Diary Entries for VicMac

Meditation

VicMac

Since meditation is my current main focus, I am hoping it will also have a direct positive affect on Lyme disease and coinfections. At this point, my illness is what is standing in the waythe most of my being able to meditate. But I am convinced that through perseverance and dedication to this practice, not only will the positive mental and physical affects help me, but first and foremost the spiritual affects.

This diary Entry will be a place to collec [...]

Meditation as Medication?

VicMac

So my big strategy now is to see if I can go back and pick up where I left off way back in 1993 before that lousy tick so rudely interupted what I was doing.

At that time I had just begun to regularly meditate, and was well on my way somewhere with it. I had figured out how to still my mind and body and feel pretty peaceful during and after a session, and it seemed I was having more and more personal insights come to me as a result.

Then the Lyme invaded my whole body, [...]

The War

VicMac

I haven't really journaled much about how I feel about having Lyme and coinfections even though I have SO MUCH I can say about it!

For one thing, the shock of realizing that my life has been radically altered by an invader that I could tell from the very start - was here to stay - has worn off to some extent.

I guess what I mean is that to some extent, I have become used to having this illness. But I will never forget the deep depression I felt for ma [...]

Good places to Order Supplements

VicMac

Here is the link to the MDJ thread on "Taking Naturals Affordably"

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support-forums/medicine-treatments/3245027-taking-naturals-affordably#3247466

Some of the places suggested to order supps:

http://www.myherbs.net/productinfo.asp?prod=VCT%2DUltra

This link gives a good recommendation on the Byron White formulas ( although does not sell [...]

Disability/Medicare/Medicaid Info.

VicMac

1. Security Disability info.

Betty provided this list of SSDI Blue Book definitions of disabilites:

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/12.00-MentalDisorders-Adult.htm

2. Medicare Info.

a. Articles on difference between Medicare and Medicaid

Thanks Carol for allerting to this. Thought I would post some info here for anyone who is interested.

Basically, Online sites describe Medicaid as a state run program that is partially fund [...]

Testing information

VicMac

1. Jackie posted this info. on good labs that test for Lyme and coinfections.

My LLMD only uses Stony Brook for Lyme.. and he uses MDL for coinfections (in New Jersey). Both of these labs takeinsurance- so I did not have any out-of-pocket costs here.

I did test positive for Bart & Babesia through MDL...and my LLMD also ran tests for the Mycoplasma infections, Chlamydia Pneumonia etc...

Vicki,

Here's there contact info:

Address: Medical Diagnostic Laborat [...]

Online books and articles about Lyme and coinfections

VicMac

Walktheline provided the link to this excellent booklet which provides a ton of valuable information and resources to those suffering from Lyme disease!

http://issuu.com/lymeunderground/docs/infusingforlymies?AID=10829131&PID=4012880&SID=skim3040X598038

2. Another long and very informative article with lots about natural treatments. WTL contributed this.

http://dietickdie.com/

3. [...]

Bartonella Information

VicMac

1. Article by the CDC on Bartonella in biting flies.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol10no7/03-0896.htm

2. Wonderful articleon Bart, submitted by WTL.

http://goodbyelyme.com/free-articles/coinfections/busting-bartonella

3. Optical issues around Bart. Info contributed by Wlk.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17144434?dopt=Abstract

4. Article about Lyme, coinfections and Byron White formulas. Contributed by Wlk. Could explain the severe gast [...]

Mitchell's advice and Other forum members' various contributions

VicMac

1. Waxby's dietary suggestions.

This is a post by Waxby I found extremely helpful:

~~~Hello Lynn and welcome!

~~~It IS important to realize that each of our needs,and symptoms,are unique and requireour careful and discerning,educated,well read,attention.

[...]

Gift giving done simply for this easily stressed Lymie

VicMac

Just greeting cards! That has been the solution for me this year ( for the most part ), and I think will be the solution for the years to come ahead. So much less stressful, but still letsme enjoy the spirit of giving! However, I decided to make them a little more interesting than just a plain old card. ( The ones that I have decided to hand give to people. ) I am so satisfied with the simple yet effective finished product, I thought I would share it with yo [...]

Some of Betty's posted articles I found very helpful!

VicMac

Excellent article to show to doctor and therapist!

http://www.anapsid.org/cnd/diffdx/rissenberg.html

On encephalitis:

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support-forums/studies-research/2196723-distinct-pattern-of-cognitive-impairment-in-lyme

2. Article written by a Naturopathic doctor. Really informative!

http://www.naturofm.com/web_resources/Lyme%20Info.pdf

3. Chart of symptoms for Lyme and different coinfections

http://www.lyme-sympt [...]

Natural treatments and Vitamins for Bartonella coinfection

VicMac

I am keeping a list here of herbals and other natural treatments that people on this forum suggest using against Bart. infect. I want to begin this after I am tested in the spring with my docback in Maryland ( if I can hold off that long! )

1. A Bart, Byron White Formula, $89.00 bottle ( Suggested by Fabajenna. )

Also the website I found to order it from directly.

http://www.bioresourceinc.com/bwherbal/

Here is the place to order it without a docto [...]

Symptoms I have had since 1993 ( Listed in Lilly's post.)

VicMac

Lilly asked people to contribute a list of symptoms they have or have had with Lyme disease. I would encourage people to keep bringing this post up regularly and adding to it! I would be reallyhelpful for newcomers and those who are unsure if they have Lyme.

Many of the things I listed have come and gone, but it is helpful for others to see all the weird things we deal with, as I know it has been for me, when people dig back into their memories and honestly share th [...]

Natural Supplements I take for Lyme and coinfections

VicMac

This is a list of things I take currently:

1. Natures Way Reishi Mushroom, 2 caps, 2x day with meals. For immune boosting power.

2. Solaray Red root caps. 2 caps, 2x day with meals. To help with my swollen lymph system, and liver.

3. Co Q 10 , 200 mgs. , I cap a day. For heart, and brain. Keeps my seizure disorder under control.

4. Doctor's Best Artemisinin, 100mgs. daily with meal ( down from 300mgs. daily. ) Has helped to control Babesia and maybe the [...]

My Recipes, Veggie Drop Biscuits, Brownie, Veggie Meatloaf etc.

VicMac

Just some things I want to note about the baked things.

In the biscuits:

It is better to use only the carrots alone, or use the brocolli-slaw ground up with it. The Zuchinitends to be more moist and can affect how well the inside of the biscuit cooks. So if you use zuchini, don't add the little bit of water I call for, but rather mash the zuchini in with a large spoon to release its moisture into the dough just enough to hold it together.

I have also us [...]

Dental Suggestions

VicMac

CMany ( Christine ) uses Turmeric mixed with mustard powder as a mouth swish, and takes internally for tooth abscesses ( at a lesser dose of mustard , since it is very hot!)

I have not tried this yet, but advise people talking to Christine to get specifics. I tried using turmeric on my painful toe to reduce inflamation, and it turned my toenail yellow - so suspect it might do the same to teeth.

2. Oil Swishing. This is apparently an ancient practice of using a [...]

Natural Remedies, and for Different types of pain

VicMac

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-discussions/medicine-treatments/1189156-natural-remedies-for-different-types-of-pain

Fluffyluggage contributed this very long post, with alot of helpful info. on different herbs and natural treatments. Check it out! Very informative!

Anyone who wants to add suggestions here, please do so!

Also, see Faith's recommendation for pain, that she posted in the comment section of my &quo [...]