As many of you know, in the summer of 2019 we spent 12 weeks in Orlando, FL. For SarahBeth’s Lyme. The treatments there were unsuccessful. Since then, we have have sort of been in limbo, waiting for further direction as it concerns treatment, doctors, etc.

A few weeks ago we started seeing a brainstem specialist in Brooklyn, NY. After tests and x-rays, he believes that she is dealing with something called “brainstem compression”. Sarah had a compression fracture that took place to some of her vertebrae in her upper spine and neck area when she was a child which also through her 1st vertebrae completely out of alignment. The position of the 1st vertebrae is causing the brainstem to be pinched (compressed) which is restricting the activity of the brain from fully reaching/influencing various parts of her body as it needs to especially in regards to her ability to walk. Imagine it like a garden hose that is pinched and only has a percentage of the water coming out of the end that is actually coming out of the spigot. When the injury first occurs the symptoms can be things as minor as headaches, neck aches, etc. But, over time if the injury is not addressed it can lead to things like a compromised immune system, chronic pain, neuropathy, and in some severe cases, paralysis. These are all symptoms that Sarah either has or is presently experiencing. The doctor still believes that Lyme is definitely an issue but that it’s the secondary issue while the brainstem compression is the primary.

The doctor is very optimistic that he can help her walk again. The hope is that we can avoid surgery. We started with adjustments a couple of weeks ago to begin to release this pressure from the brainstem/spinal cord. We will be traveling to Brooklyn 6-8 times a month from here on out. After two months he will take x-rays again to be sure that we are seeing the progress he’s desiring to see. He’s hoping that within 6 months or so she should be able to start noticing significant improvement. Hopefully regaining feeling and movement back in her lower body. And then once that begins to happen to start including other therapies to start to restore strength.

We’re very excited and hopeful that this is a step in the right direction. Brooklyn is a little over 2 1/2 hours away... one way (we’re living in Pennsylvania at the moment). As you can imagine, it’s going to take a lot of effort. But, I feel that we have to do whatever we possibly can to see her have the best opportunity she can to get better.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement.

We’re believing that the Lord has led us this far and will continue to lead us the rest of the way.

We have a page on FB. It is SarahBeth’s Lyme Journey.