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melinda
Member in Phase 3
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Posted: Wed Aug 9th, 2006 02:11 |
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Hello All
Wanted to post a progress report to encourage all newcomers and any of those thinking about beginning the journey to wellness. I am coming up on the two year Anniversary of MP at the end of Aug. I got out my original list of complains and was amazed at how many are gone and how few are left to eradicate. I am in the third phase and am almost at the max of that medication combo. I had Lyme relapses since the 90’s, the most disabling complain was back pain, muscle stiffness and muscle weakness. At one point in the past I felt like I was headed to life in a wheelchair.
I am making this a bit detailed but I hope it helps someone.
Before: Back pain. MRI showed bulging discs, Docs sure it was not from Lyme. Had trouble putting on my own pants.
During MP: Herx increased pain at first then slowly disappeared
Now: Pain gone, slight stiffness when herxing. Need repeat MRI to prove discs are no longer swollen.
Before: Muscle weakness and fibrolmyalgia type pain. Many sore points. Muscle spasms.
During: Herx made some days very achy and uncomfortable. There are areas that became painful and even swollen. Knees, wrists and even fingers. As areas of inflammation were discovered, reactions occurred and then cleared. At times hands very shaky. Feelings of hypoglycemia.
Now: Strength is almost normal except during a herx . Doing water aerobics. Some stiffness in muscles and discomfort in shins and ankles still present. One digit on lt hand still stiff. Stamina not 100 percent , but improving. Must be careful to eat regularly as I get low about 4 or 5pm.
Before: Frequent headaches, lt earache and wet ear feeling, lt cheek ache.
During: all worse then cleared. Included increase discomf in jaws and teeth.
Now: Occ headache during herx, No earache, no cheek ache, tension in upper jaw and teeth gone.
Before: Exhausted feeling in my chest for yrs. Like all energy was gone and at times felt like a panic attack. Easily overwhelmed by noise and socializing.
During: Symptoms increased and occ to the point of pain but no arrhythmias. My GP did order heart exams because I was having real chest discomf , heart tested fine.
Now: I have not had that feeling during the last few herx cycles. Thank God.
Before: Digestive tract. Sensitive gut, irregular, colitis attacks since childhood
During: I had increased times of distress, gas, bloating, colitis attacks, nausea, indigestion etc etc
Present: Better than I can ever remember. I don’t have heartburn and all those other problems. I do occ get more gas with a herx but very minor now.
Before: Always had slow metabolism, but tests didn’t show anything.
During: T3 dropped and took a small amt of thyroid replacement. Then went up a bit like a rebound. Dr Marshall warns of this.
Present :I am off replacements as tests are normal. I still am over wt but am hopeful as I increase my exercise I will drop the lbs. I was always sensitive to cold and wore socks to bed. Now I am sensitive to heat but can go to a movie or restaurant without a sweater.
Before: Sleep disorder, insomnia and then wanting to sleep to late in morning.
During: Needed help of sleeping med but even that didn’t help some nights of herx. Also had numbness in hands and arms at night
Now: I don’t sleep as well one or two nights when I herx. Overall huge improvement.
Before: Twitching of fingers, toes, cheek and when really ill with a relapse large muscle contractions in abdominal wall and thighs.
During MP: Brought out some twitches, but mainly contractions of the bowel caused increased motility and diarrhea. And occ herx and abd pain.
Now: I had one herx a few weeks ago where my thigh muscle was jumping but have not had many twitches lately. I do get increase bowel motility when I herx. No muscle cramps.
Before: Eye sight failed when I got Lyme.
During MP: Increased light sensitivity, at times unable to use computer. Eyes gritty, irritated and in general sensitive. Tearing easily.
Now: Not very sensitive but still protecting them from light outside. During herx notice tear more easily.
Other things I have had at times during herx is low grade fever. Flu like cold symptoms, runny nose. Coughing and mucus attacks.
Skin: Very red knees, shins and feet after showering. This is slowly fading as I heal. Itching shins. Itching scalp and dandruff. Bad B O
During: Neuro dizziness, poor balance, and mood problems.
Now: Neuro herxes are more obvious. Now that I don’t have the body pain to blame for bad moods , I know that a few days after I ingest my combo of meds I have a few days of sleep disturbance and a feeling of irritability that is based on nothing other than a herx. It is very predictable. During those days I also have foggy brain and my balance is poor. My stamina is weaker and overall I don’t feel as well. I still have increased mucos during herx and a runny nose.
Well after reading this I realize I sounded like a real mess. But I want you to know that this disease came on slowly over many yrs, getting worse and worse, but my coping mechanisms got better too. I didn’t really know how bad I felt until now that I am getting better. Many of you will think that you aren’t as sick as you are, because you are still getting around and coping like I did for yrs. I was never bed ridden, I always tried to force myself to function and I didn’t look ill. But I was slowly losing my life to a chronic disease.
The MP has saved me from that fate. It is not a quick fix but it is a cure. I think about it like a process of purification. Slowly our body is seeing the pathogens and killing them and then our bodies need time to rid itself of the accumulated toxins. That’s why we feel worse during the Herx. We have to be patient and sometimes it’s frustrating. But if it didn’t work and we didn’t see ourselves recovering we wouldn’t be here doing the MP.
During the last few years I did take holidays from the MP at times. I traveled and had a fairly normal life. You are in control of how much you can handle. If some months you want to have less of a battle that’s OK. Slow and tolerable is OK. In the end you are a winner, you get your life back. So I am continuing this journey and will keep you posted.
Thank you Dr. Marshall with all my heart.
Sincerely, Melinda
October, 2006:
My body is getting less painful and more supple.
Sleeping all night, no more need to get up, kidneys must be improved.
November, 2006:
Overall, Legs, back etc feels better. I did water class tonight and felt good.
-Went to dentist this week and really felt my teeth were lots less sensitive to cleaning. Even had a filling repaired.
My nervous system handled all really well and
the hygenist says I had less plaque.
-I actually went to the Brooks & Dunn concert. When I entered the stadium I nearly freaked, but I ran out and stuffed toilet paper in my ears to deaden the sound. Next time I'll take ear plugs, but by the end of the show I was kinda dancing to the music like I used to. No pelvic pain . Wow. Two yrs ago I couldn't even enjoy a piano being played in a restaurant. Next day my mood was a bit off but it didn't make a major herx event.
-My potassium went up when I first started MP over 5.0 It"s now normal. My Bp which always was low, went up to 160/90 during herx, that dosen't happen now. My triglycerides went up during and are now normal. I had chest pain during herx which I never had prior to MP now thats gone. I did have muscle spasms and twiching when I 1st had Lyme and still have occ during herx. Last week my rt lower lip was doing the cha cha all day. Cute.
Doing the MP is like peeling an onion you uncover all sorts of layers you didn't know existed. But after two yrs I can say I am feeling so good. I too think the water is a wonderful exercise and used to paddle around but now able to do 1 hrs of aerobics and keep up with the teacher. So hang in there the journey may be uncomfortable at times but soooo worth it.
November 21st 06:
-It's nice to have so many days of normal in the cycle. I really appreciate them. Sometime when we go to the store I jump out of the car and my husband gets huffy cause he's come around to open the door to help me out and I'm gone. I remember those days when I really needed him to drag me up off the seat. Lucky for me I've had such a wonderful guy to help me get through this. I sure didn't renew my handicap sticker even if it was great for the parking.
-I'm two yrs in now and so much calmer. I've been emotionally calm. My body is pain free, I'm not buzzing, I'm not itching, not twitching and I know I will fall asleep soon and sleep all night thanks to the MP.
-I really know how wonderful it feels to be able to have a normal social interaction and not feel overwhelmed.
December 11th 06:
I went to Orlando to Epcot Sat. Spent the morning walking and seeing different things then went to the hotel and had a rest and then went back in the evening and walked all the way to China, saw the fireworks and then ( in one go,) walked all the way out to the car park. Didn't even wait for the trolley....This is such a huge feat I can't believe it. I can remember pre MP trying to do Epcot and crawling from bench to bench and really wanting to get one of those electric wheel chairs so bad. I am so happy with the Mp progress. Thank You So Much
January 2007:
I am feeling so well now. Able to do long walks and redecorated my sisters bedroom. Painting and climbing ladders left me pretty sore but the great part was that the next day I had recouperated and could go back to work. Still feel some areas need work. Ankles and feet get stiff and back not 100%. Wow now I want 100% and feel I will get there.
On On , Melinda
previous: Melinda LYME: The MP has given me my life back.
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Lyme, parathyph86, hepB73, MP 9/04, 125D58, 6/07 D2514, Ph2 02/04, Ph3 3/06, ambien, zanax, NoIRs
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Carole
Board Staff
| Joined: | Tue Jul 20th, 2004 |
| Location: | Indiana USA |
| Posts: | 631 |
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Posted: Wed Aug 9th, 2006 09:13 |
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Thanks, Melinda, for posting such an enlightening progress report! The details of your SUCCESS STORY should encourage all Lyme and Th1 sufferers that "there IS light at the end of the tunnel!" 
Congratulations also on your upcoming two-year anniversary! The Marshall Protocol is the answer, and your testimony undoubtedly illustrates the miracle of it all! 
Best wishes as you continue The Journey of the Cure!
Take care! . . . Carole 
Last edited on Wed Aug 9th, 2006 09:15 by Carole
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PWC 50+ yrs| 20+ CFS FM Pituitary Thyroid IBS Cardiac OA Migraines +ANA Osteoporosis 2/04 Mediastinoscopy ~Sarc Story |1/04 1/06: 125D=85,34; 25D=41,14| ACE=68,43|
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melinda
Member in Phase 3
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Posted: Wed Aug 9th, 2006 10:46 |
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Thanks Carole,
I also want to mention that Dr Marshall, the board staff and other MP'ers have been amazingly supportive every day. On duty 24/7. No one is left with unanswered questions and I never feel alone on this journey. Big thanks to all.
Melinda
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Lyme, parathyph86, hepB73, MP 9/04, 125D58, 6/07 D2514, Ph2 02/04, Ph3 3/06, ambien, zanax, NoIRs
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jrfoutin
Research Team
| Joined: | Tue Aug 9th, 2005 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 3860 |
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Posted: Wed Aug 9th, 2006 14:23 |
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| Wow Carole. Your post just made my day. Great insights!
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Sarcoidosis 125D61, MP10/05 ModP2 12/05 Ph2 6/06 Ph3 10/06, NoIRs limited outings covered, 2/08 25D6.2
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Aussie Barb
Research Team
| Joined: | Thu Jul 22nd, 2004 |
| Location: | Australia |
| Posts: | 19216 |
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Posted: Tue Nov 21st, 2006 11:09 |
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Thank you Melinda.
For those reading: see additions to above progress from Phase 3 report..
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Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| 24+ years not Dx| ABCofMP
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melinda
Member in Phase 3
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Posted: Wed Feb 7th, 2007 20:04 |
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Hi All
Ive been off galavanting again. I guess it's a sign that I'm healing really well.
After Christmas I stayed in Delaware with my sister then we drove down to Fl in Jan where I live. We have been enjoying ourselves and I have been negligent on my posting here.
When the energy returns it feels like there is so much that hasn't been done for two yrs.
Ive kept my 3 combo going but not ramping too much. Sadly my sister had to fly back because her husband had a health problem, he is OK now , but we were on a roll. I bought a sewing machine and have been making drapes and re-doing my bedroom. I can pretty well gauge the days I herx. 3rd and 4th and then at end of cycle a bit so on the other days I am more active.
The body pain is so minimal now on good days, but even today on day 3 of cycle I went out and planted some plants. I actually now can get down on my hands and knees. I also dragged the big vac out and cleaned my house yesterday and didn't get exhausted.
I was reading Janets posts and I was soooo the same. I couldn't go up stairs and even lifting my body out of a chair was a major event. I thought I was sooo fat that I couldn't roll over in bed....Ha it was all just severe muscle weakness from the disease.
Anyway my herx have changed the last three cycles, It seems to be hitting me more in upper neck and arms. For three cycles I have had night 3 and 4 rather uncomfortable with sweats and my arms falling asleep which awoke me every hr. Some pins and needles in my hands during the days. Other than herx nights I sleep well now. I also had my rt eye feel like someone poked it deep in the socket. That too seems to be part of a herx but is lessening. My legs still have tension during herx days but not too bad. Back slightly stiff but no real pain now. Over all I am thrilled with my recovery. Just clicking along killing off thoses CWD's bit by bit.
On On
Melinda
March 2007:
My intestines continue to be stable as other things like mucos sinus issues which were really bugging me a few months ago.
Other than when I pull out the big guns I have been very energetic and my creative energy is much improved. I don't have as many mood issues or feelings of worthlessness etc. If I get funny feelings or neg thoughts it's on the 3 and 4th day and I know it's a neuro thing. I don't get too bothered about much anymore and am rolling along on the road to full full recovery. Beyond my wildest dreams, Thanks to the MP.
More:
I've been doing MP for 30 months ....none of the other treatments worked. I was sick since the 90's. I was in agony when I started and mentally frazzled all the time, couldn't even put my clothes on go into a grocery store etc. I have my life back.
Take the 1st step. You may need to search out a Dr that really knows the MP. Do it now..and maybe use some meds for anxiety to help you cope if you need them. Many of us do. My doc didn't even totally understand the MP but I read and educated him and finally I am being cured. It's not a quick fix but there is nothing else that works. Don't waste another day. Trust ..
May 2007:
I'd always had super clean teeth until the year before the MP when a dentist told me about how badly my teeth needed cleaning. During the last two years I had cleaning every 6 months and lots of herx in my teeth and sinuses. The last check-up the dentist said I had hardly any plaque and was looking good.
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Lyme, parathyph86, hepB73, MP 9/04, 125D58, 6/07 D2514, Ph2 02/04, Ph3 3/06, ambien, zanax, NoIRs
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melinda
Member in Phase 3
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Posted: Sat Aug 4th, 2007 16:07 |
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Today is my 3rd year aniversary of MP.
Thought I'd update on back pain. I am very happy to announce my back pain and stiffness has been almost totally eliminated with MP.
Of all the symptoms I suffered, the back pain was the most debilitating. I can get out of bed without stiffness now, even the muscles in the buttock are no longer sore.
This took a long time to clear with one herx about six months ago which caused sciatica and trips to chiropractor .After that episode things seems have really improved.
Now I only seem to be a bit uncomfortable when I overdo exersize. I did show a bulging disc on MRI when I began the MP and hope to get Doc to repeat the MRI sometime this fall. I do want to mention that I did not have osteopenia or arthritic changes in my spine, so everyones speed of recovery is different. At present I still have arthritic discomfort in ankle, feet and hands as immunopathy continues so plan to continue MP to cure these areas.
I am still in healing mode at the 3 yr point with more clearing to do in legs, feet and brain for sure !!..Long gone are the days when I used to look at my pants and wonder how I was going to get into them. Gone are the days when the bed just didn't feel comfortable to my achey body. Now I strech out most mornings and think gee "I don't hurt anywhere" . Thank You MP. Thank You Dr Marshall. Thanks Meg and Barb and all the staff and members who have been supporting me on this journey.
On On in the healing journey. We in this together. Best to All, Melinda
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Lyme, parathyph86, hepB73, MP 9/04, 125D58, 6/07 D2514, Ph2 02/04, Ph3 3/06, ambien, zanax, NoIRs
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elbereth
Member in Phase 1
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Posted: Sun Aug 5th, 2007 02:16 |
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| Reading your post brought on a river of tears.I am new to this web site and what led me here is almost three years in the making.
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Pre-MP,3yrs.fatigue,inflamation,muscle pain & weakness,insomnia,mac deg. Meds-armour thyroid 75mg,ards vit.,unisome. 10/07 25D=15,1,25D=40,NoIRS 2%,10%,avoid light&D,covered up,low lux home,8Feb08 Beni 40mg Q6H.
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Joyful
Research Team
| Joined: | Sat Jun 9th, 2007 |
| Location: | West Coast, USA |
| Posts: | 498 |
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Posted: Wed Aug 8th, 2007 18:11 |
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Yes, your story Melinda gives those of us just starting out so much hope. Thank you!!!
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Lyme Babs Bart - 125D50 Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 - cal/mag lysine hydroxyzine valium - rarely leave house NoIRs cover up low lux home - 25D17 Jul08
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jrfoutin
Research Team
| Joined: | Tue Aug 9th, 2005 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 3860 |
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Online
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Posted: Thu Aug 9th, 2007 22:32 |
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Melinda,
I've been beeping in and out for a MP vacation, but I wanted to say about your 3 Yr mark, thank you, and thank you for helping me learn about the MP from your experience. Also....
Best to you Melinda, on on!--Janet
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Sarcoidosis 125D61, MP10/05 ModP2 12/05 Ph2 6/06 Ph3 10/06, NoIRs limited outings covered, 2/08 25D6.2
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melinda
Member in Phase 3
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Posted: Wed Jan 9th, 2008 17:51 |
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Mid 3rd Year Report. !
Present MP med: Benicar q 4 to 6 hrs. no antibiotics.
Happy New Year. Wishing everyone will have a Happy Healthier 2008.!
In Oct I went off to Spain for the first time in 5 yrs and stayed 5 weeks and then I've been North to family twice , once to help my niece go through bowel surg and again for Holidays..So completely out of the MP loop.
I really will spend a few days on catching up with the MP'ers. I am 3yrs and 5mos into the MP and I'm a person who runs around the world now.
I was up North for Holidays.
2007 was a very good year for me as I have reached a point in my MP recovery where my body is free enough of disease that I am able to do most all life tasks and even travel abroad. Today I am starting a volunteer job. Any work commitments really worried me up till now, but I feel that all my small amt of symptomlogy is manageable and I will enjoy being out with people again.
Since I last wrote I continued to use small combos of antibiotics then went to freq small mino then stretched it out till at present I am on Benicar alone. My body is basically pain free most of the time. The ankle and foot pain is gone and recently I've walked quite a lot over the holidays and didn't suffer pain or swelling. The Ip of burning mouth seems to have cleared. My immune system is still having small rounds of killing. some days I get a left sided headache and some negative thinking or the IP comes as a stiff muscle or an abd cramp. Basically it comes on quickly and then goes. I do use Tylenol for the head but I usually just say "Oh I'm just having one of those days"..and I try to rest more on those days.. If I'm tired I get more insomnia which is still a pest. Like last night ..I flew home from the Holiday visit to the North and even though I'd run all day I was overtired and was wired instead of sleepy. So I slept from 2am to 10 am..My back pain is gone. After sitting on plane this morn only had tiny stiffness on getting up but no pain.
So for all those of you still wondering if all the pain and bad days are worth it...I say YES ..do the MP it will change your life. Not overnight but after a few yrs you will really look back and think wow. I’m healing !!!!
When I started the MP stepping off a curb in the road was a major journey...putting my pants on was a major feat...looking back I just didn't even realize how many years my body was in pain and how incapacitated I was..Now I expect to be able to climb stairs and walk around shopping and even socialize and drink some wine. This New year's I even overate and drank wine and felt fine!!
I talked to people all day and didn't get that overwhelmed feeling..
The other great event that happened is that my daughter got engaged on Dec 30th to the greatest guy and I'm well enough to think I will be able to handle the stress of helping with her wedding plans, run around shopping and have fun instead of being neurotic and worried...
My plans are to enjoy this level of wellness and just do Beni for awhile. Then later in the winter I may do more rounds of combos. But because I feel so good I am enjoying myself and feel the immune system plus the beni will do its job and I will keep improving...As far as light and heat in florida is concerned I will keep you posted, Ive been in Delaware and NJ for Hoilidays and tolerated lots of car rides..
My Best Wishes to all the Dr Marshall our Hero !! The Board and all those doing the MP. We our pioneers for thousands to follow. So keep on truckin .!!
On ON and upward. Melinda
Feb 2008:
Body Feeling quite normal this week.My husband noticed I no longed sit down to put on sandals but lift leg to buckle.
Sunday was outside in Sun and tolerated well.
Seeing an improvement in nails..The ridges and hangnails are going.
Scalp clear of dandruff.
June 2008:
Was away for three weeks. Some holiday, some helping my friend after her husband passed. I did work hard and physically more than I've been able to in yrs. cleaning sorting her big house and tolerating it well along with the stress. By bedtime I was tired and sore from head to toe but the good news is that in the morning I felt normal again. I recovered my stamina ! During that time used Beni and Mino. By the last week I started to get twiching in lt eye and behind my rt ear in the scalp. Just like something was fluttering in my hair. Not painful but irritating. This continued everyday by the time I got home so figured it was time to do some more killing. Seems I can go about a month now without doing a big gun.
July 2008:
One day I can feel rotten with IP sysmptoms and the next day take a 2 hrs hike..When I have the bad days I have my husband remind me it's only going to last a little while and try to focus on how many we've killed..I must admit it does seem like time gets a bit disarragned in your mind at those times. When I end a herx cycle I usually get a bout of gas followed by a bit of diarrhea and then feel a clearing of symptoms.
Still working and enjoying nature preserve. Doing normal life things. Some day great, other days OK. Overall sooo much better than last year. Slow steady improvement.
all tolerable and feel that it is working in the areas I need to clear. Hands, feet and brain most noticable. My pain in muscles seems to have lessened..The muscles are stronger in legs. the numbness seems to have increased. Am I Working on a different layer of the onion.? The anxiety has gone, the panic in the chest is gone.Some days have depressive feelings which are for sure brain chemistry bounces as they go as quick as they come.
My, time flys when you get your life back.!
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Lyme, parathyph86, hepB73, MP 9/04, 125D58, 6/07 D2514, Ph2 02/04, Ph3 3/06, ambien, zanax, NoIRs
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Aunt Diana
Advocate
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Posted: Wed Jan 9th, 2008 20:10 |
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| Great news Melinda. Happy New Year.
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Lyme 1987, neuro cardio fatigue achiness brain fog depression, anxiety. Pacemaker, D.1,25 32; D <5; 12/07 <6, Oxycodone, lorazapam, benedryl, zantac, colase, Noirs, cover-up or avoid sun, house <30lux. Feb 08 Phase 3. 6/08 D <4, D1,25 21
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salam
Member in Phase 2
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Posted: Wed Jul 30th, 2008 07:44 |
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| I am touched by your last post Melinda. Grerat news and remarkable journy to recovery. I am looking forward to mpost, in 2 years or so, somthing like this.
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Diagnosed with Early RA in March 2007. benicar Sep.07; ph1 Oct.07. Ph2 Dec.07. D-25 2.8 Nov 07;7.5 April,08.Less than 7.0 June 08; 9.5 Aug 08 (all in ng/ml).
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