Over the weekend we drove 11-ish hours in snow, fog, ice and rain to get to Coeur d'Alene for my follow up appointment at Lymestop. Bless my darling husband who did all the stressful driving. Needless to say, we are both glad to stay put for almost a week now!
We had planned to stay with my brother in Spokane, but with 8" of new snow the night before my appointment, we decided to book a hotel room in Idaho instead, and we're glad we did! My appointment was bright and early, and lo-and-behold, we get to the doctor's office and it was LOCKED! This provided a flashback to my first treatment when the visits got off to a bad start. Once we got in, one of the gals asked if i had brought my follow up paperwork - and even argued with me that it was in my original packet. I know my memory isn't as sharp as it used to be, but I went through that packet at least 6 times, as did my hubby. For how disorganized they were in my first visit and for how organized I am, I knew she was wrong, yet she proceeded to make me look like an idiot in front of the other patients in the waiting room. I love the rest of the staff here, but this lady continues to leave a bad taste in my mouth!
The appointment lasted all of 25 minutes but was very informative! The doctor started off by asking what my main concerns/worst symptoms are. With his muscle testing, he was able to tell which infections/viruses are gone, and which new problems are surfacing. Many have explained this process as being like an onion - that Lyme presents itself in layers - one layer is peeled off at at time.
I told Dr. S. that my sinuses were still a major issue. And I'm not talking standard sinus stuff here. Yes, the headache, congestion, sore throat - 3+ years nearly every single day. But there are weeks when the infection drags me down to hardly moving. I'm constantly choking on my mucus (gross, I know) and coughing up stuff you wouldn't want to see. And if I'm exposed to any kind of chemical, smoke, or any polluntant - these symptoms heighten within SECONDS.
He found that i still have a chronic sinus infection (a given) and on top of the first mold he discovered, aspergillus as well. This is one of the most common group of molds, 16 species of which are toxic to humans. Their spores are everywhere and we are constantly breathing them in, however the amount is usually something that healthy people have a tolerance for. It's when you have this mold in your home that it becomes dangerous. And what do you know, we lived in a condo for the first 2 years in Olympia that was full of these spores. So for now, I have it living in my sinuses and my chest.
Leading into that, he also found Chlamydophila pneumoniae in my blood and spleen, which can lead to a whole host of symptoms from severe sinusitis to fatigue and chest pain. It can cause arthritis (which is quickly becoming an issue for me) and also affects the nervous system and the heart. I've been reading up on it this morning and am finding that some even believe that this is what causes fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer's disease and a host of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders. He definitely pinpointed this as the cause of my fatigue.
Dr. S. also found Lyme Virus A in my joints and Lyme Virus C in my blood. He asked where most of my pain was, and confirmed that it is indeed Bartonella.
After determining all this, he proceeded to treat the infections with CBT. As a reminder, or for those reading for the first time, the CranioBiotic Technique is a treatment method that commands the brain and/or immune system to focus on -- and correct -- a specific health problem. This is accomplished by the gentle stimulation of specific reflex points on the cranium and upper body. These points are unique for each problem that is being treated.
Some good news: My liver which was previously performing at 73% is up to 89%. He also told me that my SIBO (small intestinal bacteria overgrowth) is gone. Which means I no longer have to drink that nasty Clearvite before every breakfast and dinner, which is pretty exciting news on top of the fact that the SIBO has been eliminated! He didn't necessarily say straight-up that all the other viruses/co-infections are completely gone, but the implication was definitely there. And he did say I should start feeling better soon - even my back, sinuses and fatigue - which I'm thrilled to hear, and pray rings true.
As far as going back again, which several have asked already - I'll only need to return if I'm still dealing with symptoms in a few months. It's possible that viruses could linger, or new ones could pop up. But I'm feeling incredibly hopeful that I will be turning a positive corner in 2016 and can't wait until my random good days start turning into good weeks, and good months even!
That's seriously all I want for Christmas. Although, no need to return those gifts to those who bought me something. ;)
For now, despite my symptoms that seem a little worse from treatment, I am SO looking forward to resting, relaxing and hanging with my wonderful family. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!
