When I look back and I see a different person, a shell of myself. However, I must have been a strong shell as I got through it, I recovered.
I often forget how bad I was. When I am reminded I am flooded with gratitude for this healing body of mine. I am reminded when I wake up feeling rested, without pain. When I can find all the words I am searching for while while in conversation. When I feel no anxiety in social situations. When I chop veg, write or use a scissors with ease, without my hand burning. When I eat something ‘bold’ and I do not react. When I laugh and find the wit to makes others laugh.
It was a rollercoaster of a journey, but thanks to fortuitous moments and wonderful people I found what worked for me. I would like to share this here in the hopes that it may help others. Please be aware that everyone is different and the following is solely based on my individual experience.
I believe, for me, a good diet was the foundation for everything. I think this gave all the treatments I underwent a much higher chance of working. From my research a whole food, anti-inflammatory diet seemed to be the best route. I also tried to eat mostly organic, drank lots of clean water and cut out the bad stuff. For me this was gluten, refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol, corn, processed foods, dairy and red meat.
I also took guidance from a chronic illness clinic in Finland, called Astris via Skype. They provided me with a tailor made supplement and herbal treatment plan, which was a modified version of the Cowden herbal protocol. These herbs are very potent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal remedies that promoted detoxification and boosted the immune system. I chose not to take antibiotics as my gut was so bad I was worried I would damage my immune system even further. Instead, I incorporated lots of probiotics and fermented food, including an apple cider vinegar/water shot ever morning to build up good bacteria in body. I also opted to use products without harsh chemicals for cleaning, personal hygiene and make up.
After about six months on this diet and herbal treatment my healing plateaued, and I couldn’t figure out why. Luckily, I came across research linking dental issues and Lyme disease. I then realised my symptoms slowly started developing after I had some dental work done. If you are doing everything ‘right’ and progress is slow I highly recommend seeing a holistic dentist.
I would also suggest doing a mould detox if you have ever lived/worked in a damp, mouldy building. I believe this was another trigger that lowered my immune system.
After resolving those problems it was a matter of developing a good sleep routine, avoiding stress, getting out into nature, breathing fresh air, doing things I enjoyed and spending time with positive people. I also found yoga, meditation, lymphatic drainage massages all fantastic. Once I got my energy back I started light jogging and exercising which boosted my energy even more.
These were big lifestyle changes, but I took it step my step. It was really hard at first, especially the diet, but believe it or not, I learned to love it! I am so grateful for all the knowledge about health and wellness I learnt along the way, knowledge that has gone on to help family and friends.
Thank you for reading this, I hope it can help in someway, even to show you that it’s possible to get better and get your life back.
Thank you to all those who have helped along the way.