2 yrs since diagnosis: now in remission!

I remember when I first started coming to this forum how comforting it was to see the posts from people who had improved or even gotten well. I told myself if I ever got to that point I would share my story here as well.

I just had my most recent check-up with my fantastic LLMD, and the exact words he used were, "You're in remission. The bugs will probably always be there, but they are under control now!"

Knowing what I know from all my research and from working with a great LLMD and LLND, I know that 'cure' is not a word to strive for. But I am now in control, and we are backing off of antibiotics.

The remission/ongoing treatment that my doctor and I have agreed upon will include ongoing herbal supplementation, as well as, obviously, keeping up with the lifestyle (organic foods, limit wheat, dairy, sugar; detox in many ways (see posts on this forum about detox...so important), continue supplements that help the ongoing methylation issues caused by an MTHFR gene mutation (Methylguard Plus, FYI), Turmeric-based anti-inflammatories (Curaphen and/or Meriva), continue supporting my Thyroid and Adrenals, continue with stress mitigation with yoga, meditation, other forms of exercise; continue with acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, etc.)

In case you are interested in my history and treatment, I'll briefly outline that here. As you probably all know, everyone experiences Lyme & Co. differently, and everyone reacts to various treatment modalities differently. Your best bet is to find a sound LLMD and/or LLND to work through it all specific to YOU, and keep the faith. I've had some pretty low moments in the past 25 years of infection (23 years undiagnosed), and some EXTREMELY low points during treatment. But here I am: feeling well, only a few 'shadows' of symptoms or permanent damage remain, able to work and exercise and do almost all things unhindered...great energy, great mental clarity, and happier than I can ever remember being. IT IS POSSIBLE!

-------------------
20+ yrs ago (8th grade): unexplained illness, swelling, pain, undiagnosed. Extreme fatigue pretty much from that point on, until it became my version of normal. Bouts of 'mono' (tested negative), 'rheumatoid arthritis' (tested negative), vasculitis leading to losing most vision in one eye (no cause noted), and then finally a long descending road into such pervasive joint swelling and nerve pain that I became almost completely incapacitated, with fatigue that felt like being hit by a bus.

Finally, 2 yrs ago almost to the day, I found a naturopath who happened to be a Lyme specialist. She encouraged me to get the Western Blot test (NO DOCTOR in the preceding 20+ years had tested me for Lyme!!), and I tested a resounding positive. Note, my rheumatologist didn't believe the diagnosis and later ordered the faulty Elisa test for me...but even THAT test reported a borderline (which he listed as a negative...go figure).

So, with LLND started all-herbal treatment, specifically A-Bart + some homeopathic detox herbs. Improved for 6 months then hit a MAJOR herx and/or flare. Back to swollen joints and more pain that I'd EVER had up to that point! It was truly horrendous. I couldn't walk. I spent moments of most days sobbing out of pain and discomfort...and I'm no wimp...but it was all I could do. I once dropped my phone under my bed, and once I got down there to get it, it took me almost an hour and much pain and crying to figure out how to get back up.

We switched herbs and detox formulas for a while, but after 6 months of this she referred me to a LLMD that she worked with who usually booked out a year for new patients. Since she had a working relationship with him, and I was in such a critical state, she convinced him to get me in two months later. So...8 months of barely being able to walk, in excruciating nerve and joint pain most of the time...

This was exactly 13 months ago.

And he started me on abx for the first time. My combo was Biaxin + Bactrim + Plaquenil + Nystatin. He kept me on the herbs (now A-Bab, MCBAR-1, and detox Pekana formulas) so I did a multi-modal treatment. Probiotics were key throughout this whole time, and I didn't have a moment of digestive trouble. Turned out I was anemic as well and he got me on a great iron supplement (Ferrasorb) which worked wonders for my energy. I improved steadily, and now 13 months later am 'in remission.'

To wean me off the abx, we're stopping Bactrim first and adding the herb A-L Complex to the A-Bab (aiming to get to 20 drops 2x/day) and MCBAR1 (aiming to get to 25 drops 2x/day) I'm already on. Once I get up to 20 drop 2x/day of the A-L complex, I'll be dropping the Biaxin as well.

So...here we are. It's possible to get to this point, and now I'm very optimistic that I'll be able to slowly wean off of abx and move to an all-herbal maintenance plan. And, you know what? I'm perfectly fine being on herbs my entire life if that's what it takes to maintain this kind of health. I never, EVER want to fall into that pit again.

I'm happy, energetic, and looking forward to a wonderful future!

All my best,

- Britta

Thanks. I would be remiss if I didn't note that for most of the prior 23 years, I have feverishly sought natural healing through foods, supplements and lifestyle, even though I didn't know what was wrong with me. So I may have kept some modicum of stability simply by accident. It goes to show JUST how important lifestyle is in helping to combat this illness.

I really can't thank you enough for being willing to come back and post about your success, Lymesinger!! Thank you so very much!!

And - Congratulations!!!! Happy Dance time!!!! Yippie!!!

And isn't life grand after you heal? A renewed sense of wanting to live is what hit me the most!!

Again, congrats for making to this side of the ditch.

Of course you are allowed to post about other sites - we just hope that people find that we are such a great resource (LOL!) that they keep coming back here!!

So let's make that into a hyperlink for those that are on their phones or just need a 'clickable' link:
www.treatlyme.net/

Thanks, Traveler! I wasn't sure...didn't want to break any rules. ;)

Purple Tulip...check your email :)

That is awesome! Thank you for sharing your story!! We love success stories...