posted
I started seeing a naturapathic doc yeaterday. We decided to start treating for lyme. I had the option to treat aggressively,or gently.
We both decided to start gently! Besides giving me Iodoral iodine supplement, and Licorice wafers, he started me on an essential oil called "China Blend".
Two drops rubbed in the skin underneath each ear at bedtime. Do that for 6 weeks, and build up to more drops later.
It's supposed to remove toxins and help with lots of lyme issues that I'm having.
Anyone else have any experience with this stuff? He said that there will be "herxing", so this must be pretty powerful stuff.
This morning my right eye was swollen as if I'd had an allergic reaction to it. Or maybe that is the early signs of herxing. What do you think?
Posts: 67 | From Alabama | Registered: Feb 2010
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joalo
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I've never heard of China Blend but I'm curious if you could tell us what is in it.
I've been using Thieves oil (clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary) on the soles of my feet every night for many months. This was recommended by a doctor of Chinese medicine.
-------------------- Sick since January 1985. Misdiagnosed for 20 years. Tested CDC positive October 2005. Treating since April 2006. Posts: 3228 | From Somewhere west of the Mississippi | Registered: Aug 2007
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Keebler
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posted
- Please see an ILADS-educated LLMD or an ILADS-educated LL ND. You need someone who will take this seriously. A few drops of an essential oil will not be enough at any stage. Even with "Thieves" is is simply not enough by any stretch.
I think you deserve a refund and an apology from that ND you saw. I've been there, believe me. You need a much better educated doctor.
You should not be rubbing any essential oil anywhere on your head or hands before bedtime. It can travel to your eyes and cause irritation - or worse.
A ND who is not LL (that is ILADS-educated) simply does not have the knowledge to be treating lyme/TBD (tick-borne disease) patients. They may be great at treating other patients, but lyme patients deserve doctors (of all types) to be thoroughly educated about all aspects of TBD.
Now, they may not go by the ILADS guidelines, but they should know the work of all the authors listed on this page - and that of Alan MacDonald, too, with his work on biofilms. And the work of Garth Nicolson with mycoplasma.
==========================
This explains WHY you need an ILADS LLMD or ILADS LL ND (naturopathic doctor) to guide treatment.
CONTROVERSY CONTINUES TO FUEL THE "LYME WAR" - 2007
" . . .To treat Lyme disease for a comparable number of life cycles, treatment would need to last 30 weeks. . . ."
"...If all cases were detected and treated in the early stages of Lyme disease, the debate over the diagnosis and treatment of late-stage disease would not be an issue, and devastating rheumatologic, neurologic, and cardiac complications could be avoided..."
posted
Never mind the ILADS. I found it!
Posts: 67 | From Alabama | Registered: Feb 2010
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joalo
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posted
I have had very good results from 'Raindrop' therapy which is basically essential oils applied to the soles of the feet and spine.
I have herxed from these treatments and my bacterial load has decreased according to Asyra testing.
I've been putting two drops on the soles of my feet and rubbing them together every night when I go to bed. I was told to stick to two drops and I haven't gotten it on my hands.
I'm sorry so many people are opposed to alternative treatments. I find them very helpful.
-------------------- Sick since January 1985. Misdiagnosed for 20 years. Tested CDC positive October 2005. Treating since April 2006. Posts: 3228 | From Somewhere west of the Mississippi | Registered: Aug 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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posted
- This just has me fuming. I cannot tell you how severely deficient this is. I was treated for 5 years by a ND who claimed to know all about lyme. He was my only option as there are no LLMDs in my state and I, too, am sensitive to many drugs.
However, he stole 5 years of my life and, perhaps, a chance for me to ever get better. Then there was only one book about lyme and while I did get Burrascano's guidelines, I had no doctor.
Many NDs think they know about lyme. Unless he is ILADS-educated, he knows nothing about lyme. Again, there are other ways to treat but the doctor must have the science background about how serious this is. Oils are not going to cut it.
Yes, all those are very nice oil but they will not treat lyme.
I hope you've washed out your eyes with a safe solution, had a shower, washed your hair and changed your pillow case. The case you used last night will need to be well laundered to remove the oil.
The oil blend can be helpful (but only to a certain degree and as part of a protocol, not the only treatment).
Be sure to dilute it and apply with a carrier oil like almond oil - never straight out of the bottle or it can burn skin. But wash your hands very well before actually getting in bed - or - use plastic gloves or baggies and cotton balls to apply so that your hands stay totally away from the oil as it's applied to your feet.
Be very careful what the oil touches so that you don't touch a surface and then touch your eyes.
Again, this can be a nice adjunct but if you are chemically sensitive, I'd steer clear of lavender oil as many with MCS react to that one. (MCS is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity as many lyme patients have as a result of lyme).
I am very sorry for how strong I must be coming across but if you had botulism, you'd not be rubbing some nice smelling oil on your ears. Lyme is very close to the toxic infection, botulism.
You need REAL treatment. Now. Yes, there are many ways to approach this but please get guidance from someone who actually knows how spirochetes work.
From the Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients, February/March 2006
BIOCHEMISTRY OF LYME DISEASE: BORRELIA BURGDORFERI SPIROCHETE / CYST
by Prof. Robert W. Bradford and Henry W. Allen
EXCERPTS: . . .
A discovery of great importance relating to a toxin produced by the causative agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, has been linked to a similar toxin produced by the organism Clostridium botulinum (botulism). . . .
[extensive explanation of:]
* Lyme Disease Toxin . . .
* Action of Toxin . . .
* Dietary Supplements in Lyme Disease . . .
. . . .
- Full article and great photos at link above.
-----------------------------------
NOTE OF CAUTION: While this is an excellent article regarding the information about the spirochete/cyst, there is one serious caution with one of the treatments suggested: Bismuth.
Bismuth, in various forms or methods of use, can (and has been) fatal. So, cross that off your list. If you download the article, please copy and paste this note to top your page.
Reading - and learning - about the nature of this infection is invaluable. The authors offer much in that regard, I just wish they'd adequately cautioned bismuth.
==============
Just wondering, this is the ONLY treatment you were given? No liver support, no adrenal support, no actual antimicrobial supplements or other vitamins advice?
Were you advised to go on a gluten-free diet (that is usually very helpful but, again, not specifically a treatment for infection).
I am so very sorry to be raining on your parade at a time of understandable duress. I just have to stress that lyme is a very serious infection and it must be tackled head on with someone very well educated in all phases of lyme.
Also, were you assessed for other tick-borne infections?
Now, if you are still up, no need to panic. Overnight or next week, you will likely still be here. I just want to see you get the medical care you deserve and if that is not available to you, you will have to read a great deal - it's like being tossed into a post-graduate level course in another language on another planet.
So, take the very best care of yourself as possible. Put on nice music and breathe in relaxation and healing light - guidance will come later but tonight, you need your rest.
Take care and good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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joalo
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posted
Keebler- I'm sorry you had such a terrible experience with your ND. That does not mean they are all bad, though...
Thank you for explaining what you experienced. You did come across very strong and I have to admit I was a little offended.
I'm under the care of a very experienced LLMD and I'm also doing alternative treatments. I believe a combination of the two is what will make me well.
-------------------- Sick since January 1985. Misdiagnosed for 20 years. Tested CDC positive October 2005. Treating since April 2006. Posts: 3228 | From Somewhere west of the Mississippi | Registered: Aug 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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posted
- To clarify, in no way am I saying alternative or complementary approaches are bad. They just need to be guided by someone extremely educated in lyme.
Most of the links above are from LL NDs, actually. I have a very high regard for herbs and nutritional supplements and for the work of LL NDs as well as for that of LLMDs.
It was this particular case that I find to be lacking in potential. Six weeks of just rubbing an oil on the back of ears (that can get into eyes during sleep) seems to me not the best advice for a life-threatening infection.
posted
Right now, my symptoms are relatively "mild". The ND told me that if I had come to him and "couldn't hold my head up,
or had Bells Palsy, couldn't walk, etc." that I would need very aggressive treatment: I.V medicines, ozone therapies, etc. that he gives at his office.
But, again, we decided to go slow for a few weeks and see how things go.
Again, he said that he has lyme himself, and has had it for several years. And that he has treated "dozens" of lyme patients.
He tells me that I can expect to have to treat this in several steps over the next couple of years.
He says that ABX may be involved later. HE talks about killing the biofilm, etc. that makes it sound as if he does know what he's talking about.
At least right now, he appears to be my best option that I've found.
And Keebler, I appreciate your passion and concern, and what you're saying about the oils sound very reasonable, about handling them carefully.
Just read the rest of your reply. He also started me on Iodoral and Licorice wafers, which will support adrenals.
I had a long list of supplements that I'm currently taking. He commented on those, and only suggested that I leave off the B12, Bcomplex, and D3.
I put that on another post.
No, I wasn't assessed for other infections. I did wash the bed linens, and am going to apply the oil to my soles tonight.
He said the reason for under the ears was because it's near several lymh nodes.
I really appreciate ALL comments from everyone. It's good to see that you care enough to want to help!
Thanks, and God Bless!
Posts: 67 | From Alabama | Registered: Feb 2010
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posted
I discussed the China Blend oil with my ND again today. He suggested to rub the drops in around my collar bone or a little further down on my chest.
I asked about the soles of my feet, and he thinks that the oil will not be as affective there because that is too far away from the major lymph nodes.
He's trying for the next few weeks to determine if I actually do have lyme or not. So the regime that I'm on now will help him determine that better.
A step at a time process to sort through the symptoms and determine what is causing them. It could be West Nile, mercury, thyroid or adrenal issues, etc!!!
I sure hope we find out sooner than later! :-)
Posts: 67 | From Alabama | Registered: Feb 2010
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Keebler
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- If this guy is going to take that long to determine, I'd find another doctor. Seriously, a good LLMD can take your history, assess your physical and psychological symptoms, order blood work and figure this out far sooner than a few weeks.
Of course other things will be involved but lyme and other tick-borne infections are nothing to just sit around and watch. Adrenal issues, mercury and thyroid matters ALL go along with lyme. That is for sure. But the infection is assessed FIRST.
As for West Nile, so did he do a test? Did you get IGENEX testing for lyme and other TBD (tick-borne disease)?
This is just my opinion but the drops you are on now will not tell him very much at all in the next few weeks. It will not be definitive one way or the other for lyme.
Yes, the drops can be very helpful for the lymph but, again, this is not a definitive test for lyme. Not at all. This blend will not diagnosis or treat lyme. Much more is required. Much more.
I strongly urge you to consider all other choices in your area of ILADS-educated LL doctors. If you have no or few choices around you, where do you have relatives or friends?
-------- Also, even if on your collarbone, this oil blend can still get on your pillow and into your eyes at night. Essential oils are very caustic to tender tissue so be very careful.
Is the oil you got already diluted with a "carrier" oil or straight essential oil? That makes a difference in how strong it is but, even if diluted, it can be very strong if it gets into the eyes.
I don't know how you will keep your sheet and pillowcase free of your collarbone. Once any oil gets on the linens it can get into your eyes. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
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- In addition to the usual coinfections from ticks (such as babesia, bartonella, ehrlichia, RMSF, etc.), there are some other chronic stealth infections that an excellent LLMD should know about:
posted
The West Nile test was done by an MD two years ago. He also did an Elisa lyme test that came back negative.
Last summer, a different MD did the Western Blot for lyme. It had 4 positive (reactive) bands, Igg. 23,41,45,and 66.I was told not to worry unless 5 or more bands were positive.
It was just a couple of weeks ago that I sent a blood sample to Central Fl. Research. (I found them on YOUTUBE.) they search for the antigen, not the antibody.
My Flow Cytometry test scored a 15. Positive would be 18>. Their representative said that I should probably begin treatment for lyme, even with this "negative " result.
As far as the oil goes, I'm gonna rub it on my chest and wear a t-shirt. Hopefully, that will keep it under control.
The oil isn't to tell if I have lyme, it's just a step toward helping to diagnose. I can't explain all he told me.
He did a VCS test on me. I only got 3 right out of 90! That's an indication of neurotoxins in the brain. I'm to do the VCS test before I see him again in 6 weeks and see if my score has improved. That's supposed to help him understand if what I have is viral, or something else, again, I can't explain it all.
He sounds very confident in his approach to my situation, but he can explain it all much better than I can!
Will insurance typically pay for an Igenex lyme test? And, is this test better than these other ones that I've already done????
Posts: 67 | From Alabama | Registered: Feb 2010
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Keebler
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posted
- Medicaid coverage is different from state to state. Mostly, medicaid only covers basic monitoring tests and it's hard to find a doctor who is LL and takes either medicare or medicaid. But some do so ask your support groups all around your region. Link below.
Only if you are on medicare and a medicare member doctor orders the test is it covered by Igenex. Any doctor can order for self-pay but it's more your history and clinical presentation that an excellent LLMD would rely upon. No test is superb. The LLMD's experience is want matters so much here.
You can contact Igenex and ask to be sure.[ www.igenex.com ]
Fry Labs are also good for some tests. I do not have details but you can search past threads with "Fry" in the heading - or Google them:
I can understand that finances may be a barrier. There is still always a way to be proactive.
I just have some very serious doubts about the ability and the knowledge of the doctor you are currently seeing. I think you deserve better. Now, if that is not possible, then you can educate yourself as much as possible so that you have a wider view.
A VCS test can be helpful and if you have neurotoxins they can be from a variety of sources and liver support is vital but that all goes with lyme. Infection MUST be addressed. Support methods are not enough.
Best of luck to you.
Yes, it will still take time and whatever method chosen, you still cannot bulldoze your way through. These materials are intended not to further daze and confuse as this is a very complex area, but to really shine a light. So, be sure to take care of your all the way around this. Nurture yourself and know that, somehow, the path will become clearer.
PLEASE read all the links above from the various LL authors.
And please order for your personal reading - or borrow from you local support group (or library all these books and the DVD. NetFlix also has the DVD and some other video outlets, too.
=================
This book, by an ILADS member LLMD, holds great information about treatments options and support measures:
posted
FWIW, Farrah, who used to make Farrah's Lymessence essential oil, told me that she massaged her oil on her scalp every night, and she felt this was essential to her getting well. Note that hers was not straight essential oil. It was diluted some.
Posts: 975 | From California | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
MY ND instructed me to use this straight out of the bottle- It's"100% genuine essential oils".
Posts: 67 | From Alabama | Registered: Feb 2010
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joalo
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posted
Ticked - I use it full strength, too (as instructed by my doctor).
-------------------- Sick since January 1985. Misdiagnosed for 20 years. Tested CDC positive October 2005. Treating since April 2006. Posts: 3228 | From Somewhere west of the Mississippi | Registered: Aug 2007
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posted
Joalo, U said you rub it on the soles of your feet, right? My ND said I need to put this in the areas where the main lymph nodes are located.(Neck and chest)
How's that sound compared to what you've been told?
Maybe it depends what kind of oil, and what it's being used for.?
Posts: 67 | From Alabama | Registered: Feb 2010
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