Alter Everything

Day 256: Detox. Detox. Detox.

Getting rid of toxins has become a full time job 'round this house. On my counter, a bag of Mila...said to sop up the bad stuff. On my calendar, a series of colonic appointments. And in my bath, a bunch of seemingly unrelated products (except to a Lymie). 

For months, I've been taking Epsom Salt Baths, with great results.  But, when I started using this Detox soak by Dr. Jernigan, WOW!!!!  I can't belive the difference.  If you're experiencing heavy die off (or pain) and need to give your system a hand with health, you might want to give it a shot.*

Ingredients:
• 4-6 cups Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)
• 32-64 fluid ounces of Hydrogen Peroxide (3%, as found in many grocery stores)
• 2-4 tablespoons of Ginger (freshly grated...wrap in cloth or put in tea ball)

Instructions:
1. Dry brush skin to improve absorption of energy and nutrients. This will also stimulate the blood and lymph fluids to rise -- increasing the healing effects of the bath.
2. Fill tub with warm water. Add the above ingredients.
3. Soak 20 minutes.
4. Repeat for seven consecutive days, or as recommended by your doctor (repeating will increase effectiveness). Continue daily, or as needed.

Caution:  DO NOT USE IF YOU ARE PREGNANT!!!!  If you take anti-coagulants, consult your doctor before using ginger.

*Psst... Per Dr. J, "This therapy has been shown to relieve pain that did not even respond to narcotic medicines."

Seriously.  Get thee to Walgreen's.

Altered Today: Sharing the love, decreasing the toxic burden

Day 251: Life On The Mend

explodingdag.com


"Anyone can slay a dragon, he told me, but try waking up every morning
and loving the world all over again. That's what takes a real hero." -- Brian Andreas

FLEET...that was my friend at 6:00 this morning. Panicked, I jumped out of bed.  My eyes were worse. Everything was blurry--hazy...like Cybil Shephard in an episode of moonlighting. Scared, I took to my computer. I had emailed Nurse Andi late last night.

Me (in the subject line of an email):  Blurry Vision with Ivermectin. Is this normal???
Her (answering at 1:00 am):  Can happen when toxins are bring released quicker than removed. Recommend Mila if taking already increase from one scoop to two . What other binders are you taking? Any colonics or enemas? Lots of liquids, walking, sweating, lymph  drainage. Let me know asap, so we can adjust your program.

Desperate, I crawl into the tub, break out the Epsom salts, drink two glasses of water, then head to Walgreen's. I never bought an enema before.  Blindly, I pick the most natural package: Fleet Naturals Cleansing Pack with Aloe. Then, off to the sauna.

Three hours later (after more water, dry brushing, lying on the bathroom floor--surrounded by bottles to rush mother nature), I give myself a quick mental flogging..."I should detox more. This is serious. I've got to keep up." Finally, I'm back in bed, less cross-eyed, but completely exhausted.

Tough morning? Certainly.
Loving life with Lyme?  That's the real challenge.

No doubt, Brian Andreas was on to something.

Altered Today: Ivermectin Reaction, Symptoms, Detoxing 101

Day 249: All Hat No Cattle...The Ivermectin Herx Hunt

www.lostateminor.com

Day six of Ivermectin and I feel... well... ordinary. No crazy stomach stuff. No mass exodus of visitors.  No unscheduled trips to the ER. 

Is it bad to be just a WEE bit disappointed? 

Not for nothing. I'm not looking for some great disaster.  But after a week of worrying and countless emails from friends asking begging me not to take it, I expected SOMETHING (horrible stomach pain, intense gurgling, a third eye, purple pee).  Makes me wonder....Is my medicine a dud? Am I doing it wrong? Will this stuff even work on me?

Tonight, I upped my dose (again)--now to 3/4 the recommended amount.  In an effort to save my liver and end my thrushy, McThrush problem, I've also stopped taking antibiotics.  Killing yeast and parasites is a big enough job for one body...just my opinion.

One a side note:  Diflucan is kicking my A$$.  The arm/pin prick pain is out of control. Don't know why in my head pain = progress, but it always makes me at least feel like something's happening.  Feel free to read debates about the no pain, no gain theory here and here and here.

6 days down.  24 more to go.

Altered Today: Dosing and, hopefully, a worm death count

Day 237: Juicing + Pampering + Chronic Illness -- An Experiment

When you look at the photo to the left, you might wonder two things. 1) What's up with the bright pink nails? and 2) Why am I holding a glass full of paint with a straw in it?

Good questions. Let me explain.

I don't always do things differently. Believe it or not, despite this blog's name, I am a creature of habit. I enjoy routine: familiar waitresses, musicians, foods. I am the kind of person that plays the same song over and over and over again until everyone around me begs for mercy. Kind of like Rain Man...I'm very ticky when someone messes with my sock drawer, breakfast, or driving route.

Being this way has its advantages.  If you know me, I am VERY countonable: always early, seldom cancel, and fairly predictable in deeds, thoughts, and actions. Unfortunately, this also makes me rigid, somewhat stubborn, and, at times, a little unyielding.  Que Sera, Sera.

Anyway, all of this familiarity got me thinking. I've been feeling more than a little crappy lately... Maybe it's time to give something else a try?

Enter Spa Therapy

Healthy Thoughts + Beauty + Detoxing = Happiness....at least in my world.  I'm not sure if that's the prescription for health, but I do know this: when I listen, my body tells me what to do.  Case in point, my nails (clearly not my most pressing issue), but when I looked at them recently, I felt sad; I felt ugly.  "Pamper me," they seemed to scream. So, I did. I even got playful...a break from my usual clear/nude/french self.

My diet's no different. I eat the same stuff day after day after day after day. Lately, the very thought of meat (or any cooked food), literally makes me sick.  Is it possible my nutrition also needs an overhaul?  Lovingly, I looked to my Vitamix. It's been underused lately and, after watching the movie Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, I'm definitely inspired.  Green Juices, nuts, pampered feet and hands -- the Spa Life is calling. Since implementing yesterday, the difference in my neurological symptoms has been nothing short of miraculous.

Two recipes to consider....

Whole Foods Supergreen Drink (my version)

1 Shot (1 ounce) Wheat Grass
1 Whole Green Apple (quartered with seeds)
2 Handfuls Raw Spinach
1 teaspoon Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica*
2 Ice Cubes or a Splash of Water

Put the wheat grass in the Vitamix in the bottom. Estimate how much will make one ounce. If you want to get really accurate, you can blend this separately.  Add other ingredients. Blend until smooth (blend as little as possible as over blending oxidizes the nutrients).  Note: Juice comes out kind of room temperature (which is good for you). You can make colder, if necessary, by adding ice.
Drink immediately

Papaya Wonder Drink

2 Cups Watermelon
1 Cup Papaya (don't use the skin unless it's organic)
3/4 Cup Black Organic Cherries
1 teaspoon Papaya Seeds
2 LARGE Handfuls Raw Spinach
1 teaspoon Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica*
2 Ice Cubes or a Splash of Water

Put all ingredients in the Vitamix, blend, enjoy.


Altered Today: What I am eating/drinking and how I'm feeling.  PSST...Always discuss with your doctor before changing your diet. Detoxing -- especially when you're ill --(Lyme or otherwise) can be dangerous.

*PRECAUTIONS: Due to their dense nutritional content, wheat Grass and Spirulina can make some people feel sick (this will get better as your stomach acid improves).  Also, according to http://www.vegetarian-nutrition.info/herbs/spirulina.php:  "Because of its high nucleic acid content, excessive consumption of spirulina may increase blood uric acid levels to undesirable levels. Due to the high iodine content of spirulina, patients with thyroid conditions should not use spirulina as it may decrease the action of thyroid hormone."

Day 233: Words of Advice

"It's not enough to breathe in; you must also let it out." -- John, the best massage therapist I've ever had.

Altered Today: Learning to Exhale

Day 230: Warning. Gross Things are Coming.

 

My Acupuncturist:  Your heart's out of balance.
Me: How do you know?
Her: Your face is red and you talk a lot. 
Me: Really???
Her: Yes.  Now, show me your tongue.

And round and round we go.

Turns out, my tongue is disgusting. Something I knew going in, but her reaction confirmed it. In her words, it is exhibiting signs of both heat and dampness (white fur=dampness; red dots=heat).

See what I mean?


I know. Lovely...
 
The tip tilts down; the end is red.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine that indicates heart imbalance, dampness with heat. In Western Medicine that indicates oral thrush (candida overgrowth).  Either way, it's not good. It's also starting to burn--yippee. Time to bust out the coconut oil and do some oil pulling.

On a separate note, treating for parasites (both with meds and acupuncture) is bringing interesting results. For a while, I've seen all sorts of things "exiting the building," but today's find proved most fascinating--three different types of something: one papery, one worm-like, and one resembling algae. I'm starting to feel like a CSI Investigator.



Not bad for a girl who's got nothing wrong with her...LOL.

Altered Today: Sharing the yuck, realizing I need a manicure and a lip wax

Day 226: Lyme Meals 101

Been diagnosed with Lyme Disease?  Don't forget to make your diet an important part of the healing process. While thinking "What should I eat to regain my health?" may not be your first question, it could be your most important one; especially when it comes to healing the pain and turmoil going on in your body.

Poor Food Choices = Inflammation.  Why does this Matter?

Inflammation protects the body from harmful things like foreign matter, viruses, allergies, and bacteria.  In a healthy immune system, inflammation is kept in check (ie: the body senses something unhealthy, responds accordingly, and moves on).  In an unhealthy body, inflammation festers....causing pain, muscle aches, cognitive problems, swelling, and exhaustion. 

Research shows, rampant inflammation makes illness and pain inevitable. Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Heart Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis all have roots in chronic inflammation. Put simply: Your body (a machine) requires clean fuel to perform (ie: foods without chemicals, hormones, neurotoxins, preservatives, etc). If you keep putting junk in the tank, it's only a matter of time before your engine stops and sputters.

So, What CAN I Eat?

The best answer for healing and eliminating inflammation associated with illness?  A low-glycemic, gluten-free, sugar-free, yeast-free diet -- packed with protein, vegetables, and nuts (think Paleo not processed). As an example, below are a few of the things I eat most regularly. Over seven months (the amount of time, I've been religiously following this plan) -- my pain and symptoms have greatly lessened.

(Note: I am not a doctor or nutritionist. This is my opinion of foods that work based on research and recommendations by my medical team. To find out what foods are best for you, always consult a professional).

Breakfast Options:

2 Organic Eggs Scrambled in Olive Oil

3 Pieces of Nitrate/Hormone Free Bacon
 -- in moderation (substitute 3oz other organic protein appropriately)
Grilled or Steamed Vegetable--Spinach, Broccoli, Asparagus



1 cup Organic, non-BGH, Unsweetened Greek Yogurt 

1 cup Organic fruit -- Blueberries, Strawberries, Blackberries, Pineapple, Raspberries, or Watermelon

Smoothies made with any of the following ingredients: Almond Milk; Organic Fruits: Blueberries, Strawberries, Blackberries, Pineapple, Raspberries; Coconut; Carob Powder. ALWAYS add Almond Butter, Yogurt, Nuts, Spirulina--something for protein (I try to get 20 grams per meal). If needed, sweeten with Stevia.  You can also use protein powder, but make sure you get one that's sugar/chemical/and preferably dairy-free (except for Greek yogurt, dairy should be done in limited doses).

Lunch and Dinner Options:

3 oz Organic protein: Chicken, Beef, Pork, Turkey, Buffalo; or Wild Salmon

Double Serving of vegetables: Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussell Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Kelp, Onions, Rutabaga, Turnips 



Homemade chili made with Organic (preferably not canned) Black Beans, Pinto Beans; Organic Meat; Fresh Organic Tomatoes, and Spices*



Organic Spinach with 3 oz. Organic protein (see above), nuts, and Olive Oil

Snacks:

1 Organic Green Apple with Organic Almond Butter

1 oz of Organic Almonds or Pumpkin Seeds
Organic Veggies with Hummus

Drinks:

Filtered room tempature water with fresh squeezed lemon
Fresh made (unprocessed) vegetable juice
Lemon Balm Tea

*Season and cook foods in Olive or Coconut Oil with any of the following: Garlic, Hot Peppers, Sea salt, Turmeric, Chili Powder, Ginger, Honey, Horseradish, Mustard, Nutmeg, Oregano, Parsley, Pepper, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Spearmint, Tarragon, Thyme, Anise, Cloves, Basil, Bay Leaf, Carob, Cardamom, Cayenne, Chili Powder, Cinnamon, Coriander, Cumin, Dill Weed, Fennel.

For a more varied menu, I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND Recipes for Repair: A Lyme Disease Cookbook and these Eating Guidelines for Lyme Disease published by Andreanna Rainville RN.

Altered Today: Sharing what helps

Learn More:
http://www.wellsphere.com/lyme-disease-article/the-problem-with-inflammation-in-lyme-disease/173820
http://www.angelhealingcenter.com/Anti-InflammatoryDiet.html
http://www.lymebook.com/lyme-disease-inflammation-diet
http://curezone.com/foods/foods_that_kill.asp
http://www.womentowomen.com/digestionandgihealth/candida.aspx 
http://www.naturalnews.com/026244_food_MSG_neurotoxins.html

Day 220: Lyme Disease or Gu? Does Ancient China Hold The Cure?

When you're chronically ill, you research things. You examine your diet. You log symptoms. You look for patterns. You check out cures..anything to help you understand and fix what's happening to your body. 

Since becoming ill last August, I've devoted nearly every waking hour to researching or discussing chronic illness.  I've studied juicing/nutrition, explored acupuncture, learned about Lupus/Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia/Lyme, treated with conventional and alternative doctors, and have explored several books/protocols/medicals articles, including:

• Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom
• The Healthy Home
• Advanced Topics in Lyme Disease (ie: Burrascano's Protocol)
• Lyme Disease: A Look Beyond Antibiotics, by Dr. Klinghardt
• Insights into Lyme Disease Treatment: Thirteen Lyme-literate Health Care Practitioners Share Their Healing Strategies
• Dr. Cowden's Protocol
• A Recipe for Repair

        ...And many, many more.

I took something from all of them.  One helped me better understand the complexity of illness.  Another explored the mind/body connection to healing.  Another raised my awareness about the healing power of herbs/foods.  Another helped me feel I wasn't crazy.  And on and on and on.

None, however, captured my experience (or struggle) perfectly...that was until I started reading about Gu (thanks to my friend Dr. Tara Reed, Acupuncture Physician).

According to Tara, Gu Syndrome -- which was studied significantly in ancient Chinese literature -- points to various parasite infections.  "We're not speaking of intestinal worms/bacteria from a recent trip to Mexico," she said.  "We're talking something dormant, sometimes for many years, which rears its ugly head slowly over time.  A long-term, insidious infection."

"Gu Syndrome was thought to be a demonic possession in ancient times," Tara pointed out.  "With no microscopes to see the spirochetes, virus bugs, etc and the character/personality changes those infected can sometimes experience, what else would they call it?  Some people, of course, could feel things inside their body and would say so.  Back then, that would seem like possession.  This is why it's not in standardized Chinese Medicine Education (it was eliminated).  It sounds crazy to treat someone for that..." 

Luckily, Heiner Fruehauf, Ph.D., L.Ac. was determined to learn more about parasites and preserve ancient methodologies. After discovering a certain percentage of his patients weren't responding to traditional acupuncture treatments, he took time to study/translate ancient Chinese texts and then used them to treat modern day parasitic infestations. The result? Groundbreaking research in the field of chronic illness and success in treating complex patients with ancient herbal formulations. 

If you (or someone you know) are suffering from Lyme Disease, MS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, ALS, Autism, or any other Undiagnosed Chronic Illness, I urge you, read this important article from The Journal of Chinese Medicine: Driving Out Demons and Snakes, Gu Syndrome, A Forgotten Clinical Approach to Chronic Parasitism and the follow up interview with Heiner Fruehauf.

It is not a quick fix or easy answer, but it will shed light on why treatments fail, diseases get misdiagnosed, and the complexity of parasitic illness.  A complete protocol is also included (if you're interested in that).  Honestly, it's one of the most insightful things I've ever read.

Thank you so much Tara for providing this invaluable resource. I can't wait to see how it impacts you, your practice, and the fate of chronically ill people everywhere. So much love for who you are....XOXOX....

Altered Today: Knowledge

Day 218: Facebook Video Chat Altering The Face Of Illness

                                                                           Me introducing friends at my Mad Hatter Tea Party

It’s HERE.  Have you seen it? Do you know?

If not, let me be the first to tell you: Facebook now offers the ability to do video calls online. 
Can you imagine how this might impact the world of chronic illness?

• Envision being able to talk to your favorite friends face to face...without separate, complicated setups, phone bills, or scrambling for numbers.

• Picture attending parties/virtual gatherings (like Wendy's doing above, only without the hassle--this was done via Skype, but it took A LOT of coordination).

• Up again with insomnia (Chronic Lyme or otherwise)?  Meet the people you’ve been laughing and joking with 'til 5:00am (Bonus: They're already in your address book).

• Sick, housebound, or bedbound?  Get connected with just the push of a button (perfect when fingers don’t cooperate, phones are hard to hold, you're technically challenged, or you want company, but can’t get up to clean the living room).
  
  
• Educate others on rashes, equipment, and other good stuff without posting 20 photos or leaving the comfort of your recliner.
  
  

AMAZING!!!


Best of all, creating a video call has NEVER been easier...

1.  First, enable chat on your Facebook page. To do this, scroll down to the bottom left side of your screen (below News, Messages, Events, Friends, Groups, Apps, Ads) until you see this icon:

2.  Then, click go online. This will open a separate chat window to show who’s available to talk (friends with a green square are available, friends with a grey square might be available, friends with no icon are unavailable).

3.  To call a friend, select their photo and click the video icon found on the top right of their chat window (Note: If you have not yet used video chat, this will prompt a one-time set up to connect you...just follow the prompts).

4.  When they answer, start talking.  Or, if nobody answers, leave a video message. To do this, look into the camera, click the record message button, click “allow FB to access your camera and microphone” and close.  Then push the red button to start and the white button to stop).

NOTE: For a list of Frequently Asked Questions (system requirements, set up, etc), go here.  Yes, you will need a microphone (built in to most lap tops) and preferably a webcam (although you can still talk with no video feed).




HAPPY CHATTING!!!

Altered Today: What shut-ins everywhere should be talking about.

Day 212: My ART Testing Experience

                                                       Parasites Stage 1 by Stasia Burrington

"Lyme Central"--That's how my Mom answered the phone when I called today. Without getting into the who's and what's of it, I'll just say this:  New tests are proving daily...I'm not alone in my diagnosis.  Still, how can I help others when I am trying to help myself? 


Enter the art of ART testing...

For a while, a friend (one I REALLY respect) has suggested I do ART testing, to get to the root of my problem (lyme, viruses, co-infections, etc).  ART -- developed by  Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, PhD. -- is a biofeedback exam that explores the body's response to different stressors (medications, supplements, molds, etc). It's renowned for uncovering core issues (quickly). It's also something I don't fully understand, but, seeing as I've got nothing to loose (except more $$), I trusted my friend and decided to try it.

Curiously, I swabbed my cheek, packed up my daily doses of supplements, and shipped them off in hopes of answers. The whole process made me skeptical...a response test based on DNA (don't I need to be there to respond)?? Would it really be worth the money??? Could it possibly provide any new information???

Still...test I did. Below were my initial findings/recommendations, along with notes I've added in from my follow up phone call.

Result One:  I have Open Regulation--meaning my body responds to well to stimulus.  According to my tester, this is good news and rare (YAY me!!!).

Result Two (the flip side):  I also have one-sided switching--meaning my body is experiencing some kind of interferance with healing and chaos...most likely from scars. It was recommended I check out Neural Therapy to treat them.  Another suggestion was to rub wheat germ oil rub on scars in the following areas:

· Crown of Thorns
· Neck segmental for whiplash--lower neck to hump
· Appendectomy
· Knee

Core Stressors (this was interesting):

· Babesia (I thought I was a Bart's girl)
· Mycoplasma Pneumoniae (knew this)
· Borellia
· Fungi
· Heavy Metals (surprised by this one)
· Parasites--specifically lungworms (I knew there was something else going on here)
· Viruses (Epstein Barr, etc)
· And a psychological stressor I prefer to keep personal, but it was dead on (how they got that from a scan and a Q-tip, I'll never know)

Other findings:

· Dangerously thick blood
· A negative response to several supplements/medications, including: Fish oil, DHEA, Vitamin D, and my beloved Rocephin (Whaaaaaaat????? Say it ain't so...)

Now, I've got some specific choices to make and things to research. I'm open to almost everything suggested...vitamins, shakes, treatments, enemas, etc (anything to get this train moving again). But Rocephin???? PLEASE...don't take my Rocephin. I'm REALLY going to have to think about that one.

Altered Today: More pieces to the health puzzle(s), future considerations, helping others by helping myself