Today marks my first full week of GU Treatment--Ancient China's herbal answer to modern Lyme Disease. Three times a day, I heap five teaspoons of compounded herbs into a dixie cup, mix with water, and gulp...ignoring the fact that what I am drinking tastes remarkably like leftover coffee grounds (even though it's a VAST improvement over many other meds).
Day one, the concoction feels soothing...like I need it...better for me than antibiotics. Day seven (at full dosing), random pains fill my body. Not normal stabby, shooty stuff. Hot, swirly, circular aches...like my body's a mortar and hot arrowheads are being substituted for pestles.
The formulation contains some interesting ingredients:
- Bo He
- Zi Su Ye
- Tio Shen/Bei Sha Shen
- Lian Qiao
- Huang Qi
- Dang Gui
- Sheng Hou Shou Wu
- Bai Zhi
- Chuan Xiong
- Jue Ming Zi
- Huai Hua
- Bai Shao
- Chai Hu
- Qing Hao
- Sheng Yuanban/Sheng Di Huang
I know nothing about most of them, except Qing Hao--which is also known as Artemisinin (a popular treatment for Babesia and Malaria). Usually, I research the heck out of stuff before taking anything. This time (because I know and trust my Acupuncturist), I surrender.
Feedback from friends, family, and physicians this week is positive:
"You seem better," they say. "Lighter."
"You seem more like yourself."
"Your color's coming back."
"There's life in you again."
I notice, my energy's improving and my breathing is getting stronger. I was even able to spend an hour working in my art studio today...a blessing considering I haven't even been able to put dishes in the dishwasher lately without getting winded.
Looking forward to an even brighter tomorrow.
Altered Today: Reactions
Hans and I have our fingers and toes crossed for you, too! Love you girl!
Posted by: Laina | 09/20/2011 at 03:14 AM
Wow, this sounds encouraging. Ever heard of Dr. Chi? I've taken some of his herbal supplements before and found them very helpful. Kathy, I hope and pray for even greater, lasting improvements for you friend. I hope and pray one hour in your art studio soon turns into two. Then three. And then perhaps half a day. I hope and pray your breathing becomes easier again. Unlabored. Normal.
Brighter tomorrow, look out; here we come!
Posted by: Michelle Holderman | 09/21/2011 at 07:16 PM
I love you, friend. Hope your days are getting brighter.
Posted by: Alter Everything | 09/22/2011 at 07:38 PM
WOOH
Go Tara Reed.
Go you :)
Posted by: Saimz | 09/23/2011 at 09:47 AM