Lyme Cowgirl

Chelating Heavy Metals When You're Broke

2009-10-09T00:42:00.000-07:00

CONCERNING MERCURY:

** Symptoms of mercury mimic some of the symptoms of bartonella and lyme. Such as: heart palpitations, Angina/heart pain, heart racing, migraines located on top or front of head, pain behind eyes, brain fog, memory and cognitive problems. ** This means if you have lyme + bartonella + mercury, these symptoms will likely be intensified.

I thought this would be an important topic to cover considering how expensive IV chelation is for removing mercury, lead, and other toxic heavy metals. LLMDs debate whether there is any difference in effectiveness between IV DMSA/DMPS and EDTA or using the oral versions of DMSA and EDTA. I'm still not sure myself. I've used both methods. Since many of us lymies are pretty financially strapped already with treating lyme + co-infections, we may not be able to afford $180/session IV chealtion each week. So really, it doesn't come down to effectiveness, but what can we afford to keep moving forward and getting well. Some of us want to get the ball rolling towards reducing metals while saving for IV chelation further down the road.

I know Dr. Klinghardt insists on removing heavy metals and mercury with chelation, DMSA, DMPS or DMSO, and EDTA for lead, in the very beginning of treating patients for lyme and co-infections. But I have to say, in my experience with fighting lyme and bartonella, I'm not sure I could have handled heavy metal chelation that early on.

For one thing, while treating my lyme and bartonella with my GB4000, after having it misdiagnosed for about 3+ years, I was really, really sick at that point. It was so bad that for a few months on and off the bartonella would cause VERY strong liver, kidney, and heart pain when it was being killed off by my GB4000 in those areas. Sometimes so much so that I felt like going to the emergency room only to be told my liver, kidneys, and heart were all perfectly normal.

For another thing, detoxing the lyme + co's die-off along with getting my candida load under control was already hard enough on my low-glutathione producing liver and detoxing system.

So under the guidance of my gentle care LLMD, this is what we decided to do at the beginning to help gently lower the mercury and heavy metals in my system without adding to the burden on my liver and kidneys.

1) For the first 7 months until the herxing was less intense and easier on my liver and kidneys:

- R-Lipoic Acid (pure form thioctic acid) alternating with regular Alpha Lipoic Acid when money was tight. 100-200mg, must be taken daily every 3-4 hours to chelate mercury properly. It isn't as thorough a chelator as DMSA/DMPS/DMSO/EDTA, but it helps lower the overall load, gently as well as being a good antioxidant.

2) After the herxing became more manageable and my liver and kindeys were happier and able to tolerate the die-off without discomfort, I purchased Dr Cutler's Mercury Chelation Protocol and began taking:

- DMSA capsules starting with 25mg every 3-4 hours consistently throughout the night, for 3 days straight, then take 11 day break, repeat cycle. To save money, I got my DMSA capsules via an online site that did not require a prescription found HERE.

I bypassed the prescription route because it was more expensive. I chose to spend the extra money on periodic metabolic tests so my LLMD could keep an eye on my liver and kidneys while chelating, for safety.

* Where to get Dr Cutler's Mercury Protocol Book:

http://livingnetwork.co.za/zencart2/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=1

* Where to get non-prescription DMSA and free explination of Dr Cutler's Chelation Protocol:

http://home.earthlink.net/~moriam/HOW_TO_buy_DMSA.html

CONCERNING LEAD:

EDTA is the main chelator used for removing lead. These days, the most popular form other than a $180 IV session for EDTA, is buying EDTA in a liposome solution (thought to increase the chelating ability of the EDTA). It is thought by most LLMDs that IV EDTA is the most effective way to chelate lead and liquid oral EDTA is less effective. But for anyone who cannot afford an LLMD, oral EDTA, in my opinion, is far better than nothing!

The standard protocol for EDTA use that my LLMD told me to do: 1-2 ounces taken with water or juice, 1-2 times per week. Can take breaks from EDTA if needed.

Sources to find liposomal EDTA for lead chelation:

1. Allergy Research Group LipoPhos EDTA

2. LipoFlow Liquid EDTA

Both products can be found at http://organicpharmacy.org

Much love,
Athena

Lauricidin: Does it work against Bartonella and Lyme?

2009-10-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

Lauricidin: www.lauricidin.com

About 2 months ago, I decided to add Lauricidin to my daily regimen of bug killers. It took me a while to get around to trying this product mainly because I was still experimenting with other natural antibiotics and herxing enough from them.

Since I've used coconut oil for most of my life (thanks to a health-nut Mom and Dad), I knew about its strong anti-candida, anti-viral, anti-parasite, and anti-bacterial properties due to the lauric acid in coconut oil. But supplementing coconut oil daily wasn't always so easy for me because candida sequesters mercury (lyme/bart biofilms also sequester heavy metals, btw) and releases it when taking candida killers on top of dealing with the lyme/candida die-off. So I felt sick on top of sick.

My solution was to supplement Alpha Lipoic Acid and R(-) Lipoic Acid daily while doing anything that killed lyme and candida, taking it every 3 hours (except when sleeping) so that the mercury symptoms would be lessened. The ALA and R-LA stay in your system for only 3 hours, so to continually remove released mercury, it needs to be supplemented on a 3 hr basis. R-LA is more expensive than ALA because it is more efficient, so I would alternate them with my finances. Doing this for 6+ months really helped minimized my daily heart palpitations, headaches, and heart issues from mercury. Bartonella causes these symptoms too, btw.

Now, back to Lauricidin and lyme and bartonella. I wasn't sure what to expect after starting 1 pellet of Lauricidin daily. But after using it for 2 months now, I am certain of a couple very important realizations:

1) Lauricidin crosses the blood brain barrier, so it does reach the bugs hiding out in the brain/head.

2) It kills bartonella. Might not reach every single place it is hiding in the body, but it kills what it reaches.

3) It kills lyme spirochetes. And as above, it may not be able to reach everywhere, but kills what it can reach. Not sure if it causes encysting, although I don't think that matters much, to be honest. And also as for above, it is not a magic bullet, but it is a big help in the fight.

4) It kills parasites, candida, strep, and a host of other nasty critters we should get rid of anyway to make beating lyme/bartonella easier on our immune systems.

5) It is very potent. Start with 1 pellet and work up as your body can handle it. It seemed important to try and use it as consistently as possible, breaks only if you need to for detoxing/cleansing from die-off overload.

10 Important Things To Know About Lauricidin:

1. An active ingredient found in Mother’s milk, Saw Palmetto and other natural products: since it’s a natural product, it is nourishing and immune supportive.

2. An essential, concentrated 100% nontoxic pure nutrient for wellness- being non-toxic it causes no harm to our bodies

3. Helps maintain proper immune function- which is very important to fight diseases

4. Promotes healthy bowel function

5. Inactivates laboratory bacteria, viruses and fungi/yeast, parasites, and bad bacteria.

6. Does not destroy the body’s friendly bacteria- Lauricidin just attacks and inactivates the harmful disease causing bacteria.

7. Biochemicaly balances the body for best possible health

8. Can be taken with other medications- if you are on other medication, you don’t need to worry about any reactions, lauricidin can be safely taken with other medications.

Much love,
Athena

Activated Charcoal: My Secret Weapon and Best Friend

2009-10-08T02:33:00.000-07:00

Since my main form of bug killing is my GB4000 rife machine, it makes me herx every time I use it, every week like clock-work. Usually tolerably, but as I can handle it, I must also increase the time and frequencies bit by bit to up my herxing; trying to keep that balance between herxing enough to be moving forward, but not so much that I'm stuck in bed for days herxing my ass off, that's too awful and depressing!

Activated charcoal has been, for a long time, my secret weapon to having functional days. For me, when I take the optimal amount within 1 hour after every rife session, I will feel at least a 70% reduction in herxing severity within 30 minutes after taking the Activated Charcoal. Which to me is huge. Without it, I would be herxing my butt off and too swimmy in my head to do a day of errands or running around, or pulling off my part-time job the day after rifing- aka, the day the herxing is usually the worst. Most of the time it cuts the herxing intensity by 70% sometimes more, sometimes a little less, especially if I get a mysterious strong herx that comes out of the blue. But enough to function through the day.

I've learned something important after talking to others using Activated Charcoal, and I feel I need to talk about this because it makes a world of difference with HOW MUCH YOU TAKE, and I've learned most people don't take NEARLY enough to mop up Lyme die-off toxins.

After each rife session, I take 6-8 capsules of Activated Charcoal. Sometimes 10 if I really must herx as absolutely minimally as possible that day and the next. Not 1 or 2 or 3. But at least 6, all in one dose, down the hatch with a glass of water or whatever, within 30 minutes after finishing my rife session. Make sure to wash them all the way down because they are terribly uncomfortable when they expand and they're not washed down completely!

I follow the charcoal with taking a few of my favorite fiber supplement capsules, they work like a DREAM, unlike some! I've tried dozens of kinds. Click HERE for my favorite fiber supplement.

Things to know about Activated Charcoal:
1) Activated Charcoal is completely non-toxic. It cannot hurt you and the only possible negative affect from it is needing to increase your daily fiber intake while using it because it can cause you to be a little "stopped up". (Sorry if tmi, lol, but I have to cover these things! :P)

2) Most people have an incorrect idea of what a reasonable amount of Activated Charcoal is when you need it to soak up toxins, lyme die-off, etc. Usually you need more than just 1-3 capsules to really soak up the toxins.

WHAT I DO TO SAVE MONEY ON ACTIVATED CHARCOAL:

Since buying Nature's Way Activated Charcoal capsules, 100 caps for $10-$12, can add up in change when you take 6 capsules 3-4 times a week, I found a great product that saves me money.

Vitamin Research Products EnteraKlenz Drink Mix. It is a powder mix of 80% activated charcoal and 20% pure bentonite clay. It is completely sugar-free and safe. You get 528 grams for only $39! That's like 10 bottles of Nature's Way Charcoal caps for half the cost!

The drink mix does taste yucky I'm afraid, even with the sugar-free chocolate flavoring added. If it's too ick, another option is this:

1) Buy empty gelatin capsules. Many places to get them, I personally buy them from www.vitacost.com since they're the most affordable. I use "OO" size.

2) Then, buy a mini capsule filling machine for "OO" size capsules from HERE for $10

3) And buy a packet of silica moisture absorbing packs from HERE. For the capsule machine.

I always store my empty capsules in a gallon size sealed zip lock bag with 1-2 silica packs inside. If I don't, the empty capsules absorb moisture and expand too much to fit into the machine.

And tada! In 2 minutes you've got 25 pre-filled capsules of activated charcoal.

Nebulized Glutathione, A Huge Piece of The Puzzle

2009-10-06T03:59:00.001-07:00

Lyme + co's + mercury/heavy metals = lots of herxing = tons of die-off toxins = major need to detoxify = making herxes much harsher/longer = get liver working/detoxing at its best = using nebulized glutathione.

Nebulized glutathione = detoxing properly = liver detoxing at its best = less severe herx reactions = less brain fog = more energy = feeling better.

Some time ago, my LLMD tested my liver's production of glutathione. Turns out my liver does not produce enough glutathione. Add to this research showing that Lyme Disease causes a person's body to produce even less than normal levels of glutathione and you've got quite a pickle!

Because doc visits and lyme treatment costs so much, for quite a while, I remained stubborn and stuck with tablet form glutathione. I then tried tablet reduced glutathione like Source Naturals Glutathione. Then I switched to lipceutical glutathione because I thought it would be better. And guess what? I didn't feel anything from trying these for a total of 8 months.

Nebulized glutathione (inhaled diffused glutathione) is the only worthwhile method for supplementing glutathione and having it be properly absorbed. I learned this the hard way. Either that or get IV glutathione treatments from your LLMD for $180 a pop, too pricey for me! With the nebulized form, it makes me feel better, clearer headed, and less bogged down soon after using it. Don't get me wrong, I still herx, and sometimes I still get sucky days, but now I can feel I'm detoxing properly. And being able to feel a supplement actually working is such a good feeling!! Without enough glutathione, my liver simply cannot detox lyme die-off toxins, mercury, heavy metals, environmental toxins, chemicals, alcohol, you name it.

For most late-stage lyme disease sufferers supplementing with nebulized glutathione makes a huge difference in the way that they feel. Instead of feeling like sludge with your brain in a deep foggy soup while trying to detox lyme and co die-offs as well as chelating metals, you're mind is clearer and your body feels less sludgy.

For me it made a tremendous difference.

I had to get a prescription for nebulized glutathion from my LLMD and purchased a hand-held nebulizer from an online site. The prescription costs me $100 every 2 months, and the nebulizer machine was about $100. I know it sounds like a lot, which is why I put it off for a year before adding it to my regimen. I wish I hadn't done that and did it sooner because it is so important to even being able to detox all the junk!

I think this might be a big reason why some people always have horrible herxes even with a year or two of treatment, the stuff isn't being detoxed properly because your poor liver doesn't have enough glutathione to get it out! Especially since Lyme spirochetes sequester mercury for whatever reason, I was getting a double whammy with my herxes, no wonder they were so horrid!

I take 1 gram liquid glutathione in a nebulizer 2 times a day, every day. Sometimes a little more after rife days.

The picture at the top is my portable, hand-held nebulizer (about the size of my hand too). Many nebulizers are big a bulky and NOT portable which is why I purchased this one. The pharmacy I get my nebulized glutathione from gives it to me in a good sized bottle. I add 1 ml to the nebulizer with a measuring syringe they gave me and breath in the cloud emitted for 5 mins until it runs out. I bought the model package that came with a wall-plug in and also a car/cigarette lighter plug in as well as a ion battery, so I could take it and use it wherever I needed to.

I bought it from:

http://www.medelusa.com/pagproducts.asp?codice=91200

Much love,
Athena

Enzymes, Biofilm, Fibrin. What's the deal?

2009-10-05T22:26:00.000-07:00

It was time to refresh my blog by giving it a nice new face. Struggling with managing a p/t job in between herxing, rifing, supplement protocols, detoxing, and occasionally keeping up with new research and info forums, can be a real juggling act! And squeezing in some fun too, as much as I possibly can. Low-key fun of course like taking a long stroll along the river bank, renting a new movie, playing with my snuggle bun Max, taking a long drive, or seeing friends. Anything that will make me feel uplifted, I try to do as often as possible.

~ Enzymes ~

Nattokinase, Serrapeptase, Lumbrokinase, Trevinol, Wobenzyme.

Click the enzyme name to see where I buy these little suckers.

Now about the title of this post; unfortunately it always takes me a long time to get around to posting about new things I'm doing, supplements I've added into my regimen, and what not. I'm very sorry about that! I began taking enzymes religiously a few years back, specifically digestive enzymes with each meal as well as bromelain and papain capsules. I've since stopped the digestive enzymes because I was adding in more important supplements and had to make room. One can only swallow so much crap in a given day, ya know! I think us Lymies are champions at this anyway, hah.

About 10 months ago, I came across research regarding biofilms and fibrin and how systemic enzymes Serrapeptase, Nattokinase, and Lumbrokinase, all worked to break down fibrin and remove biofilms, very important for us! Since then, on and off, I've been alternating and rotating these enzymes along with 2 systemic enzyme supplements: Wobenzyme and Trevinol. Systemic enzymes I think are invaluable in any lyme treatment.

Some systemic enzymes can be a little pricey, but they're worth it. I personally started with 1 capsule and worked up to 2-4 per day in divided doses, but I try to only take 2 kinds at a time. Why? Because Serrapeptase, Nattokinase, and Lumbrokinase also have some blood thinning properties. This can be helpful for Lymies with heart issues or thick blood issues thanks to Lyme. But for women, if your period gets really overly heavy or you get a cut that takes some time to stop bleeding, cut back on the amount you're taking. I personally have not had this problem so far, thank goodness.

I've heard that Lumbrokinase and Nattokinase are the top choices, but I try them all because why not. One thing I've learned with Lyme is that it's always good to mix things up a bit.

About Trevinol and Wobenzyme, these supplements are not cheap, but- they contain multiple enzymes and in my opinion can save money. Trevinol is specifically designed for fibrin removal, it contains both nattokinase, lumbrokinase and other enzymes, and comes in a large bottle! I feel that Trevinol is superior to Wobenzyme if you had to pick 1, but they work well taken together.

~ Biofilm and Fibrin ~

If you don't know about biofilm and fibrin and how they are connected with Lyme Disease, read HERE and HERE.

Much love,
Athy

Should I?

2009-08-31T17:24:00.000-07:00

No, not that. Are you crazy?! I'm not going to strap myself to a stunt plane going 200+ miles per hour, sheesh. Lol.

But in some ways I feel like that guy with how my life seems to be sweeping me along with a bit more than I can handle along with treating Lyme. I decided to start filling my life again with new friends, a new apartment with a new roommate, and work. And I'm trying to keep up. It's taking a lot of guts for me to work again before I'm actually ready. Oh, did I tell you about that yet?

I've been steadily progressing with my rife treatments over the past year +, but I still get strong herx days that come out of nowhere and run me over. Last week I added 1 new frequency for Bartonella (since I was positive for Bartonella) and the herx as lasted strongly for the past 3 days. Usually, they dissipate after a day if I balance the time/codes and detox just right. But sometimes it just kills a bunch randomly I guess.

This month I decided to add another big challenge to the soup- a part-time job after being unable to work for 3.5+ years. Am I just insane? Or too determined for my own good maybe? I feel like the guy in that picture above, jumping in head first, hoping I can pull it off, not sure if I can honestly. Part of me feels I can pull it off if I'm really diligent with detoxing daily, saunas, and not increasing rife times/frequencies too soon. I don't know. The other part of me is pretty worried about hitting unexpected herx days and trying to fake not herxing while at work. When the herxs are bad, that would be like trying to fake you're not massively drunk or on acid, lol. My brain just doesn't remember normally when I'm herxing, even with plenty of detox to get the lyme die-off ammonia and neurotoxins out.

I hope in a lot of ways working part-time will help me fill my days with more focus on the future and getting better instead of being stuck in the reality of being a "sick person". Before I had no choice but to be sick, because well, I was really really sick :P.

I'm planning to upgrade using a Doug Coil Machine which is much more powerful than my current GB4000 machine. Ask me how I plan on working that around my p/t job, I have no idea. But I'm going to have to. What is there to lose, really? Worst case I'll get fired down the road, but at least I gave it a shot!

The hardest thing for me to still be patient with is the mental aspect of Lyme Disease. The Lyme hit me severely when I was only 19 and it's been in various phases of remission and severe periods of taking control since then, the past 3 years being the longest and worst period of Lyme ever, but partly because I'm treating diligently. So I have no college degree to speak of. And I'm still waiting for my brain smarts to come back enough to do college classes.. even just one. I'm still too forgetful from the herxs and Lyme to be able to remember homework or studying to pass terms and exams. Week to week I wouldn't remember what I had studied the week before. I long for the day when I can go back to school though, I think that kills me more than the physical and dietary limitations of Lyme Disease. I love to learn, love knowledge, love school, loved being smart. I'm now 27 with no college degree, still treating Lyme, but with the RIGHT STUFF unlike in my early 20s. There are still moments when that reality is very hard for me to swallow without feeling like I will choke up. Dreams put on hold for years and years, still waiting.

I try to just be thankful for the improvements I'm seeing in my energy, endurance, lessening herxing, thinking more clearly, and hope that another year or so from now I will be even closer to 100%. I pray that will be true!

Last Friday I tried the Auto Channel mode on my GB4000, I had heard it intensifies the herx reaction for frequencies. And yes, it really does! I have to be very careful with this or my head will be totally wishy-washy from herxing for days. Today is one of those wishy-washy herx days. They always make me feel blue, so I take St Johns Wort to help counter the herx blues.

Hope you're having a better day today!

- Athy

Like A Bicycle

2009-08-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

It's nice to know. That knowing how to swim is like knowing how to ride a bike, you don't forget. Due to my Lyme physical limitations over the past few years, I hadn't been swimming for a very, very, very long time. I just didn't have the strength back yet to keep myself up. But this summer that has all changed and I go swimming almost every day.

I had forgotten how cleansing and renewing swimming feels on your skin, washing me clean of the past few years of tremendous pain and hardship, to help let go of it and focus on being whole again. I always try to focus on my dreams, what I want to accomplish, goals to achieve, even if they're not possible yet. Planning your dreams and goals is half the battle to attaining them, at least in my opinion. So I'm always dreaming and planning, setting goals in place. It doesn't matter if I achieve them when I thought I would because with how long it takes to treat my late-stage Lyme, I cannot make exact plans. What matters is that I dream and dream big, to create a bright and abundant future to look forward to.

For the first time in 3 years, I went for a 2 mile walk today. It felt exhilerating and surreal to be out walking and walking and walking for so long when I couldn't possibly do that for ages. I wanted to jump for joy and yell and clap my hands I was so thrilled!

Bigger Guns

2009-08-27T00:03:00.000-07:00

Rife has been the most important and irreplaceable part of my lyme treatment arsenal. To anyone who hasn't used rife technology yet and wonders if it will help, you need to seriously give it a try. I have yet to meet someone who didn't improve significantly with constant weekly rife sessions. Usually people using rife don't improve or get a "herx" response because they're using antibiotics or antibiotic-like treatments that keep the bugs completely suppressed/encysted so the bugs wont come out in order for the rife to kill them. Or they use the rife irregularly, don't gradually increase frequencies and time as they can tolerate it, and stick with using the machines for at least 1 yr after achieving zero symptoms.

I bought a GB4000 rife machine about 1.5 yrs ago. At that time I was so severely ill with lyme that just the weekly herxing from the GB4000 was hard enough to handle (4-5 days in bed straight because the herxing from die-off was so intense, even with minimal frequencies and time). I had considered buying a Doug Coil Rife Machine (www.coilmachines.com) but they are much more powerful than the GB4000, so I knew I wasn't yet improved enough to handle it.

Now though, I feel I'm ready to upgrade to bigger rife guns (*cheers!!!*). This is very exciting. It's been a long slow road, but I am hugely better than I was. Only 1.5 years ago I couldn't hardly drive myself anywhere, walk any significant distance, or be awake for an entire day without feeling like I was crashing like a ton of bricks. Now I will be starting work part-time, drive whenever I feel like it, work-out every other day, go swimming, sleep through the night and have full long days.

I still have symptoms and I still herx from my rife. And I still feel crappy and tired on my herx/rife days and sometimes crashy, but I can fake being functional most of the time.. which is huge. A year ago I couldn't even get out of bed when I was herxing because the die off made me feel so incredibly ill. It's rotten that you'll get sicker and sicker if the lyme is not killed completely, but the killing process makes you feel very ill as well. Although, bit by bit it lessens more and you feel better more, it's just in baby steps because the disease is throughout the whole body and must be eradicated slowly as your body can handle it. It's similar to chemotherapy in a sense.. you have to do it in consistent, tiny doses over a long period of time and not try to kill all the bad cells at once or else the chemo chemicals become potentially toxic and will damage you or your kidneys/liver or worse.

What's that saying..? Lyme isn't for wusses. No kidding. I thought I was pretty tough as nails on the inside before lyme. Now multiply that by 100. I know it's impossible to understand how much the disease takes over and wreaks you inside and out unless you have it. Late-stage is a sheer immense grit and immense will of steel experience to get through. To be honest, I'm really tired of being being so strong inside. Some days I really just want to be able to let loose and go out and party like I used to forever ago, but I have to stay the course. No drinking, no sugar, UG. Lol.

I was one of the unlucky ones who had lyme symptoms so bad for 4 years before getting a diagnoses that I couldn't walk any significant distance for most of that time. Minus a year gap where I got it into remission somehow before knowing I had lyme. So of course it came back full force a year later. Although, in the very beginning before I knew what it was, I was stupid and decided I'd beat it by working out harder and taking on 3 jobs! Until I crashed and woke up one day unable to physically get out of bed when the lyme took control and started partying. Lyme was the most overwhelming, scary, and intensely painful experience I've ever had to endure.

I've come a long way! Thank God for determination. Thank God for sheer grit. Many times I've had to reach deep, deep down for more to pull myself along, to keep fighting back hard without ever letting up. I still have a ways to go, but I have to keep reminding myself just how far I've come in this battle. The mind has a funny way of forgetting the past, especially when you have crappy lyme memory!

To remind myself how much I'm winning and the lyme is losing, I need to write these remembrances. The lyme has indeed been my most daunting enemy in life. After this, I don't think anything in life will feel hard anymore or worth whining about. life-threatening illnesses seem to have that affect ;). You appreciate everything and your goals become extremely simple afterward. 1. Good health 2. Happiness 3. Appreciate life and all its blessings, its ups, and downs 4. Love as much and as often as possible.

It'll be a pleasure to deal with life's problems in a lyme-free life in comparison. A great pleasure.

<3
Athy

I'm still here!

2009-06-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting my precious blog for too long, I apologize for that. Over the past 6+ months, my life and lyme herxing from treatment was too much to keep up with writing on here as well. I still have some neuro lyme symptoms and brain fog that are strong after I rife due to herx, but so much better than the herx symptom roller-coaster I went through over the past 1.5 yrs that threw me in bed for 3-5 days at a time.

About 2 months ago, I started taking Mangosteen pericarp capsules by Faro Company (found them through Bryan Rosner's site www.lymecommunity.com). And WOW! Be careful with this one! They're not kidding, you will HERX. And I've had my fair share of heavy herxes from rifing, but this feels like it's crossing the BBB which is a huge relief. I take 1/4 of a capsule every few days depending on how strong the herx reaction is to keep it tolerable and so I won't feel like a zombie for more than 4-5 hrs. Afterwards, I feel good. Feeling good?? I had forgotten what that was like! An old friend I am very happy too see again after so, so, so long.

I have much to update and share on here, so don't go away! Lyme diet recipes, treatments I'm trying, and so much more!

Oh! And did I mention, T and I are back living together. And the lyme rages are a distant memory never to return. Sigh at the crazy life it is living with Lyme. I'm glad he loves me enough to put up with my crazy life, lol.. and visa versa.

<3
Athena

Relationships and Lyme

2009-05-04T15:38:00.000-07:00

With the emotional and physical ups and downs that come with treating and living with Lyme Disease, it can be very hard on relationships. I didn't know how hard until it broke apart my own relationship of 2.5yrs. There were of course other problems involved too, but my Lyme emotional ups and downs and occasional Lyme rages added much strain.

Throughout my entire life, I've never had a temper. Never been an emotional basket-case, not easily hurt by petty things or easily irritated. I had limitless patience and kindness before Lyme. Now I find some days I react too harshly to anything, the die-off chemicals making me super-sensitive and emotionally unstable. Some days I really am me, the best of me I was before. Loving, gentle, kind, generous, attentive. But after treatments, the Lyme die-off turns me into being someone I don't know and don't like very much for a few days most weeks.

I never knew before that there was an illness you could get from a bug bite that could be so lasting emotionally, physically, and mentally if gone undiagnosed for too long.

I had hoped the emotional ups and downs from the lyme treatment would dissipate after the 1st year, but they are still here, physically I am greatly improved, but the Lyme emotional instability is still around. Sigh!

I'm sorry to those who the Lyme instability and uncontrollable outbursts hurt. To the man I loved who couldn't handle anymore. You were a real trooper and hung in there longer than I probably could have if it were me in your shoes. Thank you for being with me as long as you were, through the hard times and the weird treatments I had no choice but to use to get better, through the awful die-off reactions that were so painful, and loving me through them as long as you did too. It was not me, it was the Lyme. I'm winnning, but the load road to recovery has not been easy on me or anyone I love.

My Lyme Protocols Part 1: Antibiotic Herbs and Lyme Killing Herbs

2009-01-14T01:57:00.000-08:00

*The herbs in this write up came from either Bryan Rosner's books, Steven Buhner's herbal Lyme antibiotic protocol, LLMDs, or fellow Lymies.

I wanted to write up information about the Lyme protocols I'm using and what they do so that anyone else not familiar with Bryan Rosner's books, Steven Buhner's book, or other alternative Lyme supplements outside of pharmaceutical antibiotics could benefit from what I've read and researched without having to purchase every single Lyme book out there or spend countless hours researching. Treating Lyme Disease is so expensive and can be a long process, and I know most are struggling to afford their Lyme doctor bills, treatments, supplement and prescription drug costs. And barely have the energy to get out of bed let alone research Lyme treatments and protocols through the haze of brain fog and memory lapses due the these bugs.

As always it is recommended that you bring this info to your LLMD (Lyme-literate Medical Doctor) to make sure these things are ok for you to do. In the beginning, I did not have access to a good LLMD and simply needed help to feel improvement and find answers, and I know there are others like that out there as well.

I also want to point out that I have not been on Lyme pharmaceutical antibiotics up to this point. My LLMDs and myself did not want me on them because 1. I was too sick at that time to handle that stress on my liver and immune system on top of killing my Lyme, Bartonella, Rocky Mountain Fever, and detoxing mercury and heavy metal loads. 2. My liver produces low amounts of glutathione which is an essential amino acid needed to process most toxins out of the body, so they felt adding in pharmaceutical antibiotics or IV antibiotics would exacerbate this load too much. And 3. I have had systemic Candida since 3 years ago due to being on a 2 week course of Amoxicillin combined with mercury and Lyme immune suppression, so antibiotics would cause my yeast issues to be extreme which would in turn exacerbate my Lyme symptoms and heavy immune stress (I didn't want that!). To be perfectly honest, with how much I am steadily improving with alternative protocols and how much I've learned about the possible affects of long-term pharmaceutical antibiotics on one's health, I don't know if I will ever use them.

In general, most Lyme-knowledgeable people feel that once you have "late-stage" Lyme Disease, antibiotics mainly (whether herbal or pharmaceutical) help lessen the load of spirochetes in your blood and other easy to reach locations, but may not be able to reach deep enough to treat the infection fully throughout every nook and cranny in your body where they hide. They also help keep the bugs suppressed enough to feel more functional. Antibiotics may not completely eradicate late-stage infection. Still, since everyone responds differently with treating Lyme, you should try everything at least once to see which works best for you personally! I compliment my Lyme-killing herbs with using a Rife machine every week to deeply eradicate the spirochetes because that is what works best for me and my infection is very deep.

Lyme Protocols Part 1: Herbal Antibiotics (Lyme and Co-infection killers) & Herbal Lyme Suppressors. Steven Buhner's book costs only $20 and is well worth the price in my opinion.

Most people try these herbs one at a time to start to make sure they are not allergic and to gauge the herx response with each individual herb. Some may cause heavy herxing with 1 capsule, some may not cause you to herx at all. Then they gradually work up to taking all 5 of the main herbs every day at the max dose of 4 capsules 4 times daily of each and keep this up for 6-12 months straight without breaks. It equals 80 capsules a day total which may sound like a lot, but for me it was well worth it to get improvement and decrease my load of bugs.

As a side note: You always want to herx because then you know you're killing the bugs. You don't want to herx too severely so start slow, just keep it moderate and gradual and build up more as the herx becomes more tolerable. Once the herx ends (usually 1-5 days depending), induce herxing again on a regular schedule. It is an individual gauge of which amounts work for you and when you're ready to increase the amount.

In his book, Steven Buhner says: "This core protocol is the heart of any comprehensive treatment of Lyme Disease. It is the basic herbal regimen around which a full and comprehensive treatment plan can be developed. As a first step for people just beginning to decrease their load and wanting to start with something affordable, tolerable and effective, I think this is completely true. This protocol is a main building block for improvement during the first 8 months to 1 year for late-stage infection in my experience. After that it is mainly used off and on for relief from the remaining Lyme symptoms and in conjunction with Rife, Salt/C + Magnesium, supplements and detoxing.

1. Andrographis paniculata (Source should contain standardized to 10% andrographolides): 400mg, 1-4 capsules or tablets 3-4 times daily for 8-12 months. For Lyme: Andorgraphis is antispirochetal (kills spirochetes), improves immune function, protects heart muscle, is anti-inflammatory (for joint and muscle pain and combating Lyme inflammation symptoms), crosses blood-brain barrier to kill spirochetes, improves and protects the liver.

2. Japanese Knotweed aka Resveratrol: (Source should contain 500mg of standardized Polygonum cuspidatum whole herb known as Hu Zang and 10mg of resveratrol). 1-4 capsules or tablets 3-4 times daily for 8-12 months. For Lyme: Anti-spirochetal, active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, anti-inflammatory, protects from endotoxin damage, reduces herxheimer reactions, protects cardiovascular system.

3. Prima Una De Gato aka concentrated Cat's Claw: (Source should be 25mL bottle in liquid form and contain TOA-FREE Cat's Claw extract). Recommended brands include: Allergy Research Group or Nutricology. Start with 1 drop 1 times daily, work up to 15 drops 3 times daily mixed with water. Note: This form of Cat's Claw is very strong and may cause strong herxing. Be sure to take exact # of drops daily while working up to higher doses. Increase dose by 1 drop as soon as herxing becomes minimal at each dose level (about every 1-2 weeks). For Lyme: Increases CD57+ natural killer white blood cells (NK). Using the herb to keep CD57 levels high helps inhibit the disease progression to late-stage or chronic status. Immune support, anti-inflammatory, joint paint and arthritis relief, enhances cognitive functions and central nervous system.

4. Smilax (sarsaparilla): 425-500mg, 1-4 capsules 3-4 times daily for 8-12 months. For Lyme: anti-spirochetal, reduces herxheimer reactions (herxing) from Lyme/Co-infection die-off, supports liver, supports detoxing of die-off endotoxins by binding to them in the blood, anti-inflammatory, protects and improves brain-function by crossing the blood/brain barrier, reduces skin responses to Lyme Disease, pain relieving.

Complimentary Herbs For Optional Addition to The Main Buhner Protocol:

- Astragalus (use only with newer Lyme infections or to prevent re-infection from ticks, not recommended for late-stage Lyme infections). Specific for immune atrophy support, spleen and thymus support, balances CD4/CD8 ratio. For Lyme prevention: Increases interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 levels, keeping these levels high will significantly reduce the likelihood of tick Lyme infection.

- Stephania Tetandria:

- Red Root

- Boneset

- Teasle

- Spiro

*Please be aware there are contraindications for these herbs if you are currently on any prescription medications, heart medication, immunosuppressive drugs, anti-acids, using pharmaceutical antibiotics, or have had an organ transplant. It is best to check with your doctor before taking these herbs if you have any health problems outside of Lyme Disease.

Triumph Awards: Nick Vujicic

2009-01-12T01:32:00.000-08:00

Nearly every week I am reminded of how many people there are in the world that go through battles and struggles which seem insurmountable and yet they live in a world of seeing only positive outcomes, only what can be achieved and overcome. They are determined to win over whatever is put in front of them. I keep up these Triumph Awards on Lyme Cowgirl to give a boost to everyone else needing some inspiration, encouragement, and strength with their own battles, large or small.

From www.attitudeisaltitude.com:

Meet Nick... Born in 1982 in Melbourne, Australia, without any medical explanation or warning, Nicholas Vujicic (pronounced Voy-a-chich) came into the world with neither arms or legs. Having had an uneventful pregnancy and no family history to expect this condition, imagine the shock his parents felt when they saw their first born, brand new baby boy, only to find he was what the world would consider imperfect and abnormal. A limbless son was not what nurse Dushka Vujicic, and her husband Pastor Borris Vujicic had been expecting. How would their son live a normal happy life? What could he ever do or become while living with what the world would see as such a massive disability? Little did they or anyone know that this beautiful limbless baby would one day be someone who would inspire and motivate people from all walks of life, touching lives all over the world.

According to Nick the victory over his struggles throughout his journey as well as the strength and passion he has for life, can be credited to his faith, his family, his friends and the many people he’s encountered who have encouraged him along the way.

In 2005 Nick was nominated for the "Young Australian of the Year" Award, which is a large honor in Australia, recognizing a young person for their excellence and service to their local community and the nation, as well as their own personal accomplishments. Nominations for this award are only given to truly inspirational people.

His awesome videos:

Fooding Away Inflammation

2009-01-10T17:58:00.000-08:00

Chia Seeds

All of us Lymies know that with Lyme Disease comes harsh inflammation throughout our bodies. Depending on the severity of your Lyme Disease, inflammation may happen only when die-off occurs, but for others with late-stage Lyme, inflammation can be unrelenting and painful or even exacerbate other Lyme symptoms. Back when I began treating my Lyme Disease 2 1/2 years ago (after having it for 4 years), my inflammation was very, very bad. Now I have almost no noticeable inflammation except sometimes right after Rifing. I attribute this to my anti-inflammatory foods and supplements which I want to share with everyone who wants to reduce their inflammation.

Since many diseases and ailments today stem from long-term underlying inflammation in our bodies, anti-inflammatory foods are good to implement for life, imo! This is also important for improving arthritis pain and stiff joints which are connected to inflammation.

Just to give a little overview, the following foods generally create or increase inflammation when consumed: Junk food, sugar, high-glycemic starches (white flour, white rice, etc), bad saturated fats (except coconut oil and butter which are good fats), trans-fats, too much dairy, nitrites/nitrates found in processed meats, and for some people grains, potatoes, eggplant, and tomatoes.

Since everyone is different, I find it is best to just listen to your own body and eat what your body is happy with. And if everything hurts too much too tell, stay off of these foods and see if you feel better, then slowly reintroduce them and watch carefully for your body's reaction. If you're a Lymie with Candida or yeast overgrowth, you should be off most of these foods anyway.

Best Anti-Inflammatory Supplements.

* It is best to use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs sparingly only when inflammation is severe, and never on a regular basis (Aspirin, IB-Profin, Tylenol, Advil) because they pose possible side-effects and health issues.*

Essential Omega Oils aka Essential Fatty Acids (3,6,9):

The very most important anti-inflammatory supplements are essential fatty acids. If you had to pick only 1 supplement for anti-inflammatory help and overall health, these would be it. And for the best absorption, get it from food sources and not just supplements. You want a ratio of 3:1:2 for intake of omega 3 to omega 6 and omega 9.

Omega-3 found in flax seeds, flax oil, walnuts, *chia seeds, fish, shrimp, winter squash, dark leafy greens (such as kale, spinach, collards, mustard greens), brazil nuts, hemp seeds, avocados, salmon, sardines, and tuna. *Highest omega-3 containing food is chia seed with a perfect balance between omega 3 and omega 6. 2 Tablespoons of chia seeds equals a whopping 5 grams of omega-3 and have a ratio of 3:1 for omega 3 to omega 6.

Omega-6 Most people who consume fried foods, processed foods and vegetable oils a lot tend to get too much omega 6 and not enough omega 3. You want omega 3 intake to be higher than omega 6 intake otherwise the benefits of these oils get canceled out. Omega-6 are found in all vegetable oils (soy, sunflower, corn, cottonseed, safflower), flax seed and oil, hemp seed and oil, walnut oil, olive oil, and chicken.

Omega-9. The body can actually produce small amounts of omega-9 so long as enough omega-6 and omega-3 are provided. Still, it is better to supply omega-9 to make sure your body is getting enough. Omega-9 is found in olive oil, avocados, olives, almonds, peanuts, sesame oil, pecans, pistachios, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, primrose oil, and borage oil.

Generally, you want to consume twice as much omega-3s in your diet than omega 6s.

Best supplements for balanced essential fatty acids:

- Udo's Choice Oil Blend (purest organic, raw, processed without oxygen or light which can destroy delicate EFAs complete 3, 6, and 9).

- Raw Chia Seeds. Can be added to foods, sprinkled on salads or cereals or blended in smoothies. A complete 3 and 6 oil food, add in supplement omega-9 oil such as evening primrose oil. Ratio of 3 and 6 in chia seeds is 3:1 omega 3 to omega 6. This is ideal.

- Flora Flax Oil (highest quality organic flax oil you can find processed without light or oxygen with balanced 3, 6, 9).

Pycnogenol or Pine Bark Extract is naturally derived from the French maritime pine tree. It is very beneficial for relieving inflammation, highly antioxidant, and improves cardiovascular and joint health. There have been over 200 published studies about Pycnogenols safety and effectiveness in relieving inflammation.

Cayenne capsules. Hot peppers have long been known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving compounds.

Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods:

- Fish. Salmon, shrimp, sardines, and herring contain Omega-3s. These kinds of fish are also the lowest in mercury. Tuna also contains omega-3s, but is high in mercury so best limited or avoided.

- Grass-fed Beef. If you can afford this addition to your diet, grass-fed beef unlike grain-fed beef actually contains small amounts of omega-3s.

- Olive Oil. High in Oleic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties. Oleic acid is also improves insulin function and lowers blood sugar. Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil in dark glass bottles are the best pick. Great on salads or used for low-medium heat cooking (no high heat frying).

- Antioxidants and Vitamin C. Eating dark green vegetables, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables (brussel sprouts, kale, broccoli, cabbage) because they are the highest in antioxidants and vitamin c. Cruciferous veggies also contain sulfur which enables the body to produce its own mega-antioxidant glutathione.

- Cherries (if you don't have yeast problems). Drinking organic dark cherry juice is an excellent anti-inflammatory drink as well as extremely healthy. Highly alkaline, lower in sugar than most fruits, and high in antioxidants.

- Blueberries. High in anti-inflammatory compounds, these berries also are highly antioxidant.

- Hot Peppers (chili peppers, cayenne, etc). Excellent for relieving inflammation, hot peppers also contain natural pain-relieving compounds as well as help to improve body circulation. Also has mood-boosting benefits.

- Turmeric. Common in East Indian foods, turmeric is very anti-inflammatory. This spice also is very beneficial for supporting your liver with detoxing.

- Ginger and Garlic. Both help your body fight infections and contain anti-inflammatory compounds.

Be well!

Season of The Great Shed

2008-10-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

This week is the time of year that rabbit owners dread. Soft, light fur is starting to float everywhere and tickle noses. Snuggling with Max means having all my tops turn into white angora sweaters. T has his stubble full of white fuzz from picking Max up out of his cage for a hug. This picture is just the beginning. Rabbits are amazing pets with amazing personalities and we dearly love Max, but something most non-rabbit owners don't know is that they like to shed, often. Not just once a year like dogs do in the summer, these little guys have one huge shed when the weather turns cold which lasts for 2 months+, and then their intermittent mini sheds every few months, depending on the breed. I would never give Max up over something like this, I've learned to deal with it by stocking up on sticky lint rollers every season. But if there was one thing I could change about him, this would be it!

*runs for the mini vac*

My Three Seducers

2008-10-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

Now you must promise to not tell my honey about this. He'll be jealous that I have three other loves in my life and then I'll be in deep doo, so you must keep this secret between us, ok?

Ok, ok, I give. They're my sweeteners! And you thought I might actually be sneaking around on my man? Tsk tsk tsk.

Since giving up sugar about 3+ years ago (yes, I said 3 years. Don't faint on me now, we're just at the beginning!), I've been on a search to find the yummiest and healthiest replacements. Talk about a CHALLENGE! Well, luckily I'm a total nerdball when it comes to researching, I love it way more than is healthy for not getting paid to do it.

Some of you migh think I'm completely nuts. Giving up sugar 100%? You mean, none at all? Not in packaged sauces or mixes or or prepared foods or baked goods or prepared meats? You got it! I eat absolutely zero sucrose, fructose (except naturally in berries and fruits), maltodextrin, barley malt, rice syrup, honey, or any other sugar-based sweetener, not even agave.

Oh my goodness. Why do you do this, Woooman?? Are you COMPLETELY CRAZY and have no taste buds or what? Lol! Of course I have taste buds, I absolutely LOVE food, I love eating, and cooking or baking, and I only want to eat things that taste delicious. But a few years back, a day came along where I woke up and realized I had gone from a healthy, happy, athletic, health-minded young woman to a young woman who had severe hypo-glycemia, inability to handle any sugar or refined carb or caffeine without having my energy sink like a ton of bricks (and we're talking cinder-blocks here!) and my stomach cramp up and balloon like the worlds biggest ball of twine. Add to that an ailment to overcome and I decided in order to feel wonderful again, I needed to change my -already healthy- lifestyle and kick it up a notch further. Doing away with sugar in all processed and stripped forms except occasional fruit, berries, and naturally occurring lactose in milk products.

Now, let me tell you something. That was one of the hardest things I have done in my ENTIRE life and I've been through some pretty down right nerves-of-steel kind of stuff in my 20 something years. AND actually sticking with my diet for 3+ years and onward! Perhaps some day I'll incorporate some natural sweetener or agave occasionally into my diet, but as of now I'm happy keeping my immune system, my body, my energy, and my health in the best shape possible to achieve feeling as darn good as I possibly can.

Lyme And Candida Safe Sweeteners..

Healthy, clean taste and sweet. Let me introduce you to:

Birch Xylitol:

(Smart Sweet Birch Xylitol. Dont ever use corn derived Xylitol, they're not the same what-so-ever!))

100% Food-Grade Vegetable Glycerin (derived from coconut oil & palm oil):

(By Wilderness Family Naturals. The purests, highest quality food grade Glycerin)

And, Stevia:

(Wisdom Natural Sweet Leaf Stevia Clear)

(NuNaturals White Steiva Extract)

Mmmmm.. come to MaMa!

A Day For Cozy

2008-10-09T22:42:00.000-07:00

"I was just thinking, if it is really religion with these nudist colonies, they sure must turn atheists in the wintertime."
- Will Rogers

I woke up to a distinct chill in our little home, dark clouds on the horizon and the Oregon Gray making its presence known for all to see. A lengthy torrent of hail and rain fell this afternoon. Fall has arrived with a swoop. And temperatures are fast forwarding into winter after such a lovely extended summer. Time to bring out the cozies and the woolies, pronto! And gosh darn it, finish this afghan! I'll get to that later, right now my top priority is to winterize our bedroom by piling 6 big quilts onto it asap. Which will end up getting tossed aside in the night because T is hot and then I'll freeze, lol. Ah well, can't win 'em all.

Thick and hearty, quick and easy soup was calling to me all day long to warm ourselves right up. No energy for complex cooking today for little old me.

This nights dinner was put together from what we had on hand in the fridge. Leftover winter veggies, fresh organic spicy Italian pork sausage, homemade pork broth, fresh chicken breasts, and pinto beans I had soaking overnight.

Fall Soup with Sausage and Chicken:

4 zucchini, sliced into 1/4inch rounds
1 large onion, diced
1/2lb bulk, no casing spicy italian pork sausage (or chicken sausage)
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces (about 1 inch)
5-6 cloves garlic, minced
Small handful fresh parsley, well chopped
1 1/2 cup chard, well chopped
2 cups pinto beans, soaked overnight
1/2 tsp marjoram
1/2 tsp savory
4 1/2 cups broth (I used our homemade onion pork broth, fat skimmed off, can sub chicken broth)
1 1/2 tsp Herbamare salt or sea salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Grab your favorite good sized soup pot. Over medium heat brown sausage until crumb-like and cooked in very small amount of olive oil. Then spoon out all the fat/drippings. Add chopped chicken and cook on all sides. Add the onion, garlic and let cook for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add the parsley, chard, beans, herbs and cook for additional minute to combine. Then add the broth to the pot with some salt and pepper. Bring pot to a boil, cover with lid, and reduce to a simmer for 45 minutes. Taste. Add more salt/pepper to your liking.

Onward And Upward

2008-10-08T17:24:00.001-07:00

"The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are."

- Joseph Campbell

These days, I don't always feel like myself as often as I would like. Lyme has moments that are hard to endure. But being able to feel free and alive and exuberant with energy, to be able to be my real self, truly is the best of gifts.

I wanted to spend today playing in the kitchen and tidying up the Tree House, but it needed to be a day of rest, knitting, and movies in bed due to Rifing yesterday. Not a bad way to spend the day by any means, but when the sun is out and the crisp fall air is beginning to change the leaves around town, I want to soak it all in. I love watching the seasons change. After living in California for nearly four years in my early 20s, I didn't want to be without seasons ever again. Especially the Oregon rain. I missed them so! You know you have the Northwest in your blood when you love the rain.

We actually don't have a tree house. We have a roomy 2nd story condo just outside the city. I call it the Tree House because every single window in our home is filled with lovely, burgundy foliage from Ornamental Plum, greens and yellows and reds from Maples, and White Fir. The picture window in our bedroom has an explosion of sun-dappled burgundy leaves that greet me every morning. It feels just like a giant tree house and I love it.

Because I'm feeling pretty worn out, it's time to head off for some hot tea, working some more on my queen size afghan (which has been in creation for the past 5 months so far, but I'm 2/3rds of the way finished!) and pop in two movies I can't wait to see. Both are suppose to be very uplifting, happy and fun, all of which are things I can't ever get enough of in life. I'll let you know how Happy Accidents and Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day turn out!

Be well,
Athy

"Flourless" Onion Rings? No way!

2008-09-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

As usual, every 2 weeks on Friday my mother comes into town and in the evening we have a girl's dinner date. It's usually Indian food or Thai food, our big favorites that are easily wheat-free and grain-free (since for the time being neither of us can eat these things). Ahh, Indian food. The restaurant we go to is a little place run out of a turn of the century house that's seen better days. And if you didn't know it was there, you'd probably drive right by it. It always seems to be these kinds of places that have the best grub, don't you think?

That evening, we splurged on Onion & Chili Pakoras, Lamb Saag, Curries, Dosas, the whole shaabang. I love these Friday dinner dates with my mother, she and I gab for hours about everything going on in our lives from men, to faith, to summer gardens, life, our funny pets (her Shiba-Inu pup Tomika and my bun Max), to health and healing, to our troubles. Anything and everything. I am very blessed to have a mother like her. She in her very mom-like fashion, which I've come to cherish about her, often finds a way to work into our converstation things that when blurted out while surrounded by people in a public place, would make you want to dissapear, haha! Such as body liquids, menses, how weird or strange someone looks who happens to be standing within ear shot of us, very personal things about ME, etc. Lol. When I was a kid, of course, I'd simply die on the spot. But as an adult, all I can do is laugh. Hey, life is short, and well, I adore my mother in all her quirkiness. And who cares what those strangers think of us anyway, right?!

After all the appetizing tid bits mentioned in the 5th to last line of the previous paragraph.. on to the recipe! In honor our dinner last Friday, here is a favorite recipe for Onion Pakoras. They are gluten-free, grain-free and absolutely to die for! Onion rings without the wheat. Yippie!!

Onion Pakoras
(dangerously addictive!)

Ingredient list:
1/2 cup besan or chickpea flour
5 oz warm water
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp red chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 small to medium onion, sliced
Grapeseed oil for deep-frying

1. Put flour in a bowl, add half of the water and beat well until combined.
2. Slowly add remaining water to flour mixture to make a thick batter and beat well until smooth. Leave to stand for at least 10 minutes.
3. Stir the chillies, baking powder, cumin and chili powder into the batter.
4. Cut onion into 1/4 inch rounds and separate
5. Dip each piece of onion into the flour batter until thoroughly cover
5. Heat at least 1/2 inch of oil in a deep pan over medium heat until very hot, drop in the battered onions and deep-fry until crisp and golden.
6. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towel and keep warm.
7. Serve hot.

Enjoy!

Athy

Seeing What Is Really Around You

2008-09-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

This morning I came across a lovely, wonderful short film called Historia de un letrero (The Story of A Sign). It won best short film at Cannes 2008. Maybe you've seen it, maybe you haven't. Every great now and again, a film comes along that is a treasure. This one touched my heart and made it swell, staying with me long after the film ended. The message? It only takes one person to change other's perceptions for accomplishing good. So many times in our world, it is easy to get wrapped up in my way of life vs your way of life, my country vs your country, my beliefs vs your beliefs, my status vs your status. And sometimes that has an important purpose in the world we live in. But at the same time, underneath it all, we're all imperfect, flawed, human. And we are all capable of creating little miracles just by the actions we choose to take towards others. I loved it.

Below is this touching short film, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

My Little Boy

2008-09-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

Max has had a busy time this week. His Gramma (my mom) came to visit for the long weekend so he got lots of cuddles and snuggles and munchies fresh from her gorgeous veggie garden. She calls Max her very first grand-baby so you can only imagine how much he gets adored when she comes to visit! And there has been lots of excitment with testing out my new camera since he is my favorite test subject. Sometimes he loves the attention and thinks the flash going off is a game, so he binkies and happily runs around whenever I point the camera at him. But sometimes, he looks at me clearly saying "MOooM, enough with that clicky flashy thing, OooK? As he gives me his I-mean-business-tough-as-nails-cutie-goofball-look. LOL.

Here are some pictures from our photo shoot.

Max enjoying his favorite spot in our kitchen

Bath time!

Max has this amazing super power whenever we play his favorite game "get the blanket monster." He turns into TURBO bunny!

Peekaboo Mommy!

Lyme, Babesia, Heavy Metals/Mercury. Complete Full Body Protocol 2008

2008-08-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

Long-term Constant Protocols

Daily use:

Exercise 20 min/day

Diet: Low-carb, no sugar or refined carbs, good fats, high veggies+ leafy greens.
Very Alkaline.

Progesterone

Filtered water. High intake. At least ½ bodyweight in Ounces of water per day.

Alkalizing supplement:
Alkalime by Young Living Essential Oils. 1 tsp/3-4x a week in AM on empty stomach

Armour Thyroid prescription
(AM on empty stomach)

Thytrophin PMG
By Standard Process Inc.
1 tab in AM on empty stomach
Dietary Sugar Replacements:

Natural, Healthy, Candida-Safe and YUMMY Sugar Alternatives:

Birch Xylitol
by SmartSweet

Stevita Spoonable
www.vitacost.com

Stevia & erythritol

NSI Stevia & erythritol powder

For Killing Lyme Babesia Parasites
Viruses
& Yeast (Candida)

Daily Sea Salt & Vitamin C. 2 “OO” capsules of each 6x/day. At least 1000mg vitamin c per capsule **

Frequency Machines:
Rife Machine. GB4000 1x/week
Magnetic Pulser used by Hulda Clarke 1x/week
(parasites, small critters)

Pure Allicine concentr-ated.
By Pharmax LLC
or Allimed
1x/day
(work up to 3x/day- for parasites, babesia, lyme)
*skip on Rife day

Natural Antibiotics:

1. Prima Una De Gato (liquid concentrated tao-free Cats Claw by Allergy Research Group. Start with 1 drop, increase every 2 wks by 1 drop until taking 15 drops 3x a day

2. Can alternate or pulse with these (as tolerated amount per day 1 cap+):

Colloidal Silver

Olive Leaf

Astragalus

Andrographis
(whole plant from www.1stchineseherbs.com

Resveratrol

Teasel Root

Stephania Tetandria

5. Babesia Specific:

Quinine (found in Tonic Water w/out prescription or Hylands Homepathic Leg cramp tablets to test herx and if needed)

Artemesinin
By Allergy
Research Group – Take with Astragalus- work better together.

Neem

Allicine
concentrate

Prescription Nystatin Powder:
Start with ¼ of an “OO” capsule 1x/day work up to 4 “OO” caps 2x/day+

Detox
Support
(die-off, metals,
Kidney + Liver)

Daily or As Needed:

Sauna

L-Ornithine
(ammonia
detox)

Metal Detox
Alpha Lipoic Acid sustained-release. (metals,
mercury)
200mg/4x day.

NDF Chlorella
3x/day

Apple Pectin
capsules

Seaweed/Kelp capsules

Fiber supplement: Metamucil,
Ground flax seed,
Inulin
3x/day

Liver:
Sylmarin 150mg 2x day
OR
SLF Forte by integrative therapeutics
2 caps 2x/day

N-Acetyl Cysteine 9g/day
Milk Thistle & Dandelion
1 2x/day

Liver cleanse Hulda Clarke

Beta Sisterol
(prevention for reabsorbing
toxins)
molybdenum
3x/day

Glutathione Nebulized
(for liver processing of all toxins from body)

Glutathione IV

As Needed Per Herx:

colonics

organic coffee enemas

activated charcoal capsules

Metamucil

Immune Support & Heart Symptom Relief

Daily or As Needed- use what works best for you:

Colostrum

Astragalus

Beta Glucan

Transfer Factor

Colon Health/Intestinal Heath:

Acidophilus
Bifidobacteria
Plain Natural Yogurt or Kefir
OR
Primal Defense
OR
Maxam Nutraceuticals Probiotics

Trevinol
by Landis Revin Nutraceuticals

Lactobacillus Sporogenes (very important for gut rebuilding/combating yeast)

Chito Powder

Young Living Essential Oils:
-Longevity
-Thyme
-Thieves
-Frankincense
-Lemon
-Rosemary
-Oregano
-Ravensara
-Clove
-Cinnamon

Heart Symptom Relief:

Taurine
(powder form)
1-3 tsp in water as needed

Young Living Essential Oils:
Frankencense or Rose 1 drop in veggie capsule diluted with olive oil. Stops tachycardia/racing

CoQ10

Hawthorne capsules as needed (alleviates tachycardia/racing)

Ribose powder
by Pure Encapsulations as needed

Additional Core Supplements

Daily use:

B-complex +
Sublingual B-12 Jarrow formulas sugar-free

E 1000mg

Pycnogenol

Evening Primrose Oil
2x/day

Flax Seed Oil
3x/day

Carlson's Fish Oil 2 “OO” capsules/day
OR
Vitamin D drops

High quality super greens powder

Digestive Enzymes

Bile Salts with meals

Oxy-powder 2-3 before bed

GABA at bedtime for sleep

Electrolyte concentrate
(Elete electrolyte)

Selenium

Potassium
(needed for salt/c & magnesium absortion balance)

High Magnesium (malate, taurinate, citrate) 1000mg 5x/day
Very important for Lyme

Betaine HCL
with meals

Lithium Orotate
(natural mineral helps with Lyme)

MSM
Methyl-sulfonal-methane
(joints, connective tissue rebuilding)

Mineral complex/trace minerals

Tri-chromium
(balances blood sugar)

Dr. Healy's Magnesium Lotion (as needed)

L-carnitine
(brain fog help)

L-Glutamine

Inflammation Help

Hylands Homeopathic Ferrum Phos. 3X
(fevers and inflammation) 5 tablets under tongue as needed

Cayenne capsules

Capsaicin capsules

Allicin
concentrate

Baby aspirin

Pain Relief, Safe & Natural

Pain X by Biogenesis Nutraceuticals
(found on amazon.com)
1-2 caps 3x/day. After regular use taper down to 1x/day before stopping use.

Mood Help

SAMe 200mg 2 tabs daily w/ meals(also good for nerves, brain, circulation)

St.John's Wort capsules

Hormonal balancing/Progesterone/Pregnenolone

A Tribute to Fuzzy Buns

2008-08-14T00:10:00.000-07:00

LOL. Gotcha! Naw, I didn't mean those kind of fuzzy buns. Hehe. I mean Bunnies, of course!

If you're a bunny lover, you'll like this post. And if you're not, you will be converted, it's only a matter of time. Hope you enjoy these sillies.

Halo, doing a good job advertising his rescue!

Showin' off dah feetsies!

Happy, what a darling.

Periscoping. One of my favorite bun poses.

Peekaboo!

Treating And Preventing Lyme Disease- A Resource

2008-08-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer:
None of the information on this site is intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. I am not a doctor and am not medically qualified to give medical advice. If you are ill, please seek the advice of a qualified medical practitioner. :)

Treating and Preventing Lyme Disease -
A Resource.

Lyme Disease is “The fastest-growing infectious Disease in America.”

After meeting so many people with Lyme, using as well as studying the many varied methods for treating this disease, and seeing the difference in success per person with each method, it is difficult to point a finger at one specific approach and say, “That's it!” “Go do that!” A person should also keep in mind that there can be other unknown or underlying health issues going on in their body (heavy metals, mercury, toxicity build-up, lack of liver enzymes to properly detox the body, candida, bad diet, co-infections from the tick bite, etc etc) and until these issues are addressed, they can potentially hamper full recovery from Lyme Disease.

Above all, what I've learned in this process is that people need to try all of the most accepted methods and see what works best for their specific condition along with the guidance of a LLMD that they trust (Lyme-literate Medical Doctor). And also to have a lot of patience and trust that you will get well, even if it may require years of treatment- depending on how sick you are at the start of correct treatment. Most people are misdiagnosed for years before finding a good Doctor, or beginning the right treatment plan, and often by that time they are quite debilitated.

I do not intend to scare or worry anyone by writing this information and I do not want that. I only want for people to be able to be informed and aware of what isn't being publicly and nationally announced as much as it should be. And I want to try and help other's to protect themselves so they won't have to go through what I went through (along with a hundred thousand other people) due to lack of Doctors who understand Lyme Disease & are willing to treat it while risking their medical license to do so, lack of information to find the correct tests to confirm Lyme Disease, lack of resources to start the correct treatment immediately, and FDA refusal to approve safe, unconventional methods that have successfully treated Lyme Disease such as The Rife Machine.

I know what you're thinking. You're thinking well, that simply doesn't happen! You're saying there's a possibly life-threatening infectious disease that is all over the United States, Europe, and other countries that can make people very ill and debilitated and The Center For Disease Control, The American Medical Association, and The Food and Drug Administration aren't warning everyone as much as they should be?

I know it sounds crazy, but yes, they're not. Yes.
And to read more about why this is happening read HERE and HERE.

Why am I writing this? Because after years of extensive research, hundreds of dollars spent on Lyme related books, thousands and thousands of dollars spent on mis-diagnosed treatments or seeing ill-informed Doctors, and then spending thousands more on the correct treatments and LLMD, I want as much information to be available for FREE to people suffering with Lyme Disease as possible. This ailment is expensive enough when you can't work and insurance won't cover your treatments.

How To Protect Yourself From Lyme Disease: Early Prevention.

** Studies have shown that some people are naturally completely immune to Lyme Disease. Nobody knows why yet, but they can't ever get sick from it. For the rest of us, it is important to know what precautions have been found to work the best and what to look out for.**

Lyme Disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) along with similar spirochete organisms referred to as Co-infections that can mimic Lyme Disease illness in humans.

You get Lyme Disease from being bitten by a Deer Tick that is infected with these spirochetes. Deer Ticks are most active during the late Spring, Summer, and early Fall. Baby Deer Ticks are the size of the head of a pin and can easily go undetected.

Avoid going hiking in heavily wooded or tall-grass areas during the warm months especially in areas that have deer roaming wild. If walking through undergrowth or tall-grass, or vegetation in “wild” natural areas, always wear long pants, long sleeve-shirts, lace-up shoes with long socks, a hat of some kind, and tuck the bottom of your pant legs into your socks to prevent any ticks from getting under your pant legs. After getting home, check yourself for any ticks and take a shower.

If you live in the country with Deer in your area, build a sturdy fence around your entire property that will prevent Deer from getting in. Deer Ticks are unlikely to get on your property without being carried in on a Deer. Wild birds have been found to be carriers for Deer Ticks as well. Avoid handling any wild birds and wear long thick rubber gloves if you must for any reason.

Watch out for early Lyme Disease symptoms. They can mimic other ailments including the flu, MS, Chronic-fatigue Syndrome, Arthritis, Epstein-Barr Virus (to name a few) so detection via symptoms can be more difficult in the beginning when they are still minor. It is possible for these symptoms to come and go early on and thus be considered unrelated, but usually at least a couple will be persistent and re-occuring each day or every few days.

The telltale sign if a Lyme Disease tick bite is the red bulls-eye rash found on the persons body. The fact is only 40% of people bitten by infected ticks actually get this mark. Some have an unexplained rash of red bumps appear about 1/4 inch wide on different parts of their body. If you find a tick on you, remove it with a Tick Removel Kit so that the head remains intact. This helps reduce the liklihood of lyme infection. For safety, assume it carried Lyme and get a short-course of antibiotics from your doctor. After that keep an eye out for Lyme symptoms in case any show up.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease & What to Look For:
* Persistent stiff neck/neck pain on the back side just below the cranium, excessive tiredness and exhaustion that is not remedied with rest or sleep, low energy, muscle & joint aches and pains or minor arthritis sensations, muscles feeling weak without explanation, mild to moderate fever, heart palpitations (skipping a beat) or racing heart, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, blurry vision or seeing “floaters” in your line of sight, dizziness or vertigo, sharp “phantom” pains that reappear in the same spot or show up randomly in different locations but have the same sharp pain sensation, migraines or headaches that persist or are accompanied by sharp pains in your head, unexplained re-occurring insomnia, having the need to urinate excessively more often than normal, memory problems, inability to focus or concentrate, feeling of constant weight/pressure on chest area, breathing feels more labored, unexplained numbness in your fingers, toes, or on face that comes and goes, ringing in ears, unexplained sensitivity to bright light especially sunlight, becomes easily disoriented- Alzheimer's-like symptoms, involuntary twitches, nerve pains, neurological issues, cognitive issues, difficulty walking straight, equilibrium feels off balance, difficulty with physical exertion.

Early Prevention Supplementation:
* During the late spring, summer, and early fall months, taking 1000mg of liquid Astragalus or 1000mg whole herb Astragulus (in capsule form) is thought to prevent or diminish early infection if taken 1x a day, each day you are out in nature or exposed to possible bites from Deer-Ticks.

* If a Doctor will not prescribe antibiotics for you and you think you have recently contracted Lyme Disease, try using herbal antibiotics. (These herbal antibiotics are listed in the book: Healing Lyme: Natural Healing & Prevention For Lyme Borreliosis and Its Co-Infections By Stephen Buhner). And can be purchased from the site: www.1stChineseHerbs.com or found at your local health food store or Vitamin Shoppe. Particularly, liquid Prima Una De Gato, a superior quality liquid Cats Claw.

* Look up LLMDs that are well-respected in the Lyme community (Lyme-literate Medical Doctor) and in your area to refer to in case you need them in the future for accurate tests for Lyme Disease and solid treatment. There are some bad Doctors out there who can use nutty treatments- but many who use very safe unconventional treatments. Check with online Lyme Support Groups before starting any treatment via an LLMD that sounds unsafe to you or you are unsure about what it is or does.
* Resources for LLMDs in the United States:

Essential Lyme Disease Books:
1) Healing Lyme: Natural Healing & Prevention For Lyme Borreliosis and Its Co-Infections By Stephen Buhner.
2) The Top 10 Lyme Disease Treatments By Bryan Rosner & other Bryan Rosner books.
3) Chronic Lyme Disease, Ways to Outsmart a Smart Disease by Gigi Guthrie MSW.
4) Everything You Need to Know About Lyme Disease & Other Tick-Borne Disorders, 2nd Edition By Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner
5) When Anti-biotics Fail, Lyme Disease & Rife Machines- With Critical Evaluation of Current Alternative Therapies By Bryan Rosner.
6) Confronting Lyme Disease, What Patients Stories Teach Us (IPPY Award Winner) By Karen P. Yerges & Rita L. Stanley.

Online Resources for Lyme Disease:
http://www.lyme-disease-research-database.com/lyme_disease_blog.html
http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi?
http://www.lyme.org/index.html
http://www.aldf.com/
http://www.mdjunction.com/lyme-disease
http://www.lymeinfo.net/support.html
http://www.anapsid.org/cnd/support/index.html#doc

Rife Resource (if you don't have anyone in your area with a Rife Machine or LLMD Rife contacts): http://www.quantumbalancing.com/gb4000.htm
Yes, they seem expensive, but for so many people they have worked well and compared to thousands in medical costs, this isn't so expensive.

More info to come.

Humid And Hot

2008-08-07T22:29:00.000-07:00

So sorry about the posting I promised! The past few days have turned immensely humid and hot and sticky which is uncharacteristic for Pacific NW summers. I feel like I'm stuck in Missouri or Kansas it's so bad. But because of this it has me hanging out by our big fans, gulping iced drinks, dreaming about my trip to the ocean this weekend and doing anything other than sitting with my hot laptop on my lap writing :). I promise to write it up soon though!

In other news, this weekend is my birthday! Very exciting! And one of my present will be a new digital camera which I have wanted for a very very long time. Hurray! So you can look forward to even better pictures being put up on here! Let's hope! Hehe. Because of this I may dissapear for the weekend to celebrate, but I'll be back soon.

<3
Athy

Todays Laugh

2008-08-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

**I just thought I'd mention, tomorrow I will be writing a follow-up to my Lyme & Decaf Ponderings for anyone new to lyme disease who would like to know about ways that can help counter or prevent getting lyme disease. These are important things to know and unfortunately, there is quite a bit of controversy associated with treating lyme disease in the U.S. Even with positive blood tests as proof that a patient needs lyme treatment or that a short-term treatment via antibiotics failed to work completely. Little did I know that I had acquired such a politically and medically heated ailment! I just wanted to beat it! But more about that tomorrow..**

Onto the fun stuff! A laugh post to lighten your day!

WHAT MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished
cleaning.'

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.'
'You better pray that will come out of the carpet.'

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
'If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle
of next week!'

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
'Because I said so, that's why.'

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going
to the store with me.'

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident.'

7. My mother taught me IRONY.
'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.'

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
'Shut your mouth and eat your supper.'

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
'You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone.'

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!'

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
'Stop acting like your father!'

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't
have wonderful parents like you do.'

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
'Just wait until we get home.'

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
'You're going to get it when you get home!'

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way.'

19. My mother taught me ESP.
'Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?'

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
'When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me.'

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
'You're just like your father.'

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?'

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'

25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
'One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!'

Curious?

2008-08-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

If you're curious to know more about the facts of lyme and how easy it is to get it while out hiking or in nature, please watch the new documentary Under Our Skin, The Lyme Disease Documentary. Below is the trailer.

All of these things shown in the trailer with Doctor experiences, symptoms that become severe quickly without proper treatment, etc are COMMON with people who get lyme. It usually takes years and dozens of doctors to get a correct diagnoses in order to start the right treatment to get well. This has to change.

Thoughts Over Decaf

2008-08-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

I thought it best to warn you, this post is going to be a long one. Definitely a long one. And if by the end of it I happen to be wrong, feel free to point and say, HAHA! You didn't do it! Because that just might be a good thing ;).

Today I was thinking, pondering my day to day patterns. Mind you, these patterns are far from normal. But every day I have a routine. And most days this routine goes through its cycles like clockwork, with me going along like a timer. What's the point of it? Why do I do this without-a-doubt-absolutely-mandatory routine? I do it to reclaim what is and always has been rightfully mine- my body, my mind, my health.

I've kept this one up for oh, probably the past 2 years now, this current better routine that replaced my past less-than-perfected ones of the past few years. One of those composed of downing 100 capsules of herbs & supplements every day, that's like 10 every 3-4 hours. Are you thinking "Holy Crap!" because I sure was. And, yes. They went down every single day for a year. Can you imagine? Well, imagine without gaging, anyway ;). LOL. And that was just the tip of the iceberg.

So, right. This newer more perfected one. It wasn't created solely by the combination of four years of my own thorough research, and my own background in health, wellness and nutrition. But also research from people who beat lyme and studied it over the past 20 years, countless input from dozens of other people getting through this and a precious few very skilled courageous Docs (who have meant the world to me!).

It goes something like this.. I wake up as early as possible (though some days it really isn't early at all not because I'm a lazy-ass slob, but because that is just how it is) and head to our side table in the living room ~~as soon as I can get my butt out of bed~~ ASAP where I keep my stash. If I wait too long the lymies start wigging. Pause for a minute and ponder how ~~totally freaking creepy as hell~~ lovely that is and then remind self to remember to convince self they don't exist to avoid freak-out. Gulp down my "morning & every 3-4 hours stash" consisting of eight to ten lyme-blasting, mercury sponging and evacuating supplements (no, no herbs. These are different supplements). Eat breakfast, have coffee, wake up, sort of. Then onto my handful of "with meals" supps for nutrient rebuilding & restoring (the details of what they do in combination with this and that and in what form I have since remebered to forget because after so many years of researching this stuff, it now puts my brain in knots to keep figuring out the variations of it all, lol). Then onto the liquid supps. Then Lunch supps, with the every 3-4 hour group thrown in as needed every you know, 3-4 hours. Then my handful of before bed supps. And it starts all over the next day.

And every Tuesday, rife for 2 hours. Rife? Well, that's a whole other thing entirely. And if you have Lyme and don't know what Rifing is, you must email me ASAP. Seriously. Because Rifing is important for you. Even if it can sometimes make you feel like a bus infected with the flu hit you for 3-4 days in a row. It's worth it.

Why do so many of these things revolve around the numbers 3 & 4? That's weird. Well, like I was saying..

And in my delicious decaf-coffee induced ponderings, I wondered if when the day comes when I don't have to take all of this every day, if I'll feel like I'm constantly missing something throughout the day because this routine has become as ordinary to me as drinking water. And it takes up such a chunk of my day, I'll probably feel like I just quit smoking or broke some other major habit and have oodles of free time I don't know what to do with.

NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! I'll be in heaven when that time comes. Bring it, baby!

This stuff may not taste that great and the periodic blood tests still make me run and turn into the worlds biggest procrastinator ever known in history, but compared to chemo or surgeries or the numerous other awful things people go through to get well from various ailments, this ain't bad. Maybe I'm just sickeningly positive and all of these supplements have gone to my brain. LOL. Because anyone who has lyme knows it can show you 12 different kinds of pain and discomfort in less than 2 hours when it's really bad (I'm not that bad anymore thank God, but still not 100% either).

I didn't really want to write about this stuff on here. I kept thinking, well who the heck wants to read about that kind of stuff? Seriously?? But facts are facts and this blog is my own and about me and my life. So I'm afraid it's going to be. I hope you're ok with that. I also want it to be a resource for anyone who might need it.

No, I don't take any anti-biotics (minus my 1 year on herbal anti-biotics that worked great) and at this point I doubt I ever will because after years of research, I don't think they will work 100% by themselves. And what I'm doing now works and works well.

My mother now has the same routine as me as of 1 1/2 years ago. It's amazing how much it has brought us even closer than we already were. We can hold each other's hands and laugh and bitch and compare notes throughout this journey. Blessings!

The thing I've often found completely mind-boggling (among the numerous mind-boggling issues associated with lyme- politically, socially, personally) is that nearly everyone understands and least somewhat what people with cancer go through, they fight it for a year and improve or don't. Lyme for most everyone who doesn't catch it within the 1st month without any warnings, spend 5-10 years battling it daily to get better and nearly nobody knows lyme is like that. All from 1 tick bite.

And people should know. They should be able to protect their children, their families, and friends from this.

Stories

2008-08-01T23:32:00.000-07:00

I needed a little boost earlier today, this week was a bit rougher than usual and sometimes an inspiring, soul-warming story is just the ticket to lift my spirits. I hope you enjoy the following stories as much as I did. And I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

Cabbie
By Author Unknown

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. It was a cowboy's life, a life for someone who wanted no boss. What I didn't realize was that it was also a ministry.

Because I drove the night shift, my cab became a moving confessional. Passengers climbed in, sat behind me in total anonymity, and told me about their lives. I encountered people whose lives amazed me, ennobled me, made me laugh and weep.

But none touched me more than a woman I picked up late one August night. I was responding to a call from a small brick fourplex in a quiet part of town. I assumed I was being sent to pick up some partiers, or someone who had just had a fight with a lover, or a worker heading to an early shift at some factory for the industrial part of town.

When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute", answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

"Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. "It's nothing", I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated".

"Oh, you're such a good boy", she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me and address, then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?"

"It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly. "Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice".

I looked in the rearview mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long." I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route would you like me to take?" I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now."

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

"How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse. "Nothing," I said.

"You have to make a living," she answered. "There are other passengers," I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

"You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you." I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life. I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.

The Ice Cream Prayer
By Author Unknown

Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is great and God is Good. Let us thank Him for the food, and I would even thank you more if mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice-cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer." "Really?" my son asked. "Cross my heart."

Then in theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes and my soul is good already."

<3 Athy

Up To No Good

2008-07-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

Max is such a cutie, isn't he? Looks like the little rascal is up to no good again. He is such a powerhouse of personality. You wouldn't think it at the first glance, but don't be fooled; Max finds a way to get everyone he meets to absolutely adore him. He is a smart cookie like that, I honestly don't know how he does it. And don't even think about trying to out-smart him, those gears of his are always turning and he knows exactly what you're thinking. Hehe! Imagine a very clever, mischievious, silly, goofy, cuddle-bug, people-loving, over-the-top cute prankster and you'd have him pretty much pegged.

I never realized before I got Max how hilarious buns are as pets. It has definitely been an adventure!

Triumph Awards: Nathan, Tricia, and Gwyneth

2008-07-27T22:26:00.001-07:00

Have you heard of the Horatio Alger Awards? If you haven't, read here. They are an award given out to people who succeed in overcoming adversity through unyielding perseverance, hard work, and high moral character.

On my blog, though it may not be anywhere near as prestigious as the Horatio Alger Award, we will have the Triumph Awards, periodically posted along with a story about the deserving person(s). Unfortunately, they will simply be a trophy on the internet, I wish it could be more! These people may not receive an Algar Award during their lifetime, but in my opinion, they certainly deserve one!

Today, through some cosmic blogger to blogger links (I love it when that happens, don't you?), I stumbled upon a blog that, after reading the first four posts, made me completely speechless with awe and amazement. This blog's story deeply touched my heart along with thousands of other's after reading about their strength of heart, love, and believing you will succeed in the face of immense obstacles. And throughout it all, they still have such an unshakeable faith in God and a truly magnanimous character.

Visit the blog, Confessions Of A CF Husband, and let your life be touched by these incredible people; Nathan, Tricia, and Gwyneth.

Even hours afterwards, I have so much profound respect and reverence for these wonderful people!

Much love to all,
Athy

Triumph Awards: Josh Holt

2008-07-26T22:57:00.000-07:00

Awhile back, I was doing research on physical therapy. I plan to return to school in the near future and acquire a degree as a physical therapy assistant. Finally, after my major detour, I have found my true calling. I wanted to read everything I could get my hands on about schools, work related stories by physical therapists, and the people in physical therapy. And after all of that reading, I want to be a part of this profession even more.

Since going through my own battle, I can't help but be drawn to the inspiration and strength found in other people's courageous and amazing stories. The more I look, the more incredible people I find with stories that make you feel very humbled by what can be accomplish simply through their strength of spirit and determination. It helps me not forget to be grateful and appreciative in my day to day life, seeing the world through other people's eyes.

In my reading, I came across a story I felt I had to write about on here so that other's could know about, too. A battle is more easily won when you have the strength of many to empower you and replenish your stores of determination, so the more people who know these stories, the more it can empower the fighters. At least I hope so!

Please click here to go to Josh Holt's blog and read his story.

And to Josh Holt, I am humbled by your incredible strength of spirit! You are truly an awesome person!! Keep it up!!!

Athy

Evening Quiet

2008-07-26T00:23:00.000-07:00

It's late, the house is empty and my mind is full. Don't writers often say that is the best time to write? When the stillness around you lets your fingers flow free. I wish my fingers would flow that freely tonight, but there are some heavy thoughts on my mind. For now all I want to do is enjoy the quiet of my empty, cozy house and dream about the future and blessings to come, not dwell on anything heavy.

I have never considered myself especially religious, and I wouldn't say I'm especially spiritual, but my faith runs very deep. It is on nights like this that I seek out comfort in words, psalms and passages in the bible that soothe and wrap me up like a warm blanket.

I am a country girl trapped in the city. Some day soon I will escape back to where I belong among the tall open grasses of meadows and fields, to the shade of a tall oak tree and listen to the expansive quiet of heaven on earth and the songs of birds and critters. To the soft rustle of a summer breeze fresh with the smell of summer flowers in bloom and fields ripening for harvest. Butterflies floating in the air and the music of crickets at dusk. Until then I will dive into gorgeous pictures of where I want to be and dream it real. Isn't it lovely?

Come dream with me..

to places where you can escape from it all..

and be free.

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.

And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing.

Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil;

rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth;

beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away.

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part;

but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things.

For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.

But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13

Cocker Spaniel Love

2008-07-24T16:09:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't noticed, I absolutely love cute things. And above that, I absolutely love cute cuddley animals. Hence, how I got suckered into owning my baby Max. The 4 lb little bunny with the worst Napoleon complex personality ever which you will get to read about in later posts. Because of this weakness of mine, I often spend a few evenings each month on Petfinder drooling over the cuties. Especially the dog cuties. Not that I'm prejudice or anything, I just really want to add a doggy to our mish-mash household *wink*.

My new mission: to save for a little Cocker Spaniel pup. Yes, I am in love. I spent hours searching out the sweetest breeds for a little companion puppy, HOURS I'm telling you, going through Carne Terriers, Boston Terriers, Westies, Spaniels, Poodles, and each one seemed to have issues. Whether it was bitey issues, hyper issues, snooty issues, attention issues, or nippy issues, I wanted a pup breed that was just real good and nice. So after all this reading work, in frustration, I whined to my smarty-pants T that I can't seem to find any breed that fits what I'm looking for and right off the bat he casually mentions, "Well, why don't you just look into getting a Cocker Spaniel?" Doh, why didn't I think of that? Apparently, when he was young, his family had a special Cocker Spaniel named Bo who was one of the best dogs, full of personality, goofball-ness, and sweetness. After hearing that, I was hooked! Immediately I had to find out more about this amazing breed that had somehow remained completely unknown to me!

And this is what I found...

Can you blame me for being smitten?? Gosh, what darlings! Someday in the near future, I shall have a new sweetie, too. Until then, I'll continue to drool over the cuties and spoil my little Napoleon bun.

If you or anyone you know is in need of a special new friend, please check out your local shelters and rescues or look on PetFinder.com! Thanks!

Much love,
Athy

A Weekend Full of Family & Fun

2008-07-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was such a great time. This was my first long-weekend trip in months, mainly due to my Lyme treatment schedule which can sometimes get in the way of being able to travel whenever I want to, but not this time, thank goodness. We left last Thursday and headed out to T's brother's wedding reception out in eastern Washington. What a drive! 100 degree heat during the four-hour drive there and back, but it was worth it.

Friday, set-up for the after-party- lots of landscaping help and planting flowers and me getting sunburned from being out all day in the heat (I was the only one!).

Saturday, getting all prettied up for a lovely country-club reception where I met even more of T's family I hadn't met yet and somewhat resembling a lobster in my pretty dress, followed by a slightly crazy after-party.

Sunday, absolutely perfect for golfing, so off we went and I learned my first ins and outs of the game by zippily commanding the golf cart for the guys (ok, so I did zip off a few times by accident without giving them the clubs they needed, hehe, how was I suppose to know?). But now I really get the appeal of golfing- gorgeous oak smattered hills of rich green, the fun of aiming at each hole to beat par, this is something I could definitely do again soon.

Monday, the very long, very hot and dry drive back home in my little gas saver that has absolutely no A/C, yeeesh. It's so nice to be home. Home sweet home where it is 20-30 degrees cooler.

Appreciating Everything

2008-07-11T01:10:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Claude@Munich's (flickr.com)

You are a hiding-place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
Psalm 32:7

I guess it is as good a time as any to give a much needed nod to the title of this blog, Lyme Cowgirl.

Lyme. The word alone brings so much with it. But for many it is unknown, misunderstood, and over-simplified. Battling Lyme Disease, in all honesty, can be one of the most courageous, frightening, painful (on so many levels) and heart-wreanching experiences one can go through in life and for most is goes on for a very long time. Depending on how long you've gone being misdiagnosed or untreated. To be fair, there are many such experiences that life and God in all his wisdom put in our path to overcome. And how can one really compare one such experience like that with another as worse or harder or more life-changing? The way I see it, everyone has their life challenges and battles; to each person that battle can be the hardest thing of their life and usually the most life-changing.

Looking back on the past 6 years of my life, things are really wonderful now. Not perfect (are they ever? :)). But wonderful just the same. I've always been rediculously positive and optimistic; the always smiling little-miss-sunshine. But now I'm the happiest I've been in some time, a different happy because I don't take anything for granted anymore. Lyme, though there were many years that I saw it as my Goliath, my strongest evil enemy, it was also a tremendous blessing, truly. A tremendous blessing that took me forever to really see. I've met so many people throughout my life who live day-to-day without deep heart-felt appreciation. For their life, for the many moments that make up their day, the people they share their life with, their gifts and all the little joys and beauty that are literally everywhere. To stop and pay attention to thoroughly appreciating. Sometimes it really isn't easy! But allowing yourself to share blessings and appreciate everything makes every day so rich and rewarding. Lyme disease gave me that gift. I am forever changed.

Homemade Sausage

2008-07-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

Around here we try to keep things as down-home, healthful, and comforting as possible. And with a hungry country guy to keep well-fed, I have to keep things healthy and man-pleasing or else T will be pretty hungry and unhappy when he gets home from a long, gruelling day's work out in the hot sun.

I've definitely had my moments during our time together of "testing" just how far his taste buds will enter into the "uber healthy food" region of eating. Since I've been very knowledgeable and well-informed about nutrition, health, and diet ever since I was 14 (yes, I was an unusual 14yr old! Lol), I'll indulge in some uber-health-nut delights that T would run from. But considering some true-to-the-bone country men out there and their strictly all-american taste-buds, he has a pretty adventurous palate (even including sushi and Thai food!). Good thing too, since I love cuisines from all over the world. But for this blog I'll be sticking with it's main theme and our home-cooking recipes (at least most of the time).

Sausage is traditionally made in the Fall, but around here since we don't have our own meat animals (and we live on a budget), this gets made whenever our freezer stock runs out. Much healthier than store-bought, less expensive than organic/free-range sausage from the store, and so much yummier too! It's easier than you think! We stick mostly with keeping the sausage either in bulk no-casing 1 lb packages for soups, extra flavor for dishes, meatballs, italian dishes, pasta, etc. or in pattie-form stored via ziplock freezer bags with wax paper between the patties. Eventually, I might get around to buying a sausage-filling attachment for my Kitchen-Aide mixer, but for now we like to keep things in our lives nice and simple.

#1 Farm Sausage

(All herbs used are dried, sub fresh herbs if you have 'em!)
2 lbs ground pork (preferably naturally raised)
3 lbs ground beef (preferably naturally raised)
1 1/2 cups fine chop yellow onion (or 1 large yellow onion)
5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or 2-3 tbl dried Chevril
1/4 cup rubbed sage
1 tbsp savoryjavascript:void(0)
1 tbsp marjoram
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tbsp cayenne
1 tbsp basil
1 1/2 tbsp sea salt
1 tbsp fresh ground pepper

Mix together meat and herbs in a large bowl. Form into sand-dollar size patties and either fry in grapeseed oil or freeze in freezer bags. Enjoy!

Thought you might be wondering...

2008-07-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

Yay! It's official. The first post on my new blog. After being a long time blog-reading addict, it finally became time for me to join the ranks of writer as well as reader.

Of course, after reading so many fabulous long-standing blogs out there, I feel a little daunted at the beginning of this!

But on to the point.. So, I thought you might be wondering something. Something about just who that little squirt is up in the corner over there lounging on the bed. Yeah, him, the one with big ears, who is painfully adorable, and the biggest funniest pain-in-the-butt-never-to-grow-up-2-yr-old I have ever known.

He's lucky he's so darn cute. Very, very lucky. Lol.

Max came to me about 3 1/2 years ago completely by chance. Or luck. Or my wanting something super cute and playful and not seeing the 24/7 gold medal winning mischief maker in those brown eyes. Ha! There is a reason why bunny owners say they are their pet's slaves.. and here we go:

Cost of adopting Max at 6 months old: Free
Damage in the 1st month: Had to replace carpeting in living room
Damage in the 1st year: Had to replace carpeting in the 2nd bedroom as well as master bedroom closet
Damage in the last year: accidentally escaped while we were on vacation and somehow found his way to
a water hose under our sink and decided to put a nice little hole in it while the water was turned on!

He's our very own little 3 pound distructo. If you had asked me 2 1/2 years ago if I would own a pet like this I would have said No Way!! But now we adore him too much to not keep him. Dontcha just hate it when that happens.. :) I kid, I kid. I love him bunches! Really I do!