conferences and talking to Lyme patients and doctors, I developed a strategy to help me find my pathway back to wellness. One of the superstar Lyme doctors, Dr. Rich- ard Horowitz, now refers to Lyme disease as Multiple Systemic Infectious Diseases Syndrome or Lyme-MSIDS. This better describes the illness, but I’ll also continue to refer to it as Lyme and its associated co- infections for now.


I’ve learned that there is no silver bullet for curing Lyme disease and that every Lyme patient is different with unique genetic weaknesses and different array of symptoms. Carrying heavy pathogen metal loads in our bodies challenge our immune function and result in considerable dam- age to our bodies over time. Our modern lifestyle in a toxin-laden environment is a major contributing factor to the rampant growth of Lyme disease cases and other chronic illnesses.


One of the main lessons I’ve learned


from my Lyme experience is that knowl- edge is key. Investigating the latest research about this complex medical issue will help you make better decisions on your journey to recovery. It pays big dividends to be a proactive patient, build a team comprised of Lyme-literate caregivers and establish a support network as you commit to being nearly 100% compliant with the prescribed treatment protocol. Because of no prior experience with tick-borne illnesses, many patients just go along for the ride and blindly follow their doctor’s orders. There is a risk that the doctor may misdiagnose or under-treat the patient because of inad- equate experience with tick-born illnesses.


I’ve also learned that there is nothing


easy about Lyme. It is a complex, contro- versial, political, and potentially life-chang- ing ordeal. I’ve learned that chronic Lyme patients must not only attempt to kill off the various tick-borne infections while they feel miserable, but they must also normal- ize dysfunction occurring in the body’s systems with the extensive use of medical supplements, medications and anti-inflam- matory dietary changes. We must ensure quality restorative sleep, maximize cellular nutrition levels, increase immune function, support adrenal, endocrine, mitochondria, and liver function to create an internal environment conducive to healing. The pathways of detoxification must be opened up and maximized to remove the increased


Tom Stewart is an artist living in Penobscot, Maine. His desire to keep things interest- ing has resulted in a biology degree, a summer of marine science education, 5 years of


full-time work on commercial fishing boats, and 20 years of commercial photography commingled with 14 years of fine art paint- ing. For more information on Tom, visit www.tomstewartstudio.com.


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toxic debris released into our bodies from the die-off of pathogens during treatment. At one point I was on about 100 medica- tions and supplements and was self-admin- istering injection treatments. There is truly nothing easy about Lyme.


At the most chronic point of my dis-


ease, I was on about 100 medications and supplements and was self-administering injection treatments.


Through Adversity, Always Search for the Silver Lining


Despite the obvious downside of


chronic MSIDS, there are some unex- pected silver linings. Invaluable perspec- tive is gained from enduring the storm and through sustained adversity. If you come through to the other side, there is a greater capacity for acceptance, tolerance, empa- thy, compassion, appreciation and so much more. Instead of seeing the glass as half full, I now see it as always full of life-giving air, even when it appears to have only a few sips remaining. Protecting the sense of humor center in my brain, wherever that is, from those evil spirochetes helped me crack a joke even during the darkest mo- ments of Lyme disease.


For a list of Tom’s top Lyme disease re-


sources, visit https://www.coastalpharmacy- andwellness.com/lyme-disease-resources. *Allopathic medicine is an expres- sion commonly used by homeopaths and proponents of other forms of alternative medicine to refer to mainstream medical use of pharmacologically active agents or physical interventions to treat or suppress symptoms or pathophysiologic processes of diseases or conditions.


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