New Year New Me

It has been a minute… 2018 and 2019 were dominated by pregnancies. 2020 left little time for blogging – oncology, hematology, cardiology, dermatology, gynecology, gastroenterology… just to name a few of the many specialty offices I was frequenting weekly.

I revisit this blog, same old me, with just a lot less organs. 😊

After I gave birth to Alexis, I had thorough work up done with a cardiologist. My resting heartrate was between 32-36 so my postnatal team was worried I had heart block (common in Lyme carditis). Luckily, my heart looked good and they attributed my low heartrate to Fusion Fitness and running.

Fast forward 7 months – my health took a nosedive. It started with intense bruising all over my lower extremities and petechiae (small spots caused by bleeding into the skin). I was convinced I had leukemia. I lost 10 pounds and according to my mom – I did not look good. Luckily, nothing popped up in the tests my hematologist ordered.

During that same time, I was experiencing daily stomachaches. I started seeing a gastroenterologist.

My stomach issues were quickly moved to the backburner when itchy painful lesions started appearing on my scalp, neck, face, chest, stomach, and back. After a month with no answers, I was finally diagnosed with shingles. Usually shingles is localized, appearing as a wide strip on ONE side of the body. I had disseminated shingles. It appeared widespread and on BOTH sides of my body. IT WAS AWFUL!

Once I recovered from 3 months of shingles, I was back to figuring out my gut issues. Between my gynecology and gastroenterology work up – we determined I was a perfect candidate for a total hysterectomy and pelvic floor surgery.

I had a hysterectomy in October. No more than 2 weeks post-surgery I ended up with an excruciatingly painful cyst. I had 2 procedures done – one consisted of wearing a catheter for 2 weeks. That was fun! I had pelvic floor surgery the beginning of January. So far so good except for not being able to pick up my babies.

So here we are… end of January. I felt a major shift after my last surgery. I no longer want to swallow pills like it is my day job. The main reason I had my last surgery was because of intense antibiotic treatment and the mess it left my gut and insides.

I am in no means a holistic person. Quite opposite. I love Mc. Donald’s breakfast and cheese dip is my jam. I am not opposed to Botox – stick me please! I eat meat and dessert every day. I have attempted the holistic/alternative approach to healing twice. Both times were unique and successful efforts. With a doctor’s order to take it easy, I have had plenty of time to research and stalk fellow Lyme people on Instagram the last 3 weeks. I landed on a facility that has a branch in Overland Park, less than 5 minutes from my house. I was instantly drawn to this place and felt like the stars aligned.

I had my first appointment this morning with the doctor. Turns out, he and my husband are from the same small town, Seneca. Instantly I knew I was going to really like this guy. He provided much-needed clarity on my very controversial diagnosis. He called it “Lyme syndrome.”

Instead of focusing on the diagnosis – whatever it may be – his goal is to discover the root cause of the disease. Instead of figuring out what is wrong with me, he wants to know why…

With previous lab work, he was able to identify I have a MTHFR mutation. I have always been aware of this… I was not aware that the mutation could be causing frequent infections and autoimmune diseases though. I also was not aware that the mutation could be responsible for my positive Lyme test… If I was not already confused – my mind is totally blown now!

Now that everyone is up to speed – let us get on with the more exciting stuff, shall we? I will be sharing my experience with UBI and IVC along with any additional therapies/treatment the doctor recommends. My hope is that by sharing my personal experience with treatments and therapies, I can possibly help someone fighting a similar battle. One of my utmost favorite quotes – “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”

Stay tuned and go Chiefs!!!