Blog Post 02: Surviving Lyme Disease
At 31, my life took a drastic turn when I suddenly became paralyzed. One moment, I was thriving, and the next, I was in a hospital bed, surrounded by doctors who were puzzled and unable to provide answers. They delivered the devastating news: I would never walk again and needed to accept my new life in a wheelchair. But deep down, I refused to accept that fate.
I knew I couldn't let this define me. I began to fight with every ounce of strength I had, determined to reclaim my life. That's when the real battle began, as I discovered I was living with Chronic Neuro Degenerative Lyme disease. The more I learned, the more I realized how complex and varied this illness was. Each case is unique, and the struggles it presents can be overwhelming.
The specific strand I was infected with was particularly cruel, attacking my nervous system and brain. However, I was resolved to not let it defeat me. I wanted to share my journey—every twist and turn—hoping that my story would resonate with others fighting similar battles.
My path to recovery has been filled with small victories and setbacks, but every step forward fuels my hope. I want others battling Lyme disease to know that they are not alone and that it’s crucial to fight for their life, no matter how daunting the challenge may seem. This blog is my window into this fight, a testament to resilience, and an invitation for others to join me on this journey towards healing and empowerment. Let’s explore this journey together, starting from the very beginning of my story.
On the road to recovery
From daily treatments to regain my strength and take back my health.
From Amazing health to a wheel chair in just a matter of a moment
In 2014, at the age of 31, I was living what I believed to be my healthiest life. I had set a personal goal to be in my best shape by 30, committing to early morning workouts and a dedicated fitness regimen. I woke up at 5 AM, spent two hours lifting weights at the gym, and took advantage of my work breaks by running near the bay. My diet, rich in pescatarian options and protein shakes, fueled my progress. I felt amazing, confident, and alive.
That summer, I took my family on a vacation to Las Vegas. One day, we decided to visit Lake Mead, where we rented a boat and enjoyed the sun. We docked to lay out on what seemed like a perfect beach. While sunbathing, I felt what I chalked up to sand fleas jumping on me, so we decided to return to the boat. Later that day, while preparing for dinner, my family noticed an unusual marking on my right calf—it resembled a red bullseye. I dismissed it as a strange tan line or burn, not knowing how significant it would become. At that time, Lyme disease was virtually unknown in California, so I had no reason to suspect anything wrong.
The next morning, the mark was gone, and life continued as usual. But within a few weeks, fatigue hit me like a ton of bricks. My mornings became increasingly challenging; what had once been a vibrant workout routine dwindled to 30 minutes and eventually turned into me struggling to rise from bed. I felt exhausted, weak, and forgetful. My physical prowess was slipping away, and I thought perhaps this was just the reality of turning 30. Friends had warned me it was all downhill from that milestone, and I started to believe it.
Despite my deteriorating condition, I decided to push myself, hoping that a run along the bay would revive my spirit. Halfway through, out of nowhere, my legs felt like jelly, and I collapsed, unable to feel them fully. A co-worker had to help me back to the office, physically lifting me as I struggled with every step.
I realized something was seriously wrong. I visited the hospital multiple times, each visit yielding the same results: "Everything looks normal. Get some rest." My frustration grew as I insisted something was not right—my legs lacked full feeling, yet each examination returned with a reassurance that all was well. They even pricked my toes and calves, asking if I could feel it, and when I replied no, they simply shrugged it off. The lack of answers was terrifying.
Days turned into weeks, and my condition worsened. Even getting out of bed became a challenge. I experienced sharp, electric pain shooting through my nerves as my legs grew weaker. I could no longer walk unaided. My family bought a wheelchair from Craigslist, and that became my new mode of transportation. Each visit to my primary doctor ended in disappointment; her persistent assertions that I was fine felt invalidating. When I expressed my distress, she suggested seeing a psychologist, as if my struggle was merely a manifestation of stress or anxiety.
After six months without a diagnosis or relief, I felt lost. How could a previously healthy, active life be reduced to this? I refused to accept that I might never walk again. I continued to seek help and demand answers, determined to reclaim my life and find a way back to health, whatever it took. I was in excruciating pain feeling like I am being electrocuted, I started to have seizures! I would be talking and then start stuttering and then my brain would just stop and be confused and then I’d have a seizure and then pass out. I had up to a dozen seizures a day. Each causing me incredible pain. My paralysis was getting worse and I started to lose strength in my hands. I could no longer lift a fork to feed myself, could not dress myself. I was a limp body left in bed with no improvement. My children then 16,12 and 3 were of huge help keeping me sane and being caregivers to me. My son was in school for firefighting so he was the one nursing me at home. My 12 year old daughter helped dress me and my 3 year old was my therapist telling me I was going to be ok.
With my symptoms worsening, I asked for another doctor and this one finally sent me to all of the specialist such as the Neurologist, Infectious Disease Specialist and ordered more tests.
Finally a breakthrough of what is happening to me
Finally after seeing specialist there were some answers. The infectious disease doctor noted that they did see some ANA bodies in my blood. An ANA test is a blood test that looks for antinuclear antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria. But an antinuclear antibody attacks your own healthy cells instead. She said “I see theses antibodies in your blood, but there is no way of knowing for sure what is causing it or what disease it is since you have tested negative for everything we tried. We may never know and so we don’t know how to treat it. You may need to get used to this way of life” This was now the third Doctor to tell me I will never walk again and to get used to being in a wheelchair and come to accept it.
For me, having at least one clue was a victory “OK, I have antinuclear antibodies in my blood, my body is attacking itself. I can work with that” I began researching like crazy about ANA. After some weeks, I was finally able to see the neurologist. This man was a hero! He took one look at me and said “You are too young to be in a wheelchair, I have to figure this out” This Doctor ran every test on me he could think of and yup, you guessed it, they all came back NORMAL! He said “I am not giving up on you, I will find answers for you. There is one more test I am going to do. It’s highly unlikely that it will be positive because the west coast doesn’t have Lyme disease but your symptoms do fall under it’s characteristics”.
So he tested me for Lyme disease and it was a BOLD POSITIVE! He called me and said “I have good news and bad news! The good news is, I figured out what you have, you have Lyme disease! But, the bad news, I have never treated Lyme disease and know nothing about it because it’s an east coast disease that I have never seen. My medical books say to provide you with a month on Doxycycline antibiotics. I am going to prescribe this, but moving forward you will need to find a doctor that specializes in Lyme disease. I don’t know of any because like I said this isn’t a west coast disease. I have asked my colleagues and we just don’t know anyone”
The Healing Begins
After months of uncertainty and frustration, I finally found some answers after seeing a specialist. The infectious disease doctor informed me that my blood tests revealed the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA). An ANA test checks for antibodies that attack not just viruses and bacteria, but, unfortunately, my own healthy cells. This was the third time a doctor had told me to accept the fact that I would be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. Despite the bleak prognosis, I found a small victory in having at least one clue about my condition.
Determined to understand more, I dove into research about ANAs. Eventually, I was referred to a neurologist who became a beacon of hope. He looked at me and declared, “You are too young to be in a wheelchair; I will figure this out.” He subjected me to an array of tests, all of which came back normal. Yet, he remained committed to finding answers. He suggested one last test for Lyme disease, even though he noted it was uncommon on the West Coast.
To my surprise, the test came back boldly positive. He called with both good and bad news: I had Lyme disease, but he had never treated it before. He prescribed a month of Doxycycline antibiotics, but cautioned that I would need to seek a specialist moving forward, as he didn’t know any in the area.
Just when I thought my situation couldn’t get more challenging, two people informed me about a doctor in San Diego who specialized in Lyme disease, as he had seen his own daughters suffer from it. I called his office, only to learn he wasn’t accepting new patients. I pleaded to speak with him, and luckily, he agreed to hear my story. Impressed by my determination, he asked me to come in right away.
Upon our meeting, he offered me the hope I desperately needed, saying, “Don’t worry; I’m going to get you out of that wheelchair. You will walk again.” Tears of relief filled my eyes as I realized I wasn’t alone in this fight anymore. He conducted further tests, confirming I had no co-infections, and then put me on a rigorous treatment plan with long-term antibiotics, including Doxycycline and two others.
The doctor explained that I needed to take one specific antibiotic during the full moon, as he believed the gravitational pull would cause the bacteria to reproduce. His plan involved taking antibiotics for four days and then switching to vitamins, probiotics, prebiotics, and chlorella for three days to help my body recover. Daily sauna sessions were also a part of the regimen, aimed at helping manage the herxing—that intense pain caused by toxins released as the bacteria died off.
With a structured treatment plan in place, I felt a sense of renewed hope for the future and a commitment to my healing journey. My Treatment:
4 days a week I took 4 Antibiotics taken twice a day, Doxycycline, Amoxicillin, Cefuroxime and Ceftriaxone.
3 days a week natural remedies to recover and repair my body: Japanese Knotweed, Cats Claw, 4 days chlorella and HMD Lavage
Probiotics and Probiotics Liquid form
Detox heavy metals with chlorella and HMD Lavage
Each day sweat out toxins in the sauna
Ozone Treatment 3 times a week
Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free Diet to reduce inflammation
Daily Physical Therapy
CBD with THC oil under the tongue for pain
After just one month of treatment, I began to notice significant improvements in my health. I could finally use my arms, feel my legs, and experienced fewer seizures. It felt like I had finally found the right doctor who understood my needs.
The diet was challenging, though. I vividly remember sitting at the dinner table, watching my family indulge in pizza while I felt utterly distraught, tears streaming down my face. It was tough, but deep down, I knew it was for the best. With time, I gradually adapted to the restrictions and found that I was no longer bothered by the foods I couldn’t have.
The antibiotics were another hurdle; they made me feel extremely ill. I experienced severe stomach issues, and regular bathroom trips became a thing of the past. Vomiting was a frequent occurrence. However, over time, my body started to adjust, and I was able to continue with the treatment.
I really appreciated that my doctor was both an MD and holistic in his approach. The herbs and vitamins I took on my break days proved beneficial. He suggested that I take liquid probiotics and prebiotics two hours before my antibiotics each morning. This step was vital; it gave my body a fighting chance to heal my gut while combating the illness.
Eventually, I transitioned to more natural antibiotics derived from essential oils. These helped fight the Lyme disease without wreaking havoc on my digestive system. Throughout this process, I learned how crucial gut health is when undergoing treatment. Healing my gut became a long journey, ( READ how I healed my gut HERE) and I spent years working towards that goal.
Back when I started this journey, only a few essential oils were recognized for their benefits. However, as research has progressed, many more have emerged, showing great potential. I’m excited to share the essential oils that I personally used in my fight against Lyme disease.
The Supplements that saved my life
TRIQUETRA Bio Chlorella Organic tablets
This brand is pure, high quality for ultimate results and was recommended by my Doctor. It ensures optimal absorption and has the world's most concentrated levels of CGF (Chlorella Growth Factor), which Chlorella's most unique and beneficial nutritional components. Chlorella binds to heavy metals and toxins in your body to help eliminate them. Essential to eliminate Lyme die off and heavy metals causing pain. BUY HERE
HMD Lavage Liquid Dropper
Blend of natural herb based ingredients that help detox and works best when taken with the Chlorella to remove heavy metals and the Lyme die off which will also contribute to reduced pain.
doTERRA Essential Oils Oregano oil, Cinnamon bark, and Clove bud
These essential oils worked like a natural antibiotic and caused herxing, which means successful die off of Lyme. Let me warn you, it tastes awful and you will need to get creative how to hide the flavor of the Oregano especially. But, it’s worth it. It helps kill Lyme bacteria without the horrible affects of antibiotics on the gut. Not all essential oils are created equal. Don’t go the cheapest on, you need quality organic and pure oils that are food safe. I trust mine from doTerra buy on Amazon Oregano Oil HERE, Cinnamon Bark HERE , Clove Bud HERE . You add a few drops to a liquid twice a day as you would an antibiotic.
Getting my life back
My journey has been one of resilience and determination. After six months of treatment, I triumphantly took my first steps again! Through dedicated physical therapy sessions multiple times a week, I gradually regained strength and mobility. The transition from a wheelchair to walking with a cane was challenging, but I concentrated on every single step, eventually walking independently.
I committed to my physical therapy exercises for years, continuously working on building my leg strength to prevent any setbacks. It took me a year to walk again, two years to run, three years to ride a bike and surf, and four years to hike and reclaim my abilities. However, snowboarding still eludes me; after just one run down the slopes, my legs become overwhelmed due to nerve agitation.
In total, it took about five years to mostly recover. I still experience flare-ups, especially when under stress or eating out, as certain restaurant oils trigger pain for me. I often feel a burning sensation in my nerves, and my eyes are sensitive to bright or flashing lights. It's crucial for me to maintain daily exercise; without it, I quickly notice my leg strength dwindling. Over the years, I’ve faced relapses that brought challenges like dragging my foot, seizures, and pain. Whenever that happens, I return to my oils and special diet, which usually helps me feel better.
For five years, I adhered strictly to a gluten-free, sugar-free, and dairy-free diet. Gradually, I reintroduced some foods into my life but remained mindful of keeping them to a minimum. When flare-ups occur, I immediately eliminate them from my diet, and that often brings relief. In my experience, diet has proven to be the most vital factor in my recovery. I cook at home five days a week because eating out tends to irritate my nerves.
The transformation I’ve undergone is remarkable. Once physically fit, I found myself paralyzed in a wheelchair, but I fought back to a place where I can run 20 miles, cycle 60 miles, and truly enjoy life with newfound purpose and gratitude. Every day is an adventure, and I cherish it. I make conscious choices about my diet and exercise daily to maintain my hard-earned muscle and health.
The fight has been worth it, and I want to inspire others. Don’t give up; keep pushing through. With determination, you can regain your life too. Although there isn't a cure for Lyme disease, paying attention to your body and making necessary changes can lead to symptom-free days and a fulfilling life. If I can find my way back, so can you! Feel free to reach out with questions and I’d love to try to help.
Living my adventurous life and not taking a single step or day for granted!