immune system.  Unfortunately, this test is not very reliable in Canada as is the same old story with Lyme testing so you will want to be tested through LabCorp in the U.S. for an accurate reading.  As of recent, IGeneX is now offering the CD57 as well.  I believe we will be hearing much more about this test in the near future.  You will want to discuss this blood test with your Lyme specialist to decide if it is a good healing tool for you on your journey.

Fry Labs is another option I wanted to mention as well.  This lab is located in Arizona and specializes in detecting infectious and chronic disease through microscopy for visual identification. I don’t know enough about this lab to recommend it but I do know some LLMD’s and LLND’s rely on and believe Fry offers the most advanced detection for co-infections.  Significant success has been achieved through this lab’s testing methods.

One of my previous Lyme doc’s requested I get a blood smear done through Fry Labs.  My test did come back positive and infection was found visibly in my blood cells.  It was pretty crazy to say the least!  This lab does offer promising tests in regard to chronic illness and offers a wide array of testing for co-infections such as Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia and such.  These co-infections don’t get the attention they deserve and they are proving to be a big piece of the puzzle with Lyme.  Please check out what Fry Labs has to offer at:

http://www.frylabs.com/