A lot is written about what it is like living with the late stage Lyme, but I haven't seen much about what it's like for the family members and friends. I can't really speak for them and their feelings; for certain it varies for each person. However, what I can share is how my children respond.
My kids, like many, wear their feelings on their sleeve.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Monday, April 20, 2015
Bye Bye Bugs
Last year I wrote an article about Tick Prevention. There is some really helpful information on that post and worth going back and reading. However, I feel inclined to update you on some information about repelling bugs, especially ticks!
DEET is the spray that we most commonly hear about and use. Although it does not kill ticks on contact, it is "relatively" safe for spraying on the skin.
RECIPE 1 (I am currently using this one, and having several friends use it as well. I will keep you posted if it needs tweaked - SUPER CHEAP TO MAKE THIS!!!!)
In a 4 oz dark glass bottle place about 50 drops of . Fill the bottle with Distilled Water. Shake Before Spraying. Spray on skin and clothing. Safe for all ages. Lasts up to 5 hours(if using a smaller spray bottle it's about 12 drops of oil to 1 oz water)
DEET is the spray that we most commonly hear about and use. Although it does not kill ticks on contact, it is "relatively" safe for spraying on the skin.
Pros and Cons:
- DEET needs to be applied regularly and can only work as it is evaporating. Permethrin works for weeks after it has dried inside clothing fibers.
- DEET is applied directly to the skin and can be absorbed through the skin. Permethrin is applied to clothing only and has limited contact to the skin.
- DEET has a detectable odor. Permethrin smells only until it dries.
- DEET does not kill or disable ticks and is a poor repellent. Permethrin works instantly and is extremely effective. It is the tick repellent of choice by the military.
- DEET can melt synthetic clothes like nylon. Permethrin causes no damage to any known cloth or synthetic fiber.
- DEET products are easy to find. Permethrin is hard to find and more expensive.
- DEET is an effective fish repellent. (Permethrin is actually known to be very toxic to fish!)
"Relatively" safe is the keyword here. In 2009, US News & World Report published an article entitled,
"DEET, the active ingredient in many bug repellents, doesn’t only cripple mosquitoes—it also meddles with mammals. A new study examining DEET’s effects on insects, mice and human proteins reports that the chemical interferes with a prominent central nervous system enzyme. This effect is magnified when exposure to DEET is combined with exposure to certain pesticides..."
As someone whose neurological system has been effected in a major way from ticks, I certainly don't want to use a product that could potentially continue to effect my neurological system. AND, I certainly do not want my children effected in a negative way. I am constantly spraying my kids for bugs during the summer. So, being the Essential Oil Mama that I have become I am using bug repellant the natural way.
BUG REPELLANT - The Natural Way
There are a lot of variations of bug repellant out there using essential oils. I am going to list the tools you need and a couple of the recipes.
TOOLS
Dark Glass Spray Bottle (DO NOT USE PLASTIC, Essential Oils are so strong they can cause the chemicals in the plastic to mix with your recipe)
Distilled or Purified Water
RECIPE 1 (I am currently using this one, and having several friends use it as well. I will keep you posted if it needs tweaked - SUPER CHEAP TO MAKE THIS!!!!)
- 50 drops of
- 4 oz Distilled Water
In a 4 oz dark glass bottle place about 50 drops of . Fill the bottle with Distilled Water. Shake Before Spraying. Spray on skin and clothing. Safe for all ages. Lasts up to 5 hours(if using a smaller spray bottle it's about 12 drops of oil to 1 oz water)
RECIPE 2 (found this recipe on the Yankee Homestead Blog I have not tried. If I find that I need something stronger than TerraShield I will try adding these oils in. Also, if you plan on using Recipe 2 on children, you need to add 2 tsp of carrier oil such as Fractionated Coconut Oil so it doesn't burn their skin.)
- 25-30 drops Purify
- 25-30 drops TerraShield
- 20-25 drops Peppermint
- 25 drops Cedarwood
- 4 oz Water
In a 4 oz dark glass bottle place the drops of oils. Fill the bottle with water. Shake Before Spraying.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Dr. Oz - Speaks Out About Lyme
I seriously started crying as I watched the 5 minute segment Dr. Oz did on Lyme Disease. Sound a little overly dramatic? Let me share with you why...
1. Tons of doctors and misdiagnosis.
2. More people are being diagnosed and more medical professionals are openly admitting that they don't know what they are looking for.
3. When they talked about how Avril Lavigne's close friends didn't believe or trust her diagnosis, I know exactly how that feels and how painful that is when you are suffering.
4. Antibiotics don't always work and not everyone gets a rash.
Let me explain these 4 points. I have been to tons of doctors and spent thousands of dollars trying to figure out what was happening to my body and how to treat it. Insurance doesn't cover Lyme after a month of antibiotics. It doesn't cover Lyme Literate Doctors. It doesn't cover the supplements that your body needs after it has been attacked by multiple bacteria that come along with tick borne disease.
The good news is that more medical professionals and the Center for Disease Control are admitting that there are way more cases of Lyme/Tick Borne Disease than originally thought. When Dr. Oz and an infectious disease doctor go on television and start talking about the misdiagnosis and what happens to people I feel hope that with more exposure, more research will be done and maybe in the future others won't suffer in the ways that those with Lyme do today.
Avril Lavigne's close friends were skeptical of her diagnosis. When a person is in severe pain, to the point that they can't walk, the last thing they need is for their close friends and family questioning their diagnosis or saying they don't have it. What we need is support and lots of it, for possibly a long time. Recovery doesn't happen over night; especially when it often takes months, maybe years to get diagnosed.
Hearing medical professionals say on National Television that antibiotics don't always work and not everyone gets a rash is music to my ears. They even mentioned this briefly on the Today show. For me, my symptoms started with the fatigue and muscle pain. Antibiotics are great if its caught early on. They can be extremely helpful. But they don't always cure. When a person gets a tick borne disease a host of other infections and bacteria often accompany it. They ravish your body and often need other treatments beside antibiotics. Something western medicine is not used to.
If you want to watch the segment on Dr. Oz you can by clicking here.
**IMPORTANT TO NOTE....Physicians in Missouri will often say, "We don't have Lyme in MO. Lots of testing has been done and we don't have Lyme." I don't know. What I do know is that we have a host of other tick borne diseases and Lyme seems to be a catch all name. If you experience Lyme Symptoms, don't let that statement keep you from pursuing further testing. Find a Lyme Literate Doctor and get the help you need.
1. Tons of doctors and misdiagnosis.
2. More people are being diagnosed and more medical professionals are openly admitting that they don't know what they are looking for.
3. When they talked about how Avril Lavigne's close friends didn't believe or trust her diagnosis, I know exactly how that feels and how painful that is when you are suffering.
4. Antibiotics don't always work and not everyone gets a rash.
Let me explain these 4 points. I have been to tons of doctors and spent thousands of dollars trying to figure out what was happening to my body and how to treat it. Insurance doesn't cover Lyme after a month of antibiotics. It doesn't cover Lyme Literate Doctors. It doesn't cover the supplements that your body needs after it has been attacked by multiple bacteria that come along with tick borne disease.
The good news is that more medical professionals and the Center for Disease Control are admitting that there are way more cases of Lyme/Tick Borne Disease than originally thought. When Dr. Oz and an infectious disease doctor go on television and start talking about the misdiagnosis and what happens to people I feel hope that with more exposure, more research will be done and maybe in the future others won't suffer in the ways that those with Lyme do today.
Avril Lavigne's close friends were skeptical of her diagnosis. When a person is in severe pain, to the point that they can't walk, the last thing they need is for their close friends and family questioning their diagnosis or saying they don't have it. What we need is support and lots of it, for possibly a long time. Recovery doesn't happen over night; especially when it often takes months, maybe years to get diagnosed.
Hearing medical professionals say on National Television that antibiotics don't always work and not everyone gets a rash is music to my ears. They even mentioned this briefly on the Today show. For me, my symptoms started with the fatigue and muscle pain. Antibiotics are great if its caught early on. They can be extremely helpful. But they don't always cure. When a person gets a tick borne disease a host of other infections and bacteria often accompany it. They ravish your body and often need other treatments beside antibiotics. Something western medicine is not used to.
If you want to watch the segment on Dr. Oz you can by clicking here.
**IMPORTANT TO NOTE....Physicians in Missouri will often say, "We don't have Lyme in MO. Lots of testing has been done and we don't have Lyme." I don't know. What I do know is that we have a host of other tick borne diseases and Lyme seems to be a catch all name. If you experience Lyme Symptoms, don't let that statement keep you from pursuing further testing. Find a Lyme Literate Doctor and get the help you need.
Friday, April 3, 2015
Celebrity With Lyme - Avril Lavigne
I wanted to share this story about Avril Lavigne. Often when celebrities are effected word starts getting out. I am thankful that Avril is telling her story. Below is a direct quote from Lyme Disease Challenge on Face Book. Want to make that clear for copyright.
"Why a Lyme Disease Challenge? Because even though Lyme Disease is the fastest growing epidemic in the world, patients, including, celebrities experience significant difficulty getting a proper diagnosis and effective treatment In People's cover story, Singer Avril Lavigne opened up about the devastating disease that kept her bedridden for months – and how she's fighting to recover. "I had no idea a bug bite could do this," says Lavigne, who believes she was bit by a tick sometime last spring. "I was bedridden for five months." "I felt like I couldn't breathe, I couldn't talk and I couldn't move," she says. "I thought I was dying." "There were definitely times I couldn't shower for a full week because I could barely stand," she says. "It felt like having all your life sucked out of you." Lavign describes how doctors dismissed her symptoms, blaming it on dehydration and exhaustion from her touring schedule. Like so many other patients, doctors refused to even test her for Lyme and when finally tested, standard labs failed to pick up the infection. Sadly, those suffering from Lyme Disease are often left to figure out the root cause of debilitating symptoms on their own due to unreliable tests and prevailing misconceptions. Dr. Richard Horowitz was interviewed by People Magazine this morning: http://www.people.com/people/special/0,,20826806,00.html (53 minute mark) During the interview, Dr. Horowitz explained the fallacies of standard lab tests for Lyme Disease that were developed to detect an antibody response to a single strain of bacteria when there are hundreds that impact humans (100 in the United States and 300 worldwide). Dr. Horowitz also explained that potentially deadly tick-borne pathogens can be transmitted in a matter minutes, not hours as some experts suggest. Based upon recent studies conducted by the CDC, Dr. Horowtiz states that there are between 1-2 million new cases of Lyme Disease in United States alone. Dr. Horowitz explained that if caught early, 75-80% are cured. Unfortunately, late stage disseminated infections cause chronic symptoms and are much more difficult to treat. Lavigne states that after treating for months (far longer than recommended by the IDSA, who claim you are "cured" after only a few weeks of antibiotics) she is now 80% better. While the Lyme Disease Challenge is fun, it is also extremely important because we are spreading awareness to dispel misconceptions about Lyme Disease and raising funds to support better diagnostic tests and more effective treatments."
For more about Avril Lavigne's struggle:
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Living With Chronic Pain
As I watch the snow fall this morning (one of my favorite things in all of the world), I am all to aware physically of how the white blanket effects me and others suffering with pain. The snow covers the ground in amazing beauty, but the cold air that accompanies brings a wealth of pain.
Living with Chronic Pain is something that is hard to explain to people. I am not sure I have the words to describe it. Mostly, you just learn to function and determine not to let it rule your life. However, the truth is, no matter how much determination you have there is only so much you can do. When pain killers don't work, and you have doused yourself in oils and heat packs, you just look out the window and thank God for the beauty of the snow and that you have a warm home to sit and watch it from.
Understanding a friend or family member who lives with Chronic Pain can be next to impossible. I found this list and I think it is helpful, because it says things pretty well.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Trials / Temptations - Matt Chandler
I woke up this morning in pain. Could hardly move. I started sobbing, I was so frustrated. And then, I listened to this message. It's long, but it is full of God's word and exactly what I needed to hear today.
Matt Chandler - Trials/Temptations
James 1:2-4 "2 My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; 4 and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing."
Matt Chandler - Trials/Temptations
James 1:2-4 "2 My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; 4 and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing."
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Paleo f(x)
I am so happy to share that I made it to bible study this morning!! Something I have been praying I would be able to do. It is no small feat; just trying to concentrate for 2 hours is challenging. So that is my "praise report" of the day.
On another note…
A friend of mine sent me this blog post about a teenager battling Chronic Lyme and how the Paleo f(x) diet has helped her. I really don't know much about this, but one thing I did find on their blog is about sugar addiction. I know from personal experience that sugar is BAD for people with Lyme. It is something that I go in spurts of really wanting, and when I give in I always pay for it. I would be very interested to hear from other Lymies who have found relief from a sugar free and or Paleo diet. Here is a video from the Paleo f(x) blog.
"In this Paleo f(x)™ talk, Dr. Nicole Avena explains the concept of sugar addiction. Studies have shown that excess intake of carbohydrates can produce behaviors and changes in the brain that resemble drug addiction."
On another note…
A friend of mine sent me this blog post about a teenager battling Chronic Lyme and how the Paleo f(x) diet has helped her. I really don't know much about this, but one thing I did find on their blog is about sugar addiction. I know from personal experience that sugar is BAD for people with Lyme. It is something that I go in spurts of really wanting, and when I give in I always pay for it. I would be very interested to hear from other Lymies who have found relief from a sugar free and or Paleo diet. Here is a video from the Paleo f(x) blog.
"In this Paleo f(x)™ talk, Dr. Nicole Avena explains the concept of sugar addiction. Studies have shown that excess intake of carbohydrates can produce behaviors and changes in the brain that resemble drug addiction."
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Faith Made Stronger
I want to encourage you to call upon the name of Jesus. If you are are hurting. If you feel week and need to be healed. If your faith is needs to be made stronger. Call on Jesus. In the name of Jesus there is strength, there is hope, there is compassion.
Ephesians 3:20-21
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.Ephesians 3:20-21
The lyrics to "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United are powerful.
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now
So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
[6x]
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
Oh, Jesus, you're my God!
I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now
So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
[6x]
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
Oh, Jesus, you're my God!
I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine
Watching thousands of people lift their hands and sing these words to the only one who can bring us through this life gives me chills. I hope this encourages you as it has me. May our faith be made stronger in the presence of our savior.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Essential Oils for Arthritis
My arthritic symptoms are so bad lately. I know I keep mentioning this but the pain is terrible. I have decided that I am going to start an essential oil protocol to treat my swelling and achey joints. Here is the plan that I found on a site entitled Mama Balance. The oils listed are specifically recommended for arthritis.
Oils for Arthritis - Essential oils for arthritis include frankincense, rosemary, marjoram, peppermint, wintergreen, frankincense, eucalyptus and cypress (to increase circulation). Oregano and Clove can work together to provide natural arthritis pain relief.
Topical Application Blend 1 (apply to area as needed) 2 drops Peppermint, 2 drops wintergreen (diluted), 2 drops frankincense, 2 drops eucalyptus, 2 drops cypress
Topical Application Blend 2 (apply to bottoms of feet twice daily) 3 drops oregano, 3 drops On Gurard (I use the On Guard specifically for my immune system) **Deep Blue Rub on soar areas for relief
Topical Application Blend 1 (apply to area as needed) 2 drops Peppermint, 2 drops wintergreen (diluted), 2 drops frankincense, 2 drops eucalyptus, 2 drops cypress
Topical Application Blend 2 (apply to bottoms of feet twice daily) 3 drops oregano, 3 drops On Gurard (I use the On Guard specifically for my immune system) **Deep Blue Rub on soar areas for relief
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Navigating the Pain
Navigating through the pain of Lyme Disease is overwhelming. Lately, I have been so up and down with pain that it is wearing me out physically and mentally. There is extreme pain in my joints and my body shakes for long periods of time. I have moments where I want to move to a warm climate where the weather is steady year round because I feel like I have arthritis. If you know me, moving somewhere like this is totally not me. I love the seasons; even the rain and snow.
So, why 2 1/2 years after being bit by a tic do I still have such severe pain? The main reason that scientists believe is that there are residual effects from contracting Lyme. When a person is bit by a tic the bacteria can be killed with antibiotics. What people don't realize is that a person's immune system is likely lowered and they are susceptible to other diseases. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that,
"Approximately 10 to 20% of patients treated for Lyme disease with a recommended 2–4 week course of antibiotics will have lingering symptoms of fatigue, pain, or joint and muscle aches. In some cases, these can last for more than 6 months. Although often called "chronic Lyme disease," this condition is properly known as "Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome" (PTLDS).
The exact cause of PTLDS is not yet known. Most medical experts believe that the lingering symptoms are the result of residual damage to tissues and the immune system that occurred during the infection."
The CDC, in 2013, increased the number of cases of Lyme Disease as 10 times higher than in years past. Many believe this estimate is not even close to the undiagnosed number of cases.
"About 300,000 Americans each year are diagnosed with Lyme disease, according to new estimate released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week. That number is 10 times higher than the number of cases reported annually to the CDC."
A comprehensive plan to treating Lyme is essential. I believe antibiotics alone will not cure you if you are suffering with PTLDS. Most likely you will end up with other issues from long term use of antibiotics. I personally am on a comprehensive treatment plan to address the other physical side effects I now have. The issue is that regardless of being treated I still hurt, and bad!! Some days are awesome and then I suddenly I feel like I have been run over by a truck. There does not seem to be a clear cut path to recovery. I am following the best route I know to for now.
So, why 2 1/2 years after being bit by a tic do I still have such severe pain? The main reason that scientists believe is that there are residual effects from contracting Lyme. When a person is bit by a tic the bacteria can be killed with antibiotics. What people don't realize is that a person's immune system is likely lowered and they are susceptible to other diseases. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that,
"Approximately 10 to 20% of patients treated for Lyme disease with a recommended 2–4 week course of antibiotics will have lingering symptoms of fatigue, pain, or joint and muscle aches. In some cases, these can last for more than 6 months. Although often called "chronic Lyme disease," this condition is properly known as "Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome" (PTLDS).
The exact cause of PTLDS is not yet known. Most medical experts believe that the lingering symptoms are the result of residual damage to tissues and the immune system that occurred during the infection."
The CDC, in 2013, increased the number of cases of Lyme Disease as 10 times higher than in years past. Many believe this estimate is not even close to the undiagnosed number of cases.
"About 300,000 Americans each year are diagnosed with Lyme disease, according to new estimate released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week. That number is 10 times higher than the number of cases reported annually to the CDC."
A comprehensive plan to treating Lyme is essential. I believe antibiotics alone will not cure you if you are suffering with PTLDS. Most likely you will end up with other issues from long term use of antibiotics. I personally am on a comprehensive treatment plan to address the other physical side effects I now have. The issue is that regardless of being treated I still hurt, and bad!! Some days are awesome and then I suddenly I feel like I have been run over by a truck. There does not seem to be a clear cut path to recovery. I am following the best route I know to for now.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Never Alone
I rarely know how to start my posts, but I know I want to share. I want to share my story and updates of my walk with Lyme Disease so that others who are trying to navigate through Lyme, either themselves or with someone they love, know that they are not alone. Their symptoms are real. The pain is tremendous. The journey is very often long and treacherous. That being said, I believe with all my heart that there is hope!
Today starts my 6 month of treatment with Longevity Health. It has been up and down, up and down, up and down. My last post was about nearly throwing in the towel, but I decided to stay in the ring and go the distance (yes, I am a bit of a boxing or really UFC fan if you can't tell by the terminology).
This past weekend I was sick, my husband was sick, my child was sick and it was my birthday. Life around here was not fun and a part of me wanted to be resentful since it was my birthday. However, I still had a great birthday! I had a great party with my family and my dad, whom I am so blessed to share my birthday with the night before. The day of my birthday, although I felt bad and bummed out because of it, was still blessed. I had my favorite wine, gluten free pizza and watched a great movie, Nocturna, at home with my family. The movie is a great example of how we are never alone.
Even in the darkest hour, I, we, have someone with us; who is watching over us. I believe it's God who is watching over us. And I believe everyone faces the dark in their life. Regardless of if it is physical, emotional, relational etc., there are and always will be dark times. Times that we are scared and life is hard to face. We choose how we face the dark.
In the bible Christ's disciples had many opportunities to face dark times where they were scared and uncertain what was going to happen. One such time was in Matthew 14:22-31 they were in their boat while a storm was raging. Jesus started walking toward them, but they couldn't recognize him they were so afraid. But Jesus told them not to be afraid and that it was him. He even beckoned Peter, his disciple, to get out of the boat and walk toward him in the midst of the storm. This was a seemingly crazy request. Drowning likely was imminent. What did Peter do? He obeyed! He got scared and had to cry out for help, but he obeyed regardless of the outcome. The scripture goes on to say that the disciples worshiped God. He was watching over them the entire time.
We don't always make it back to the boat and God doesn't always catch us the way we want him too. Sometimes it is so dark we are like the boy in Nocturna constantly afraid. But God, is always with us. Asking us to trust him. To not give up. To know he is in control. Even if I never get completely well, I pray that I have faith to praise God in the midst of the storm. I am pretty sure I have written about this before and that most likely I posted this song. But I am posting it again because life's storms come and go, but we choose how we respond - in fear or in trust.
Today starts my 6 month of treatment with Longevity Health. It has been up and down, up and down, up and down. My last post was about nearly throwing in the towel, but I decided to stay in the ring and go the distance (yes, I am a bit of a boxing or really UFC fan if you can't tell by the terminology).
This past weekend I was sick, my husband was sick, my child was sick and it was my birthday. Life around here was not fun and a part of me wanted to be resentful since it was my birthday. However, I still had a great birthday! I had a great party with my family and my dad, whom I am so blessed to share my birthday with the night before. The day of my birthday, although I felt bad and bummed out because of it, was still blessed. I had my favorite wine, gluten free pizza and watched a great movie, Nocturna, at home with my family. The movie is a great example of how we are never alone.
Even in the darkest hour, I, we, have someone with us; who is watching over us. I believe it's God who is watching over us. And I believe everyone faces the dark in their life. Regardless of if it is physical, emotional, relational etc., there are and always will be dark times. Times that we are scared and life is hard to face. We choose how we face the dark.
In the bible Christ's disciples had many opportunities to face dark times where they were scared and uncertain what was going to happen. One such time was in Matthew 14:22-31 they were in their boat while a storm was raging. Jesus started walking toward them, but they couldn't recognize him they were so afraid. But Jesus told them not to be afraid and that it was him. He even beckoned Peter, his disciple, to get out of the boat and walk toward him in the midst of the storm. This was a seemingly crazy request. Drowning likely was imminent. What did Peter do? He obeyed! He got scared and had to cry out for help, but he obeyed regardless of the outcome. The scripture goes on to say that the disciples worshiped God. He was watching over them the entire time.
We don't always make it back to the boat and God doesn't always catch us the way we want him too. Sometimes it is so dark we are like the boy in Nocturna constantly afraid. But God, is always with us. Asking us to trust him. To not give up. To know he is in control. Even if I never get completely well, I pray that I have faith to praise God in the midst of the storm. I am pretty sure I have written about this before and that most likely I posted this song. But I am posting it again because life's storms come and go, but we choose how we respond - in fear or in trust.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Not Throwing in the Towel
Happy New Year! It's 2015 and I am so thankful to say that my health is continuing to improve.
I started treatment with Longevity Health 4 months ago. The first month was so hard, the second month I saw improvements, the 3rd month was really hard. During the 3rd month I was super dizzy and fell several times. The falling was probably due to lack of sleep and an herb that I tried without consulting with my herbalist; won't make that mistake again. I also had major detox sweats during the 3rd month. I sweat a lot at night and always have, but the sweat I was sweating at night was so putrid. Not a body order smell - just nasty! Of course with detoxing, symptoms intensify. I had almost a week where I couldn't drive or do much of anything and I had to get back out my cane. I felt BAD and wanted to throw in the towel. Luckily, I seem to be on the up swing again. I sent my blood in and found that my body wasn't absorbing nutrients like it should. The doctor made adjustments to my medicines which seems to be helping.
Beside improvement of health in 2015, I have been using essential oils for nearly a year now. I use them daily and have found them very helpful in a lot of different ways regarding health. I have used various kinds of essential oils that are 100% Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG).
My next appointment with Longevity Health is scheduled for March. Until then, I will continue with treatment from Longevity Health, OnDamed, Chinese Herbs and essential oils and hope to have continued improvement.
I started treatment with Longevity Health 4 months ago. The first month was so hard, the second month I saw improvements, the 3rd month was really hard. During the 3rd month I was super dizzy and fell several times. The falling was probably due to lack of sleep and an herb that I tried without consulting with my herbalist; won't make that mistake again. I also had major detox sweats during the 3rd month. I sweat a lot at night and always have, but the sweat I was sweating at night was so putrid. Not a body order smell - just nasty! Of course with detoxing, symptoms intensify. I had almost a week where I couldn't drive or do much of anything and I had to get back out my cane. I felt BAD and wanted to throw in the towel. Luckily, I seem to be on the up swing again. I sent my blood in and found that my body wasn't absorbing nutrients like it should. The doctor made adjustments to my medicines which seems to be helping.
Beside improvement of health in 2015, I have been using essential oils for nearly a year now. I use them daily and have found them very helpful in a lot of different ways regarding health. I have used various kinds of essential oils that are 100% Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG).
My next appointment with Longevity Health is scheduled for March. Until then, I will continue with treatment from Longevity Health, OnDamed, Chinese Herbs and essential oils and hope to have continued improvement.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)