Hello.
It's been almost a year since hyperthermia in Germany. I have had some improvements but I continue to have pain on a daily basis. I just ended some of the supplements that were recommended by Germany doctors. I have been on a gluten, dairy and sugar free diet. My headaches continue and pain in my muscles and joints in my extremities. The big question everyone asks is if I thought the treatment was worth it. Very difficult to answer. The treatment slowed the progression. I feel stronger and the pain is less, requiring less pain medication. I had hoped for a full recovery as the Germany doctors thought I would be pain free in 2-4 months.  I am not sure if the Lyme and co infections were killed during treatment. One of the doctors had mentioned in a email late last year that hyperthermia kills Borrellia(Lyme) and not Bartonella(which I have). This was not what I was told when I investigated this treatment.  I am disappointed but will continue the fight.

Lyme recovery, September, 2014

It is week 10 after my Germany Lyme treatment. I am finally starting to feel better and having less pain on a few days per week. My strength has improved and I am sleeping better overall. I am still receiving weekly IV's along with other treatments and taking multiple supplements a day. I have been noticing hormonal changes and I know my thyroid continues to be an issue. I will soon need to battle those. I will be getting my hormones checked soon.  Recent bloodwork revealed higher than normal numbers for my liver. I will be making an appointment with my liver doctor real soon. I am continuing a gluten free diet but have not been successful with a dairy free diet. I personally do not think I have an issue with dairy. My stomach has been much better with the elimination of coffee. Oh how I miss my morning coffee though!!!! I am back to work full time. This has been very difficult for me since the summer was full of rest and more rest. I am back working with special needs children in schools. I am an occupational therapist and I love my job. Unfortunately, I am extremely busy and it is a very physically demanding job. I hope my progress continues so I can be the best I can be for my students, my family and myself! Oh, and a huge positive is that I rode my horse yesterday for the first time in a YEAR! I miss it so much. It was a good day.

Lyme Recovery, August 2014

I apologize for not blogging earlier. I have been struggling with the frustration of doing and taking everything I am suppose to and not seeing the results as quickly as I had hoped. There have been several days in this recovery that I have felt worse than I have in a long time. People continue to ask how I am feeling and I am unable to share that I am better. That leaves me feeling uncomfortable as many people probably question why I went to Germany for treatment that doesn't work. Yes, I have explained a million times that it takes time to detox, get rid of all the bad stuff and get my body working again. But day after day, I admit that I start to question if it really worked. I added coffee enemas more regularly and foot detoxes(2x per week) to my treatments. It has been a roller coaster emotionally. The tears still come and the frustration of the continued pain.  I have to say that in the last week I have had a couple of good days. Not pain free by no means but better. I hold on to those days with a glimmer of hope. I am trying not to keep track of how many days/weeks it has been since my treatment but it is difficult as I am returning to work soon and the pressure to be better will be increased. I appreciate the comments from other Lyme warriors and continued support from my family and friends. I will continue this fight and hope to help others along the way!

Lyme recovery, post Germany

I have not been well the last few days. Flu like symptoms continue to come and go. The pain is severe in my shoulders, back, legs and arms the last 3 days. I am still having trouble sleeping. Laying down, standing, walking all seem uncomfortable. I am taking all my supplements including herbs and liver tea cleanse on a daily basis. I also sauna and do detox baths daily.  I added vitamin B12 injections as well. I have been resting and doing minimal activities so I don't quite understand why I am in so much pain and feel so tired. I guess my body is still fighting the toxins that have been released and are not exiting my body. I am trying to be patient but it is hard some days.

Post Germany update-2

It's Sunday, I have been home about 2 weeks now. Time sure is flying by. Not much new to update except the Herx reactions continue to drag me down. In addition to the increase in symptoms, I am not sleeping well yet.  I ordered a month of my supplements ($400 worth) and hope to receive them soon although I am not looking forward to taking all those pills throughout the day.  I will be starting my IV' s soon as my doctor has been on vacation. I am trying to stay positive and resting a lot. I am so fortunate to have a supportive husband to help with everything around the house(he does the grocery shopping)!

Post Germany update

I am home. I am so excited to see my family and friends. I am so excited to sleep in my own bed again with my husband. It has been a rough 3-4 days. I am having trouble sleeping in addition to an increase in symptoms. I have been having multiple sweats/chills episodes throughout the day and night. Flu like symptoms of severe headache and body aches, nausea, and uncontrolled pain in my entire body. This is most likely what they call a Herxheimer reaction. This is a reaction to the endotoxins released by the death of bacteria(Lyme spirochetes).  My body is reacting to not only the spirochetes dying and releasing toxins but also getting rid of the dead spirochetes.  I have some difficulty with detox so this may last awhile and I will feel worse before I get better.  It is discouraging but I am trying to stay positive. There are times when I "lose it" and break down from all the stress of the last 2 weeks and now dealing with this.  For some odd reason, I believed I may be one of the lucky ones that would feel better immediately after treatment. I have to be patient. It is really hard to do after all these years but I am trying.

Last day in Germany

Today is our last full day in Germany. We met with Dr. Kroiss today to go over my plan for when I get home. The hospital recommends 3 different I.V.'s per week and 26 vitamins and supplements for 3-6 months post hyperthermia. Many of the vitamins are basic including vitamin B complex, C, D, selenium, zinc and magnesium.  Other less common supplements include SAMe, Co enzyme Q10, L-Glutamine, and alpha-lipoic acid.  The doctor explained that some of the supplements are more important than others. For example, for those that have extensive neurological difficulties and brain damage from the Lyme, he recommends supplements that target brain repair and detox.

There have been several couples from Australia admitted for Lyme treatment the last few days.  I guess southern Australia is full of Lyme disease.

I am excited to come home. It has been a long 2 weeks.  Aside from persistent stomach issues, I feel a little better than when I arrived.  My pain is less severe on some days and my headaches are not as constant. This is promising!