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©Daniel Kinderlehrer M.D. HEALING LYME DISEASE:
An Integrated Approach to Curing
Chronic Infection
Daniel
A. Kinderlehrer, M.D. This document is for
informational purposes only. It is not meant for diagnostic purposes and/or
prescription recommendations for any specific individual.
HEALING LYME DISEASE: An Integrated Approach
to Curing
Chronic Infection Daniel A. Kinderlehrer, M.D.
This document is for informational purposes only.
Not meant for diagnostic purposes and/or prescription recommendations for any
specific individual.
Antimicrobial Interventions
Rife Machine: The Rife technology is based
on the concept
that specific electromagnetic frequencies resonate with the Lyme Spirochete and cause it to break apart. This has been observed with light microscopy and I personally have talked with Chronic Lyme sufferers who now feel cured after using this machine. It can cause significant Herxheimer reactions. For more info contact: www.rifelabs.com/Rife-Home.html
Recommended reading: The Cancer Cure That
Worked, by Barry Lynes
Hyperthermia: Sauna/hot tub
Increasing body temp to 102 will increase antibiotic activity fourfold; increasing body temp to 104 can kill Bb spirochetes. Contact:
Hyperthermia is a treatment used outside the
United States to treat cancer
as well as
chronic infections. www.cancer2000.com
Page 1
Colloidal Silver: Dosing depends on
concentration
General well tolerated Has anti-yeast activity Anecdotally helpful in Lyme
Suzanne’s Supplements 978-356-6966
Recommendation: Colloidal silver 500 ppm 1/2 tsp, 2X/day
Carnivora: Dionaea Muscipula/Venus Fly Trap
Available in capsules and extract Intravenous available in Mexico Has antimicrobial, tumoricidal and immune enhancing activity www.cancer2000.com www.carnivora.com Suzanne’s Supplements 978-356-6966 Carnivora Research, Inc. 866-836-8735 Native Essence Herb Co. 800-377-4229 Recommendation:
Carnivora, 4-8 caps/day
Bee Venom: Melittin has a strong inhibitory
effect on Bb at very
low doses Given as subcutaneous injection, with or without anesthetic. Dr. Glen Rothfeld 781-641-1901 www.neuraltherapy.com Apitronic Services 604-271-9414 has products and literature
Digestive enzymes: Taken between meals
may break up the
cyst wall making the cyst more vulnerable to antimicrobials and host’s immune function. Suzanne’s Supplements 978-356-6966 Recommendation:
Wobenzyme,
8-10 tabs 3 times daily,
between meals 2 Olive leaf extract Generally well tolerated Has anti-yeast activity Unclear activity against Lyme
Artemisia annua
Has anti-protozoal activity, anti-malarial Evidence of anti-Babesia activity Suzanne’s Supplements 978-356-6966 Recommendation:
Artemisia Forte 1-2 caps
3X/day
Immune Enhancement
Herbs that stimulate immune function
Echinacea
Astraglus Iscador (mistletoe): Available by injection www.Iscador.com See Alternative Therapies in Health and Disease May 2001
Cat’s Claw, Una De Gato
Has immune stimulating and anti-inflammatory Activity www.rain-tree.com/catclaw.htm Native Essence Herb Co. 800-377-4229 Suzanne’s Supplements 978-356-6966 Recommendation: Cat’s Claw, 1.5 gm, 1-4 caps 3X/day
Mushrooms
Many studies document the immune stimulating benefits of specific mushrooms. 3
Coriolus versicolor, VPS
www.philsteinberg.com/byrec/22.html very expensive Wildfire Natural Products 888-583-3532 Maitake Cordyceps Shiitake Reishi www.gmushrooms.com/Health/nmh.html Consider combination product:
GMHP 800-789-9121
Suzanne’s Supplements 978-356-6966 Recommendation: Echinacea Forte, 1-2 caps, 2X/day Vinco’s Defense Response Modifier 2-3 caps 2X/day M/S/R Mushroom Formula 1-3, 2X/day Transfer Factor
Derived from Bovine colostrum
Suzanne’s Supplements 978-356-6966 Recommendation: Transfer Factor Plus, 2-4 caps 2X/day
Specifically targeted to Bb,
Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis and
specific viruses: ImmunFactor 2 Chisolm Biological Laboratory 800-664-1333 (very expensive)
Reticulose
Potent immune stimulator, initially derived from bovine colostrum www.adviral.com Not yet FDA approved Daily self-administered intramuscular injections need prescription and letter from physician who can order from Canada 4 Recommendation: Reticulose .5-1cc IM, 1X/day Oxidative therapies Improve oxygenation, increase anti-oxidant activity, anti-microbial activity and immune stimulation Hyperbaric oxygen www.hbotoday.com/treatment/lymedisease.shtml contact Mike McNally 607-797-7791
Ozone
Intravenous Transdermal via steam bath 888-791-6921 Trans-rectal, Trans-vaginal, Sinus inhalation
Hydrogen Peroxide
Oral (food grade) not recommended Intravenous, Dr. Joe Py 978 388-2782
Ultraviolet blood irradiation involves
drawing out 60-
200 cc of blood and exposing it to ultraviolet light, then transfusing back into the patient. www.affs.org/en/articles/uvboodirradiation.html
Suggested reading: Oxygen Healing
Therapies, by
Nathaniel Altman Intravenous Vitamin C Can give high doses, up to 50000mg, without known toxicity. Has helped many people with acute and chronic infections.
5
Hormonal support
Adrenal glands support general metabolism, and
increase
production of hormones under stress. Under chronic stress the adrenals may lose their capacity to respond appropriately, and develop adrenal exhaustion. Symptoms include fatigue, lightheadedness, salt cravings and immune dysfunction. Adrenal function can be measured by blood, urine and salivary testing. Treatment may include herbs, glandulars, DHEA, Pregnenolone, Dioscorea and prescription medication.
Thyroid
Lyme disease is frequently associated with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, which usually manifests as an under active thyroid state. Symptoms may include low basal temperatures, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation and fatigue. While controversial among conventional Physicians, some doctors prescribe thyroid hormone replacement even when lab tests are normal. This does not carry any risk if vital signs and lab tests are properly monitored. Some people notice improvement on over-the-counter thyroid glandulars and kelp supplements. Under active thyroid function will compromise immune function. Recommended reading, Hypothyroidism, the Unsuspected Illness, By Broda Barnes
Testosterone
Low testosterone production can occur in both men and women, particularly after the age of 40. Low levels can result in lowered libido, a common problem among Lyme sufferers, and non-specific loss of vigor. If you ask your Physician to check testosterone, make certain s/he 6 orders a free testosteone level, not just a total testosterone. Replacement therapy is with a patch, cream, or injection. Suggested reading: The Testosterone Syndrome, by Eugene Shippen. Dr. Joe Py 978-388-2782 Menopausal hormone replacement therapy
Perimenopause and menopause and the
resultant
decline in estrogen and progesterone can result in a plethora of symptoms including sleep disturbances, hot flashes, and mood disorders, all common symptoms among Lyme sufferers. Hormone replacement is a complicated decision, but balancing these hormones may take additional stress off of women going through the change. Suggested reading, Natural Hormone Replacement by Wright and Morgenthaler(800-543-3873)
Musculoskeletal
Glucosamine has been shown to be as
effective as
Ibuprofen in managing pain associated with Osteoarthritis. Usual doses are 500mg, three times daily. Chondroitin appears not be as effective, but occasional patients get additional relief when this is added. It can take up to two months to see results. Recommendation: Glucosamine 500mg 3X/day
MSM is a sulphur based compound that
has anti-
inflammatory action that can help with muscle and joint pain. See www.msm-uk.net
MSM 1000mg 2X/day
Herbs that have anti-inflammatory
activity:
Ginger root Curcumin 7 Capsaicin cream applied topically Recommendation: Take individually or Consider combination product: Suzannes Supplements 978-356-6966 Infla-profen 1 cap, 3X/day Energetic Acupuncture Massage Rolfing Yoga/stretching Exercise in moderation. Don’t overdo it. Homeopathy – Injectable homeopathic bee venom injected at trigger points can alleviate muscle pain, tendonitis, bursitis and neuralgia Dr. Glen Rothfeld 781-641-1901 Many other homeopathic preparations have been helpful, must be individualized.
Nervous system
Mood disorders, particularly anxiety
and depression, are
common problems among Chronic Lyme sufferers. prescription medications are often helpful in controlling these symptoms. Non-prescription supplements include: SAMe, usually in doses of 800mg daily, very expensive, can help both depression and Arthritis pain
St. John’s Wort can lessen
depression in mild
cases. Usual dose is 300mg three times daily. should not be taken with prescription Antidepressants.
Kava can be effective against
anxiety, but has been
associated with liver toxicity.
8
Calm Forte is a homeopathic for
mild anxiety.
Flower essences are effective in
some people.
David Dalton in Amesbury, MA has an excellent reputation. Essential Oils have been helpful for many people. For more info call Young Living Essential Oils, 800-763-9963. These products may not be tolerated by chemically sensitive individuals.
Most people with anxiety and depression report
that symptoms are significantly worse in the morning. Consider changing your sleep cycle so that you go to sleep later and wake up later.
Sunlight can be quite helpful in alleviating
depression, especially at the sea shore where there
is an abundance of negative ions. In the winter consider using a light for the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder. See www.sada.org.
Sleep disorders are common, including
inability to fall asleep,
early morning awakening, and hypersomnia. Prescription medication may be necessary to ensure adequate rest. Non-prescription over the counter meds may be helpful, especially diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Natural remedies include:
Magnesium can be an effective
relaxing agent.
At therapeutic doses of 200-800mg at bedtime it can cause diarrhea. Magnesium glycinate appears to be well tolerated Suzanne’s Supplements 978-887-9790
Valerian root has been helpful
for some individuals,
it can cause gastric distress.
9
Melatonin helps some people fall
asleep, and slow
release preparations can prevent early morning awakening. Occasional people notice an increase in depression. Doses are usually .5-3.0 mg, ½ hour before bedtime.
Some people enjoy significant
improvement in
sleep if they get in bed before 9:00. Putting a radio or TV on at barely audible levels, so that the mind strains to hear the sound, can turn off obsessive thinking.
Autonomic dysfunction occurs when the
sympathetic and para-
sympathetic nervous systems no longer maintain their normal balance. Symptoms include heat and cold intolerance, lightheadedness/dizziness, heart racing and pounding, fatigue and anxiety. Some patients get relief from anxiolytic drugs or beta-blockers. These symptoms may respond to acupuncture and/or Chinese herbs. They often respond to JMT, described below.
Muscle cramps, peripheral neuropathy
Both Magnesium and Calcium can diminish cramping as well as numbness and tingling. See recommendations under minerals. B vitamins can benefit the nervous system, although supplementation is controversial. See discussion below under General Support.
Cognitive dysfunction
Short-term memory deficits and difficulty with focus and concentration do not respond particularly well to supplements. There is anecdotal benefit from:
Ginkgo Biloba, 120mg 2X/day
Acetyl L-Carnitine 500mg 1-2X/day Phosphatidylserine 100-200mg bid Pregnenolone—doses vary widely 10
Gastrointestinal
The GI tract can be directly impacted by Bb infection resulting in inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease), irritable bowel disease and nonspecific abdominal pain. In addition the GI tract suffers from medications that can cause direct irritation and disturb the gut ecology by killing beneficial Bacteria and enhancing yeast growth or C. Difficile infestation. It is important to maintain GI health as our intestines are not only involved with digestion, but also are a major repository of nervous tissue, immune activity and hormone production.
Pro-biotics should be taken with some
food in the
stomach (gastric acid normally will kill the beneficial Bacteria), but away from antibiotics. There are many good brands, but for individuals who are having difficulty consider strains that have shown particular benefit: Lactobacillus Rhamosus implants the best Lactobacillus Bifidus is particularly important in Children Suzanne’s Supplements 978-356-6966: Sacchromyces Boullardi is helpful for antibiotic induced diarrhea and yeast overgrowth, and can prevent C.Difficile (antibiotic induced) Colitis.2 caps 2X/day Entrin Bifidus is an inexpensive combination of Beneficial bacteria, 2 caps 3X/day
Nutrients to support mucosal integrity
are important for
Proper GI function. Intestinal integrity can be measured with an Intestinal Permeability test. Dr. Joe Py 978-388-2782 can evaluate this. Consider (Suzanne’s Supplements):
Intestinal permeability factors,
2 caps 1-3X/day
UltraClear Sustain, 1-2 scoops, 2X/day
11
Digestion can be compromised by a lack
of adequate
Pancreatic enzymes, often resulting in gas and loose stools. This can also be evaluated with a stool test, Dr. Joe Py 978-388-2782. Consider (Suzanne’s Supplements): Wobenzymes 1-2 caps after meals Vitaline high lipase pancreatin, 1-2 tabs after meals Vitaline chewable digestive enzymes, 1-2 tabs after meals Yeast overgrowth can result in abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, loose stools as well as oral thrush, vaginitis rashes, malabsorption and sensitization to sugar and yeast containing foods. Yeast overgrowth often leads to systemic symptoms of fatigue, cognitive impairment, mood swings and other allergies, especially molds and foods, milk and wheat being the most common. While taking antibiotics it is imperative to avoid simple car- bohydrates (i.e.sugar, alcohol), replace beneficial Bacteria and take an anti-yeast agent. Some doctors prescribe medications such as Diflucan and Nystatin. Non-prescription recommendations include (Suzanne’s Supplements):
Paramicrocidin (citrus extract),
50-125mg 2X/day
Prolive (olive leaf extract) 500-1000mg 2X/day Oregano oil, 1-2 caps 3X/day Capryllic acid (from coconut oil),250-750 mg 2X/day Toxin accumulation in the intestines can result in GI as well as systemic symptoms. It may be helpful to do a vegetable juice fast and get a series of colonic enemas. Yerba Prima intestinal cleanse uses a combination of herbs and bulking agents to effect a more gradual and gentle cleansing over time. (Available at the Natural Grocer and Vitamins, Etc. in Newburyport, and at Wild Oats) The routine use of bulking agents can help 12 Eliminate toxins in the GI tract and may help remove neurotoxins as well, because they undergo an entero- hepatic circulation. Recommendations:
Psyllium seed husks, 1-2 T,
2X/day
Freshly ground flaxseeds, 2-6 T, 1X/day Bentonite clay, 1 T, 1-2 X/day Chlorella is an excellent agent to promote Detoxification. In addition it stimulates immune function and promotes healing. www.watershed.net/chlorella.htm www.angelfire.com/mi/peking/singa.htm
Liver function may be compromised because of
drug toxicity,
and the added demands of removing toxins and metabolites. May decrease the liver’s capacity to properly clear toxins. I suggest supplementing with:
Silymarin (Milk thistle),
150-200 mg 2X/day
Green tea (decaf if anxiety is an issue) 1-3 cups/day
In addition consider intermittent
supplementation with Ultra
Clear powder, which contains a combination of nutrients that replete an over-taxed liver. (Suzanne’s Supplements)
UltraClear 1-2 scoops, 1-2 X/d
General support
Nutrition Diet. It is imperative that individuals battling a chronic infection eat a healthy diet. Emphasis should be on fresh fruits and vegetables, organic whenever possible; whole grains; Organic free-range meat and poultry. Limit refined carbohydrates (sugar, corn syrup, white flour), caffeine, alcohol, chemical additives (preservatives, coloring, artificial flavors) and trans-fats (in many margarines, commercially baked goods and deep-fried foods such as french fries). 13
Hypoglycemia commonly results in
fatigue, brain fog,
headache and mood swings from two to six hours after eating. Some people need to snack between meals, especially with protein, to prevent the dips in blood sugar. food sensitivities may aggravate this problem. Chromium (as picolinate, 200mcg twice daily) can stabilize blood sugar. Diet needs to be individualized, as some people do well on higher protein regimens, while others respond to high complex carbohydrates with limited protein. A good book to help determine your optimal diet is The Metabolic Typing Diet by Wolcott.
Food sensitivities can cause symptoms
similar to Lyme,
and exacerbate any of the symptoms attributed to Lyme. There are many books on this subject. Consider an elimination diet in which suspected foods are removed for one to two weeks then challenged independently, A good book to follow is Detecting Hidden Food Allergies
By William Crook. Blood tests
and skin tests are not
Reliable. The most common food sensitivities in the U.S. are milk, wheat, corn, citrus, eggs and additives.
Adequate fluid intake is essential.
I recommend 6-8
glasses of water daily, adding ¼ tsp of sea salt to each glass if there is no problem with edema or high blood pressure. In addition, consider adding 1 tsp of baking soda daily on an empty stomach because most of us are too acidic; acid inhibits bactericidal action and increases sympathetic nervous system activity, contributing to anxiety and palpitations.
Nutritional supplementation is
controversial. There is no
question that most Americans, including apparently healthy individuals, benefit from supplements for a number of reasons: 14
Only 10% of Americans consume
the recommended
five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Micronutrient losses resulting from conventional
food growing, processing and handling are substantial.
Soil quality has consistently
declined resulting in
significant trace mineral deficiencies.
Environmental pollution, smoking
and certain dietary
habits result in the production of damaging free radicals, associated with degenerative diseases including cancer and cardiovascular disease, and contributing to premature aging and immune dysfunction. This increases the need for anti- oxidant supplementation, such as Vitamins E, A and C. However, the Lyme spirochete is also dependent on nutrients to thrive, and supplementation could theoretically enhance bacterial growth. There is no clinical data on the impact of nutritional supplementation in persons with Lyme. I do know one individual whose symptoms flared when she began B vitamins, and improved when she stopped. On the other hand, some Lyme literate physicians routinely recommend high doses of B vitamins, both orally and intramuscularly. B vitamins are particularly important for proper nerve and adrenal function.
A compromise would be to avoid B
vitamin
supplements but take a “green drink” that will supply a reasonable dose of micronutrients as well as other factors that will benefit anyone fighting a chronic infection. Some suggestions (Suzanne’s Supplements): 15 NutraGreens, Amni 1-2 scoops, 1-2X/day ProGreens, Allergy Research 1-2 scoops, 1-2X/day
Mineral supplements do not stimulate
Lyme. Consider:
Magnesium glycinate 200mg,
1-4X/day
Calcium citrate or hydroxyappatite, 500mg, 1-3X/day Zinc picolinate 25 mg, 1-2X/day Selenium 200mcg 1X/day Chromium 200mcg, 1-3X/day to stabilize Blood sugar Iron is important for immune function as well as Anemia, but too much can be harmful. menstruating women and vegetarians are particularly prone to iron deficiency, and should have levels checked. It is best absorbed on an empty stomach.
Suzanne’s Supplements
978-356-6966
Bronson iron and C, 1 tab, 1-2 X/day Wild Oats, Vitamin’s Etc. Solgar gentle iron, 1 tab, 1-2X/day
Minerals are more
absorbable and bio-
Available in solution. Selectrolytes can significantly help fatigue, muscle cramps, and mood. (See www.morinlabs.com)
Antioxidants
Vitamin C is an important stress
nutrient (it
supports adrenal function) and immune enhancer. however, the acidic nature can interfere with some antibiotics as well as antidepressants. Vitamin C as ascorbic acid should be avoided, but as calcium ascorbate or sodium ascorbate may be helpful.
16
Recommendation:
Sodium or Calcium
Ascorbate, 500mg,
1-2X/day
Vitamin E is important to
protect cell membranes,
especially when taking essential fatty acids. recommendation:
Vitamin E (natural
tocopherols) 400 IU/day
Vitamin A is important for the health of mucous membranes. While potentially toxic, doses of 5-25,000 IU daily are quite safe for adults. At doses above 10000 IU it can be teratogenic.
Vitamin A
5-25,000 IU/ day
Additional nutrients
Coenzyme Q10 is an important
nutrient in
Cellular respiration, i.e. the production of Energy in our cells. Deficiency can result in Cardiac dysfunction, fatigue and immunological Compromise. CoQ10 is generally low in Lyme Patients. Recommendation:
Coenzyme Q10, 2-300mg
daily
Other nutrients that can benefit energy production (so-called mitochondrial nutrients) include Lipoic acid and Carnitine. I do not have any data or feedback on their efficacy in Lyme disease.
Essential fatty acids are fats
that humans cannot
synthesize, and therefore must be ingested. These nutrients are essential for the health of our cell membranes and are the backbones of prostacyclins which regulate virtually all the metabolic processes 17 in our bodies. EFAs are important as anti- inflammatory agents, immunological enhancers, and mood stabilizers. EFAs taken regularly can improve fatigue, aches, weakness, vertigo, memory, concentration, depression and PMS. Deficiency in EFA may manifest with dry skin (often rough on the backs of the upper arms, thighs and buttocks), dry scalp with dandruff or seborrhea, excessive thirst. recommendations include: Omega 3 Flaxseeds freshly ground and added to Hot or cold cereals, salads, yogurt, etc. Three tablespoons of flaxseeds yields one Tbsp. of oil, which is provided in six capsules of linseed oil. I take 6 Tbsp of ground flaxseeds daily. Always keep Flax sources cold, and don’t heat them.
Recommendation:
Freshly ground flaxseeds 2-6 T/day
Alternatively,
EPA is fish oil that is also omega 3. Most of the anti-inflammatory and mood stabilizing studies have been done with fish oils. Most capsules contain1000mg of EPA, e.g. MaxEPA, Super EPA. Alternatively, Cod liver oil provides EPA along with vitamins A and D. These oils can cause gastric distress, diarrhea and unpleasant aftertaste. Recommendation:
EPA 1000mg, 1-3 caps 3X/day, or
Cod liver oil, 1T/day
18
Omega 6
Evening primrose
oil, black currant seed
oil and borage oil are all good sources. Evening primrose oil is the source that has been most studied. It has been particularly effective in PMS. Recommendation:
Evening primrose
oil, 500mg, 1-3 caps,
3x/day
Nuetra-Hercs purportedly decreases Herxheimer
reactions. As of this writing I do not have any feedback
on its effectiveness or safety. Call 713-772-3277 for more information.
Evaluation for heavy metal toxicity
Lead toxicity is not uncommon in inner city
children, but this
population does not get heavy exposure to Lyme vectors. Mercury toxicity is a serious problem in all age and geographic groups because dental amalgam fillings consist of 50% mercury, and mercury vapor leaks from the fillings at toxic doses. Symptoms of mercury intoxication include all the neurologic symptoms that have been described in Lyme disease (e.g. cognitive dysfunction, memory loss, mood disorders, increased sensitivity to sound and light, tremor insomnia, headaches, etc.). In addition mercury toxicity can cause gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, immune dysfunction, shortness-of breath, sweating, fevers, palpitations and so on. sound familiar? It is not unreasonable to suspect that people with an infection of the nervous system may be more susceptible to the toxic impact of mercury. Most doctors and dentists don’t take this issue seriously, so it should be evaluated by a physician literate in this issue. www.holisticmed.com/dental/amalgam Dr. Joe Py 978-388-2782 19
Energetic Interventions
Acupuncture has been very successful in some individuals in alleviating pain syndromes, muscle spasms, and headaches. It can also help diminish mood disorders, sleep disorders as well as balance autonomic instability (palpitations, hot and cold, etc.) It may also enhance immune function and improve liver, gastro- intestinal and nerve function. Peter Valaskatgis, Lic.Ac. 978-462-1191
JMT is an energetic technique that utilizes
kinesiology (muscle
testing) with acupressure or acupuncture to retrain the nervous system response to microbial infestation. I have been in discussion with a JMT practitioner who reports that six out of six clients with Lyme have had excellent relief of symptoms. See www.jmt-jafmeltechnique.com Dr. Robert Sampson 978-663-4400
The Microbial Balancing Program was
developed by Machaelle
Small Wright to work with the consciousness of microbes that cause infection, so that we can live symbiotically or in harmony with the organism rather than be at war. It is a definite stretch to our western belief system, but I do know individuals who swear by this program. See www.perelandra-ltd.com. Recommended Reading, Behaving as if the God in All Life Mattered, by Wright.
Homeopathy has been helpful for some people.
A homeopathic
nosode is available from Vinco, Inc. at 800-245-1939. Count- less other remedies have been used with occasional benefit. Ledum is a remedy that many have found helpful to clear the infection. I do not have first hand information on their use. Shari Stratton 617-776-7930
Borrelogen is a combination of herbs that
claim to treat Lyme
but the mechanism is unclear and I have no data or feedback on its efficacy. Se www.jnutra.com 20 Emotional/Spiritual
Any chronic illness can result in
depression. However, the
impact of Lyme and other tick borne diseases on the nervous system often results in a much more severe impact on mood than I am used to seeing either in chronic fatigue syndromes or chronic pain syndromes. Antidepressants can be extremely helpful, though not always tolerated, and not always effective until antibiotics are initiated.
In addition to recommendations previously
described under nervous system, it is essential that individuals with chronic Lyme have a support system of family, friends and other Lyme patients who can empathize with their experience. Anyone with Lyme disease can describe how sensitive Lyme disease is to stress. This is not surprising since stress increases cortisol levels which depresses immune function. it is therefore important to structure your life so as to minimize distress, and develop strategies to deal with stress, such as relaxation techniques. Joan Borysenko’s first book, Minding The Body, Mending the Mind, teaches a simple breathing technique that can be practiced daily.
It is Important to structure each day so
that there is some
physical activity, optimally including outdoor walking, accomplishing some task(s), and doing something pleasurable.
Exercise is important for immune function,
oxygenation,
circulation and emotional well-being. However, if fatigue is a prominent feature of your illness, too much exercise can exacerbate symptoms. Be careful to pace yourself and gradually increase activity as tolerated.
Hot baths are relaxing, can enhance
antimicrobial activity,
and alleviate muscle and joint pains. I recommend adding 2-3 cups of Epsom salts to the bath water. Energetic healers claim that the salts cleanse the aura. It appears to benefit 21 the muscle and mood symptoms.
Journaling is an important tool to assess
response to therapy,
to vent feelings and to track how you’re doing over time. As a physician it was extremely helpful in evaluating treatment, and useful to patients to be able to document improvement. I personally believe that prayer is powerful medicine, and even more so in a group. It is important to surrender to divine will while not submitting to this illness. It is difficult to feel gratitude when feeling awful; nevertheless, I think it is crucial to give thanks for even the little things, like a telephone call from a friend, the ability to walk around the block or a beautiful sunset. I believe every illness provides the opportunity to learn important lessons, and the sooner we learn them and incorporate them in our lives, the sooner we recover. Specifically, Lyme seems to feed on fear, particularly fear of fully manifesting who we are, claiming our power, and living our destinies. The sooner we can move from victim hood, self-pity and blame to self-empowerment and gratitude, the quicker we heal. For those who are open and willing, it is often helpful to see a healer who can help remove energetic blocks and clear limiting beliefs that impede our capacity to heal.
Suggested healers:
Simma Kinderlehrer 505-989-9700 (does work over the Phone)
Marc Clopton 978-465-1735
Kathy Eckles 978-293-9960
Dr. Andrew Hahn 781-274-6622
Swan Ashley 978-470-1211
I recommend daily meditation, visualization and affirmations. Shakti Gawain’s books (e.g. Creative Visualization, Living in the 22 Light) are wonderful. After I do some deep breathing, I imagine being surrounded and infused with white light, and then I pray for healing for myself as well as all those who are suffering. I often recite an affirmation (e.g.” I am happy and grateful that I am healing”), and then invoke images of myself full of joyful energy. And I give thanks.
Lyme confronts us with quite a challenge. I
am aware that these
recommendations may seem overwhelming. I am not intending that anyone attempt to implement all of them. Rather, they are suggestions to consider complementing whatever other treatment you are doing. I encourage you to use your own intuitive wisdom to decide if and when you want to try any of these recommendations. I am aware that they are not comprehensive; I tried to include only those suggestions that had some evidence of efficacy, either in studies or empirically . But there’s an awful lot I don’t know; my research into this stuff has just begun.
I caution everyone to implement
interventions in a staggered
fashion so that you don’t overwhelm your system, and so that you can determine benefit or side effects.
It is my sincere intention that these suggestions
provide fellow Lyme patients with tools that prove useful in your
recovery.
With hope and blessings,
Dan Kinderlehrer, M.D.
© 2004 Daniel Kinderlehrer, M.D.
This document is for informational purposes only. It is not meant for diagnostic purposes and/or prescription recommendations for any specific individual. webmaster: b10g7@verizon.net |
