Sleep is just a dream

Thursday, September 27, 2012

So here I am, in bed with another re-infection. Just began my herbal treatment this morning, it will take about 5 days before the herx hell begins. I don't even remember how many re-infections I had this year. 4? 5? It's happened so many times this year, I lost count. I'm quite sure this time it was due to my husband not showering after hunting. He took his hunting clothes off outdoors but he did not shower immediately when he came in. Chose to lay down on the couch and fall asleep instead. I pleaded, I begged and I bitched and all he had to say was, "ya know, it doesn't always have to be because of me." Well yea, it will be until he does what he is supposed to do, then I either get reinfected and blame something else or I don't get reinfected. Please hubby, prove me wrong...... Well he just walked in, plopped on the sofa, all hunting clothes still on, his reasoning, "I'm going back out later" Well stay the hell away from me then. I'm beginning to get that tired feeling that so many of us lymies know. Like I haven't slept for days. Been up for 7 hours and I'm totally exhausted. Got out of bed to toast me a pop tart and make a glass of chocolate(ovaltine) milk. Been freezing since waking up this morning, asked Bruce to take the A/C out of the window for the umteenth time, he never did, so I just did it. Lays on the floor under the window-he never even noticed. (During hunting season the only thing that exists in his mind is deer). I hate hunting season for just that reason, he is a good, caring man any other time. I can't seem to wrap my head around the words anymore so guess I'll sign off for now.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Sleep-or lack of

I can always tell when I've been re-infected or had a relapse when I find myself on my computer throughout the entire night. Insomnia affects nearly every lyme survivor that I know. When not in remission I sleep an average of 4 hours a night. A walking, talking zombie. I read tons about the fact that lyme causes sleep disturbances and insomnia but have yet to find out why. Given the symptoms of the disease itself, it seems little wonder that sleep would be negatively affected. People complain of not being able to fall asleep as well as awakening frequently throughout Such poor sleep (or lack of sleep altogether) at night then leads to the being excessively tired and sleepy during the day. A fair percentage of Lyme disease sufferers also complain of restless leg syndrome at night. Such fatigue, of course, can then create an environment for even more ancillary harm to the body. When we are worn out physically and mentally, we are primed for other illnesses and injuries. Such a serious disease requires consistent medical attention. However, there are many natural ways to significantly help alleviate many of the symptoms, including sleep disturbances. Creating a comfortable sleep routine and sleeping environment is especially important for anyone who suffers from sleep problems. Relaxation is a necessity in aiding sleep, so establishing a soothing nocturnal ritual can help with this aspect. A number of people tout the benefits of certain natural herbs to help with both symptom control and Lyme disease treatment. As always, do your research and consult with a trusted herbalist or other alternative treatment practitioner before attempting to cure the disease. As with all ailments, this is also an especially important time to ensure proper nutrition. It seems obvious, but often we crave the less nutritious “comfort foods” when we are in pain, are extra tired and are suffering. Those comfort foods, though, do not offer long term benefits; whereas a healthy diet will help create strength and energy which is needed to combat any health ailment. Given the many issues (many of them debilitating) that accompany Lyme disease, I offer complete sympathy to sufferers and appreciate the opportunity to share some information and to receive information that you may have.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Lyme Disease-What makes it tick?

Lyme disease tends to effect us most differently.  Many have heart palpitations, or weight gain, or seasonal, food and/or chemical allergies, yet many do not.  Some can no longer tolerate heat, or cold, or both. It makes some of us want to sleep  non stop 24/7 and others would love to be able to sleep more than just a few hours a night. 

There is one common factor though, how lyme disease makes you want to learn more, learn everything you possibly can about it.  In the past 6 years I have spent countless hours reading everything I could find on this disease.

I have read things about this disease, from the most common  to the most bizarre.  The scariest part about it all, is its all true.  The many things that this disease can do to a person are quite bizarre.  Some of the many protocols used to treat the disease are even more bizarre.  The most outrageous thing about this disease is the fact that those of us living it are far more knowledgeable about the mechanisms of Lyme Disease than most medical doctors, leaving us in a precarious predicament.  

We are now forced to research the disease on our own, find a doctor that will somewhat agree with your thoughts and move forward.  A much easier feat to write it down in a sentence then it is to practice it.  I was one of the lucky ones, my doctor not only believes in Chronic Lyme Disease, but he believes it can at least be controlled with herbs.  Lucky for me his brother is now my herbalist. 

I hope you will join me frequently as I begin to blog my way through Lyme.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

A little about myself

I am 53 yrs old and suffer with Chronic Lyme Disease.  I was diagnosed in 2005,  went on IV treatment in 2006.  During my 12th week of treatment I suffered a complete brain stroke.  Should not be alive let alone able to think and reason.  Since I can do both I spend my days educating others about the dangers of Lyme Disease and co-infections.