Sleeping in...

I have great friends.  When I say I've just woken up and it's around 12:30pm...  I always get positive responses.  But just in case you were wondering why I sleep in, well, I can tell you two things.

1.  I have an amazing husband.  He gets all three kids up every morning and gets them off to school.  He also knows if I can't wake up easily there is probably a reason.  Usually he knows because he's been up himself from my inability to sleep well.  I only found this out a while ago.  Even though I don't remember, I apparently wake him up from my restless nights.

2.  I have lots of reasons but they will all fall under this...  My health is unpredictable mostly because of Lyme.  About 5 nights a week I either have insomnia, anxiety attacks, tremors while awake and asleep, painsomnia, (which is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep from the amount of pain I'm in,) or some other symptom.  

Tonight it is intense chest pain, upper leg pain, anxiety attack, and the tremors are off and on right now.  

I finally had my brain MRI and will receive the results at my next appointment on Tuesday morning.  I don't know what the plan is if they find any abnormalities but if nothing then I should be able to get a referral to a neurologist and continue my Lyme treatment which will more than likely put me back on a PICC line.  Either way I want to feel better so I am ready for it.  

I haven't told many people this but I have been feeling worse.  My symptoms are back and I have only been on a two week break waiting for this test to occur.  I am so sick of hurting and not being able to function properly.  I'm so sick of sleeping in and only having a few good hours a day to do what I need to do.  It's very trying to deal with and to keep a positive attitude.  I have four children and I must be strong for them.  

What I really want to do is scream, cry and eat comfort foods all day if my body would let me.  It is so hard to be strong.  Especially when every day you hurt.  When a different symptom than the day or hour before reminds you that you are battling this disease.  It doesn't let you forget.  It never stops attacking and destroying your entire body and deep inside you know it, too.  It's slowly eating away at you and while you hear all about these cures you know there really isn't.  Just like cancer there is only remission...  If you can achieve that.  And then you will never reach 100% of your old self ever again.  Few actually achieve 80% or better.  

It is different for everyone.  For me, I'm in the middle of my battle.  I know I will achieve a remission status and will be capable of many great things again...  I just have to have patience, love my self, and keep supporting my body, mind and spirit.

Besides studying the Book of Mormon and reading the same book in a groups timeframe, I am reading the New Testament.  I have just begun, but learning of Christ's miracles and healings gives me hope that I can too be healed.  I truly believe in the power to heal.  Not just from medical or natural sources but from priesthood power held correctly by a true and worthy priesthood holder.

A year ago I received a blessing from someone who especially has the gift of healing and I know it helped.  I am faced with the same worry as then...  A possible MS diagnosis...  But know that I have been blessed to have my Lyme Disease diagnosis.  It causes MS and I know how to stop its progression.  I found an answer that some never receive.  

It brings me comfort to know that my Savior has felt my pains, has loved us enough to endure them all, and who was resurrected to show that death is not the end.  He has conquered all that we will ever go through and showed us the way to happiness and eternal life.  I know that someday I will be cured...  Wether it's in this life time or the next, I will be whole again.  For now I will continue to do all I can to achieve it here in this part of life.

I thank everyone who has ever supported me, prayed for me, helped me or has even thought about myself and my family.  You may never understand how truly grateful I am for you.  You are a blessing and a true instrument in the Lords hands.  You are another way that prayers are answered and every little thing is truly appreciated.  

As always, keep our family in your prayers.  Thanks for all the love!!

Pole Position Raceway Las Vegas Helping Family In Need!

We had another amazing company help our family out.  This time it was by giving us a much needed family night!  Pole Position Raceway invited us to come and drive a few laps around their course.  The kiddos were able to do it twice!  It was so much fun!  I was able to race once, too.  It was so awesome!  It made me happy to be doing something exciting again!

I absolutely love adventures, traveling, the great outdoors, new experiences....  Most of all I love to share it with my kids.  To see their faces light up with excitement is absolute joy to my soul.  Tuesday night was just that.  As shy as my kiddos were they were very excited to get in and try it out!  Gracie is a bit too short still but thankfully she was able to play arcade games with Ashley, James's girlfriend.  She is such a sweetheart and Gracie really likes her.

The next day I was down in bed for most of the day.  It was no surprise.  Having a day with too much excitement will put me out for a while.  Having a day with excitement AND go cart driving....  Well, Let's just say I am thankful I only raced once.  I wasn't prepared for the pain I was going to be in.  I haven't taken a pain pill in a long time....  I had to.  I have gained a new level of pain tolerance....  But not that much!  Two days later it was worse.  Last night I was completely down in bed because of my neck pain.  It still hurts but at least I can sit up now.  I have been on pain pills since and can tell that it is wearing off now.  Yea me!

Well, Yesterday was tough emotionally for me.  I barely could get up to do anything and I was asked to do two things...  ALL DAY.  So as I tried to so the first thing my neck froze.  I still had to pick up the kids from school.  I called my hubby and thankfully he took over.  I can tell you I was a mess.  I don't usually have moments of weakness like that.  I am great at keeping it together and pushing through.  All the advice was great and I knew it all too well.  I just overflowed my bucket and it all came out.  My phone was completely dead...  It wouldn't charge anymore.  So I couldn't call anyone.  Grace finally found the emergency phone so I could call Bryan....  but after that I just decided to let it all go.  I wasn't depressed or sad...  I was SO MAD!!!  I was so tired of being helpless. Sometimes a girl just needs a good cry.  After I exhausted all my strength from the drama I knew I had to pick myself back up and keep going.  Well, I couldn't get up until the next day!!!  So I worked on family history until I passed out.  (I have this new app from Ancestry.com and it's great!!!)

Oh, and my good friend Ammie came over and dropped off some very yummy treats for us.  I now have a great gluten free stash for just me.  OK, I might share....  if there is any left over!!  HA HA!  It was good to talk to her again.  Besides Church and my presidency meetings I really don't socialize much.  It was SERIOUSLY great to talk to her again.  I miss my friends.

Anyhow, they shot a video of our evening...  Check it out!

Pole Position Raceway Las Vegas Helping Family In Need!

Surprise Food Drop to a Melissa & her Family

This was a complete surprise and I have to say I was thankful I was dressed decently when they arrived!!  Haha!!  I was supposed to be going to the Temple with my husband to support dear friends of ours and I couldn't go.  I didn't change out of my clothes and to fight the depression from not being able to go I went to work on my home.  I really over did it and think it may be part of why last Sunday was such a hard day for me.  I crashed for almost a day and a half after all the cleaning I did!  

Back to the food story...!  When they came to the door I had no idea what was in the boxes.  Then the second batch had food showing and a lot of non-food items as well...  Let's just say I was humbled.  Humbled at all the love and outpouring support our family received that day.  From people we had never met.

Every day we open our pantry and are reminded of the support and blessings that we have in our lives.  We are now able to save quite a bit of money to place towards treatments.  I will be placing a percentage of our "grocery" budget to my fund.  It is an awesome feeling to know that we may reach our goal soon.

I really hope in 2015 to be able to take the 8 weeks to go to Arizona and receive treatments that I very much need.  I am still working on a post about why I am fundraising.  I haven't had too many active or clear-minded days recently, so please be patient with me.  Juggling my kids, family, church calling, my health, (which is trying hard to be up and about more than 6 to 8 hours a day,) a fundraiser, and trying to help with homework...  (which is a BIG task with 3 kids and one in home preschool,) oh, and a husband who is starting to travel again....  I AM OVERWHELMED!

Needless to say I am impressed with the timing of the food delivery and the tough day I had on Saturday.  Thank you again to Ashley Chau, Calvin Tran, Christine, Lucas, and Dan Warren for their generous offerings to our family!  We also, thank the Just Perfect team for all they are doing for us!  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!!!

Take a look at the video and please share it with your friends!  Thanks in advance to everyone for sharing.

Local Pizza Place Helps a Family in Need

What a surprise this was to our family when we learned that Peter Soltesz at Joe's New Your Pizza had offered our family dinner and a chance to get out and forget about Lyme for just a bit.  I have to say that it is tough for me to go anywhere.  I must reserve my energy before and most of the times after I am still out for the next day or two.  This evening was perfect!!!  Well, almost.   I want so badly to forget about Lyme.  It is hard to when I am not always feeling up to it...  Watch the video and see what I mean.  I really had no idea they were filming me when this happened and to see it from outside looks scary.  Going through it is not easy and to think I used to be like this a lot.  I have been on treatments here in town but it is not enough.  Getting more extensive treatments won't cure my Lyme disease but it should give me many more years in between.  Knowing I may have to do the extensive treatments at all is tough to think of, but I have to.  I won't give up and let this slowly take my life from me.

Anyhow, enjoy the video and please share it!!

Huge smiles in our home tonight!

Have I ever said how blessed our family is?  A dear friend of mine, who lives out of state, sent our daughter (&kids) some fun stuff for their lunches.

I had earlier in the week posted this about my 6th grader at school.  I don't normally rant, but I was so upset!

(Copied from Facebook)

I am too exhausted to take care of my own "crap" and now my daughter tells me her "friends" at school make fun of her for what she brings to eat at lunch...  Not as "fun" as their food.  She said we are all making sacrifices in our family right now...They also told her that she is selfish for not selling all of her toys to give her mom the money so she won't die from Lyme disease.  Emma was a wreck when she got home, she just broke down.  I had to tell her I'm not dying because I am fighting and I won't ever give up. I'm so sick of what is going on at school.  I'm going to end up having to put all my kids through counseling, I swear....  Ugh!

Rant over.

To have help given to you is one thing...  To put smiles on my children's faces and to ease their burdens...  There are no words to express how grateful we are! 

Fundraising HOPE!

Our family has been very blessed....  We have been extended so much help, love and support from so many.  We are truly grateful and will always remember your kindness.  Our hopes are to continue to pay it forward and help others no matter what they may be going through.  There is always a way you can help even if it is just a few kind words.

Over 2 weeks ago our family was introduced to a wonderful man.  He has a big heart and we are grateful for having him placed into our lives.  

Last Tuesday he and two of his companies associates came into our home to shoot a few segments for a video to help in our Lyme Treatment Fundraiser.  (Insert link!)

http://www.gofundme.com/MelissaSeverance

The video is going to open the door to some BIG things that I cannot reveal yet!  

All I ask is that everyone keep a look out for the finished video that I will be posting everywhere, on every social media I can and ask that you watch it and share.  We need LOTS of views and hopefully the video will get into the right hands so we can all make BIG things happen.  We will be able to help in many ways, not just ourselves but others who may need the support as well.  

This video is a part of a new company rolling out in January and I am very thankful to be their first video to help launch it.  We are excited and cannot wait for what the future will hold.

Having HOPE is a gift in itself.  This awesome guy, (pictured below,) has given us hope and so much more.  This new venture for him will bring hope to a lot of people....  It already has for us!

He, his girlfriend and one of his sisters came together to purchase food for our family.  What a blessing to have!  It was such a kind gesture and means SO much to us!  We have a lot of needs and it really is hard to ask for things. The time my husband has had to take off work and from not traveling anymore has been a heavy burden.  He is very torn between taking care of his sick wife and children and working to pay the bills.  Emotionally it has been VERY difficult for him.  When one person in the family suffers from a debilitating illness everyone goes through it together.

My children have even felt the strain from Lyme...  Our oldest has had "friends" tell her she is selfish for not selling all of her toys in order to help pay for her mom's Lyme disease so she won't die.  My girl came home in tears upon telling me what had happened.  I was so mad at first but then a bit sad that she has to sacrifice so much as well.  This is a great heart breaker for my husband and for me to know that if I weren't sick they would be more provided for.  I know our love is priceless and cannot be replaced with temporal things...  It's just nice to be able to provide some of the needs that come up.

So...

Watch out for the video link! Until then!  Here is to hope!!!

PICC Line is OUT!!!!!

My PICC line came out Tuesday!  WOO HOO!!! The only thing that hurt was taking off the butterfly clips...  I swear it's made from superglue.  It was a great moment..  It meant I was done with the daily infusions and this part of my treatment. From here I will be on Doxycycline twice a day for a test trial of about a month.  Today is Friday and I have not started it yet.  I am half afraid to and half cannot purchase it yet.  I will tomorrow.  A 15 day supply is $80.10.  How exciting.  Who knows how long I will be on this antibiotic.  Only time will tell.  

Pulling the line out!

Here is a link if you want to see the second half of the line being removed.  There was very little blood.  It looked more like it was dirty than anything!!

CLICK Here for My PICC Line Removal VIDEO

My girl, Megan, holding what used to be in my body...  Crazy!

I still cannot believe that this catheter when from the large vein in my upper arm, through the Subclavian Vein and stopped just above the Superior Vena Cava.

Taaa Daaaahhh!!!  All gone!

Once they pulled the line out of me I was given my certificate of completion and a Mickey Mouse dance...  I "graduated" in the infusion room and everyone cheered for me!  WOO HOO!!!  I think they were a bit jealous, though. 

I was so glad to have it out and to know that I would be able to take a normal shower again.  No more dangling tails.  No more rashes.  No more blisters under band-aid covers getting ripped off and alcohol rubbed on them.  No more alcohol scrubbing sticks being rubbed at the site trying to remove dried blood out.  No more saran wrapped arms and no more medical tape being ripped off the skin of ends of said saran wrapped arm.  No more flushing lines.  No more careful cuddles with kids so they don't hurt the site.  No more laying a certain way so my line does not tickle my heart and make it flutter.  No more limitations on things like vacuuming, laundry, and lifting anything over 10 lbs.  I'M FREE!!!!!!!

I will be back in two weeks for a check up and will need to do another C. Diff test again since I am still having problems with that.  C. Diff. explained  (It's pretty much the bad bacteria taking over in your intestines.  After the course of antibiotics taken has destroyed the good bacteria it allows the bad bacteria like C. Diff take over.  It's deadly if not treated.  Thankfully they have test for it and we are on top of things.

This week has been weird.  I was so excited and overdoing it with bounds of energy.  Then yesterday hit me.  I was in so much pain and completely fatigue.  I managed to drag myself around the kids school for open house visiting 8 teachers.  Then I came home and crashed.  This morning isn't any better.  I have slept most of the day away.  

Tomorrw morning I will be starting my new antibiotics and will start herxing again.  I'm not really looking forward to it but know that I need to continue this in order to get better for longer.  It still stinks knowing I will have to do this every few years...  For the rest of my life...  Until there is a cure.  

I think I should change my middle name to Per.

Melissa Per Severance

GET IT??!!

Ha ha, I crack myself up!  I will HAVE to take this name on and have perseverance. I will need to attack this nasty bacteria and never let it get the best of me.  One year at our church's girls camp I was nick named Sister Severe.  I think that applies here as well.  I cannot tell you how hard it is to keep going.  For months I kept up this front about being strong and fighting this.  

Now after learning of another patient of Dr. Shah, who was in remission of Lyme, had her Lyme come back...  I felt the weight of knowing this won't be the only time I will have to do this has set in.  The thought of having another PICC line someday or even a Central Catheter...  Of going on another round of antibiotic treatments.  Of Herxing all over again...  I was upset thinking all about it.  Every day taking pills upon pills to keep my body going in between.  Of having to manage in between treatments.  I really shut down thinking about it.

BUT...  Let's not dwell on that!  I am alive and if one day I woke up with no pain I would think I was dead!  So every day I find one goal to accomplish and if I do then it is a success.  One goal out of the norm.  Like today I'm doing the dishes, or cleaning one bathroom, or making dinner, or writing in my blog.  Yesterday I actually accomplished a lot!  I am paying for it today but that's ok.  I have no where to go!

I know I that I still have a lot to endure and I will learn great things from it.  I am thankful I am not alone in my journey.  I am thankful I have a great support system, for it would be very difficult to want to go on some days.  Thank you...  You know who you are!

Spiritual promptings

Three entries in one day! 

As I am lying here at almost 11pm, I can't help but feel a bit down from how hard today was to bare.  I had to skip my presidency meeting.  It really was an emotional time for me.  I am so excited to get back to something normal again.  Even when I discontinue the IV meds I will still have to take it one day at a time to bring my activity back to what it used to be. 

I still have to have my sinus polyps removed and that's another week to two weeks rest.  I cannot have the surgery until my immune system is stable and I am a lot stronger.  I may wait until after my birthday in October so I can have a break.  My ENT said to me back in January to keep looking into why I'm sick but to not wait longer than 3 months before I have them removed...  Well, that wasn't possible.  So hopefully they haven't grown.  We are about 90% sure they will be benign.  Either way, a biopsy will be performed before the surgery... Both requiring me to go under anesthesia in the hospital.  My immune system must be be strong enough for the recovery.  Also, all areas of the head, especially the nose/sinus region are major bleeders.  That's why I must be better, especially with a low white, red and platelet count. 

So, back to me having an emotionally hard time today.  It was the hardest missing our meeting.  It is SO frustrating not being able to go.  I want to be there very badly.  I know I have an amazing group of sisters in the primary with me and are running the show while I am gone.  They are amazing.  I am truly thankful to each one...  I am inspired, blessed, and feel the love each one has for their calling.  I am nothing as a president without them. 

As I lay in my bed, wishing I was there at the chapel instead of here in pain...  I said a little sobby heart-felt prayer.  Nothing big or formal, just a plead to Heavenly Father.  I really needed cheering up.  All I asked for was that my great friend stop by after the meeting to say hi.

After I pleaded this I was swept up in mommy duties, (which was basically me telling my younger two to stop being loud and playing on my bed since it was making things worse for me,) and never thought to call her to ask to come see me.

My husband was picking up the older two from their church activities and they always beat daddy to the door, knocking on the window.  I hear a knock and tell my younger two to let in their brother and sister.  My daughter yells out, "Mom!  It's your meeting!"  I'm thinking she is crazy and I ask her who is it.  She repeats her original response and I then say it must  e someone from the meeting or from church.  Thankfully it was because one of my two opened the door.  (Yikes!)

It was a prayer answered!  There from my bed I could hear my friends voice!  I couldn't believe it!  I yelled out for her to come into the bedroom.  During our conversation she told me that she had drove toward here but didn't have anything to bring me so she kept going past.  She aslo expanded that something made her turn around and stop by anyway....  (can you see the tears in my eyes right now!)

I am thankful for so many blessings in our lives.  More importantly I am blessed that I have so many friends who act upon the small promptings of the spirit.  We all are truly instrumental is Gods work and are one way God answers our prayers.  This prayer was small but big to me.  Very big. 
I pray that I may always live my life that I may be in tune to the promptings of the spirit so I may help answer the prayers of His children.  He truly does hear us!

Find your motivation each day

Every single day I pull myself out of bed, pain stricken, exhausted, but yet hopeful.  Another day down!  Time will pass...  It's inevitable.  What we do with that time is what matters most.  It can help build or regress.  Each day I only have a limited amount of energy or strength to get through my day.  Finding my motivation is not always easy.  Knowing I am doing this to get better should be easy.  With Lyme treatment you have to get worse before you get better.  So each day I wake up knowing I'm going in to infuse meds that will make me feel horrible later in the day.  It's tough. 

So my motivation is my kids.  They keep me going.  They are my world!  Lately  Heavenly Father has blessed me with a friend to visit with during infusions.  He is older and a very remarkable man.  His spirit is strong and I am thankful to see him every day.  I love to hear him speak of his experiences and his knowledge is something I aspire to.  I would love to read his biography or to sit by his side and listen to his past.

I have always been fascinated with history and it's surprising I know little information about it.  I mostly interest myself in experiences that individuals go through and what it was like for them to live at the time. 

I have a hard time thinking straight with Lyme and memory loss is a big factor for me.  I have to work harder to keep on track and it's very frustrating.

I am thankful for a Heavenly Father who knows my needs...  Even as small as placing me with this gentleman who I look forward to seeing every morning.

On another note!  My doctor appointment went well.  I am finishing up my 4th week tomorrow.  We now are basing my treatment on symptoms.  I have reached the minimum treatments so from here out it will determine on how I feel if we continue.  My red and white blood cells are still low as well as my platelets.  My immune system is still very low, too.  I will always need to be on high volumes of supplements to assist it.  I will get sick easy...  Take longer to recover.  Knowing is half the battle, though!

Oh!  And my rash is dramatically better!  Since it is an allergic reaction I was told to use hydrocortisone ointment instead.  It worked!  All though the neosporin was removing the infection each bandage change it was not solving the root problem.

Either way, I'm happy now!

Low immune system problems

Low immune systems come with many complications.  Fighting off a virus that your body naturally can handle, healing wounds and total body health are just not being taken care of efficiently. 

Earlier in the year I had an infection in my belly button.  It wouldn't go away no matter what I did.  Finally I was on a bit of antibiotics and it eventually went away.

I had mentioned earlier in another post that I had contracted two other secondary infections and because of a low immune system my body could not fight them off.  Many people have various infections and they never know they have them because your immune system keeps them at bay.

Last week I developed blisters under my clear bandaid cover.  We placed another cover a week later and kept it off the site.  Another week past and it has only grown.  Nothing covering it.  My nurse clipped a wing to place another covering over my PICC line, this time with sensitive tape.  I am not getting blisters under the cover, thank goodness, but the original site is growing. 

I keep cleaning it, using ointment, changing gauze...  The infection is spreading and it hurts so bad.

Thankfully I meet with my doctor on Monday.  This is annoying!

I'm thankful it has not spread to my PICC line.  I'm thankful that I have means to maintain it until my immune system is back up.  Lyme will always attack it.  I will be alright as long as I stay out of the hospital, keep fighting, and have high spirits about this battle... As well as many priesthood blessings!

And the Results are in Folks!

Another month and a half of waiting and my test results are all in!!  To start with there was a total of 20 tests run.  To sum them all up I have a current Lyme infection and my immune system is shot because of it.  I should be starting my treatments very soon and I cannot wait.  I may be completely freaked out about it but I know in the end I will be better....  when ever that end may be!  I was told that I will have to get worse to get better.  But I will fight this!!!!

OK...  I will have to explain a bit with these tests and their results...  so bare with me.

To break down Lyme disease...  First of all Lyme Disease is an autoimmune disease mainly because the body has a hard time attacking the bacteria, that is Lyme, and instead attacks itself in error.  The actual Lyme bacteria is called Borrelia Burgdorferi (aka:  B. Burgdorferi or Bb for short.)  It is a bacteria that is called a spirochete.  That means it has a cork screw-like body.  It can drill into tissue and cells to hide and protect itself from the immune system or antibiotics.  There are only 3 known spirochetes and Lyme is one of them.  It is transmitted in a few ways.  Most commonly by a deer tick...  Specifically the black legged tick.  It can transmit the disease in two of its 3 forms. The tick starts as a Larva then morphs into a Nymph then to an Adult.  It is in these last two stages that the tick can bite you and transmit the bacteria.  The smallest one is about the size of the tip of a pencil.  You could even mistake it for a freckle.  This tick is tricky.  It numbs the skin before digging in to feed.  It will stay attached anywhere from 12 to 36 hours.

So, lucky me...  I tested positive for IgG and IgM Lyme antibodies on the Western Blot.  (It's the Lyme disease test.)

IgM is a sign of current infection
IgG is a sign of current infection, or of a past exposure to or past infection by the organism

So I have evidence of a past and current infection.

Sometimes these ticks can carry another bacteria or virus.  These are called co-infections.  Some of these can be worse or the same as Lyme as far as symptoms goes and can complicate treatment.  The Co-infection tests came back negative for me.  WHEW!

Other tests show 2 secondary infections that I have and my body is unable to fight off because of the low immunity levels that I have.  One is a parasite and the other a nasty virus.  BOTH of these will have to be treated in order to have a full recovery.

Another important test is called the CD 57.  It is a test to check for a certain marker of your Natural Killer cells (NK) or as I know it to be:  The killer T cells.  NKT cells are essential for several aspects of immunity because their deficiency has been shown to lead to the development of autoimmune diseases (such as diabetes and atherosclerosis,) and cancers.  The normal range for your body to be at is 60 - 160.  I am at a 13.  It is ridiculously low.  Lyme is causing this and will need to be addressed in order for my body to be able to take over fighting and maintaining the Lyme after IV antibiotics are completed.

My regular Blood count came back the same as it was in February.  Low count of RBC and WBC.  (Red and White blood cells.)  

My Spectra Cell test, (looks for vitamin deficiencies,) showed I am low in B12, D3 and Glutathione.

My Urine Metal Toxicity test came back with high levels of 4 metals.   Aluminum, Mercury, Lead, and Cadmium, (which is carcinogenic...  It means it causes cancer.)  All of these will need to be lowered greatly if not completely, (especially Cadmium!)  Lowering these levels also helps in addressing the bio-film communities that Lyme disease creates to protect itself.  Its like the film in a fish tank is a microscopic community of organisms...  Called a bio-film.  Lyme can do the same.  Antibiotics cannot get through the protective slime shields that they create.  Bio-films are made up of several components including certain metals.  If you remove the metals you make holes in the film that antibiotics can get through and destroy the bacteria.  So this will also need to be addressed.  

My thyroid checked out fine as well as a whole slew of other tests.  Although a few tests showed of other past viruses and infections, the panel for these were low and suggested they were past and not the root cause. There are 5 of those with three in need of monitoring.  One was Epstein-Barr, another HHB6, and  another a mycoplasma type of bacteria.

SO!

What does this all mean?  Well, I only know the Lyme protocol and nothing for all the others.  We will be learning as we go, but there are a lot of things we need to address in the next year or two.  Lyme treatments when shown past the first stage are typically 3 weeks of daily IV antibiotics through either a PICC line, Central line or Port.  All send a tube directly to your heart that will get the antibiotic to the best place for treatment.  Then following there will be an long in home regimen that I will have to follow and continue until things really improve.

I have an appointment this Thursday, July 24, 2014 at 9:15 am with an Infectious Disease doctor here in town to get his opinion and possibly begin IV antibiotic treatments that day.  Depending on a lot of things, though.  

The treatments should cost us around $15,000 in total by the time we are done.  If my treatment goes over the 3 week time period, then it could be more.  I will know more on this from the appointment Thursday.

Once treatments are started I may still go to Envita if we are able to afford them.  I would recover quicker there but can as well here in town.  It will just take a LOT longer.  

I also have learned that I will need to add sugar to my already cannot eat list of gluten and dairy.  HOW WILL I EAT???  Just kidding!  I already eat gluten free being previously diagnosed with Celiac Disease, yes, another auto immune disease,) 15-ish years ago.  So it's nothing to me.  Dairy is not too bad...  but SUGAR???  Fine.  It's not good for me anyways.  I try not to eat too many processed foods so all of this should be easily followed.  

I am learning so much from this and hope to start bringing awareness to everyone on what to do if you get bit by a deer tick, the signs in the first stage, (remember if you catch Lyme in it's first stage you can COMPLETELY get rid of it.)  I hope to also bring awareness that second and third stage Lyme mimics other diseases and is highly found to be the root cause of them.   If I can help just one person....  The symptoms are so horrible!  And to be able to get rid of 90% just be attacking the root cause.  Its awesome to think of and even more amazing that it happens ALL of the time.  Most of the cases of "chronic" Lymies, (that's a nick-name for a person with Lyme Disease,) when found out years later have been misdiagnosed with Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, heart problems, and MANY more.  

Any how.  I promise never again to make a post this long.  It was necessary!!!  I love you all and hope you check out my YouTube Lyme Diary entries.  I will try to keep them up through treatments.  Please don't forget to go to my GoFundMe site and donate.  The link is at the top of this blog.  Thanks again!

GoFundMe account established 06/12/14 - the LYME LIFE

It's amazing how fast things can come tumbling down when you hear "You have Lyme Disease."

Some of the first comments I heard from others were, "I knew someone who died because of Lyme Disease." Can you imagine my reactions?

I have heard of it before but never quite understood how horrible this disease can be if left untreated. The symptoms mimic other diseases. So if by chance you test for Lyme, you are one of the lucky few who will get a diagnosis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease, Chronic Fatigue maybe even Alzheimer's and Autism... Just to pull out the more common misdiagnosis's.

I am one of the lucky few with a diagnosis. But not lucky as much as you'd think. You see, I discovered it after my 4 week-ish window of oral, no-biggie antibiotics CURE. 

Testing and treatment for Chronic Lyme Disease, (and oh, don't forget about it's co-infections,) can be over time added up in the  tens of thousands, (for some around half a million). Not to mention the expenses of travel, lodge, food.... And don't forget to include care of my 4 young children while I am away. A good baby sitter isn't cheap these days!

We have a wonderful family who has done so much for us and many friends near and far who have gone above and beyond to help. We are so thankful and are deeply grateful for all you have done.

As far as my care, our family has hope to go to Envita to help us in our journey to get my health back up to as close to normal as it can be. They are located in Scottsdale, AZ.  Check out their site if you like.  You can learn more about Lyme Disease as well as Chronic Lyme Disease and maybe even help someone who you may think is suffering with an unknown diagnosis.

http://www.envita.com/conditions-we-treat/lymedisease

Although I have a lot of support it will be difficult and the costs will add up. 

Everything from our GoFundMe site will go towards labs, treatment, travel and any other expenses occurring from the care that will be needed to help our family.  This is a life long battle we will have to face until they find a cure.  You can go to my site and donate here:

http://www.gofundme.com/a8w6xg

I want to send a heartfelt thanks to everyone in advance. Our journey has just begun and you play a huge role in my speedy recovery... No matter how you can help it will be appreciated!

We love you and may God bless us all!