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Now We Know

Friday, December 9, 2016

How the hell did she get Lyme disease?! Lyme and at least three other co-infections that typically come with the territory including bartonella, babesia, and that one that starts with "echl".  After eleven months of not knowing what was triggering her flares perhaps we have found something. Lyme and PANS are not distant cousins - they tend to run together like closest siblings or the best of friends. These are the only infection we've ever found. Could this be the answer?

My feelings are of course all mixed up. Glad to know there is something to treat but worried because this thing is not easy to treat. The more I learn the more I respect and fear these bugs, parasites, stealthy invaders. It's pure science fiction, people.  They are shape-shifters these lymie things, evading detection by changing form. They are body snatchers, throwing their dna in to a cell to hide and wait, sometimes years, until the coast is clear and the environment friendly they come out to wreak havoc again. They are opportunists, taking advantage of damaged immune systems, weakened health, finding places to set up camp, signaling to each other , coordinating, and building communication and supply pathways. I kid you not. Sci-fi-gone-real.


I feel validated that we have finally found something. We've been shooting in the dark for 11 months and now have something at which to aim. Answers. Now we know. We started an herbal protocol three days ago because the antibiotics required to fight these infections would hurt her more. This treatment plan is slow and not-so-steady as it could take 6-9 months to work and the ups and downs will persist as we travel. We will hold steady and hope the relief she's received these last few weeks continues and expands. Driving with blinders on we don't know what is just around the corner so we're enjoying the view from here.

Hope. Strength. Love.