I was thinking over the weekend of how far I have come in my journey in a short time. I remember when I first got my diagnosis and how overwhelming everything quickly became. I went to my original support group and was reading all of the comments from the newly diagnosed members, and I felt compelled to do a post on the topic. I will give what I think are some basics and after reading this, you will find more help in detail on my "links" page.
This may not be the best example, but it makes sense to me. Lyme is like being pregnant for the first time, in a sense. You will find many people giving you different advice, and sometimes people think that their way is the only way. This is not so, as our bodies are all different. So first and foremost, do not let yourself become overwhelmed. Take it in if you want to, but remember this is YOUR body.
I strongly recommend that you find yourself a good, solid support group such as Yahoo Groups, HealingWell or there are many on Facebook. You will find many very kind people who have been through it all and are very willing to help and give you support. Remember, however, that no matter how supportive, you still need a good lyme literate doctor. Taking medical advice from someone else can be, and quite frankly IS dangerous.
Here are a few things, among others, you need to have if given a lyme diagnosis:
PATIENCE. Unless you have just been bit chances are you have chronic lyme. The treatment for this can take a LONG time. Weeks into months, months into years with many cases. There can be setbacks, breaks in treatment sometimes, and although it is normal to get anxious, you MUST have patience with this disease.
PERSISTENCE. You have to be persistent in your treatment. Do not give up, do not falter. Sometimes, you will just want to "give up" but you must keep pushing forward. Remember you CAN and WILL get through this, and you should be your biggest cheerleader. Don't give up on your battle, EVER.
POSITIVE ATTITUDE. I cannot stress this enough. Sure, you will have days that you feel defeated and just can't go on, you will be sick of being sick, hopeless or helpless. Keeping a positive attitude is crucial in your journey back to health, I believe, in ANY illness. Constantly feeling down and depressed just is not good for you, and your body will let you know in ways of pain, fatigue, worsening symptoms, etc. It is a good idea to find something that keeps your spirits up. Also, it is a good idea to stay away from people who do not support you, or those who are not "good" for your overall health.
For me, I find the most strength through my faith in God, and also through exercise. Find your own way, whether it be your own personal faith practices, or your own type of exercise, a hobby, keeping a journal (this is a good idea anyway, to keep track of your daily symptoms), supportive friends/family, your lyme support group, and/or a professional therapist preferably one who works with individuals with chronic illnesses.
If you EVER have feelings of suicide in any situation in life, SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION!!! No matter how bad things seem, there is ALWAYS a way to work things through.
You will also need to do some research. This can be a difficult thing at first, as there are many sites on the Internet that will give you false information in regard to Lyme. Stay away from sites such as the IDSA website, in my opinion. There are many trusted sites, and you can find good ones in the websites such as Living Lyme on my "links" page as well as from the links in your support group.
You do not have to become a pro, that is up to your doctor. But with any disease, it is a good idea to learn what you can and become educated on what is going on in your body and the medications that you put into it. Take it slow.
Realize that you will need a LYME LITERATE Doctor, Naturopath, Physicians Assistant or Practitioner. Many of those who treat lyme do not take insurance, but some do. I will be adding links for Doctors in different areas, but for now you can ask in HealingWell or in your lyme support group.
There is not one standard lyme treatment that is good for everyone. Some say that long term antibiotics are the ONLY way to go. That is not so. Many have found success in this way, but also in natural practices such as herbs/Chinese medicine practices, and some have success with combined conventional and natural practices. This is a decision that should be made between you and your Doctor. There are risks and benefits with any type of treatment, and you need to find the best and safest treatment specific for you. You MUST treat, but I have learned to steer clear of those who insist that their way is the ONLY way.
You will have to change your diet. If you want to get better, you must do this. Your doctor will help you with this, but because lyme causes painful inner body inflammation as well as candida, stay away from these things at all costs: sugar, gluten and in most cases, dairy. Basically, you want to eat as healthy as you can. Shop the perimeter of the store, eat fresh vegetables and low-sugar fruits, preferably organic. Wild caught fish, organic eggs, grass fed beef/bison and free range poultry. This is basic.
IF YOU CAN and if your Doctor permits, light exercise is very important in healing. Light weights, yoga, low-impact light cardio are all good options, but first consult with your doctor.
Detox is also crucial, and there are many ways to do this. Sipping on lemon water, dry brushing your skin and Epsom salt baths are pretty standard. There are other ways such as FAR Infrared Sauna (with low or no EMF's!) and other methods that you can discuss with your doctor.
I hope this helps :) Please feel free to leave comments or subscribe to my blog and get updates via/email. (see link at top right of page). Remember to check out the "links" page. As my blog "grows", I will add more helpful links, recipes, etc.
Remember, stay positive, keep smiling and keep your eye on the prize, GOOD HEALTH!
