I was down with a persistent cough around the 16th of June. After 9 days of incessant coughing and lack of sleep, I started a round of dreaded antibiotics, Azithromycin. By June 25th, I got some much needed sleep from 11:00 pm to 4:30 am. I was concerned in taking an antibiotic because 1) it does not clear from the body and 2) I was worried that it would bring on Herxheimer reactions due to the antibiotic killing off Lyme, causing flu like symptoms and more. For the first week I did not have any reactions, but toward the end of the first week, I did have some.
Unfortunately, I no longer have any more NCD (Waiora, Natural Cellular Defense) available to me, so I knew that I would not have the help of NCD to rid me of the toxins caused by the antibiotic. Waiora has been made available to me for the past several months, and it has been helping a lot. I am trusting in the Lord for this lack, and I trust He has a plan for me.
For the last month, I have not felt well and have had some rough days and nights. The peace of the Lord is my strength and the time spent in pain on my bed gives me great opportunity to pray for so many dear people who are in need. Nothing is wasted in a believer’s life.
This past month has been a struggle and I looked forward to seeing Dr. Casey again. On Sunday July 11th I was retested with a live blood cell analysis. The results were as I expected, and showed an aggregation of my red blood cells most likely caused by the antibiotic. Aggregation is the clumping together of blood cells which can cause poor circulation and other things. The rest of my results were showing good progress. I am working on detoxing and building up my immune system with good nutrition, apple cider vinegar, JuicePlus+, and of course a good probiotic. I make goat milk yogurt and kefir from fresh goat milk that is provided to us.
Today is a tough day for me, with much pain. We have been praying for wisdom in what steps to take to relieve my pain. God has not revealed answers to heal me yet, but I do know that the Lord will give me grace and courage for today.
I was blessed this morning as I listened to Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson. His guest, Joni, was an inspiration as she shared from her heart. You can go to http://www.myfamilytalk.com/ if you want to hear her testimony on: "Why Am I Not Healed?" (Part 1).
Each tiny step is a journey to the next tiny step to a larger step. "Step by step He leads me; I will follow Him all of my days.”
- Peg
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
- Psalm 27:3 (NIV)
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Spring, 2010
~A little review since my last post in November.
I have been on JuicePlus – 2 capsules each of Orchard Blend, Garden Blend and Vineyard Blend – for 11 months now. In October, 2009, I had an appointment with Dr. Clinton Pomroy, my naturopath of 4 years, and he performed a full Phazx Body Scan. The test results were good and showed that I was completely balanced without adding in any supplements! That was a first for me! I attributed these positive results to JuicePlus. As of October, I was detoxing faster than my body could get rid of the toxins, so my kidneys were beginning to flush back into my system. Even though I felt pretty good at that point, Dr. Pomroy indicated that these symptoms would begin to increase. He said that I could have symptoms much like ADD, ADHD, or Autistic-like symptoms as a result of the detox. Oh JOY! As if being 50-plus years old, going thru menopause, and having Lyme were not enough! This ought to be “fun”. God sure has a sense of humor.
The next couple of days I indeed began to have more symptoms: there was a general swelling over my entire body, I had inflammation in my joints and muscles, and I had swelling on my brain and in my glands, giving me a swollen neck and causing dizziness much like vertigo. I had difficulty walking, visual disturbances, and difficulty speaking and comprehending. At that time, I began taking 3-4 capsules of Valerian Root before bed, which has helped me to sleep better and has reduced the pain.
By the end of February, I was beginning to panic that I could not get to a doctor soon enough. A few of my close friends were getting quite concerned for my health, and I felt I needed help with the detoxing. I was beginning to wonder what we could do next, so Larry and I prayed, along with many of you dear folks, for provision and answers. God, in His perfect plan for my life, provided an appointment with Dr. Mike Casey.
At the end of February, 2010, I had an appointment with Dr. Casey, where he performed a live blood cell analysis. The results were encouraging and showed that I was progressing since the last testing. He encouraged me, noting once again that combating Lyme takes effort. I value the fact that his wife, Tanya, has Lyme, giving him first-hand experience with this debilitating illness. I have had the opportunity to speak with Tanya, learning from her vast experience with Lyme disease…Lyme is so confusing and complex. Dr. Casey wanted me to get back on Waiora Natural Cellular Defense (NCD). I had had good results with a few bottles of Waiora a while back, but we did not have the resources to continue with it. I was so tired and emotional and discouraged, so I walked out to my car and just fell apart. I prayed for the Lord to make a way for me to get back on NCD. A peace began to fill my heart, and within a couple of days I was given some NCD and have been provided with it for each week since. My JuicePlus has also been provided for a year now! God is so good, and I am very thankful for those who have stepped forward to help us out at this difficult time.
I have just started my third package of 3 bottles of NCD. I have had good results with NCD. (NCD chemically bonds with heavy metals and toxins at the cellular level, allowing them to be removed from the body, and it also promotes a healthy immune system and helps balance PH levels.) All of my symptoms have decreased considerably over the last couple of months. Even though I am still quite stiff and sore, my energy has increased, the swelling has decreased, and my general well-being and outlook on life has improved. For example, I, along with my co-leader, led an overnight event with 5 of the freshman girls from our church youth group. This was a huge first for me in many years! I was fearful beforehand about how I would feel, but I wound up loving it and felt wonderful. I have not been able to do crazy things like this in a long time!
So that brings me up-to-date. My journey has many turns, hills and valleys, but God is so good, and He is ever faithful.
I have been on JuicePlus – 2 capsules each of Orchard Blend, Garden Blend and Vineyard Blend – for 11 months now. In October, 2009, I had an appointment with Dr. Clinton Pomroy, my naturopath of 4 years, and he performed a full Phazx Body Scan. The test results were good and showed that I was completely balanced without adding in any supplements! That was a first for me! I attributed these positive results to JuicePlus. As of October, I was detoxing faster than my body could get rid of the toxins, so my kidneys were beginning to flush back into my system. Even though I felt pretty good at that point, Dr. Pomroy indicated that these symptoms would begin to increase. He said that I could have symptoms much like ADD, ADHD, or Autistic-like symptoms as a result of the detox. Oh JOY! As if being 50-plus years old, going thru menopause, and having Lyme were not enough! This ought to be “fun”. God sure has a sense of humor.
The next couple of days I indeed began to have more symptoms: there was a general swelling over my entire body, I had inflammation in my joints and muscles, and I had swelling on my brain and in my glands, giving me a swollen neck and causing dizziness much like vertigo. I had difficulty walking, visual disturbances, and difficulty speaking and comprehending. At that time, I began taking 3-4 capsules of Valerian Root before bed, which has helped me to sleep better and has reduced the pain.
By the end of February, I was beginning to panic that I could not get to a doctor soon enough. A few of my close friends were getting quite concerned for my health, and I felt I needed help with the detoxing. I was beginning to wonder what we could do next, so Larry and I prayed, along with many of you dear folks, for provision and answers. God, in His perfect plan for my life, provided an appointment with Dr. Mike Casey.
At the end of February, 2010, I had an appointment with Dr. Casey, where he performed a live blood cell analysis. The results were encouraging and showed that I was progressing since the last testing. He encouraged me, noting once again that combating Lyme takes effort. I value the fact that his wife, Tanya, has Lyme, giving him first-hand experience with this debilitating illness. I have had the opportunity to speak with Tanya, learning from her vast experience with Lyme disease…Lyme is so confusing and complex. Dr. Casey wanted me to get back on Waiora Natural Cellular Defense (NCD). I had had good results with a few bottles of Waiora a while back, but we did not have the resources to continue with it. I was so tired and emotional and discouraged, so I walked out to my car and just fell apart. I prayed for the Lord to make a way for me to get back on NCD. A peace began to fill my heart, and within a couple of days I was given some NCD and have been provided with it for each week since. My JuicePlus has also been provided for a year now! God is so good, and I am very thankful for those who have stepped forward to help us out at this difficult time.
I have just started my third package of 3 bottles of NCD. I have had good results with NCD. (NCD chemically bonds with heavy metals and toxins at the cellular level, allowing them to be removed from the body, and it also promotes a healthy immune system and helps balance PH levels.) All of my symptoms have decreased considerably over the last couple of months. Even though I am still quite stiff and sore, my energy has increased, the swelling has decreased, and my general well-being and outlook on life has improved. For example, I, along with my co-leader, led an overnight event with 5 of the freshman girls from our church youth group. This was a huge first for me in many years! I was fearful beforehand about how I would feel, but I wound up loving it and felt wonderful. I have not been able to do crazy things like this in a long time!
So that brings me up-to-date. My journey has many turns, hills and valleys, but God is so good, and He is ever faithful.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Into the Fall!
Peg had a pretty good summer with her Lyme disease. Some days it was one step forward and two steps backward, and occasionally she had some “episodes” (more about that later), but she made it thru OK. She was able to reduce some of her medications and supplements without negative impact. Like many others, we had difficulty obtaining Armor thyroid medication because of the nationwide shortage, but we have been able to receive the amount Peg needed for now.
Last month, Peg had her first opportunity in ten months to return to her naturopath in Southern California to check out where she’s at physically. We were given some extra money to cover the travel costs and office visits, so she braved the 5-hour trip (with Andrew and David). After the tests, the report from the doctor was encouraging. He uses a “bio-feedback” scan to see what things might not be right in your body, and, for the first time ever, Peg was right in balance without any supplements or medications. The test results proved that she no longer needs most of the supplements that she previously needed. We attribute much of this balancing to the JuicePlus that Peg has been taking regularly since the spring. Peg had a lot of energy and did really well on the trip.
Recently, though, Peg has been struggling a bit. Sometimes, she has what we refer to as “episodes” with more frequency, usually after a day with more activity than usual. Peg has difficulty describing how she feels, but they appear to be sort of like a light seizure. At first, she feels a sensation in her hip muscles, and then there is some involuntary tensing of some of her muscles. These episodes are not painful, but they are uncomfortable, and she is exhausted afterwards, and she has a lot of muscle soreness, especially in her hips and neck. We honestly don’t know what is causing these episodes, but they seem to be more muscle-related than neurological. At this point, there is no hope of funding any further medical tests, so we just need to pray for healing.
Peg also seems to be at more risk of the episodes when she sits for long periods without elevating her feet or when she over-exerts herself. For example, last week she sat on a hard chair (even with some padding) at a Bible study we attend, and afterwards, she had an episode in the car. Also, this past weekend, Peg went to a JuicePlus conference in Clovis. There were meetings on Friday evening and all day Saturday. She had some episodes after the meetings, and yesterday she was just feeling sick all over. She’s been a bit better today, but not 100%.
Peg realizes she needs to take thing a little easier. She works hard around the home as a mom and homeschooling our 9th grade son, plus she is involved in ministries at church. In order to avoid overtaxing herself, Peg is stepping down from the work she is doing with the Awana girls each week. She will still continue with her freshman girls class in the student ministries and the student ministries worship team once a month, as long as she is able. Also, she continues her part-time work as a Wellness Consultant with JuicePlus.
So, life has been quite a struggle for Peg recently. Maybe she is just going thru another level of de-toxing, or maybe her Lyme disease is gaining ground. Whatever it is, we covet your prayers for her healing.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
- Psalm 91: 1-4 (NIV)
Last month, Peg had her first opportunity in ten months to return to her naturopath in Southern California to check out where she’s at physically. We were given some extra money to cover the travel costs and office visits, so she braved the 5-hour trip (with Andrew and David). After the tests, the report from the doctor was encouraging. He uses a “bio-feedback” scan to see what things might not be right in your body, and, for the first time ever, Peg was right in balance without any supplements or medications. The test results proved that she no longer needs most of the supplements that she previously needed. We attribute much of this balancing to the JuicePlus that Peg has been taking regularly since the spring. Peg had a lot of energy and did really well on the trip.
Recently, though, Peg has been struggling a bit. Sometimes, she has what we refer to as “episodes” with more frequency, usually after a day with more activity than usual. Peg has difficulty describing how she feels, but they appear to be sort of like a light seizure. At first, she feels a sensation in her hip muscles, and then there is some involuntary tensing of some of her muscles. These episodes are not painful, but they are uncomfortable, and she is exhausted afterwards, and she has a lot of muscle soreness, especially in her hips and neck. We honestly don’t know what is causing these episodes, but they seem to be more muscle-related than neurological. At this point, there is no hope of funding any further medical tests, so we just need to pray for healing.
Peg also seems to be at more risk of the episodes when she sits for long periods without elevating her feet or when she over-exerts herself. For example, last week she sat on a hard chair (even with some padding) at a Bible study we attend, and afterwards, she had an episode in the car. Also, this past weekend, Peg went to a JuicePlus conference in Clovis. There were meetings on Friday evening and all day Saturday. She had some episodes after the meetings, and yesterday she was just feeling sick all over. She’s been a bit better today, but not 100%.
Peg realizes she needs to take thing a little easier. She works hard around the home as a mom and homeschooling our 9th grade son, plus she is involved in ministries at church. In order to avoid overtaxing herself, Peg is stepping down from the work she is doing with the Awana girls each week. She will still continue with her freshman girls class in the student ministries and the student ministries worship team once a month, as long as she is able. Also, she continues her part-time work as a Wellness Consultant with JuicePlus.
So, life has been quite a struggle for Peg recently. Maybe she is just going thru another level of de-toxing, or maybe her Lyme disease is gaining ground. Whatever it is, we covet your prayers for her healing.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
- Psalm 91: 1-4 (NIV)
Monday, July 20, 2009
One of my favorite verses to get me through our valleys with over 20 years with Lyme disease has been Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
I have not written in a while. We have been adjusting after our move and getting settled now. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.
Since we moved, my health and my Lyme symptoms have been generally better, but I have still had some ups and downs. I have been following the protocol prescribed by Dr. Pomroy, my naturopath, and he has graciously provided much consultation over the phone, but I have not been able to go back for any follow-up visits in over 7 months. I’m sure that his protocol has had a great positive effect in strengthening my immune system. Even so, for a while I was experiencing some frightening episodes where I had seizure-like symptoms, and then they would subside for a time. It has been a daily battle to keep up my health and attitude.
I wanted to share a new amazing part of my health journey. I heard about Juice Plus from a friend, and I was intrigued because Juice Plus would help me to enjoy whole food-based nutrition. Juice Plus made sense to me because it is a whole food in a capsule. Easy to take and for only about $1.40 a day, this product would fit into our limited budget. My husband, Larry, always said, “If it is in a capsule I can take it.” I try to eat the 7 -13 daily recommended fruits and vegetables every day, but I knew I didn’t come close to that, even with juicing every day. Juice Plus bridges the gap, and the clinical research confirms that it really works.
In the last three months I began using Juice Plus, I have experienced even more health. This is a whole food capsule providing 17 fruits & vegetables and grains daily. I know I can't eat that many fruits and vegetables a day. And, after starting with Juice Plus, my "episodes" (the seizure like attacks), blood pressure, joint and muscle pain (much like MS and Fibromyalgia), short term memory loss, brain fog and slurred words have been so much better. The Lord has been so faithful!
Another aspect that highly appealed to me is the Juice Plus Children’s Health Study. For every adult order of Juice Plus Orchard and Garden Capsules, you can add a child for free! My son, David started when I did and, in the three months he has taken Juice Plus, he has increased his awareness of health and nutrition and I was assured he was getting his veggies in. He had more focus with school and recently he began trying more veggies, which he has had trouble eating because of allergies, textures and in general, does not like them. Sound familiar? Well, he is beginning to take ownership of his nutrition! He sees the result himself and has been so much healthier.
I have experienced such positive results with Juice Plus that I have signed up with them as a Wellness Consultant! You may want to check it out for yourself at http://www.peg4juiceplus.com/, and you can contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss it further.
JuicePLUS+
Peggy Owens
Wellness Consultant
Scientifically proven to build the immune system, reduce risk of cancer and heart disease.
I have not written in a while. We have been adjusting after our move and getting settled now. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.
Since we moved, my health and my Lyme symptoms have been generally better, but I have still had some ups and downs. I have been following the protocol prescribed by Dr. Pomroy, my naturopath, and he has graciously provided much consultation over the phone, but I have not been able to go back for any follow-up visits in over 7 months. I’m sure that his protocol has had a great positive effect in strengthening my immune system. Even so, for a while I was experiencing some frightening episodes where I had seizure-like symptoms, and then they would subside for a time. It has been a daily battle to keep up my health and attitude.
I wanted to share a new amazing part of my health journey. I heard about Juice Plus from a friend, and I was intrigued because Juice Plus would help me to enjoy whole food-based nutrition. Juice Plus made sense to me because it is a whole food in a capsule. Easy to take and for only about $1.40 a day, this product would fit into our limited budget. My husband, Larry, always said, “If it is in a capsule I can take it.” I try to eat the 7 -13 daily recommended fruits and vegetables every day, but I knew I didn’t come close to that, even with juicing every day. Juice Plus bridges the gap, and the clinical research confirms that it really works.
In the last three months I began using Juice Plus, I have experienced even more health. This is a whole food capsule providing 17 fruits & vegetables and grains daily. I know I can't eat that many fruits and vegetables a day. And, after starting with Juice Plus, my "episodes" (the seizure like attacks), blood pressure, joint and muscle pain (much like MS and Fibromyalgia), short term memory loss, brain fog and slurred words have been so much better. The Lord has been so faithful!
Another aspect that highly appealed to me is the Juice Plus Children’s Health Study. For every adult order of Juice Plus Orchard and Garden Capsules, you can add a child for free! My son, David started when I did and, in the three months he has taken Juice Plus, he has increased his awareness of health and nutrition and I was assured he was getting his veggies in. He had more focus with school and recently he began trying more veggies, which he has had trouble eating because of allergies, textures and in general, does not like them. Sound familiar? Well, he is beginning to take ownership of his nutrition! He sees the result himself and has been so much healthier.
I have experienced such positive results with Juice Plus that I have signed up with them as a Wellness Consultant! You may want to check it out for yourself at http://www.peg4juiceplus.com/, and you can contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss it further.
JuicePLUS+
Peggy Owens
Wellness Consultant
Scientifically proven to build the immune system, reduce risk of cancer and heart disease.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
From Peg…
It has been quite a while since we have written in this blog. Our move to Oakhurst took all our time and energy. We love the setting we live in (and so does our dog). We are so blessed and God is so faithful!
I have been struggling with a little setback with my health, but that is the nature of Lyme even in remission. The co-infection, Babesia (Babesiosis is caused by an intraerythrocytic parasite, Babesia which is similar in effect to Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria. Symptoms of Babesiosis are similar to those of Lyme disease: fatigue, malaise, myalgia, arthralgia, chills, and fever.) Sorry to add all that! In short, I have good days and bad days.
I need to have regular chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy to keep me aligned and to keep the lymphatic system working to clear out toxins. Larry has been helping with the massage therapy, and we are trusting in the Lord for financial provision for a chiropractor. There are several chiropractors up here who have been recommended to us. I have been having migraine headaches and joint and muscle pain, and that has been keeping me up at night again. We have had a lot on our plates, but we stand firm as we seek God’s provision and peace. He is our all in all!
It is a challenge to stay within our extremely tight budget and to find the resources to purchase the food I need to keep me healthy. Trader Joe’s is about 45 minutes south, in Fresno. I have made so many wonderful girlfriends, each bringing insight as to how I can manage our needs.
My diet, supplements, eating on time, exercise, a good night’s sleep, and not overdoing it – along with therapy – are key to my strength and health. I am learning to make that a priority and to pay closer attention to keeping on track. It has been four weeks now since we moved up to Oakhurst and we are all beginning to find our rhythm once again.
I have met a couple of people who either also struggle with Lyme, or who know someone who has Lyme. That is a blessing as we compare our protocols.
I will keep this short for now, I get so tired, but know that I sense your prayers and enjoy keeping in touch.
We do love it up here and are slowly getting settled in. If I never see a cardboard box again in my lifetime, I will not feel too bad!
It has been quite a while since we have written in this blog. Our move to Oakhurst took all our time and energy. We love the setting we live in (and so does our dog). We are so blessed and God is so faithful!
I have been struggling with a little setback with my health, but that is the nature of Lyme even in remission. The co-infection, Babesia (Babesiosis is caused by an intraerythrocytic parasite, Babesia which is similar in effect to Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria. Symptoms of Babesiosis are similar to those of Lyme disease: fatigue, malaise, myalgia, arthralgia, chills, and fever.) Sorry to add all that! In short, I have good days and bad days.
I need to have regular chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy to keep me aligned and to keep the lymphatic system working to clear out toxins. Larry has been helping with the massage therapy, and we are trusting in the Lord for financial provision for a chiropractor. There are several chiropractors up here who have been recommended to us. I have been having migraine headaches and joint and muscle pain, and that has been keeping me up at night again. We have had a lot on our plates, but we stand firm as we seek God’s provision and peace. He is our all in all!
It is a challenge to stay within our extremely tight budget and to find the resources to purchase the food I need to keep me healthy. Trader Joe’s is about 45 minutes south, in Fresno. I have made so many wonderful girlfriends, each bringing insight as to how I can manage our needs.
My diet, supplements, eating on time, exercise, a good night’s sleep, and not overdoing it – along with therapy – are key to my strength and health. I am learning to make that a priority and to pay closer attention to keeping on track. It has been four weeks now since we moved up to Oakhurst and we are all beginning to find our rhythm once again.
I have met a couple of people who either also struggle with Lyme, or who know someone who has Lyme. That is a blessing as we compare our protocols.
I will keep this short for now, I get so tired, but know that I sense your prayers and enjoy keeping in touch.
We do love it up here and are slowly getting settled in. If I never see a cardboard box again in my lifetime, I will not feel too bad!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Update from Peggy
It has been too long since our last post on this blog – sorry for the long gap between updates. It actually feels like a small lifetime since I completed my 40th hyperbaric oxygen treatment on October 1st, but it has been less than four weeks. Suffice it to say…life was full, and I am so amazed at the faithfulness of God.
I am grateful to God for each new day. After the strict schedule of HBOT five days a week, we all kind of let go a bit to “catch our breath”. And, I have to say, I didn’t feel 100% right after the HBOT sessions, but I am steadily improving.
At the beginning of October, I went twice to my naturopath, Dr. Pomroy, and he determined that the results of the HBOT were very good. My major organs were in good shape – I had come a long way from where I had been. My Lyme appears to be in remission (praise the Lord), as the numbers are way down. I did not miss the spiritual significance of having 40 days of treatments, and what that has meant to me both spiritually and physically – God is so good.
One aspect we need to work on next is babesia, a parasite that lives with the red blood cells. Babesia is a co-infection of Lyme, that is, it is borne and transmitted by the same deer tick that transmits the burgdorferi bacteria that is responsible for Lyme. Unlike burgdorferi, babesia is a protozoa that is not killed off by high oxygen levels (so the HBOT has no impact). We were somewhat surprised to see the after-HBOT numbers for babesia so high, but the HBOT literature clearly states that it has no effect on babesia. Although babesia is not nearly as insidious or potent as Lyme disease, it does produce similar symptoms: fatigue, malaise, myalgia, arthralgia, chills, and fever. Also, unlike Lyme, a body with a healthy immune system can fight off infections of babesia on its own, with no other treatment needed. People who have a more severe case of babesiosis are usually treated with two antibiotics, though the treatments are frequently ineffective or have side effects. Of course, we are praying that my improved immune system will overcome the babesia without drug intervention.
Right after the last HBOT, I was extremely fatigued most of the time, longing for one more nap each day. I was always so tired. It also took time for my vision to improve. I drove for the first time on October 21st. I am so grateful to have dear friends to drive David and me to school events. It brought tears to my eyes to be able to go to our school’s park day on October 2nd, the first time in many weeks that I could attend. I was overwhelmed by being in public, though. All the activity and commotion was hard to take in.
My right heel has had quite a bit of pain recently – it seems to be plantar fasciitis, something that started bothering me in May. I need exercise to build up my body after all of my illness, but this condition makes it hard to walk, setting off foot, calf, knee, and hip irritation. As a whole, though, everything is getting better and better, slowly but surely. Dr. Pomroy has recommended some supplements to aid in the boosting of my immune system and to allow my body to combat the babesia.
I have experienced some skin irritations, rashes, and flu-like symptoms – much like the Herx reactions I have had with Lyme. Indeed, these still may be Herx reactions as a result of the HBOT treatments (remember they may occur for up to a month after HBOT), or they may be the “cleansing” side effects of the supplements.
In His Providence, God has seen fit to keep Larry home – without a job or income – for this whole time. There is no way I can express the love and unconditional care and affection he has given to me, without ever complaining or giving up.
In fact, the love and care that our whole family has provided – pulling us together with all the household needs – has been a blessing. We have had prayer, support, and love from our family and friends from the west coast to the east coast of the US, and also from Europe, Japan, and the Philippines. The love and provision we have experienced over the past two years has overwhelmed us with gratitude, refreshing our spirits and encouraging us with each new day. We are humbled to have been given so many blessings.
We grew in confidence, knowing that God would provide and give us wisdom on a daily basis. As each batch of 10 HBOT treatments needed to be pre-paid, financial provision came our way. We are so thankful to all who supported us. We had some tax refund money and another unexpected repayment of a debt as seed money, and the rest of the funds needed for the 40 HBOT sessions were donated.
One special aspect of our Lyme journey was to have my dear friend Karol along the way. The Lord provided for both of us to start hyperbaric treatments at about the same time. There is something so special about having someone alongside of you on the journey. She has an amazing calm that she shares so freely. We could cry, rejoice, and compare our experiences along this new and uncharted path.
I also met amazing people who needed HBOT for treatment of everything from Lyme to Autism (I met some remarkable autistic children and their parents) – all on the journey to better health. We shared a common bond in our experience.
I have felt the presence of God throughout this whole experience. I felt Him walk with me with each new step of faith. Under the wings of an eagle – in the shelter of the Most High – secure in His peaceful embrace. I look forward, with renewed health and strength, to the future God has prepared for us. I also look forward to His provision for a job for Larry, and for all the loose ends to miraculously come together.
While I am at it, let me add that we rejoice with our daughter, Jen, and her husband Ryan, as they pursue their own journey for provision of job and home in Oregon. We will miss them terribly, but we are at peace knowing who directs their path.
Thank you all for your support and love, especially this past four months through my HBOT treatments. I appreciate the awesome team of dedicated, hard-working friends we made at Hyperbaric Centers of California.
With gratitude and love,
Peggy ~ 2008, a year of new beginnings!
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
- Rom 8:18 (NIV)
I am grateful to God for each new day. After the strict schedule of HBOT five days a week, we all kind of let go a bit to “catch our breath”. And, I have to say, I didn’t feel 100% right after the HBOT sessions, but I am steadily improving.
At the beginning of October, I went twice to my naturopath, Dr. Pomroy, and he determined that the results of the HBOT were very good. My major organs were in good shape – I had come a long way from where I had been. My Lyme appears to be in remission (praise the Lord), as the numbers are way down. I did not miss the spiritual significance of having 40 days of treatments, and what that has meant to me both spiritually and physically – God is so good.
One aspect we need to work on next is babesia, a parasite that lives with the red blood cells. Babesia is a co-infection of Lyme, that is, it is borne and transmitted by the same deer tick that transmits the burgdorferi bacteria that is responsible for Lyme. Unlike burgdorferi, babesia is a protozoa that is not killed off by high oxygen levels (so the HBOT has no impact). We were somewhat surprised to see the after-HBOT numbers for babesia so high, but the HBOT literature clearly states that it has no effect on babesia. Although babesia is not nearly as insidious or potent as Lyme disease, it does produce similar symptoms: fatigue, malaise, myalgia, arthralgia, chills, and fever. Also, unlike Lyme, a body with a healthy immune system can fight off infections of babesia on its own, with no other treatment needed. People who have a more severe case of babesiosis are usually treated with two antibiotics, though the treatments are frequently ineffective or have side effects. Of course, we are praying that my improved immune system will overcome the babesia without drug intervention.
Right after the last HBOT, I was extremely fatigued most of the time, longing for one more nap each day. I was always so tired. It also took time for my vision to improve. I drove for the first time on October 21st. I am so grateful to have dear friends to drive David and me to school events. It brought tears to my eyes to be able to go to our school’s park day on October 2nd, the first time in many weeks that I could attend. I was overwhelmed by being in public, though. All the activity and commotion was hard to take in.
My right heel has had quite a bit of pain recently – it seems to be plantar fasciitis, something that started bothering me in May. I need exercise to build up my body after all of my illness, but this condition makes it hard to walk, setting off foot, calf, knee, and hip irritation. As a whole, though, everything is getting better and better, slowly but surely. Dr. Pomroy has recommended some supplements to aid in the boosting of my immune system and to allow my body to combat the babesia.
I have experienced some skin irritations, rashes, and flu-like symptoms – much like the Herx reactions I have had with Lyme. Indeed, these still may be Herx reactions as a result of the HBOT treatments (remember they may occur for up to a month after HBOT), or they may be the “cleansing” side effects of the supplements.
In His Providence, God has seen fit to keep Larry home – without a job or income – for this whole time. There is no way I can express the love and unconditional care and affection he has given to me, without ever complaining or giving up.
In fact, the love and care that our whole family has provided – pulling us together with all the household needs – has been a blessing. We have had prayer, support, and love from our family and friends from the west coast to the east coast of the US, and also from Europe, Japan, and the Philippines. The love and provision we have experienced over the past two years has overwhelmed us with gratitude, refreshing our spirits and encouraging us with each new day. We are humbled to have been given so many blessings.
We grew in confidence, knowing that God would provide and give us wisdom on a daily basis. As each batch of 10 HBOT treatments needed to be pre-paid, financial provision came our way. We are so thankful to all who supported us. We had some tax refund money and another unexpected repayment of a debt as seed money, and the rest of the funds needed for the 40 HBOT sessions were donated.
One special aspect of our Lyme journey was to have my dear friend Karol along the way. The Lord provided for both of us to start hyperbaric treatments at about the same time. There is something so special about having someone alongside of you on the journey. She has an amazing calm that she shares so freely. We could cry, rejoice, and compare our experiences along this new and uncharted path.
I also met amazing people who needed HBOT for treatment of everything from Lyme to Autism (I met some remarkable autistic children and their parents) – all on the journey to better health. We shared a common bond in our experience.
I have felt the presence of God throughout this whole experience. I felt Him walk with me with each new step of faith. Under the wings of an eagle – in the shelter of the Most High – secure in His peaceful embrace. I look forward, with renewed health and strength, to the future God has prepared for us. I also look forward to His provision for a job for Larry, and for all the loose ends to miraculously come together.
While I am at it, let me add that we rejoice with our daughter, Jen, and her husband Ryan, as they pursue their own journey for provision of job and home in Oregon. We will miss them terribly, but we are at peace knowing who directs their path.
Thank you all for your support and love, especially this past four months through my HBOT treatments. I appreciate the awesome team of dedicated, hard-working friends we made at Hyperbaric Centers of California.
With gratitude and love,
Peggy ~ 2008, a year of new beginnings!
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
- Rom 8:18 (NIV)
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Finished with HBOT!
Well, today Peg completed her 40th and final HBOT dive. When we started this process in July, it seemed like such a huge mountain to climb, but now we stand at the summit and rejoice!
We are very encouraged that this has been a beneficial and successful treatment for Peggy. All indications are that her Lyme disease was aggressively attacked (as evidenced by the Herx reactions that she experienced, and by the gradual diminishing of those reactions). Let me be very clear…we do not put our trust in HBOT; we put our trust in God. The HBOT is beneficial in killing off Lyme, but Peg’s total healing comes from God.
And I do mean ‘total’ healing. Peg has been very strong throughout this entire process, even in the face of adversity, and she has stayed strong through some difficult physical reactions, emotional ups and downs, and some spiritual trials. I believe she has gained strength from God to help sustain her through this journey. In fact, several people who Peg has talked to have commented how much Peg has changed for the better over the last few months. Not only is she feeling better mentally and physically, but she is calmer and more mature spiritually.
So, where do we go from here? Even though Peg has finished her HBOT, we expect a period of time where her body needs to ‘catch up’. Many Lyme patients experience some Herx reactions up to a month after the HBOT sessions have ended, so we are braced for that. Also, we expect it will take some time for Peg’s body to build up strength in the areas that Lyme has weakened. We know of no blood tests that will reliably confirm that Lyme has been eradicated, but Peg has an appointment on Friday with her naturopathic doctor to get a ‘post-HBOT’ assessment in order to gauge what immediate effect HBOT has had. After that, she will begin to build up her body with rest, vitamins, and exercise … and then we will watch and wait.
We will post periodic updates to keep you informed about Peg’s progress and to report her success. Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, meals, and support (including the invaluable financial support), without which Peg would not have been able to accomplish this milestone.
God bless you,
Larry and Peggy Owens
…let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
- Psalm 5:11-12 (NIV)
We are very encouraged that this has been a beneficial and successful treatment for Peggy. All indications are that her Lyme disease was aggressively attacked (as evidenced by the Herx reactions that she experienced, and by the gradual diminishing of those reactions). Let me be very clear…we do not put our trust in HBOT; we put our trust in God. The HBOT is beneficial in killing off Lyme, but Peg’s total healing comes from God.
And I do mean ‘total’ healing. Peg has been very strong throughout this entire process, even in the face of adversity, and she has stayed strong through some difficult physical reactions, emotional ups and downs, and some spiritual trials. I believe she has gained strength from God to help sustain her through this journey. In fact, several people who Peg has talked to have commented how much Peg has changed for the better over the last few months. Not only is she feeling better mentally and physically, but she is calmer and more mature spiritually.
So, where do we go from here? Even though Peg has finished her HBOT, we expect a period of time where her body needs to ‘catch up’. Many Lyme patients experience some Herx reactions up to a month after the HBOT sessions have ended, so we are braced for that. Also, we expect it will take some time for Peg’s body to build up strength in the areas that Lyme has weakened. We know of no blood tests that will reliably confirm that Lyme has been eradicated, but Peg has an appointment on Friday with her naturopathic doctor to get a ‘post-HBOT’ assessment in order to gauge what immediate effect HBOT has had. After that, she will begin to build up her body with rest, vitamins, and exercise … and then we will watch and wait.
We will post periodic updates to keep you informed about Peg’s progress and to report her success. Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, meals, and support (including the invaluable financial support), without which Peg would not have been able to accomplish this milestone.
God bless you,
Larry and Peggy Owens
…let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
- Psalm 5:11-12 (NIV)
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