Seven years ago I was declining ....rapidly, lost 40 lbs in 3 months....became reactive to EVERYTHING that floated in the air.
They threw away hope for me....some said it was just me wanting attention.
I had lost a career that comes around once in a lifetime........
I had awoken to TOTAL Peripheral Paralysis....Sept 2001
Told to accept my fate by two MD's....My wife gives up her 14 year carrer as an Air Force Officer...no benefits....for us to move home for familial support. (Of course...her family did the complete opposite.)......Sept 2002
The pain I endured was beyond description...it was so horrible that when I described it...they wouldn't believe me. ( They would tell others...when away from me...that NO ONE could endure that pain...therefore, I must be lying.)
My immune system would attack my cerebral spine when exposed to just about ANYTHING...causing severe...almost instantaneous inflammation...forcing my spinal cord to become "like braided rope" as my described by my friend a Chiropractor....he had NEVER seen nor heard of such a phenominom.
Causing fire and lighting bolt sensations throughout my body....it was driving me to suicidal thoughts.
Then I met a group of people on the internet...wonderful people and one of them told me that several people on this support site for MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities) were coming up with Lyme as the answer...and they were geting better.
In September of 2003 as we celebrated our 15th Wedding Anniversary...My wife was diagnosed with 3rd Stage Aggressive Breast cancer.
In....my mind...far away from others..suffering from short-term memory loss so short...that I couldn't remember the beginning of most 30 second commercials...I was made to live in a small cement block room as my immune system couldn't handle outside contact...at all. I was determined to find an answer.
It was dangerous....all hope was fading fast....very fast.
And yet....when I really thought about it....about why I was given this excrutiating sufferage to bear by God....I just looked at my children and instinctively knew...that THEY were why I had to overcome...this horrid disease...this unthinkable animal that attacked from no where.
We would find out later that they too were infected...and were it not for my deligence...they would have gone untreated...and suffered the same eventual consequence as I. (December 2003)
I made a pact with my friends on that now defunct website...that I would survive this disease and that I would...indeed become an Athlete.....to compete....to thrive, once again.
I announced to the people on Lymenet that I would represent them on a National Level in Sports....bring a greater understanding of this disease and the ramifications to the public....
and simultaneously show those that still were debilitated by this HORRIBLE affliction...that if they put their head down...and butt up...NO matter what...
That in the end...they, yes....THEY COULD WIN.
The straw that wouldn't break our back came when we ha to move out of the mold infested house that we bought back in October of 2002....having to leave our personal property behind due to the spores we had nothing...except $200 from the bankruptcy. (October 2005)
Without hope and filled with faith we trudged on...after making a move into a 3 bedroom rental home I came down with Parkinson's like symptoms 2 days before the official lease date...we realized that the outgoing renters had sprayed the home with an insecticide that literally was a death sentence for me.
That night my wife and I prayed and cried...they had already rented the small two bedroom duplex we occupied and we were homeless the next day.
The next day in a phone conversation with her mother...my wife was told to leave me...in the streets. I obviously wanted 'attention' and wasn't medically ill. (This despite the fact that they saw me react to the rental home and they refused to accept that EVERY Doctor verified my illness.) June 2006
Time has passed... months of IV antibiotics...massive recovery on all fronts since then...so this Spring I set out to accomplish the Promise I had made...training when I could...gaining over 20 lbs...and then this week arrives.
Yesterday as I lay in bed ALL day long suffering from a herxheimer so bad I had diarhea, nerve pain and sub-acute enchephalitis....I made a promise to myself that I would NOT give up my dream of being the ATHLETE I chose to be 6 years ago.
So...today, without fan fare, without anyone's moral support...kids gone away to dance team camp, wife at home sleeping off her 3rd shift from last night.
I got in my van....drove an Hour and a Half to Ames, Iowa....and competed in 90 Degree heat with 95% humidity thru excrutiating dermal candidiasis and heat exhaustion...I ran, I jumped and I overcame...on my own I stood in the stadium.
I wondered why at this point in my struggle when it would mean so much to those that love me...why couldn't they be here with me...to see, to experience, to feel the glory of overcoming something so powerful that it PARALYZED me from the neck down 7 YEARS AGO?!?
And then tonight at the opening Ceremonies...where I walked into a stadium of over 20,000 people....Medals wrapped Around my Neck...a National Qualifier in the long jump at the age of 45.......
I realized why God had me enjoy this moment alone.
It was because I had to travel this battle with my own strength, determination, and Belief in Him all along...so when the moment of glory came.
It was best that Just He and I were there to fullfil it.
This moment of Glory was for You...my Friends....I promised YOU...ALL of YOU that I would overcome this, and you....and God....were there with me today.
Thank You....Thanks to ALL of you.....I did it!
I overcame...and so will you.
God Bless:
Trout
PS.... 100 meters-4th Place 200 meters-4th Place
Long Jump- 3rd Place (Qualified for Nationals) 4X100 Relay- 1st Place (Qualified for Nationals)
[ 19. July 2008, 06:47 PM: Message edited by: troutscout ]
Posted by lymer (Member # 16352) on :
I am moved to tears! God bless you for all you have endured and all you have overcome! May your life from this day forward be filled with blessings!
Posted by Dawnee (Member # 15089) on :
God bless you for this testimony! Had me near tears as well! I don't even know you and I am SO PROUD of you! And you glorify God through it all... Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
It was because I had to travel this battle with my own strength, determination, and Belief in Him all along...so when the moment of glory came. It was best that Just He and I were there to fulfill it.
That says it all. Thanks for posting this, my friend! I'm proud of you!!!
Posted by sparkle7 (Member # 10397) on :
Did they write it up in the local press? Maybe you can share photos or info about it with your family since they couldn't be there?
Posted by herxuk (Member # 15873) on :
Such a spellbinding story.
I was so moved , so choked. What suffering, what courage.
Need I say more .
AN ADMIRER . herxUK
Posted by Parisa (Member # 10526) on :
Thank you for sharing.
Posted by lymielauren28 (Member # 13742) on :
Trout...I am moved beyond words. You write so eloquently. You are a brave, strong, beautiful person. Good for you for seeing it through to the finish and God bless you for sharing such an inspirational story...
Lauren
Posted by Lou B (Member # 64) on :
Hey Trout,
I've been missing you and I'm so happy to hear that things are better for you now.
I know you're busy with other stuff (good stuff) and that's great ... enjoy my friend! Congratulations on all you've accomplished.
Over the years that I've come to know you here on LymeNet one fact always prevailed ... that, when things fell apart here on LymeNet, I could always depend on you for unbiased input and advice on how I should deal with it and you were always up front, honest, straight forward and on point. Thank you, buddy ... that will never be forgotten. You helped me when I needed it most.
I am so happy to hear that you are doing so well and proving that these horrible diseases can be overcome.
God bless you, my friend,
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
kent, whoopie for you !!!!
yes, you are gifted with your words.
please copy your link and post it in SUCCESS STORIES HERE IN "SUPPORT" .... you are what every lyme patient comes here ... needs to read for INSPRIRATION, HOPE, GOAL-ORIENTED, AND I WON'T GIVE UP SPIRIT!!
i would have come and watched you today and CHEERED you on and watched you walk thru with ALL the athletes.
did you stay for the fireworks? heard them at my house...
my minn. cousin came and spent evening visiting before our big 1st cousins reunion ...around 20 of us 1st cousins out of 35 total are planning to attend and other family members.
last time most of us were together was for dad's funeral 7 years ago....
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
awesome, wonderful, your saga is inspiring. thank you for posting it.
Posted by ByronSBell 2007 (Member # 11496) on :
Ahhhhhh, We have a fellow track runner here. Congrats, I wish I could run just one more race.
Posted by lea (Member # 15593) on :
Wonderful story, and Congratulations!!
Gives me hope!
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
Thanks guys.
I wrote that while in tears after the opening ceremony at a local coffee shop on Main Street last night. So it was a little choppy and I missed a few things...that I added today.
I am just so darned passionate about....never, never, never giving up.
I believe that God requires a certain level of suffering in the world at all times....and, that he chooses us to carry it because we can.
I forgot to mention that the one person the saved me....she is ArtistDi from this website...she is...My Princess Warrior!!!
It would take all day to answer to each of...TuTu...you're one of my best friends.
Lou...thanks. I can be blunt and sound like a chest pounder at times....but, I care...maybe too much.
God Bless Everyone on This Board!
Trout Posted by Windmill (Member # 15404) on :
Wow, I am so happy for you and ur story really inspires me, thank you so much for taking the time to share with all of us:)
Posted by tickssuck (Member # 15388) on :
I don't "know" you Trout...thanks for sharing. Your story is so inspiring. I am really struggling today and needed to find some hope - your post provided that to me. My only problem right now is trying to type through my tears!
Wishing you continued improvement! TS
Posted by bugabooboo (Member # 7383) on :
Thank-You!!! Iowa Boy!!!!!
You have given me COURAGE!!!!!
If only I had known, I WOULD HAVE BEEN THERE!!!!!! I'm an hour and 15 min. from Ames.
And I would have been standing on a hill, blowing a horn (well, it's really a kazoo) urging you on.
God bless you, God bless you, God bless you.
You have made MY day!!!!!!!!!
Bug
P.S. I'm an Iowa Girl.....farm girl for most of my life.
Posted by lymemomtooo (Member # 5396) on :
Trout, congratuations. You have always been a winner in my book by the way you have helped so many of us and ditto on Di. She was very helpful when I started this horrible journey.
Keep going.I think I heard the fireworks all the way in PA... lymemomtooo
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
You weren't there alone .... all of us on this website were with you in spirit just as we always our for each other through our suffering together.
Congratulations, that is wonderful news!
Posted by mtree (Member # 14305) on :
Oh....Trout...
...I am sooo incredibly happy that He was there with you and for you....
...I'm so glad to know that you walk with Him through your life....there just... is no other way...with this disease....
Thank you for including us in your moment....
....your moment of glory with Him.... I am truly touched and will carry your strength along with His as my fight continues...
We truly are blessed people for having this website....
God Bless you and your family as you continue your walk with Him...
So happy for you....thank you for sharing this with us... .......and thank you for the much needed cry I've been holding on to for a special occasion...I'm glad it was for a happy one...
mtree
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
Troutscsout,
Yippee!! Are you saying you are in remission!
I tell myself everyday the verse from Phillipians:
"I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me."
Many blessings. Hiker53
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
Posted by feelfit (Member # 12770) on :
Trout,
What an inspiring story, it had me very choked up and my eyes overflowed w/ tears at the thought of your determination.
I was/am an athlete too. In all my life God and athletics have brought me the greatest lessons and joy.....so happy for your experience.
Your devotion and determination have inspired me to overcome and to compete again as well. God works Through us, not for us......
What an example you are. Thank you.
Feelfit
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Love ya kiddo! Posted by Larkspur (Member # 5131) on :
Thanks for sharing your success
Posted by Peedie (Member # 15355) on :
Hey Trout! Congrats man! You give all of us hope! Great story - you should write a book. At least send you story to Reader's Digest.
Best of Health Peedie
Posted by sometimesdilly (Member # 9982) on :
Trout-
you are incredibly awesome.
i'm so happy for you, and thankful for how much you cared about the rest of us to want to share your triumph and joy.
dilly
Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :
"....tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther...
and one fine morning..........."
from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Hope for lymies. Congrats trout.
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
Holy COW!!!!
Sheesh guys....thanks for the replies....I just know how sharing our struggles and victories with each other helps us all along.
I gotta tell ya... my girls REALLY want me to compete in Colorado...problem is I could BARELY crawl out of bed this morning. ha, ha
I will say this on the health end of it...pay attention to your diet and ALWAYS take your anti-candida stuff....I am paying for it HORRIBLY.
I am totally encased in candida...its also in my lungs. I can literally feel it grow on my skin and emplant its tenticle like roots into my skin.
My tongue is green and my breath is atrocious. I feel sorry for anyone that talks to me when I haven't put any Oregano on my tongue and in my sinuses to kill the fungus....gross...lol
Have a great weekend....
Trout Posted by catskillmamala (Member # 12536) on :
You made me cry. Thank you, you rock!
Congratulations. And, I know what you mean about the "why" of this illness.
There are so many others getting sick with no answers, no hope . . . I personally know 7 people with bullseye rashes or lyme dx in my community THIS WEEK.
Thank you for your inspiring story!!!! And kudos to your wife for sticking by you, too!
Posted by stella marie (Member # 7216) on :
trout....I'm happy for ya!
I remember when I first came here and feeling crappy. I was going thru old posts and found your vey old toot post.
It made me laugh so hard and I forgot for a moment I had TBI's!!!
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
Oh...the toot one....ha, ha
Oh MY GoSH...that WAS hilarious!!!!!!
Trout Posted by stella marie (Member # 7216) on :
You have nooooooooo idea how that helped me.
I was feeling pretty blue, scared and thinking I might be going insane.
Then my husband hears me laughing hystericaly upsatirs.
And I can't get it out what I'm laughing at at cause I'm laughing so hard and gasping for air.
So he runs upsatirs to see if I'm alright cause of all the crap I was going through.
Yep, it still makes me laugh out loud today. Posted by Boomerang (Member # 7979) on :
Congrats!! Wonderful to read a success story!
Posted by ArtistDi (Member # 2297) on :
Well, my dearest brother, Trout...thanks for the nod. You didn't have to because you were searching for answers and then took it upon yourself to explore more.
Congrats on the race. Just having the stamina is kudos enough, so you know you've come a long way! And yes, tenacity is the operative word in this game, because there is fallout as well as backsliding. Finally, there are less symptom outbreaks and you know you are moving forward. With MCS and Lyme & Company, it takes even more courage, thinking outside of the box, to get better.
So accept the cheers from the Lyme squad, Trout! You deserved it.
Love, Di
PS--Don't forget about V-Fend for candida. I had a friend with systemic yeast because of a faulty in-dwelling catheter, and she is sooo much better now. No more antibiotics, as the V-Fend is holding her.
[ 22. July 2008, 08:38 AM: Message edited by: ArtistDi ]
Posted by AZURE WISH (Member # 804) on :
So glad you are doing better troutscout. Thank you for taking the time to share your story. It is so inspirational to read.
Better is really an understatement though! Finishing at such high levels and qualifying even Congrats!!!
Wishing you continued improved health and hoping you can get your yeast issues better controled Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
Brinning this up for those week day only Lyme Cruisers!
Trout Posted by cbb (Member # 788) on :
WOW!! Trout, what great news!! Haven't been here much the last week or so, and look at all the excitment I missed!!
Can't begin to tell you how thrilled I am with your success story. Sending cheers all the way from South Carolina.
You're an inspiration to so many!!
Love ya!
Posted by Soleilpie (Member # 8481) on :
WOW!
Posted by Leigh9O (Member # 15986) on :
Congratulations Trout!
You are an inspiration and the very reason I keep coming back to this site.
I am having a bad herx day today and in pain.. thinking it will never end, but now I know I can do it!
I can keep praying and having faith in our Lord. He'll see me through this.
Take care and hope you feel as fit and as healthy as when you competed for the rest of your days my friend.
Posted by adamm (Member # 11910) on :
Hey --Congrats!
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
Bravo Trout!!!! I am humbled to be in the presence of someone with such tenacity, determination and faith. Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
Someone here said what an inspiration it is to read what we CAN accomplish thru faith....
that's right....faith, that's all it takes...and I mean the kind of faith that is an "All-In"....
take no prisoners....take no crap....get rid rid of negativity...cut off ties to relationships and family members that are KILLING you.
Stand up....and become better...by standing up!
Hey......just to add a little caveat...someone on this website...sent out the message about what this stream is about...to the Media.
Well....now guess what, I am being interviewed tomorrow, and photographed on Thursday.
Wow! I am crying....shaking....wondering....how much I can do for others...what other avenues can I use to get the word out....Sports and living a Christian Lifestyle.
Trout Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
Someone here said what an inspiration it is to read what we CAN accomplish thru faith....
that's right....faith, that's all it takes...and I mean the kind of faith that is an "All-In"....
take no prisoners....take no crap....get rid rid of negativity...cut off ties to relationships and family members that are KILLING you.
Happy for you Trout !!! Thank God.
I too am thinking I have beat this too but I aint jumpin for joy just yet I have been here before but I think I have won too.
Now I have the recovery road lose weight,get in shape repair what I can The rest is up to God actually its all up to God but he lets me feel like Iam helping hahaha
Congrats Trout!!!!
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
kent,
WHOOPIE; you're going to be an iowa celebrity!! please post the article here after your interview, etc!!
way to go little iowa birdie! Posted by MaryMi (Member # 459) on :
The BEST short story I have read in years! How wonderful!
Mary
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
Interview went well...photograher really took a LOT of pictures......very nice lady writing the story.
She already spoke to the reporter that covered our family a few years ago....they REALLY wanna push the emotional toll of this disease and what it takes to survive it.
I hope it turns out that way.
I also gave them the DVD by Andy at Open Eye Pictures. (Of course...I need it back)
Thanks Guys,
Trout Posted by sunshinyday (Member # 14337) on :
Trout - I am so glad that He is with you.
So much suffering, to struggle to success. If you can get up and compete like that then you can beat this candida!
I'm praying for you.
I'm sorry your family couldn't be there to share your accomplishment.
I'm so grateful that you shared it with us.
God Bless.
Gail
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
kent,
so glad you LENT them your UNDER OUR SKIN DVD!! that will help get the word out even more!!!
can't wait to read it and see photos!!!!
did they give you an idea what date it MIGHT be in paper??
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
Thanks Guys,
They are thinking Tuesday of Next week section A, pg 3.
The Reporter has done a WONDERFUL job...I read the pre-release and it looks great. what they add from the local Doctor...well that may be a different story.
Trout Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
kent,
i looked for it, not on there yet! Posted by Nessa1815 (Member # 15697) on :
I love success stories. I am so glad you have overcame this nasty thing!
Congrats! Enjoy your new body and life!
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
Thanks for posting all of this. I'm glad things are looking up for you!
So many of us are suffering with all the problems of Lyme... ill health & all the baggage that goes along with it like bankruptcy, losing your job, not getting support from friends & family or disability....
It's so hard to get through it. It's good to hear that there can be a light at the end of the tunnel! I hope things will get better & better for you. You had your share of burden to carry in this life.
Posted by BJG (Member # 4723) on :
Congrats to you and your family.
I am grateful to you for your passion for life, recovery and love for the Lord.
Peace, BJG
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
here's Kent's story...easier reading here! good photos of him there though!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008 12:10 PM CDT
Athlete fights back against disease
By TINA HINZ, Courier Staff Writer
CEDAR FALLS --- Kent Larsen stared at his reflection in the mirror. He saw a skeleton instead of a human being.
Emaciated. Pale. Bags beneath his eyes.
It was April, and he remembered a promise made six years ago when diagnosed with Lyme disease. He vowed to fight.
"I would ... indeed become an athlete ... to compete ... to thrive, once again," Larsen later wrote on a networking site, www.lymenet.org.
The 45-year-old Cedar Falls resident set his sights on track events in late July at the Iowa Games in Ames.
Larsen had neglected his health too long, he says, working like a "mad man" since becoming a branch manager for United First Financial last fall.
And like a weed, the disease seized the freedom, overrunning his body.
The potentially debilitating infection is caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium most commonly transferred by a tick bite. It can target joints, the heart and the nervous system.
By spring, Larsen's 6-foot-1 frame carried a mere 147 pounds.
Larsen presented a unique challenge to employees at Snap Fitness in Cedar Falls, where he has been a member since the health club opened in February 2007.
He lacks the ability to recover physically like most people, and boosting energy levels is difficult. He has trouble gaining weight. It even hurts to sweat, Larsen says.
"I came in here and I could only bench press 90 pounds. Now I can do 220 pounds."
Judith Weeg, president of the Lyme Disease United Coalition, calls Larsen a success story. She must use a wheelchair because of Lyme disease and applauds Larsen for what he is doing.
"It's very rare for a late-stage Lyme disease patient to get to this level where they can be athletic at all," Weeg says.
Larsen eventually built up his overall strength from two workouts a week to every other day.
"We have to modify some of the movements, just to still get the muscle activations, still get the results that we want without inflaming some injuries or inflaming any of his conditions," says Tyson Burton, a trainer who works with Larsen.
Burton must be especially sensitive to rest time and hydration.
"That keeps it pretty interesting," Burton says. "He has good days, and he has bad days."
More than 20 pounds heavier, Larsen was raring to go by July. But he faced a serious setback.
The day before competition, Larsen was bedridden with pain and diarrhea and, consequently, dehydration. He lost about 6 pounds.
"My theory is that God puts just so much misery in the world for a reason, and there's certain people he chooses to carry the bulk of it," Larsen says. "If he chooses me to carry it, that's what I'll do."
He stuck to the plan. His two daughters were away at dance team camp and his wife worked an overnight shift. So without fanfare, he drove to Ames.
Going alone would be his weakest moment, but also his strongest.
"It was always God and I that walked through the hardest times that I went through," Larsen says. "I had to travel this battle with my own strength, determination and belief in him."
The temperature was 90 degrees and the humidity reached 95 percent, pushing the heat index to 115 degrees on the track. He spent nearly three hours in the medical tent recovering between events and canceled his 400-meter run.
"There was no breeze. I kept passing out. Every time I looked around things were all blurry."
Abandoning his dream wasn't an option.
"Heck, no, man," he says.
Larsen brought home a fourth-place finish in the 100 meters and in the 200 meters. He placed third in the long jump and was part of the winning 4x100-meter relay team, qualifying for nationals in both events.
Mission accomplished.
Larsen physically was unable to compete at nationals this year, but hopes to enter a U.S.A. Masters Track and Field event in 2009.
"The moment of glory was for you, my friends," Larsen later wrote. "I overcame, and so will you." **************************************
kent, beautifully written!! KUDOS to you and the writer!!
if you haven't copied your post to SUCCESS STORIES IN "SUPPORT", please do so they can read this story of your accomplishments there too when this one is buried!!
thanks kent, my friend, for sharing this with us all!!
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