Best remedy for brain/memory problems? Can't lose my job

Hi-
Just recently diagnosed, after 2 years of hell (and continuing)
What have people found to help (and quickly!) for brain fog and functioining?? I can't do reports for work, I may lose my job if I don't get better. I plan on following Dr. Cowden's condensed program....

Thanks so much!

Hi seekingbalance and welcome!

I followed Dr. Jernigan's protcol years ago and became completely well after a long battle with this disease. 

You may want to buy his book and learn about what causes these problems and the treatments Dr. J. recommends..  He also covers ALL the coinfections in his book.  I highly recommend it as knowledge is power.

As far as brain problems, ammonia is a horrible toxin that is automatically produced when lyme bacteria die off (either naturally since they have a life span or by medicines) that causes not only joint pains, organ problems but brain and memory problems as well as brain fog and lyme rage episodes... 

Below is an interesting article written by Dr. Jernigan:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_285/ai_n19170382/?tag=content;col1

Also, if you get get in the habit of detoxing daily (there are instructions on the sticky thread on top called "New to Lyme?  Start Here!") that would be a very good start.

Hope this helps,

Denise

Well, it sure is a good question. My cognitive issues have improved some after abx. Not where they need to be, but some improvement.

And altho You're supposed to avoid caffeine if you have Lyme, I just read an article about how it gives many people the 'edge' they need and keeps their mind alert and focused. This would not apply to overuse, however. Do you drink any coffee? If not maybe try a cup of good black now and then?

Dejavue's success is reknowned, so maybe you should consider her protocol. I just can't afford it quite yet and am trying to kill as much bacteria as possible right now w/ abx. Kind of like a war --- my initial attack.

Thank you for your suggestions!
Sorry in advance for the lengthy response---

Yes, coffee is a double-edged sword, no? I unfortunately am one of those physically and emotionally attached to my coffee, and i know for the sake of my adrenals I do have to give it up. I am sure my adrenals are deficient, depleted, battered and look like raisins. I have no idea how i will survive without that slight energy kick.

I am glad for the suggestions of detox baths and supplements...I need to get going on the baths....I also ordered some supplements that have some of those you list, bucci, so it is encouraging...and good proof for my husband (who is so overwhelmed by all the items for Lyme, that he puts my own strong belief in supplements last on the list...)

Perhaps I can offer a hint in return.....If none have looked into it, the company Vitacost.com has vitamin/supplement formulas called " NSI Synergy" that are very cheap comparatively, use *high* quality ingredients (not the Centrum clay tabs!!!) . NSI is their own brand. The Synergy line has about 20 different formulations...from your basic multi at $14.99....to their "Platinum" at $300! It has CoQ10, Alph lipoic acid, omegas, reservatol, etc etc.... I had hoped to get the Platinum, and take 1 packet instead of two per day, but the cost is just too much for now. A good happy medium I found is their "Synergy Neuropower"--I think $29.99? for one months supply? It is a good deal. I like that their more complex formulas are given in packets....I don't know about you, but having about 200 individual bottles of supplements to take cluttering my kitchen--on top of Lyme protocol ones...is annoying. Not that my kitchen is clean, cleaning is last on my list of priorities!

I had eyed Dr. J's Neurodetox formula...and my interest in his overall method is growing.
But for now I have chosen Cowden's condensed program...we'll see how it goes.
I had the unbelieveable luck of stumbling upon an amazing Lyme-literate doc in the middle of nowhere--a tiny clinic that serves mostly people with little funds--a few years ago, when I had bizarre neurological symptoms. Doctors took one look at my history, saw "depression hx," then their face and demeanor would change into this annoying sympathetic/condescending manner, obviously thinking it was all in my head. I resolved the issue myself at the time--researched until I found i has sxs of B12/ methyl deficiency (despite normal blood levels), and needed absurd amounts of methylcobalamin B12 to improve.

ANYWAYS (so much for a short story!) I had already discovered the methyl B12 when I went to see this doctor, and instead of treating me like cr*p and telling me the amounts I was taking was harmful she said "well, apparently your body simply is unable to absorb B12 properly.." At the time I had no other symptoms, but now I am sure I already had Lymes then...now I have loads of symptoms, except the classic joint swelling (EVERYTHING else hurts, just not joints), which is why both my doc and I were not looking at Lyme as a serious possibility at first. She is a regular MD, but studied alternative meds for 2 years. My only disappointment came when she prescribed Samento and some others, saying she was tailoring Cowden's program for me....but I found she was mostly cutting out all the detoxifying agents, and I became very ill. So now I will follow his protocol. Plus perhaps some homeopathic help, and acupuncture. I hope I can afford occasional relaxing gentle massages and mud wraps, to calm my very neglected soul.

Again, thank you for the welcome, as I try and learn and navigate this horrid condition. I am a psychologist, and instead of responding to questions in my field with high level, complex language I find myself saying "Yes, you know that...thing...can help...help..and ...well, results show this person is ...smart [instead of saying "has an IQ of 110, which falls in the range of Above Averge intelligence when compared to the sample of the general population."]

I am awaiting results on possible co-infections. I am crying as I have to give up chocloate, my only solace as I have been too tired to socialize (and have two toddlers who suck out all energy).

I take it to heart, the comment "I wish you peace and healing" I have no peace. I need to reconnect with myself.

Oh! Lastly, at the advice of an herbalist (you know, the type with long, dishheveled gray hair and no deoderant--i.e., trustworthy) to drink ?? tea--see, the name escapes me! (to pull out toxins), then 10 tabs of chlorella 2 hours later (to bind toxins) I think it is helping a bit.
And I feel for you, ineisa--I am dual language (Eng. and Latvian) and often can remember words, but in the wrong language....

Thanks you again, I await to learn, contribute and support....
Z.

Buhner recommends Huperzine A, Vinpocetine, and/or Ginkgo for brain function. Beware of drug interactions with these herbs, though...

I think also that phosphatidylcholine and essential fatty acids (omega-3, 6 & 9) are also important for brain function...

I like brainbashers.com puzzles - especially their sudoku & kakuro daily puzzles...

Thank you all! I will keep you apprised of any helpful methods. It is pretty hard to pay for all the supplements etc if you are out of a job.
I look at the Starbucks personnel with amazement, respect and envy. The speed and complexity they deal with, even in such a "mainstream entry" job.... I could never do their work. Even before the Lyme!

Oh Patti, you are a darling..   It's just part of my nature to help others..  When I was in elementary school (6th grade), I volunteered to stay after school and I read and played with 2 retarded children and that gave me great joy..  Funny, later on I found out one of the kids I worked with (Billy) made a movie with David McCallum called "Teacher, Teacher"..   I was so happy for Billy! 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065077/

In high school I had joined FOA (Friends of Animals) to help stop killing seals for greed..  So basically all my life I always enjoyed helping others (people and animals)..

Denise

Seekingbalance,

Did you definitely decide to follow the Cowden protocol? I do hope that you bought Dr. J's book just for the information. I believe you asked about his protocols and when I followed his protocol, the Perfect 7 was not around then, neither was Lymogen so I can't say anything about that product.

I simply bought Borrelogen and the CNS/PNS Neuro-Antitox Formula for $100.00 a month, after a few months, I dropped the Borrelogen and took the Microbojen, at the end I took all 3 botanicals. I did and still do the detox baths, foot baths, infrared sauna detoxing, etc. to keep my immune system strong...

Anyway, how are you feeling?
Denise
------

Hi Denise,

After doing as much research as i could RE: Dr. J's program, I have decided to start with his 'basic' program package instead of Cowden's. I also had thought I'd pick--well, exactly the mixtures you chose--instead of the package, but then thought I may feel I am being more comprehensive and it will help me keep on track to follow the protocol..... I really found mounds of information about Cowden's methods, but quite little in terms of larger studies or personal success stories...and given Dr. J. stresses the detox so much, I decided i'd trust that first...and your detox strategies. I am slowly getting a picture of what I will do. I am going to stay away from any Lyme-killing entity for a week, to recover before starting up, and just detox..

I am also looking into your Green Vibrance supplement...I have been using "greensFirst 3000", but it seems the Vibrance gives a lot more umph! Getting good meals in can be a challenge, I like this product called Almased, an all-natural protein powder which i would mix with the greens. If I can't get a healthy meal up, it's a good substitute.
And I ordered two vitamin supplements, NSI Synergy Neuropower (http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-Synergy-NeuroPower-Multi-Vitamin-Version-4) and CellBooster (http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-CellBooster). Tons of good supplements in those to help get my body back....
And today I feel quite good (relatively speaking of course!!) I overdid it and became toxic last week, yet now as the toxins are leaving I may be seeing a slight benefit from having killed off some of the Lyme. Can't say my mind works well, but it feels just a tiny bit clearer....and I am less temperature-sensitive. Three days ago I could not tolerate the house being anywhere above 73 degrees; as it hit 74, I'd sweat, feel heavy-chested and weak. This am it was 78 degrees! in the house, and though certainly not comfortable, it was not incapacitating me in a matter of minutes.
Thank you for all your input and support!
Z.

LupnerRN, what is Neurofeedback?

And if one has an LLMD who is very conventional -- high dose, long term abx, and does not seem to 'get into' much 'neuro' specific type stuff, what might I ask him if I want to some kind of brain test? I definitely think my brain needs to be 'retrained and reminded what frequencies are the "happy place" to be at.' My LLMD even wants me to get thyroid treatment from my PCP -- he only wants to deal w/ Lyme and coinfections.

I have not slept w/o drugs for many years. Plus, I'd really like to learn if I have lesions or other problems w/ my brain.

My mom says that doing the treadmill the stationary bike helps her brain fog. hope that helps some. feel better. have faith. and drink lots of water with lemon-Sandy and her mom Ada