Help Tam Recover
Donation protected
Before November 2017 my spare time was spent in our wild and extensive forest garden and I was living a normal active life - working, travelling, socialising. But then I was bitten by two ticks. Within a few days I was struck down by the worst ‘flu' I'd ever had. Or so I thought.
Eighteen long, painful and frustrating months later I can still only walk a few steps, I lose my balance easily and use a wheelchair for any necessary excursions. My cognitive function is impaired, my digestion dysfunctional and my weight has dropped to below 50kg. Standing up long enough to fill a kettle induces muscle weakness and pain; I suffer intense aches and burning sensations in my legs for hours, sometimes days.
I lie awake with limbs tingling, twitching, aching, pulsing and vibrating, a ringing in my ears and pressure in my brain so great I sometimes think I may not see the light of day. My body struggles to thermo-regulate effectively and I experience intense chills, particularly in my legs. I have a constant sore throat and intermittent heart palpitations and joint pains. My neck cracks. I stutter I am sensitive to light and sound. I have periods of depression and episodes of extreme anxiety. A simple conversation can wipe me out; being solitary is, quite simply, easier.
I had to give up my job of eight years and have had no income since January 2018. I am not entitled to any government benefits or a health care card. Jenny, my steadfast partner of 22 years, has kept our household and garden afloat, supporting me to get to all my appointments, tests and treatments and has covered ongoing medical and treatment bills. The physical, emotional, practical and financial strain is taking its toll on us both and I am now asking for help to relieve some of this overwhelming burden and support the next stage of my recovery.
DIAGNOSIS, TESTING & TREATMENT?
Since the onset of this chronic illness, I have seen six different local GPs and a consultant neurologist - none have conclusively established a cause. I've received a vague diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, possibly post viral. MRI's and a colonoscopy have ruled out MS, bowel cancer, brain tumour, spinal issues. An abdominal ultrasound showed nothing of concern. I have tested negative to conditions such as Ross River, Q-Fever, Tick Typhus, Rickettsia etc. Interestingly, my results for Lyme were 'equivocal'.
In early 2018, I saw a private GP specialising in tick borne illnesses who clinically diagnosed me with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) possibly caused by a Lyme-like pathogen. He prescribed six weeks of antibiotics (which made no apparent difference) and treatment following the Shoemaker protocol, a key part of which I was unable to follow due to chronic constipation.
With support from professional herbal consultants and naturopaths, I have followed Stephen Buhner's treatment protocol for Chronic Fatigue and Lyme Disease aiming to:
- decrease inflammation & manage pain
- support the body's natural immune system to regain the upper hand
- protect tissues and vital organs
- keep drainage pathways flowing (lymphatic, digestive, skin)
- create a hostile environment for bad bacteria to thrive,
- improve disturbed physiology (hormones, minerals, amino acids, electrolytes etc)
- restore mitochondrial health
- detox
Some symptoms reduced, but there was no significant improvement. By early 2019, due to financial constraints and a plateau in my recovery, I reduced treatments and appointments with consultants and therapists. In April I began experiencing a return and increase of earlier symptoms.
RENEWED HOPE
Since February 2019 I have been waiting to see Dr Gull Herzberg, who specialises in chronic complex illnesses, tick borne illnesses and integrative medicine, based 4 hours south in Bellingen. He was recommended by a woman who had suffered similar symptoms to me for years and has recovered under his treatment. My first appointment with Gull was late May 2019.
Dr Gull has clinically diagnosed me with tick borne disease, chronic fatigue, mitochondrial disease and potential hypothyroid. He has ordered extensive testing around these conditions and eighteen possible co-infections. He has prescribed a range of medications and supplements and I have a follow up appointment in 5 weeks. He reassured me that what I’ve been doing should have worked, so a priority is to discover what is inhibiting my recovery. His investigative whole system approach aligns with my understanding of this condition gained through my extensive research and own experience. For the first time since this nightmare began I have faith and trust in the doctor diagnosing and treating me. I have renewed hope for recovery.
FINANCIAL REALITY
Appointments, tests, scans, procedures, prescriptions, supplements, therapeutic treatments and counselling have so far averaged around $1000 a month. Our current projection for my treatment protocol and further testing overseen by Dr Gull averages $1400 a month. This does not include expenses for special diet, travel or everyday living. Treatment and recovery may take up to a year or more.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
My target is primarily to cover the cost of treatment and testing over the coming year. Asking for financial assistance does not come easily. However, with zero income for well over a year and no current capacity to earn a living, I am swallowing my pride. Financial contributions are the most direct way to help me cope and recover - one off or recurring donations are very welcome.
THANK YOU for taking the time to read this. I am determined to return to full health and I offer my sincere gratitude for any help you can give.
With love and thanks
Tam x
Further reading:
ACIDS (Australian Chronic & Infectious Disease Society) Guidelines: https://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=50dcea52-e32b-4925-a261-0b3896619e40&subId=404841
Stephen Buhner: “Healing Lyme : Natural Healing of Lyme Borelliosis and the Coinfections Chlamydia and Spotted Fever Rickettsioses” 2015; “Healing Lyme Disease Coinfections : Complementary and Holistic Treatments for Bartonella and Mycoplasma”
Dr Joe Burrascano: Advanced topics in Lyme Disease: Diagnostic hints and treatment guidelines for Lyme and other tick borne illnesses. http://www.lymenet.org/BurrGuide200810.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3M_dq23_Lk46geurPhXbskDoc0QDn3pcdVDrLMHqc8h8bCRRtXFd665Yw
Dr Richard Horowitz: “Why Can't I Get Better? : Solving the Mystery of Lyme and Chronic Disease”; “How Can I Get Better? An Action Plan for Treating Resistant Lyme and Chronic Disease”
Lyme Disease Association of Australia: https://www.lymedisease.org.au/
Dr Bill Rawls: "Suffered Long Enough: A Physician's Journey of Overcoming Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, & Lyme"; "Unlocking Lyme
Myths, Truths, and Practical Solutions for Chronic Lyme Disease"
Dr Ritchie Shoemaker: https://www.survivingmold.com/docs/12_STEP_SHOEMAKER_PROTOCOL_FOR_CIRS.PDF
Eighteen long, painful and frustrating months later I can still only walk a few steps, I lose my balance easily and use a wheelchair for any necessary excursions. My cognitive function is impaired, my digestion dysfunctional and my weight has dropped to below 50kg. Standing up long enough to fill a kettle induces muscle weakness and pain; I suffer intense aches and burning sensations in my legs for hours, sometimes days.
I lie awake with limbs tingling, twitching, aching, pulsing and vibrating, a ringing in my ears and pressure in my brain so great I sometimes think I may not see the light of day. My body struggles to thermo-regulate effectively and I experience intense chills, particularly in my legs. I have a constant sore throat and intermittent heart palpitations and joint pains. My neck cracks. I stutter I am sensitive to light and sound. I have periods of depression and episodes of extreme anxiety. A simple conversation can wipe me out; being solitary is, quite simply, easier.
I had to give up my job of eight years and have had no income since January 2018. I am not entitled to any government benefits or a health care card. Jenny, my steadfast partner of 22 years, has kept our household and garden afloat, supporting me to get to all my appointments, tests and treatments and has covered ongoing medical and treatment bills. The physical, emotional, practical and financial strain is taking its toll on us both and I am now asking for help to relieve some of this overwhelming burden and support the next stage of my recovery.
DIAGNOSIS, TESTING & TREATMENT?
Since the onset of this chronic illness, I have seen six different local GPs and a consultant neurologist - none have conclusively established a cause. I've received a vague diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, possibly post viral. MRI's and a colonoscopy have ruled out MS, bowel cancer, brain tumour, spinal issues. An abdominal ultrasound showed nothing of concern. I have tested negative to conditions such as Ross River, Q-Fever, Tick Typhus, Rickettsia etc. Interestingly, my results for Lyme were 'equivocal'.
In early 2018, I saw a private GP specialising in tick borne illnesses who clinically diagnosed me with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) possibly caused by a Lyme-like pathogen. He prescribed six weeks of antibiotics (which made no apparent difference) and treatment following the Shoemaker protocol, a key part of which I was unable to follow due to chronic constipation.
With support from professional herbal consultants and naturopaths, I have followed Stephen Buhner's treatment protocol for Chronic Fatigue and Lyme Disease aiming to:
- decrease inflammation & manage pain
- support the body's natural immune system to regain the upper hand
- protect tissues and vital organs
- keep drainage pathways flowing (lymphatic, digestive, skin)
- create a hostile environment for bad bacteria to thrive,
- improve disturbed physiology (hormones, minerals, amino acids, electrolytes etc)
- restore mitochondrial health
- detox
Some symptoms reduced, but there was no significant improvement. By early 2019, due to financial constraints and a plateau in my recovery, I reduced treatments and appointments with consultants and therapists. In April I began experiencing a return and increase of earlier symptoms.
RENEWED HOPE
Since February 2019 I have been waiting to see Dr Gull Herzberg, who specialises in chronic complex illnesses, tick borne illnesses and integrative medicine, based 4 hours south in Bellingen. He was recommended by a woman who had suffered similar symptoms to me for years and has recovered under his treatment. My first appointment with Gull was late May 2019.
Dr Gull has clinically diagnosed me with tick borne disease, chronic fatigue, mitochondrial disease and potential hypothyroid. He has ordered extensive testing around these conditions and eighteen possible co-infections. He has prescribed a range of medications and supplements and I have a follow up appointment in 5 weeks. He reassured me that what I’ve been doing should have worked, so a priority is to discover what is inhibiting my recovery. His investigative whole system approach aligns with my understanding of this condition gained through my extensive research and own experience. For the first time since this nightmare began I have faith and trust in the doctor diagnosing and treating me. I have renewed hope for recovery.
FINANCIAL REALITY
Appointments, tests, scans, procedures, prescriptions, supplements, therapeutic treatments and counselling have so far averaged around $1000 a month. Our current projection for my treatment protocol and further testing overseen by Dr Gull averages $1400 a month. This does not include expenses for special diet, travel or everyday living. Treatment and recovery may take up to a year or more.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
My target is primarily to cover the cost of treatment and testing over the coming year. Asking for financial assistance does not come easily. However, with zero income for well over a year and no current capacity to earn a living, I am swallowing my pride. Financial contributions are the most direct way to help me cope and recover - one off or recurring donations are very welcome.
THANK YOU for taking the time to read this. I am determined to return to full health and I offer my sincere gratitude for any help you can give.
With love and thanks
Tam x
Further reading:
ACIDS (Australian Chronic & Infectious Disease Society) Guidelines: https://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=50dcea52-e32b-4925-a261-0b3896619e40&subId=404841
Stephen Buhner: “Healing Lyme : Natural Healing of Lyme Borelliosis and the Coinfections Chlamydia and Spotted Fever Rickettsioses” 2015; “Healing Lyme Disease Coinfections : Complementary and Holistic Treatments for Bartonella and Mycoplasma”
Dr Joe Burrascano: Advanced topics in Lyme Disease: Diagnostic hints and treatment guidelines for Lyme and other tick borne illnesses. http://www.lymenet.org/BurrGuide200810.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3M_dq23_Lk46geurPhXbskDoc0QDn3pcdVDrLMHqc8h8bCRRtXFd665Yw
Dr Richard Horowitz: “Why Can't I Get Better? : Solving the Mystery of Lyme and Chronic Disease”; “How Can I Get Better? An Action Plan for Treating Resistant Lyme and Chronic Disease”
Lyme Disease Association of Australia: https://www.lymedisease.org.au/
Dr Bill Rawls: "Suffered Long Enough: A Physician's Journey of Overcoming Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, & Lyme"; "Unlocking Lyme
Myths, Truths, and Practical Solutions for Chronic Lyme Disease"
Dr Ritchie Shoemaker: https://www.survivingmold.com/docs/12_STEP_SHOEMAKER_PROTOCOL_FOR_CIRS.PDF
Organizer
Tamsin Yeld
Organizer