The more I learn about Lyme Disease, the more I realize: good health is a journey not a destination. While it seems getting rid of this thing--whatever "this thing" is that is terrorizing me--is the goal. Healing my immune system and bringing my body back into balance is the thing that's sorely missing.
Although I don't talk about it much, I now have several viruses raging in my body: Epstein Barr Virus, Cytomegalovirus, Strep, Parvo, M. Pneumoniae, and HHV6 (a common combination for Lyme patients). On the other side, I also have overactive killer t-cells and raised C4a--strange thing for someone with lowered immunity.
Which leads me to wonder (Lyme or Autoimmune disorder aside) what would cause the body to reactivate latent viruses, lower immunity, and at the same time aggressively fight itself? Does it stand to reason that horrible, nasty stuff can't live in a healthy environment?
After watching an important documentary called Food Matters, I have more question that answers. We all have cancer cells in our bodies, yet we don't all have cancer. And some people have Lyme in their system for years without suffering from symptoms. Is changing what we eat really the answer to eliminating disease completely? What actually causes illness--the invasion of poison or the disrupted immune system incapable of defeating it?
As I continue along my health journey, I'm excited about what I am learning about Vitamin C Protocols, Nutrition, Colloidal Silver, and more. While I wish I could have gotten the message differently, I now know; this illness is not a punishment, but rather an opportunity to take control of my health, my life, and my future.
PS: Don't quote me on that when I'm feeling REALLY awful, I might punch you.
Altered Today: Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, research, hope for a cure
It is a great opportunity to take control and be good to your body! Thankfully I am WAY across the pond. So, if I were accidentally quote you when you felt like crap, I wouldn't have a black eye. :p
Hope you continue to have good days for a long time! You deserve it!
Posted by: Laina | 04/04/2011 at 06:09 AM
Kathy, Love this, as I do all of your blogs...and I vacilate from wondering is this, is Lyme a blessing or a curse....when I am havinga good day I am grateful for all the knowledge, freindships and comraderie I experience....on a bad day, like today, I am pissed off, mad at the entire world, feeling like crap and in tears because I cannot figure out what I did or did not do to bring this into my life.....yep, today is one of those days I might punch someone if they told me Lyme was an "opportunity".
Posted by: Cindy | 04/04/2011 at 03:27 PM
Awww Cindy. I am so sorry you are having a rough day. I think any person who's struggles with chronic illness for any length of time can relate to what you are saying. Some days, it's empowering me to think of Lyme as a blessing (gets me through the rough nights, makes me grateful for what I have, inspires me to make a difference). Other days, it empowers me to feel like a victim (gets me mad, puts me in action, bolsters my determination). The one thing I know for sure, resisting how I feel--positive or negative--never does anything, but make me miserable. If you need to punch, punch. If you need to cry, cry. If you need to talk, call me. I love you and I'm here for you.
Posted by: Kathy Tagudin | 04/04/2011 at 03:43 PM
Kathy: You have courage. I love you.
Posted by: Jrsn1234 | 04/10/2011 at 09:39 AM