Hello to all....
I hope you're enjoying the sunshine.... it's just fabulous here this week! We're hoping it lasts, since summer came late this year. Summer always brings all kinds of visitors to the island, and our guest room is booked for the next few weeks. We love it. Of course, all the extra visitors means extra activities, so I have to remember to pace myself and to stick to my healthy eating plan as much as possible. Last weekend Erick and I spent three days up at Mt. Rainier which was GORGEOUS by the way.... I was able to adhere to my gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, soy-free, eating because we had an awesome cabin with a kitchen, and we found a co-op on the way up that had everything we needed. Also, an unexpected find in the town of Ashford was a Himalayan restaurant, the Wild Berry, that had some vegetarian options.... that was a delight to enjoy.
I'm really sore today, though. Did that small hike up part of the mountain just catch up with me today, or was it the vegetarian soy sauce I used while sauteeing portabella mushrooms last night? I do have a sensitivity to soy, and occasionally I test it out to see if I still do..... looks like I STILL DO. Anyway, thank goodness for aspirin.
I've been taking aspirin once or twice a day, almost every day, for the past 15 months. That, you may say, doesn't sound like a very good thing to do, and of course, my preference would be not to take it (i.e., not to need it). Thankfully, I've had no problems with it, as I always take it on a full stomach. It helps reduce inflammation, which is the only thing that makes me feel better some days, since I refuse to take anything stronger. I remembered the other day that once upon a time I had a large, round gold paperweight that someone gave me that was an aspirin tablet. At the time it was funny, as I had a job with lots of challenges to deal with (although I never took aspirin or any type of pain relievers). Now I wish I still had that paperweight because of the irony that aspirin has become a friend of mine. I do appreciate having it in my life, AND I look forward to the day that I don't need to take it anymore. I do have more of those days.... maybe once or twice a week I can get away without taking any. This is progress!
Soooo, off to swim in the lake this afternoon with my "little sister" Morgan. She's 8years old, and truly an awesome kid. Thankfully, I've always been able to arrange to meet with her when I'm feeling my best. I haven't had to explain to her yet about lyme disease and all that jazz..... she's at an age where butterflies and fairies fascinate her, and everything is peace signs and rainbows. I LOVE THAT!!! And I love her. As I continue to feel better all the time, I think that perhaps, just maybe, Morgan may never even need to see me in serious pain. Although at some point I will tell her what lyme is and how it's contracted, to make sure she knows how not to contract it. I also live in that world of peace signs and rainbows, and I don't want anyone to suffer pain. Idealistic and unrealistic, I know, as planet earth is not designed to be a pain-free place. But the world is a friendlier place when you make it a point to look for rainbows.....
I will close today with "namaste" ~ the spirit in me honors the spirit in you.
Sukie
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tick tock...
Hello again....
I've talked with a few folks lately, as well as read in a couple of books about how prevalent ticks that carry lyme bacteria are back east. Even though all 50 states have reported cases of lyme disease, it is running rampant back in New England and the east, and into the south. Someone from New Hampshire recently told me that she couldn't walk across her front lawn without finding at least one tick on her foot. Up to 80 percent of some tick varieties carry the borrelia bacteria (as well as numerous other bacteria known as "co-infections"). I've seen a few articles that posit that the changing climate of the planet, which of course affects the delicate balance of nature, is causing rampant tick proliferation.
At any rate, this is something to think about. Things we take for granted, such as walking barefoot across our own front lawn, may become a thing of the past if we aren't able to assist the Earth in rebalancing herself. That's why I feel it's so important to take the "eagle's view". How are our collective actions affecting the interconnectedness of life? Clearly, we are going to have to find new ways of doing business in our world if we are to survive as a species. I'll stop right there rather than launching into a political discourse. I think "new ways of doing business" means different things to different people, and if we all share an intention of rising above the status quo to embrace life-affirming, healthy business and political practices, we can come together individually and collectively to transcend business and politics as usual. I strive to take the high road in my thinking wherever possible, and have been accused more than once in my life of wearing rose-colored glasses. That's okay with me, because I'd rather live in joy and health as much as possible, rather than in fear and hopelessness. While we all despair at times, it's important that we continue to hope and dream, and to live in ways that we can feel good about in our hearts and our souls. Everything matters, every good intention carries with it an energy for positive change and healthy relationships. Times are hard right now on planet Earth.... yet I envision that change is possible and even probable if we follow our conscience and our highest wisdom.
Just a little thinking out loud.... As for my journey with lyme disease, I am coming down off a week of serious herxing and feeling pretty good again. I'm still losing a lot of hair, which I think is a side effect of the Salt/C protocol. However, I feel so much better, that a little hair loss will not deter me...! Hopefully it won't come to the point where I have to purchase a bad wig! ;-)
Have a lovely week & will check in with you again soon,
Sukie
I've talked with a few folks lately, as well as read in a couple of books about how prevalent ticks that carry lyme bacteria are back east. Even though all 50 states have reported cases of lyme disease, it is running rampant back in New England and the east, and into the south. Someone from New Hampshire recently told me that she couldn't walk across her front lawn without finding at least one tick on her foot. Up to 80 percent of some tick varieties carry the borrelia bacteria (as well as numerous other bacteria known as "co-infections"). I've seen a few articles that posit that the changing climate of the planet, which of course affects the delicate balance of nature, is causing rampant tick proliferation.
At any rate, this is something to think about. Things we take for granted, such as walking barefoot across our own front lawn, may become a thing of the past if we aren't able to assist the Earth in rebalancing herself. That's why I feel it's so important to take the "eagle's view". How are our collective actions affecting the interconnectedness of life? Clearly, we are going to have to find new ways of doing business in our world if we are to survive as a species. I'll stop right there rather than launching into a political discourse. I think "new ways of doing business" means different things to different people, and if we all share an intention of rising above the status quo to embrace life-affirming, healthy business and political practices, we can come together individually and collectively to transcend business and politics as usual. I strive to take the high road in my thinking wherever possible, and have been accused more than once in my life of wearing rose-colored glasses. That's okay with me, because I'd rather live in joy and health as much as possible, rather than in fear and hopelessness. While we all despair at times, it's important that we continue to hope and dream, and to live in ways that we can feel good about in our hearts and our souls. Everything matters, every good intention carries with it an energy for positive change and healthy relationships. Times are hard right now on planet Earth.... yet I envision that change is possible and even probable if we follow our conscience and our highest wisdom.
Just a little thinking out loud.... As for my journey with lyme disease, I am coming down off a week of serious herxing and feeling pretty good again. I'm still losing a lot of hair, which I think is a side effect of the Salt/C protocol. However, I feel so much better, that a little hair loss will not deter me...! Hopefully it won't come to the point where I have to purchase a bad wig! ;-)
Have a lovely week & will check in with you again soon,
Sukie
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Herx so good...
Good morning....!
A little bit "herxy" today.... maybe more than a little. A few days ago I went up on my dosage of salt/C just a bit and that kicked me into herx mode. Then two days ago I did a trade with Lynne Donnelly, who is an awesome craniosacral and EFT practitioner here on the island. She told me I'd be a little sore after our session, and that is true! So I'd say I'm "herxy plus" today, but all in all still feeling pretty good. That probably sounds like an oxymoron, but I have to say that herxes are generally not nearly as painful as they used to be. And they ease up more quickly now when I put some energy into mitigating them through the use of supplements like chlorella and chitosan.
Lynne told me about a supplement that can help with herxes, which I'd never heard of before: teasel root. I found a little info about it that I'm posting below, for those who may be interested. Like anything else, work with your healthcare practitioner when choosing your supplements. I plan to give teasel root a try. For those of you with fibromyalgia, this herb could also prove to be useful for you.
See the article excerpt below.... and have a fabulous day!
Sukie
Lyme Disease: Beyond Antibiotics/The Teasel Root Connection (excerpt)
by Chris Bashaw, RN & CMH Senior Herbalist
A natural treatment (along with antibiotics or other protocols) for lyme disease which can be safely used is Teasel Root. Teasel is a common name for some members of the Dipsacaceae, a family of chiefly Old World herbs found mostly in the Mediterranean and Balkan areas but can range from India and to South Africa.
The potential of using Teasel Root as a magnificent partner for individuals with chronic Lyme disease, which is further, outlined in Matthew Wood’s book, “The Book of Herbal Wisdom”. Wood writes, “After entering the body through a tick bite, the spirochetes burrow into the muscles where they settle down to live. Here they produce chronic inflammation and pain, with destruction of muscles and joints.
When combined with prescribed antibiotics to treat the secondary infections, and St. John’s Wort to heal the actual nerve damage produced by the infection, Teasel Root’s anti-inflammatory effects work on the spirochete’s damaging consequences arresting the dis-ease process. (It is important to note that Teasel has also been successful in the treating of Fibromyalgia, as well).
Remember, for each Lyme disease diagnosis there will be an equal number of unique results, so before starting a regime of Teasel Root consult a qualified herbal practitioner for an individualized appropriate, and most of all successful treatment.
----------------------
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. Customers are reminded that it is entirely of their own accord, right and responsibility to make educated choices with their own, and their family's, healthcare. Always consult a physician prior to the use of any herbal product or service.
A little bit "herxy" today.... maybe more than a little. A few days ago I went up on my dosage of salt/C just a bit and that kicked me into herx mode. Then two days ago I did a trade with Lynne Donnelly, who is an awesome craniosacral and EFT practitioner here on the island. She told me I'd be a little sore after our session, and that is true! So I'd say I'm "herxy plus" today, but all in all still feeling pretty good. That probably sounds like an oxymoron, but I have to say that herxes are generally not nearly as painful as they used to be. And they ease up more quickly now when I put some energy into mitigating them through the use of supplements like chlorella and chitosan.
Lynne told me about a supplement that can help with herxes, which I'd never heard of before: teasel root. I found a little info about it that I'm posting below, for those who may be interested. Like anything else, work with your healthcare practitioner when choosing your supplements. I plan to give teasel root a try. For those of you with fibromyalgia, this herb could also prove to be useful for you.
See the article excerpt below.... and have a fabulous day!
Sukie
Lyme Disease: Beyond Antibiotics/The Teasel Root Connection (excerpt)
by Chris Bashaw, RN & CMH Senior Herbalist
A natural treatment (along with antibiotics or other protocols) for lyme disease which can be safely used is Teasel Root. Teasel is a common name for some members of the Dipsacaceae, a family of chiefly Old World herbs found mostly in the Mediterranean and Balkan areas but can range from India and to South Africa.
The potential of using Teasel Root as a magnificent partner for individuals with chronic Lyme disease, which is further, outlined in Matthew Wood’s book, “The Book of Herbal Wisdom”. Wood writes, “After entering the body through a tick bite, the spirochetes burrow into the muscles where they settle down to live. Here they produce chronic inflammation and pain, with destruction of muscles and joints.
When combined with prescribed antibiotics to treat the secondary infections, and St. John’s Wort to heal the actual nerve damage produced by the infection, Teasel Root’s anti-inflammatory effects work on the spirochete’s damaging consequences arresting the dis-ease process. (It is important to note that Teasel has also been successful in the treating of Fibromyalgia, as well).
Remember, for each Lyme disease diagnosis there will be an equal number of unique results, so before starting a regime of Teasel Root consult a qualified herbal practitioner for an individualized appropriate, and most of all successful treatment.
----------------------
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. Customers are reminded that it is entirely of their own accord, right and responsibility to make educated choices with their own, and their family's, healthcare. Always consult a physician prior to the use of any herbal product or service.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Disney or "real life"?
Greetings ~
Just woke up and watched the "movie" outside my bedroom window for a little while... deer grazing, bunnies hopping about, birds of all shapes and sizes twittering in the trees, squirrels and chipmunks scampering around. I live in a Disney movie!!! How awesome is that?? There is also a handsome prince involved, and wonderful adventures. I guess that makes me the princess..... and in Disney movies the princess always has some type of issue. Wonder if they'll ever make a movie where the princess has lyme disease?? Mmmmm, probably not. The good news is that the princesses usually eventually get blessed with what they want; they just have to pass some personal challenges and hang in there. Yes, this is sounding familiar!
Anyway, this past few days I have been experiencing a fair amount of fatigue. The aches and pains have been very manageable, but I've been pretty tired and drowsy and taking naps. I love to take naps, so that's not a problem. What I'm noticing though is that I'm not waking up feeling refreshed, which is another characteristic of lyme. That's one of the questions the doctors always ask: is your sleep refreshing? Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. All my life I've been a morning person and bounced out of bed bright and early with the energy of a hurricane. I'm still a morning person, but usually now I wake up slowly, stretch out my sore muscles (especially my knees and hips), sometimes doze off again a time or two, and then coax myself into verticality (I realize that's not a word, but you know what I mean). My brain starts to kick in a little and we eventually shift into drive.
So that's what I am realizing right now.... with my body feeling better I'm starting to notice more about the underlying fatigue. It comes and goes. Some days I have my old energy and I zip around like a tornado. When I was working full-time I was one of the craziest multi-taskers you've ever seen. I made a conscious decision a couple of years ago to break myself of that, and I've done fairly well. I still always have my proverbial list of things to do - I am a listmaker and planner, for sure - but I pace myself and don't expect to accomplish all those things in one day. I try to make time to just "be", and to meditate, sleep in the sun, read or do art.
Bottom line: Life's grand and I am joyful. I'm blessed with a life of meaning and magic. As much as we'd all like that Disney fairy-tale ending, life is a journey, and that's the beauty of it. Nothing is always "perfect." But it is beautiful in its imperfection and diversity. I am so grateful for the amazement of life, and as frustrating and maddening as this chaotic world can be, I'm happy to be along for the ride.
Today's mantra comes from Dr. Emoto, who has done all those amazing studies with water. This is for the waters affected by the oil spill, which affects all of life:
"To the oceans, waterways, and all sea animals and sea life. I love you, I'm sorry, please forgive me." We are all in this together, and to transform our planet we must take responsibility, collectively, for our actions, so that we can transform ourselves. By setting our intentions this way, we truly love ourselves and all of the life that we are a part of.
Much love & many blessings to you,
Sukie
Just woke up and watched the "movie" outside my bedroom window for a little while... deer grazing, bunnies hopping about, birds of all shapes and sizes twittering in the trees, squirrels and chipmunks scampering around. I live in a Disney movie!!! How awesome is that?? There is also a handsome prince involved, and wonderful adventures. I guess that makes me the princess..... and in Disney movies the princess always has some type of issue. Wonder if they'll ever make a movie where the princess has lyme disease?? Mmmmm, probably not. The good news is that the princesses usually eventually get blessed with what they want; they just have to pass some personal challenges and hang in there. Yes, this is sounding familiar!
Anyway, this past few days I have been experiencing a fair amount of fatigue. The aches and pains have been very manageable, but I've been pretty tired and drowsy and taking naps. I love to take naps, so that's not a problem. What I'm noticing though is that I'm not waking up feeling refreshed, which is another characteristic of lyme. That's one of the questions the doctors always ask: is your sleep refreshing? Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. All my life I've been a morning person and bounced out of bed bright and early with the energy of a hurricane. I'm still a morning person, but usually now I wake up slowly, stretch out my sore muscles (especially my knees and hips), sometimes doze off again a time or two, and then coax myself into verticality (I realize that's not a word, but you know what I mean). My brain starts to kick in a little and we eventually shift into drive.
So that's what I am realizing right now.... with my body feeling better I'm starting to notice more about the underlying fatigue. It comes and goes. Some days I have my old energy and I zip around like a tornado. When I was working full-time I was one of the craziest multi-taskers you've ever seen. I made a conscious decision a couple of years ago to break myself of that, and I've done fairly well. I still always have my proverbial list of things to do - I am a listmaker and planner, for sure - but I pace myself and don't expect to accomplish all those things in one day. I try to make time to just "be", and to meditate, sleep in the sun, read or do art.
Bottom line: Life's grand and I am joyful. I'm blessed with a life of meaning and magic. As much as we'd all like that Disney fairy-tale ending, life is a journey, and that's the beauty of it. Nothing is always "perfect." But it is beautiful in its imperfection and diversity. I am so grateful for the amazement of life, and as frustrating and maddening as this chaotic world can be, I'm happy to be along for the ride.
Today's mantra comes from Dr. Emoto, who has done all those amazing studies with water. This is for the waters affected by the oil spill, which affects all of life:
"To the oceans, waterways, and all sea animals and sea life. I love you, I'm sorry, please forgive me." We are all in this together, and to transform our planet we must take responsibility, collectively, for our actions, so that we can transform ourselves. By setting our intentions this way, we truly love ourselves and all of the life that we are a part of.
Much love & many blessings to you,
Sukie
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Uggghhhhhhhhh.....
Hi Friends ~
Interesting that when I go to log-in using the URL for this blog, it now takes me to another blog about the Salt/C protocol. It's a blog I've seen before and it's really good reading, so I guess if my blog is going to be co-opted, it's as good a site as any to arrive at..... still..... what happened to my own URL?? I just don't understand these things, just like I don't understand why Facebook has gone all freaky. Anyone else experiencing these challenge with the internet?
Anyhoo.... I am feeling like a slug today after having Salvadoran food last night for dinner. Erick and I went off-island last night to pick up a Health Rider for me ($50, Craigslist) and hoped to find an Indian restaurant for dinner, but finally settled on a Salvadoran place. I ate plantains and pupusas with beans (which were all delicious, but fairly greasy). It surely has upset my system....! My liver is definately NOT happy with my choices, so I'm drinking lots of water with my homeopathic liver cleanse drops, as well as taking chlorella in large amounts. Ugggghhhh. Sometimes I can stray a bit from my eating plan, and sometimes I just can't get away with it. This is one of those times.
But anyway, I have a new Health Rider (gently used) that is really wonderful for exercising all the muscles in one's body. I think they must be promoted on TV as weight-loss devices, because people keep asking me if I'm trying to lose weight. No! I lost 30+ pounds already; not wanting to lose more weight. But I do want to get more exercise, and since it's still hard for me to do yoga and to walk up hills, the Health Rider will be a way to make sure all the muscles in my body get some attention. We don't watch TV (don't have cable, just Netflix), so I am often clueless about some things that everyone else seems to know more about. I discovered the Health Rider in the exercise room where my mom lives, so there you go....
I continue to feel like I'm on an upward trend. Have had a couple of days of pain this week at maybe a 4, which is not so bad.
Otherwise, not much else to report; haven't read anything new about lyme lately. I think I'm on vacation from thoughts of lyme disease for awhile. We finally have a week of full sun upon us and I am all about spending time in it! This weekend is our big Choochokam Arts Fest and all us islanders get out there and have a blast. I've got a couple of days to de-tox so my body is ready to dance in the streets!
Hope you are having wonderful summer fun, wherever you are!
Sukie
Interesting that when I go to log-in using the URL for this blog, it now takes me to another blog about the Salt/C protocol. It's a blog I've seen before and it's really good reading, so I guess if my blog is going to be co-opted, it's as good a site as any to arrive at..... still..... what happened to my own URL?? I just don't understand these things, just like I don't understand why Facebook has gone all freaky. Anyone else experiencing these challenge with the internet?
Anyhoo.... I am feeling like a slug today after having Salvadoran food last night for dinner. Erick and I went off-island last night to pick up a Health Rider for me ($50, Craigslist) and hoped to find an Indian restaurant for dinner, but finally settled on a Salvadoran place. I ate plantains and pupusas with beans (which were all delicious, but fairly greasy). It surely has upset my system....! My liver is definately NOT happy with my choices, so I'm drinking lots of water with my homeopathic liver cleanse drops, as well as taking chlorella in large amounts. Ugggghhhh. Sometimes I can stray a bit from my eating plan, and sometimes I just can't get away with it. This is one of those times.
But anyway, I have a new Health Rider (gently used) that is really wonderful for exercising all the muscles in one's body. I think they must be promoted on TV as weight-loss devices, because people keep asking me if I'm trying to lose weight. No! I lost 30+ pounds already; not wanting to lose more weight. But I do want to get more exercise, and since it's still hard for me to do yoga and to walk up hills, the Health Rider will be a way to make sure all the muscles in my body get some attention. We don't watch TV (don't have cable, just Netflix), so I am often clueless about some things that everyone else seems to know more about. I discovered the Health Rider in the exercise room where my mom lives, so there you go....
I continue to feel like I'm on an upward trend. Have had a couple of days of pain this week at maybe a 4, which is not so bad.
Otherwise, not much else to report; haven't read anything new about lyme lately. I think I'm on vacation from thoughts of lyme disease for awhile. We finally have a week of full sun upon us and I am all about spending time in it! This weekend is our big Choochokam Arts Fest and all us islanders get out there and have a blast. I've got a couple of days to de-tox so my body is ready to dance in the streets!
Hope you are having wonderful summer fun, wherever you are!
Sukie
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