Judy's Lyme Disease Remission Story

I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in July of 2017 after seeing over 30 doctors, specialists, and mental health professionals.  I was hospitalized many times over a period of two years and had acquired a long list of diagnoses and literally a garbage bag full of medications, mostly psychotropic, that were all tried to alleviate my symptoms.

I experienced the classic symptoms of Lyme Disease; joint pain, anxiety, brain fog, depression, insomnia, interstitial cystitis, bell's palsy, muscle weakness, headaches, short term memory loss, depersonalization, hair loss, heart palpitation, and drenching night sweats but my symptoms were explained away as stress and psychological in nature!  I hit an all time low in December of 2016 when I became so severely depressed that all I wanted was to leave this world!

I believe divine intervention and a very stressful family situation, precipitated one last attempt to reach out for help!  I Iocated a counselor, who for the first time, believed my symptoms were real and physical in nature.  As a result of this mental health professional encouraging me to keep searching for answers, I located an osteopathic doctor, who was certain I had Lyme Disease and tested me immediately!

After testing positive I began treatment with two of the most reputable, Lyme Literate Doctors in my state.  I was so nervous and extremely skeptical of doctors at this point, but took a leap in faith in trusting them. My treatment consisted of a variety of modalities to address the Lyme and multiple co-infections there were, according to my doctors, present for over 10 plus years. 

I initially took antibiotics and anti-malarial drugs, in addition to herbal remedies!  I focused on healing my gut and switching to an anti-inflammatory diet.  I exercised daily, focused on detox methods, mainly infrared sauna, and found a supportive social network.  I also worked with a life coach for 2 years on building a positive mindset. Almost 3 years into treatment and I am in remission! 

In the last 2 years, I found purpose in this illness by educating myself about it and becoming a resource/advocate for others.  I have given presentations to graduate students and mental health professionals on Lyme.  I still have to follow a regimen of treatment, but the difference now is that I believe I am the strongest and healthiest I have ever been at 50 years old!  I continue to reach out to those struggling online and plan to soon return to my profession as a mental health therapist.