Podcasts about Babesia

Learn about lyme/bartonella/coinfection testing & diagnosis with CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics, Nicole Bell.We dive into WHY standard Lyme disease testing can miss cases, what IgM and IgG antibodies can—and cannot—tell us, and how direct-detection methods such as PCR and urine antigen testing differ from ELISA, Western blot, and FISH testing.We also discuss:Why a negative Western blot does not necessarily rule out Lyme diseaseThe difference between antibody testing and direct pathogen detectionWhy testing for Borrelia, Bartonella, and Babesia mattersHow IgM cross-reactivity can complicate test interpretationPersistent infection versus post-treatment Lyme disease syndromeWhy multiple positive antibodies do not always mean multiple active infectionsThe emerging connection between infections, neuroinflammation, dementia, and cognitive declineWhy insurance coverage for advanced testing remains so difficultHow to advocate for yourself when a diagnosis does not explain your symptomsThis conversation is a powerful reminder that receiving a diagnosis does not necessarily mean you have found the root cause. Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, dementia, and even PCOS describe patterns of symptoms-but the bigger question is: WHY are those symptoms happening?My Website & Work with Me: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/faithandfit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.upliftfitnutrition.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email for coaching & phone consults: laceydunn@upliftfitnutrition.com & fitandfaith@gmail.comFind Galazy Diagnostics at: https://www.galaxydx.com

What if some of the most powerful tools for controlling chronic bacterial infections are already living inside the human body? In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, hosts Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen sit down with Dr. David A. Jernigan, DNM, DC, founder of the Biologix Center for Optimum Health, for a deep exploration of Lyme disease, bacteriophages, chronic infection, biological medicine, and his development of Induced Native Phage Therapy (INPT). Dr. Jernigan has worked with people experiencing Lyme disease and complex chronic illness since the 1990s. His journey into the Lyme world began unexpectedly when a mother and her twin sons came to his Kansas practice with Lyme disease. At a time when Lyme disease knowledge was far more limited, the experience pushed him into decades of clinical work, research, writing, and experimentation focused on understanding why some patients remain chronically ill. Today, one of the central areas of his work is bacteriophages—viruses that infect bacteria—and a therapeutic model he calls Induced Native Phage Therapy. What Are Bacteriophages? Bacteriophages, commonly called phages, are viruses that infect bacteria. They exist throughout nature and are also found in enormous numbers within the human body. Unlike broad-spectrum approaches that may affect many different microorganisms, phages can have highly specific relationships with particular bacteria. During the interview, Dr. Jernigan explains the relationship between bacteria and bacteriophages and introduces listeners to the phageome—the vast community of phages living in and around the human microbiome. He describes how certain phages can enter a lytic cycle, ultimately destroying their bacterial host, while others can exist in a more dormant or lysogenic relationship with bacteria before environmental conditions trigger a change in their behavior. This bacterial-phage relationship forms the foundation for Dr. Jernigan's work with INPT. What Is Induced Native Phage Therapy (INPT)? One of the most important distinctions in this conversation is the difference between conventional phage therapy and Induced Native Phage Therapy. Traditional phage therapy generally involves identifying phages capable of attacking a particular bacterium and introducing those phages into a patient. Dr. Jernigan's approach is fundamentally different. Rather than administering externally sourced bacteriophages, INPT is designed around the idea of influencing native phages that are already present within the body. Dr. Jernigan describes his approach as using electromagnetic or bioresonance-based information intended to influence phages associated with targeted microorganisms and encourage a shift toward bacterial destruction. He explains that development of the process took approximately five years and grew out of his earlier work with bioresonance and biological medicine. Matt and Rich push Dr. Jernigan throughout the conversation to explain exactly what he believes is happening biologically, how targeted phages are distinguished from the enormous number of phages within the body, and how this approach differs from simply attempting to kill microorganisms directly. Why Phages Could Matter in Lyme Disease The discussion then turns specifically to Borrelia burgdorferi, other Borrelia species, and Lyme disease. Dr. Jernigan argues that bacteria and their associated phages have coexisted for an extraordinarily long time and that bacteria entering the human body may already exist within complex relationships with bacteriophages. Instead of searching externally for a single phage capable of targeting Borrelia, his research asks a different question: Can the phages already present within a patient or associated with a microorganism be influenced to help control that organism? That question sits at the center of INPT. The conversation also explores monovalent versus polyvalent phages, bacterial specificity, intracellular microorganisms, and the potential ability of phages to interact with bacteria residing in difficult-to-reach environments. Lyme Disease Is More Than One Infection This episode extends far beyond phage therapy. Dr. Jernigan explains how his understanding of Lyme disease has evolved dramatically since he began treating patients in the 1990s. Early in his career, much of the Lyme community was focused primarily on finding and killing Borrelia burgdorferi. Over time, he became increasingly convinced that chronic illness could not be adequately explained by one microorganism alone. He describes what he calls Multi-Microbial Activation Syndrome, a model in which Lyme disease may occur alongside or contribute to changes involving numerous microorganisms and physiological systems. The conversation explores: Borrelia burgdorferi and other Borrelia species Bartonella and Babesia Other tick-borne infections Mold and environmental exposures Microbial interactions Toxins Metabolic dysfunction Immune dysregulation Mast cell activation Inflammation Individual biological terrain This leads to one of the central themes of the episode: two people can carry similar microorganisms yet experience dramatically different levels of illness. Dr. Jernigan therefore argues that treating a diagnosis alone can miss the larger biological picture of the person experiencing the disease. Treating the Infection vs. Repairing the Damage Dr. Jernigan uses a memorable termite analogy to explain chronic Lyme disease. If termites are discovered before they have caused significant structural damage, eliminating them may largely solve the problem. But if termites have been damaging a house for years, killing the termites does not rebuild the house. The same concept, he argues, may apply to chronic illness. Reducing microbial burden may be important, but a person may still be dealing with neurological, metabolic, inflammatory, structural, immune, or other dysfunction that developed during years of illness. That distinction becomes particularly important when evaluating whether a treatment has worked. A reduction in infection does not necessarily mean that years of physiological damage or dysregulation immediately disappear. Why Every Lyme Patient May Require a Different Approach Matt and Rich discuss Tick Boot Camp's view of Lyme disease as a polymicrobial, multisystemic, chronic infectious or post-infectious illness, and Dr. Jernigan explains why his clinical experience has led him toward a similarly individualized model. Every patient enters illness with a different history, microbiome, microbial exposures, environmental exposures, physiology, and accumulated biological stress. For that reason, Dr. Jernigan challenges what he describes as "cookbook" medicine—the idea that every patient carrying the same diagnosis should receive essentially the same protocol. Instead, his model attempts to identify what is dysfunctional in the individual patient while simultaneously reducing infectious burden and supporting the body's ability to repair itself. Phages, Biofilms, and Intracellular Bacteria Another major portion of the interview explores two difficult problems in chronic infection: biofilms and intracellular bacteria. Dr. Jernigan discusses research showing that certain bacteriophages can interact with or penetrate bacterial biofilms, potentially giving phage-based approaches characteristics that differ from conventional antimicrobial strategies. The discussion also examines whether phages can reach bacteria residing inside cells. These questions are particularly relevant to Lyme disease because persistence, bacterial morphology, biofilms, tissue environments, and intracellular localization are frequently discussed as possible contributors to treatment difficulty. Dr. Jernigan explains why he believes native phages may be capable of reaching microorganisms in environments that can present challenges for other therapeutic approaches. Herxheimer Reactions: Does Feeling Worse Mean Treatment Is Working? The episode also challenges one of the most familiar ideas in the Lyme community: Do patients have to feel worse before they feel better? Many Lyme patients are familiar with the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, often shortened to "Herxing," in which symptoms can temporarily intensify during antimicrobial treatment. Dr. Jernigan discusses his belief that effective treatment should not necessarily require significant suffering. He connects this idea to his model of phage-mediated bacterial destruction and explains why he believes INPT may behave differently from therapies that produce large amounts of inflammatory bacterial debris. Matt and Rich dig into this distinction and the potential relationship between microbial die-off, cytokines, inflammation, mast cells, and worsening symptoms. MCAS, Immune Activation, and Treatment Sensitivity The conversation also addresses why some people with chronic Lyme disease become extraordinarily sensitive to medications, supplements, foods, environmental exposures, and other treatments. Dr. Jernigan discusses macrophages, inflammatory cytokines, histamine, mast cell degranulation, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) as part of the larger chronic illness picture. Rather than viewing these problems as completely separate diagnoses, he encourages looking for the biological processes that may be driving multiple downstream symptoms. This reflects another recurring theme throughout the episode: identifying and addressing upstream contributors rather than continually treating individual symptoms in isolation. Antibiotics, Resistance, and the Search for New Approaches Matt, Rich, and Dr. Jernigan also have an extended discussion about antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Jernigan is strongly critical of long-term reliance on antibiotics and argues that bacterial adaptation and antibiotic resistance make alternative antimicrobial strategies increasingly important. The conversation examines doxycycline, broad-spectrum antibiotics, environmental antibiotic exposure, bacterial adaptation, and why phage research has regained scientific interest as antimicrobial resistance becomes an increasingly important global challenge. Dr. Jernigan also makes an important distinction between his approach and conventional phage therapy, which itself is an active area of scientific research. Dr. Jernigan's Published INPT Research Dr. Jernigan discusses several publications related to his work, including his 2021 retrospective review of Induced Native Phage Therapy for Lyme disease and relapsing fever and subsequent work expanding the concept into treatment-resistant illnesses involving multiple microorganisms. He intentionally made his peer-reviewed publications open access so patients, practitioners, and researchers could review the work without encountering a paywall. During the interview, he also acknowledges the importance of additional independent research and the challenges involved in funding and validating emerging therapeutic approaches. INPT remains an emerging and unconventional approach. The mechanisms and clinical claims discussed in this episode should therefore be understood as Dr. Jernigan's research, hypotheses, clinical observations, and interpretations rather than established standards of Lyme disease treatment. From "Chasing Bugs" to Biological Medicine Perhaps the most important evolution in Dr. Jernigan's career is his movement away from simply "chasing bugs." His earliest Lyme work focused heavily on identifying and addressing microorganisms. After decades of treating complex patients, his philosophy expanded toward simultaneously considering two questions: What microorganisms are creating a burden, and what is preventing this particular person's body from returning to healthy function? That means considering infections alongside neurological function, metabolism, immune regulation, inflammation, environmental exposures, structural problems, the microbiome, and other biological systems. For patients who have spent years moving from treatment to treatment, that broader question may be one of the most valuable takeaways from this conversation. Topics Discussed Dr. David Jernigan's introduction to Lyme disease in the 1990s Congenital and persistent Lyme disease Early Lyme disease testing Natural and biological medicine Borrelia burgdorferi Bartonella, Babesia, and other tick-borne infections Polymicrobial illness Multi-Microbial Activation Syndrome Bacteriophages and the human phageome How bacteriophages infect bacteria Lytic and lysogenic phage cycles Conventional phage therapy Induced Native Phage Therapy (INPT) Native versus externally administered phages Monovalent and polyvalent phages Bioresonance and electromagnetic signaling Phages and bacterial biofilms Intracellular bacteria Antibiotic resistance Doxycycline and antimicrobial treatment Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions Cytokines and inflammation Macrophages and immune dysfunction MCAS and treatment sensitivity Mold and environmental illness Microbial terrain Personalized Lyme disease treatment Treating infection versus repairing physiological damage Biological and bioregulatory medicine Emerging research into phage-based therapies About Dr. David Jernigan Dr. David A. Jernigan, DNM, DC, is an author, researcher, clinician, and founder of the Biologix Center for Optimum Health in Franklin, Tennessee. He has worked with people experiencing Lyme disease and complex chronic illness for decades and has written extensively about Lyme disease, biological medicine, natural approaches to chronic illness, bacteriophages, and related topics. His more recent research has focused on Induced Native Phage Therapy, an approach designed to influence naturally occurring bacteriophages within the body rather than administering externally sourced phages. Learn more about Dr. David Jernigan, INPT, his Lyme disease work, publications, and the Biologix Center. Work With Dr. David Jernigan Patients interested in learning more about Dr. Jernigan, the Biologix Center for Optimum Health, and opportunities to work with him can visit: Biologix Center for Optimum Health – Dr. David Jernigan INPT Information for Doctors and Healthcare Providers Healthcare professionals interested in learning more about Induced Native Phage Therapy or becoming an INPT provider can visit PhaGenCorp: PhaGenCorp – Induced Native Phage Therapy Learn More About Lyme Disease Explore more Tick Boot Camp conversations with physicians working with Lyme disease and complex tick-borne illness: Tick Boot Camp Doctors

What happens when a young woman who grew up surrounded by horses and the outdoors develops a mysterious red ring after spending a summer working at a horse camp in West Virginia—but no one recognizes the possibility of Lyme disease? In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Hannah Green, a Lyme disease survivor, advocate, and author from England whose international Lyme journey stretches across the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. Hannah is the author of My Lyme Success Story, a book documenting her personal experience with chronic Lyme disease, the research she conducted while searching for answers, the approaches she believes helped her recover, and the lessons she learned about listening to her body along the way. Tick Boot Camp first met Hannah after she traveled from England to Connecticut for the Lyme Warrior 10th Anniversary Gala, where patients, researchers, clinicians, authors, advocates, and Lyme community leaders gathered for an evening centered on science, advocacy, connection, and hope. Hannah's story is ultimately about much more than one treatment or protocol. It is about missed warning signs, years without answers, becoming her own researcher, learning to trust herself again, and refusing to give up on the possibility of getting better. Growing Up Around Horses—but Knowing Almost Nothing About Ticks Hannah grew up in southeast England and spent much of her childhood outdoors. Horses became one of her greatest passions, and she eventually trained professionally in riding, horse management, dressage, and eventing. She was also deeply interested in animal health. Hannah spent time working around veterinary medicine and learned about fleas, lice, worms, botflies, equine influenza, strangles, and other conditions affecting horses. Yet one subject was almost completely absent from her education: ticks and Lyme disease. Despite spending years around horses, dogs, cats, veterinary environments, fields, and the English countryside, Hannah remembers receiving virtually no meaningful education about ticks or the infections they can transmit. The West Virginia Horse Camp and Hannah's Possible Lyme Exposure At approximately 19 years old, Hannah traveled alone from England to the United States to work as a riding counselor at a horse camp in West Virginia near the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was a major adventure for someone who describes herself at that age as extremely shy. Hannah suddenly found herself responsible for a cabin of young campers while teaching multiple horseback riding lessons each day. She loved the experience. But the camp also introduced Hannah to something she had never encountered before: ticks. Hannah remembers discovering engorged ticks attached to horses grazing in long grass. After asking what they were, she and other staff members were shown how to remove them. Removing ticks from the horses soon became part of their regular routine. What Hannah does not remember receiving was comprehensive education connecting those ticks with the potential risk of Lyme disease in humans. She recalls being warned about hazards such as poison ivy and rattlesnakes, but she does not remember meaningful tick-bite prevention training for counselors or campers. There was a Lyme disease pamphlet in the staff area, but the information Hannah remembers most strongly involved severe neurological complications such as seizures and paralysis. She did not come away understanding the broad range of symptoms that could develop or recognizing how important an expanding rash could be. The Red Ring That Was Dismissed as a Spider Bite Years later, while reconstructing her medical history after finally learning about Lyme disease, Hannah remembered something important from that summer. She had developed a distinctive red ring on her lower leg. At the time, Hannah says someone told her that it was probably a spider bite and that she should simply keep the area clean and watch it. The rash did not significantly hurt or itch, and it eventually disappeared. No one, according to Hannah's recollection, asked whether she might have been bitten by a tick. She did not connect the rash with the ticks she had been routinely removing from horses, and she did not connect it with the Lyme disease pamphlet she had briefly seen. Hannah believes today that this may have been the event that began her Lyme disease journey. For practical prevention and early-action information, read the Tick Boot Camp Tick Bite Blueprint. The First Sign Something Was Wrong Hannah initially remained extremely healthy and active after leaving the United States. She returned to England and attended Aston Business School near Birmingham. But approximately six months after her time at camp, she began noticing unusual problems with her knees. She was a runner and initially assumed she had simply overtrained. Her knees would ache and sometimes lock, particularly when walking down gentle slopes or moving at certain angles. Cold weather could make the discomfort worse. Because Hannah had been a competitive runner and lifelong equestrian athlete, healthcare professionals often attributed the symptoms to physical activity and wear and tear. She was told variations of the same explanation: runner's knee, overuse, muscle imbalance, or consequences of years of athletic activity. Yet Hannah was still a young woman, and the symptoms continued. Over time, joint problems began appearing elsewhere. Her elbows became involved. Her lower back became increasingly problematic. A diagnosis of scoliosis provided another seemingly logical explanation for some of her pain. Hannah kept adapting and pushing forward. She even completed the London Marathon, although afterward her knees became so painful and locked that she struggled to walk normally for approximately a week. When Her Health Finally Collapsed After university, Hannah continued traveling internationally, including spending time in Borneo and eventually completing a round-the-world trip. Then, around 2006, everything changed. After developing what appeared to be a significant viral illness, Hannah says she never fully recovered. Her shoulder became extremely painful and effectively froze. What followed was no longer an isolated problem with her knees or back. Hannah describes developing a growing collection of debilitating symptoms that included: Severe fatigue and exhaustion Joint and musculoskeletal pain Digestive problems Insomnia Anxiety Depression Episodes of intense anger or rage Memory problems Progressively worsening neurological and systemic symptoms Difficulty maintaining normal work and daily activities She describes the illness as feeling like a combination of flu, glandular fever, and malaria. Instead of resolving, her symptoms continued getting worse for approximately six years. Trying to Keep Working While Becoming Increasingly Ill Hannah attempted to continue working despite her deteriorating health. She worked with horses and also painted portraits professionally, but even limited morning work became increasingly difficult because of overwhelming fatigue. She frequently needed time off and struggled to explain what was happening because she did not understand it herself. Later, while working in a tea shop, Hannah began noticing that her memory was also being affected. She describes 30 or 40 symptoms gradually accumulating, with insomnia, chronic fatigue, and mood changes becoming some of the most difficult to manage. Meanwhile, repeated medical testing failed to provide an explanation. Several doctors told Hannah that her results were normal and that they could not find anything wrong. She says she did not necessarily feel directly accused of imagining her illness, but over time it became easier to stop discussing what she was experiencing because she felt that people were not truly hearing her. Moving to Australia While Searching for Answers Hannah eventually moved to Australia, hoping that a different environment and lifestyle might improve her health. She would spend approximately a decade there. Initially, the excitement of the move helped her keep going. She settled in tropical Darwin and started a graphic design company. Then her health crashed again. During the first wet season, Hannah became severely ill and spent significant periods in bed. Eventually, even working a few hours per day from home became too difficult, and she had to close the company she had built. She developed severe food reactions and describes being bedridden for seven to ten days at a time. Her relationship also ended during this period. Hannah describes eventually losing her business, her apartment, her ability to ride horses, much of her independence, and a significant amount of weight. At her lowest point, she says she would sometimes visit the stables and simply hold herself against a rail while watching the horses because she no longer had the strength to ride or even interact with them normally. The Chance Conversation That Changed Everything One day at the stables, another person noticed how ill Hannah had become. Hannah explained what was happening, and the woman told her about another horse rider with similar symptoms who was seeing a doctor who periodically traveled from Perth to Darwin to work with patients experiencing chronic fatigue and unexplained illness. Hannah and the other woman both scheduled appointments. After reviewing Hannah's extensive symptoms, the physician told her he believed she had late-stage Lyme disease. Hannah says subsequent testing through Australian Biologics was positive for Borrelia. The diagnosis triggered a flood of memories—the ticks on the horses, the pamphlet in West Virginia, and the unexplained red ring on her leg years earlier. For the first time, Hannah felt that the scattered pieces of her story might belong to the same puzzle. Lyme Disease, Co-Infections, and Alternative Testing Hannah continued exploring her illness through a combination of conventional and alternative approaches. She describes undergoing PCR testing through Australian Biologics as well as bioresonance and autonomic response testing. During the interview, Hannah says these alternative assessments suggested possible Borrelia strains, co-infections, active viruses, heavy metals, parasites, yeast overgrowth, gut inflammation, and other abnormalities. Among the infections discussed during her journey were Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia, Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Chlamydia, as well as viral findings including Epstein-Barr virus. It is important to distinguish Hannah's personal experience from established clinical diagnostic standards. Bioresonance and autonomic response testing are not established replacements for validated medical testing for Lyme disease or tick-borne infections. Hannah is sharing what practitioners told her and how those results influenced her personal recovery decisions. Choosing a Different Lyme Treatment Path After receiving her Lyme diagnosis, Hannah says the physician treating her wanted to begin an aggressive multi-antibiotic protocol. Hannah decided not to pursue that approach. She was already extremely weak, her digestive system was severely affected, and she was concerned about medication side effects. Instead, she asked whether there were other options and ultimately chose to spend several months researching Lyme disease treatment approaches around the world. Her family and friends were frightened by the decision, but Hannah says she felt strongly that she needed to find a different path for herself. That decision became the beginning of the recovery strategy she would later document in My Lyme Success Story. Building a Staged, Whole-Person Recovery Plan Hannah describes her recovery not as one treatment, but as a staged process. Working with naturopathic practitioners and combining their guidance with her own research, she focused first on what she describes as improving her body's overall terrain before directly targeting Lyme and co-infections. Her personal strategy included: Reducing environmental stressors Simplifying her lifestyle Changing her diet Supporting gut health Addressing issues practitioners identified as heavy metals and parasites Reducing inflammation Using herbs and supplements Using binders and detoxification strategies Experimenting with bioresonance Meditation and nervous-system calming practices Emotional and trauma-focused work Creating an environment where she felt safe enough to recover Hannah emphasizes that the sequence mattered to her. She believes preparing her body first made it easier to tolerate later interventions. The Diet Change That Gave Her Hope Diet became one of the earliest major changes in Hannah's recovery. Based on the recommendations she was receiving at the time, she adopted a highly individualized, low-inflammatory Paleo-style diet. She says that after approximately four weeks of changing her diet and focusing on cleansing and lifestyle interventions, she felt better than she had in four years. That improvement became a major psychological turning point. For the first time in years, Hannah had tangible evidence that something she was doing might be helping. From there, she continued gradually working through the other areas she believed were contributing to her illness. Herbs, Bioresonance, and Individualized Treatment Hannah experimented extensively with herbs and natural products. She describes using BioPure Quintessence, a herbal tincture containing ingredients including Japanese knotweed and Andrographis, after another product did not feel appropriate for her. She also describes using binders and other detoxification strategies while gradually increasing the intensity of her treatment. Bioresonance became another major part of her personal approach. Hannah says she used a portable device at home for approximately six months and also used bioresonance testing to help guide decisions about foods, herbs, and supplements. She reports that, through the overall combination of approaches she was using, she went from being largely bedbound to symptom-free in approximately 11 months. That is Hannah's personal account and should not be interpreted as evidence that the same interventions will produce the same results for another person. The Story Behind Hannah's "Lyme-Busting Drink" One memorable moment in the interview involves something Hannah jokingly calls her "Lyme-busting drink." Hannah says she gathered several antimicrobial ingredients in her kitchen and intuitively selected ingredients to combine into a homemade preparation. She later took the mixture to her naturopath, who tested it using the bioresonance method they were working with. Hannah says the mixture tested strongly for her. The larger takeaway from this part of the story is not that listeners should reproduce Hannah's homemade mixture. Rather, Hannah uses the story to illustrate just how individualized and experimental her own recovery process became. She repeatedly emphasizes listening to her own body and adjusting what she was doing based on how she felt. Learning to Trust Her Body Again One of the strongest themes throughout Hannah's interview is intuition. Years of unexplained illness can cause people to question themselves, especially after repeated normal tests or medical appointments that fail to provide answers. Hannah says she never entirely lost the belief that her body was telling her something important. When she was told nothing could be found, she continued searching. When one explanation did not make sense to her, she kept looking. And once she finally received a diagnosis, she approached recovery with the same determination. Rich identifies this as one of the most powerful parts of Hannah's story: despite years of confusion and dismissal, she continued trusting her own observations enough to keep investigating. Mindset, Spirituality, and Asking for Help Hannah also describes a major shift in her mindset and spirituality. For much of her life, she had been fiercely independent and believed that she could solve any problem herself. At her sickest, that changed. Hannah remembers lying in a dark room, sometimes barely able to lift her head, and finally looking outside and simply asking for help. She describes this as a turning point. A housemate later gave her a book about the Law of Attraction and introduced her to meditation. Hannah says these ideas reawakened something she remembered from childhood: a strong belief that mindset, intention, and action could help shape the direction of her life. She began meditating regularly and eventually built up to approximately 45-minute sessions. Whether listeners share Hannah's spiritual framework or not, the interview makes clear that hope and belief became important psychological resources during a period when her physical circumstances gave her very little reason to feel optimistic. Trauma, NLP, and Emotional Healing Hannah's recovery eventually expanded into emotional and trauma-focused work. She describes exploring Neuro-Linguistic Programming, or NLP, after reflecting on experiences from earlier in her life. One particularly powerful realization involved her premature birth. Hannah was born approximately three months early and spent significant time in an incubator, separated from her mother. During a later meditation experience, Hannah says she suddenly connected that early experience of illness and isolation with what she was experiencing as an adult. She later participated in NLP-based work that involved revisiting and reframing those experiences. Toward the end of her recovery, Hannah also explored Faster EFT, combining tapping and other emotional-processing techniques. She says she realized that even after becoming physically healthier, she had developed significant fear about leaving her home and becoming ill again. After working through some of those fears and other emotional experiences, she felt more capable of re-entering normal life. For Hannah, physical recovery, emotional recovery, mindset, spirituality, and lifestyle became deeply interconnected parts of the same journey. From Bedbound to What Hannah Describes as Fully Recovered Hannah says she eventually went from being largely bedbound to symptom-free over approximately 11 months. She attributes that change not to one single intervention, but to the sequencing and combination of approaches she personally used. She emphasizes reducing inflammation and other stressors first, then gradually addressing the infections and other issues she believed were affecting her. Her experience shaped one of the central messages she now shares with other Lyme patients: recovery does not necessarily have to happen through the most aggressive approach available. She encourages people to work with knowledgeable practitioners, move carefully, and allow the body time to recover. As she says during the interview, she believes there is value in "slow, steady, gentle" healing, while also emphasizing the importance of appropriate medical supervision. Why Hannah Wrote My Lyme Success Story Once Hannah had recovered, she began organizing everything she had documented during her illness. Her background made that process unusually natural. Hannah had experience in graphic design, photography, writing, editing, and copywriting. She had also meticulously recorded what she tried during her illness—partly because she wanted a record in case she ever became sick again. Eventually, people began encouraging her to write a book. That became Hannah Green: My Lyme Success Story. Hannah says she wrote the book for several reasons: To document what happened to her To explain her experience to family members in England who had been thousands of miles away during the worst of her illness To process the trauma of what she had been through To organize the research and strategies she had collected To help other Lyme patients who might find value in her experience The book includes Hannah's story, the approaches she personally tried, her research, and practical resources including meal plans, shopping lists, checklists, and educational information intended to help patients and families better understand Lyme disease. Learn more about Hannah, her book, and her resources on her website: Hannah Green: My Lyme Success Story Meeting Hannah at the Lyme Warrior 10th Anniversary Gala This Tick Boot Camp interview began with an in-person connection. Hannah traveled from England to attend the Lyme Warrior 10th Anniversary Gala on May 9, 2026, at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Tick Boot Camp partnered with Lyme Warrior to help photograph, document, and amplify the event. The gala brought together Lyme patients, advocates, researchers, clinicians, authors, families, and supporters for a night focused on research, advocacy, humor, music, community, and hope. Hannah attended alongside other members of the Lyme community who traveled from England, including Kirstie Haysman, Ms Great Britain 2026. The night included appearances from leading Lyme voices including Dr. Eva Sapi, Dr. Monica Embers, Dr. Richard Horowitz, Dr. Myriah Hinchey, Nicole Bell, Jesse Ruben, and many other advocates and community leaders. Read Tick Boot Camp's full coverage of the event. A Lyme Story Across Three Continents Hannah's Lyme journey crosses three continents. She grew up in England. She believes her Lyme exposure may have occurred while working with horses in West Virginia in the United States. Her earliest symptoms emerged after returning to England. Her illness eventually became severely disabling. And in Australia, Hannah finally received the Lyme diagnosis that gave her a framework for understanding what had happened. Australia also became the place where she developed the personal recovery strategy she later documented in My Lyme Success Story. Hannah eventually returned to England in 2019 to spend more time with family. Her international experience underscores an important reality: Lyme disease does not respect borders, and gaps in tick awareness, diagnosis, and treatment can follow patients across healthcare systems. What You'll Learn in This Episode In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Hannah Green discusses: Growing up in England surrounded by horses and the outdoors Why she knew almost nothing about ticks despite extensive equestrian experience Traveling alone to America as a shy 19-year-old Working as a horse-riding counselor at a West Virginia summer camp Removing engorged ticks from horses without understanding the possible human health risk The Lyme disease pamphlet she remembers seeing at camp The red ring on her leg that she was told was probably a spider bite Why she now believes her Lyme exposure may have occurred in West Virginia Developing unusual knee problems after returning to England Years of migrating joint and back symptoms Running the London Marathon despite worsening knee problems The viral illness after which her health dramatically deteriorated Digestive issues, insomnia, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, rage, and memory problems Trying to continue working while becoming progressively sicker Repeated medical visits that failed to explain her illness Moving to Australia and eventually becoming largely bedbound How another horse rider helped connect her with the doctor who diagnosed Lyme disease Borrelia and the co-infections discussed during her journey Her experience with PCR testing, bioresonance, and autonomic response testing Why she declined the multi-antibiotic protocol initially proposed to her The three months she spent researching treatment approaches around the world Her staged approach to lifestyle, diet, gut health, and other interventions The low-inflammatory Paleo-style diet she says produced an early improvement Her use of herbs, binders, naturopathic care, and bioresonance Her homemade "Lyme-busting drink" Creating an environment dedicated to healing Learning to trust her intuition Meditation, spirituality, and asking for help Trauma work, NLP, and Faster EFT The fear of leaving home even after her physical health improved Why she believes mindset is critical to recovery Why she wrote My Lyme Success Story Her advice for people newly diagnosed with Lyme disease Why she believes patients should not give up on the possibility of healing Hannah's Advice for Someone Newly Diagnosed With Lyme Disease Near the end of the conversation, Hannah shares several lessons she wishes more people understood early in their Lyme journey. First, she encourages people not to panic. She believes a recovery mindset matters and that people benefit from knowing that others have gotten better. Second, she recommends finding a practitioner you genuinely trust and who looks at the person as a whole rather than focusing on only one symptom. Third, she emphasizes consistency and persistence rather than continually jumping from one protocol to another. And finally, Hannah advocates for a gentler approach when appropriate, saying that the body may need time and a sense of safety in order to recover. Her advice reflects her own experience rather than a universal medical prescription, but the underlying message is powerful: stay engaged, keep learning, work with qualified support, and do not surrender hope. Why Hannah Green's Lyme Success Story Matters Hannah's story is not presented as a universal Lyme disease treatment protocol. It is one person's experience of becoming severely ill, searching for answers across multiple countries, experimenting with approaches that felt appropriate for her circumstances, and eventually reaching a level of health that inspired her to describe her journey as a Lyme success story. Her experience reinforces several important messages for the Lyme community: Tick education matters before a bite ever happens. Not everyone remembers finding an attached tick. An expanding red rash deserves careful medical evaluation. Lyme symptoms can evolve and involve multiple body systems. Migrating joint symptoms can be an important part of a patient's history. People with unexplained chronic symptoms deserve to be heard. Recovery journeys can be highly individualized. Emotional and psychological support can coexist with treatment of physical illness. Community can help replace the isolation that so often accompanies chronic illness. Hope matters. Healing is possible. Final Takeaway Hannah Green's Lyme disease journey began long before she knew she was on one. A young woman from England traveled to America to teach horseback riding, encountered ticks for the first time, developed a mysterious red ring that was dismissed as a spider bite, and returned home feeling healthy. Then the clues slowly appeared. First her knees. Then other joints. Then her back. Eventually, after another illness years later, her health deteriorated dramatically. What followed was a long search for an explanation that eventually took Hannah across the world and into an intense process of research, experimentation, self-advocacy, emotional healing, and recovery. Today, she has transformed that experience into My Lyme Success Story in the hope that what she learned can help others ask better questions and feel less alone. Her exact path will not be everyone's path, and the approaches Hannah believes helped her should not be interpreted as medical advice or a universal treatment plan. But the larger message of her story belongs to the entire Lyme community: keep asking questions, keep learning, find people who take your experience seriously, and do not give up on the possibility of healing.

In this episode of Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill, Dr. Jill Carnahan sits down with researcher and collaboration architect Nikki Schultek to explore an often-overlooked contributor to chronic disease: persistent infections and their impact on inflammation, immunity, and the brain. Drawing from her own experience with severe chronic illness, Lyme disease, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and autoimmunity, Nikki shares how her personal health journey led her into research and a mission to connect scientific disciplines that too often operate in isolation. Together, they explore the emerging concept of the pathobiome, the potential infectious drivers of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases, the challenges of diagnosing persistent infections, and why understanding the body as an interconnected ecosystem could transform the future of chronic illness research and treatment.

In this episode of Unstress Health, Dr Ron Ehrlich and Dr Marty Ross explore a different way of thinking about mental health. Rather than looking only at psychiatric symptoms, they discuss how chronic infections, inflammation, mold toxicity, gut microbiome disruption and metabolic dysfunction may intersect with conditions such as depression and anxiety. Dr Ross shares observations from his clinical experience treating people with chronic Lyme disease and related conditions, including the possible role of neuroinflammation, cytokines, the blood-brain barrier, tryptophan, serotonin, mitochondria and the limbic system. They also discuss Long COVID, tick-borne infections such as Borrelia, Bartonella and Babesia, challenges around testing in Australia, and why listening carefully to a patient's history can be such an important part of healthcare. ◉

What if the experiences of thousands—or eventually millions—of Lyme disease patients could help the next patient find answers faster? In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with siblings Carter Bradsky and Payton Bradsky, co-founders of LymeLess Health, to explore their family's extraordinary Lyme disease journey and the technology they're building to help other patients navigate complex chronic illness. Lyme disease didn't affect just one member of the Bradsky family. Their mother became severely ill and largely bedridden while searching for answers through the conventional medical system. Carter later developed debilitating neurological and psychiatric symptoms while preparing to play college basketball. Payton experienced seizure-like episodes, was diagnosed with epilepsy, lost her driver's license, and struggled with cognitive dysfunction while beginning a promising career in technology. Their experiences ultimately inspired a much bigger question: What if Lyme patients didn't have to start from zero? That question became LymeLess, a precision care navigation platform built around an AI companion named Ella. The goal is to help patients organize complex medical histories, track symptoms and treatments, recognize patterns, prepare for medical appointments, find Lyme-literate providers, and make better use of the enormous amount of information generated throughout a chronic illness journey. A Family's Lyme Disease Journey Carter and Payton explain that their family's Lyme journey began with their mother around 2015. After relocating from South Dakota to Arizona, their mother progressively became sicker. Despite extensive medical evaluations—including care through major medical institutions—the family struggled to find an explanation for what was happening. At one point, her symptoms were attributed to psychological causes. Everything changed through a chance encounter. While attending an event surrounding Carter's high school graduation, their mother discussed her symptoms with someone familiar with Lyme disease. That conversation led her toward a Lyme-literate provider and ultimately toward the answers the family had been searching for. Her experience would later become critically important when both Carter and Payton developed their own unexplained illnesses. Carter Bradsky's Lyme Disease Story Carter was preparing for his senior year of high school and planning to play college basketball when his health began changing. During a period that also included significant emotional and physical stress, Carter began experiencing symptoms including: Brain fog and cognitive dysfunction Memory loss Dissociation Depression Anxiety Changes in his ability to function academically and athletically Because his mother had already traveled the Lyme disease diagnostic journey, she recognized similarities between Carter's symptoms and what she had experienced. That awareness allowed Carter to reach a Lyme-literate provider relatively quickly. He describes undergoing combination antibiotic therapy with herbal support and eventually reaching remission after approximately 1.5 to 2 years. His experience became an important lesson that would later influence LymeLess: Having someone Lyme-literate helping you navigate the journey can dramatically change how quickly you find the next right step. Payton Bradsky: Seizures, Epilepsy Misdiagnosis, and Lyme Disease Payton's illness presented very differently. During her senior year of college, after an intense period of stress, illness, dehydration, travel, and lack of sleep, Payton experienced what appeared to be a seizure. She was subsequently diagnosed with epilepsy. The diagnosis changed her life. Payton was placed on powerful anti-seizure medication, lost her driver's license, struggled cognitively, and found herself unable to use the brain she had relied upon throughout her life as an engineering student. This was particularly frightening because she had already accepted a job at Google and was preparing to begin her career in technology. Her family once again questioned whether there might be another explanation. That eventually led Payton toward Lyme and tick-borne disease testing and treatment. Unlike Carter's relatively shorter journey, Payton's recovery became a much longer process involving years of treatment and numerous providers. Her experience illustrates one of the central themes of this episode: There is no single Lyme disease presentation—and there is no single recovery pathway that works for every patient. From Lyme Patients to Technology Founders The siblings eventually brought very different professional backgrounds together to create LymeLess. Carter studied finance and data analytics at the University of San Diego before working in technology, media, and telecommunications investment banking in New York City. Payton studied computer engineering and entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University in Silicon Valley before spending approximately five years at Google, working as a software engineer and product manager. Her experience in technology—including exposure to privacy, security, and regulated data environments—would later become particularly relevant when designing a health platform handling sensitive patient information. Both siblings eventually left their careers to tackle a problem they understood personally: Why does navigating Lyme disease so often become a second full-time job for the patient or caregiver? What Is LymeLess? LymeLess describes itself as a precision care navigation platform designed around the patient. Instead of leaving medical information scattered across patient portals, paper binders, lab reports, physician notes, symptom journals, and a patient's memory, LymeLess is working toward creating a centralized longitudinal record of the patient's journey. The platform's AI companion is called Ella. Patients can use Ella to help: Organize their health history Track symptoms over time Track treatments and supplements Record reactions and potential triggers Upload medical documents and laboratory results Identify patterns in symptoms and treatments Prepare for doctor appointments Surface relevant resources and research Find Lyme-literate providers Remember previous treatment responses Better understand their evolving health journey Carter describes one user's characterization of Ella as a "second brain" for when Lyme brain makes remembering and organizing everything difficult. Turning the Lyme Disease Binder Into Usable Data Anyone who has navigated chronic Lyme disease knows about the binder. Years of: Bloodwork Imaging Specialist reports Medication lists Treatment protocols Symptom histories Diagnostic testing Hospital records Patients frequently carry enormous amounts of information between specialists, yet a physician working within a short appointment may have only minutes to understand it. The conversation explores whether AI could become a bridge between these two realities. Instead of expecting a physician to read hundreds or thousands of pages, AI may eventually help synthesize a patient's history into the information most relevant to that particular appointment. LymeLess currently allows patients to upload digital documents and images of physical records, while the company is working toward easier bulk uploading and potential integrations with electronic health record systems. The LymeLess "Warrior Report" One important feature discussed in the episode is the Warrior Report. Patients can export information from LymeLess into a report designed to help communicate their health journey to their provider. Carter and Payton envision this concept becoming considerably more sophisticated in the future. One possibility discussed is a provider-facing experience in which clinicians could interact with a patient's organized information, review relevant research, and ask questions in language and formats designed specifically for medical professionals. Longer term, LymeLess is exploring clinical decision-support concepts and potential integrations with electronic health record platforms. Ella Is Not a Doctor Carter and Payton emphasize an important distinction throughout the interview: Ella is not intended to replace physicians. LymeLess is not positioning Ella as an autonomous doctor that diagnoses disease or prescribes treatment. Instead, the goal is to help patients: Understand their own information Recognize patterns Surface questions Find relevant resources Organize their medical histories Communicate more effectively with their healthcare team The ultimate medical decisions remain between patients and qualified healthcare professionals. Can AI Help Patients Recognize Patterns? One of the most exciting possibilities discussed is AI's ability to analyze enormous amounts of information. Lyme and tick-borne disease patients frequently experience changing combinations of: Neurological symptoms Psychiatric symptoms Pain Fatigue Inflammation Treatment reactions Food sensitivities Environmental triggers Co-infections Medication and supplement responses Patients may recognize individual events but struggle to see patterns unfolding across weeks, months, or years. Payton explains that Ella is being designed to combine patient-specific longitudinal information with curated research and educational resources. The goal is not simply to answer a question at one moment in time, but to understand that question in the context of the patient's broader journey. Learning From Other Lyme Patients The conversation then expands beyond individual patient tracking. Could anonymized patient experiences eventually help identify broader patterns across the Lyme community? Carter describes a long-term vision for a community intelligence layer that could potentially help patients, providers, and researchers learn from real-world experiences at scale. Instead of every newly diagnosed patient beginning at zero, future patients could potentially benefit from patterns identified among people with similar symptoms, diagnoses, treatment histories, and responses. The siblings discuss the potential for properly anonymized and de-identified information to eventually contribute to research while protecting individual patient identities. Lyme Disease Research and Real-World Evidence The episode explores an even larger possibility: Could longitudinal patient data help accelerate Lyme disease research? Traditional clinical trials are essential, but they can be expensive, geographically limited, and slow. Meanwhile, Lyme patients are already trying enormous numbers of treatments in the real world. The challenge is that much of that information disappears. One patient tries a treatment. Another patient tries something different. A physician discovers something useful in clinical practice. Patients discuss experiences in Facebook groups and online forums. But those experiences rarely become structured research-quality data. LymeLess hopes eventually to help close that gap. Potential future applications discussed include: Identifying promising treatment patterns Generating real-world evidence Identifying potential clinical trial candidates Helping researchers determine which therapies deserve formal study Supporting decentralized research Connecting patients with clinical trials Helping researchers study complex combinations of Lyme disease, co-infections, and overlapping conditions Lyme Disease Is More Than Borrelia Another important research discussion centers around the complexity of the Lyme patient population. Many patients aren't navigating Borrelia alone. Their health picture may also include: Bartonella Babesia Other tick-borne infections Mold exposure Mast cell activation Dysautonomia Inflammation Neurological dysfunction Genetic differences Environmental exposures By collecting longitudinal information across complex patients, platforms such as LymeLess could potentially help researchers study the combinations and patterns that traditional Lyme research may not fully capture. Protecting Patient Privacy Health information is extraordinarily sensitive, and the episode includes an extensive discussion about privacy and security. Payton explains that protecting patient data has been considered from the beginning of LymeLess' development. According to Payton, LymeLess uses: Encryption at rest Encryption in transit Zero-data-retention policies and agreements with vendors powering the platform Patient control over their information De-identification and anonymization approaches for broader data use She emphasizes that patients should be able to benefit from AI technology while still understanding and controlling how their information is used. LymeLess and the Doctor-Patient Relationship One of the most interesting themes of the conversation is that technology could potentially improve—not replace—the relationship between doctors and patients. Patients with complex chronic illness frequently arrive at appointments carrying years of medical information. Doctors, meanwhile, may have extremely limited appointment time and may not have extensive training in Lyme and tick-borne diseases. That can create frustration on both sides. Could better-organized information help? The conversation explores how AI-generated summaries, longitudinal symptom tracking, research resources, and eventually provider-facing tools could help physicians understand complicated patients more quickly. Rather than telling patients they must become their "own doctor," the goal is to help patients become better-informed partners with their healthcare team. Can LymeLess Help Health Coaches? The siblings also discuss the growing role of health coaches in complex chronic illness. Because Lyme patients often need significant support between medical appointments, health coaches can help patients organize treatment plans, make lifestyle changes, and navigate day-to-day challenges. LymeLess could potentially serve two populations: Patients who cannot afford ongoing human health coaching may gain access to a more affordable form of between-appointment support. At the same time, professional health coaches may eventually use technology like LymeLess to organize information and support more patients efficiently. Carter's Mold Illness After Lyme Remission The episode also takes an unexpected turn when Carter shares a recent health setback. After reaching remission from Lyme and tick-borne disease, Carter moved into an older apartment in New York City's SoHo neighborhood. Over time, he began experiencing: Brain fog Severe fatigue Cognitive problems Word-recall difficulties Nervous system dysregulation Increasing sensitivity to caffeine Anxiety Eye floaters Initially, he questioned whether Bartonella or another tick-borne infection had returned. Testing eventually pointed toward mold exposure. Environmental testing of his apartment reportedly identified numerous types of water-associated mold, and subsequent testing contributed to his decision to address mold illness and leave the environment. He describes temporarily moving home, focusing on recovery, reducing caffeine and screen exposure, exercising, using sauna, and continuing to work with his healthcare team. Importantly, Carter says subsequent testing did not indicate reactivation of Lyme, Bartonella, or Babesia. His experience reinforces another reason he believes longitudinal health records are valuable: When symptoms return years later, knowing exactly what happened during previous illnesses and treatments can provide important context. Discovery, Active Treatment, and Maintenance Payton describes three broad stages LymeLess is designed to support: Discovery Someone has experienced a tick bite or unexplained symptoms and is trying to determine what should happen next. Active Treatment The patient has a diagnosis and is navigating treatments, symptoms, reactions, providers, testing, and progress. Maintenance / Remission The patient is doing better but still wants to understand their health, recognize potential triggers, remember previous treatment responses, and protect their progress. This makes LymeLess potentially relevant beyond the period when someone is acutely sick. Genetics and Precision Medicine The interview also explores another future direction: incorporating genetic information. Genetics can influence: Detoxification Methylation Medication responses Nutritional needs Inflammatory pathways Other aspects of individualized health Carter and Payton discuss a future in which genetics, laboratory testing, patient history, symptoms, environmental factors, and treatment responses could contribute to increasingly personalized health navigation. Their larger vision moves from precision care navigation toward precision care and, eventually, increasingly individualized precision medicine. How Much Does LymeLess Cost? At the time of this interview, Carter and Payton describe LymeLess as offering a one-month free trial, followed by a subscription of approximately $15 per month. They also discuss working toward making portions of the platform available more broadly and maintaining a scholarship program for people who cannot afford the subscription. Carter explains that a portion of subscription revenue is intended to help support that scholarship program. Turning Lyme Disease Into Purpose The episode ultimately becomes about much more than artificial intelligence. Both Carter and Payton discuss how illness changed their lives. They describe fear, isolation, cognitive impairment, uncertainty, faith, family support, and the challenge of trying to continue school and demanding careers while sick. They also discuss something we talk about frequently at Tick Boot Camp: finding purpose through suffering. Payton continued developing her engineering career while undergoing treatment. Carter describes spending long periods alone in church during college, trying to quiet his mind and understand what mattered most. Eventually, their experiences gave them a problem they felt compelled to solve. Their mission with LymeLess is ambitious: Learn from the unique story of every patient so future patients don't have to navigate Lyme disease through the same degree of trial, error, expense, and luck. Key Topics Discussed Carter and Payton Bradsky's family Lyme disease story Their mother's long diagnostic journey Medical dismissal and unexplained chronic symptoms Carter's neurological Lyme symptoms Brain fog, memory loss, anxiety, depression, and dissociation Payton's seizure and epilepsy misdiagnosis Neurological and psychiatric Lyme disease symptoms Lyme disease remission and recovery Lyme disease and co-infections Bartonella and Babesia Mold toxicity after Lyme disease AI and Lyme disease LymeLess Health Ella AI companion Precision care navigation Symptom and treatment tracking Longitudinal patient health data Medical record organization The Lyme disease "binder" Patient-provider communication Warrior Reports Lyme-literate provider matching Clinical decision-support technology Electronic health record integration AI pattern recognition Patient privacy and healthcare data security De-identification and anonymization Real-world evidence Lyme disease clinical trials Patient-generated health data Artificial intelligence and medical research Health coaching and Lyme disease The financial burden of chronic Lyme disease Genetics and personalized medicine Precision medicine Faith and chronic illness Post-traumatic growth Finding purpose after Lyme disease Life after Lyme disease Learn More Explore LymeLess and Ella Listen to more Tick Boot Camp Podcast episodes Explore Tick Boot Camp interviews with Lyme doctors Recently bitten by a tick? Start with the Tick Boot Camp Tick Bite Blueprint About Tick Boot Camp Tick Boot Camp is a Lyme disease awareness and advocacy platform built around a simple belief: people navigating Lyme and tick-borne illness deserve validation, community, better information, and hope. Through conversations with patients, doctors, researchers, advocates, and innovators, we share the experiences and emerging ideas helping move the Lyme community forward. You are not alone—and healing is possible.

What Blocks Brain Recovery After Stroke: The Exposures Nobody Tests For Introduction In 1987, Dr. Robert Hedaya found an office he loved. It overlooked a stream and a forest, and it had a balcony. Within about an hour of arriving each morning, he would become tired and mentally foggy, something he describes as unlike him. It took him time to work out what was happening. The building had mold. He is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical Center and a pioneer of functional medicine psychiatry. He had spent his career studying why brains underperform. And he still didn’t see it until it was affecting him personally. That story is worth sitting with, because it goes to the heart of a question most stroke survivors eventually ask: if I’m doing the therapy, the exercises, the sleep, the diet, why am I still stuck? Why this question matters more than any rehab program When Dr. Hedaya returned to Recovery After Stroke for his third conversation with Bill Gasiamis, the topic was not a new treatment. It was the opposite: the things that get in the way of treatments already working. His argument is structural. After a stroke, the brain rebuilds by growing new connections between neurons. That process is physical. It requires materials, energy, and an absence of interference. If something is interfering, no amount of repetition in a rehab gym will overcome it. So the useful question is not only what helps my brain recover but also what blocks brain recovery after stroke and whether any of it is happening in your own house, your own mouth, or your own bloodstream without anyone having looked. Dr. Hedaya raised three: mercury, mold, and Lyme. Mercury: how a metal stops neurons from branching Picture a neuron as a tree in winter: a trunk with branches extending outward. After a stroke, under the right conditions, neurons grow new branches to make new connections. To do that, the cell has to lay down a structure for the new branch to grow through. It uses a protein called tubulin, small oval molecules that link together into a tube, the way Lego pieces connect to form a ring. Mercury interrupts that linkage. Dr. Hedaya points to footage from the University of Calgary, filmed in 1999, showing the process under a microscope: the growing nerve branch shrivels and retracts within seconds of mercury exposure. It runs about two and a half minutes and is worth watching, because seeing it is more persuasive than reading about it. Where does mercury come from? Two main sources. Dental amalgam fillings, the dark grey ones, were largely phased out from roughly the 1970s onward, which means people now in their fifties and sixties are the most likely to still have them. And fish. Mercury accumulates up the food chain, so large predatory fish such as tuna and swordfish carry substantially more than small fish. Sardines, anchovies, herring, and mackerel carry very little, and bring DHA and B12 with them, the raw materials neurons need. Testing involves a baseline urine sample, then a challenge dose of DMSA (a sulfur-containing compound), then a second sample. A jump between the two indicates mercury was being stored and is now being pulled out. If you have amalgam fillings removed, Dr. Hedaya is emphatic that it should be done by a biological dentist who follows a protocol: preparation with sulfur-containing compounds beforehand, a dam in place during the procedure, and rinsing afterward. Removal done badly can expose you to more mercury than leaving it alone. Mold: the ceiling Dr. Hedaya says he has never seen broken This is his strongest claim, and he states it without hedging: he has not seen anyone fully recover from a neurological problem while living in a mold-exposed environment. His estimate of the ceiling is around fifty percent improvement. There are two separate things at work. The spores the visible organism. And the mycotoxins, which are molecular, airborne, invisible, and travel far beyond the patch you can see. They inhibit mitochondria, which is how cells produce energy, and they increase oxidation, which is hard on neurons. You cannot rule mold out by smell or by looking. Dr. Hedaya has every patient run an ERMI test Environmental Relative Mold Index. You mark ten areas in the home that don’t get cleaned, wipe them down, leave them for a month, then collect dust with a supplied cloth and send it to a lab. He uses Mycometrics. The second test asks a different question: is your immune system actually reacting? A lab such as MyMycoLab measures IgE (an immediate response, within minutes to hours) and IgG (a delayed response that can begin a day or two later and persist for weeks). You then compare which molds are in your home against which ones your immune system is responding to: Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Chaetomium, Stachybotrys, and others. In Dr. Hedaya’s experience, the two lists usually overlap. Remediation is where it becomes expensive and inconvenient. Cleaning the visible growth achieves little on its own. You have to find the water: poor grading, a roof leak, blocked downspouts, a badly installed HVAC system, damp ductwork, because if the water source remains, so does the mold. As Bill put it in the conversation: there is no point putting a year of work into a rehabilitation program and then walking out of it into a moldy house. The cost of remediation is real. So is the cost of never getting past fifty percent. Lyme disease: the great imitator Lyme is a close relative of syphilis, which was historically called the great imitator because it could present as almost any disease. Lyme behaves the same way, and a single tick can carry around twenty pathogens that affect humans, including Bartonella and Babesia, both of which drain cellular energy. Dr. Hedaya’s issue is with the testing. It relies on antibodies, and antibodies take weeks to develop, so testing soon after a bite returns a negative that means nothing. The result is also reported as a binary against an optical density threshold: above the cutoff you have it, below it you don’t. His comparison: a blood glucose of 120 is not diabetes; 121 is. The line does not reflect biology. He also rejects the common reassurance that a tick embedded for under 24 hours is safe. His word for it was “insanity.” Where to start Asked which of the three to address first, his answer was immediate: mold. Mercury needs no test to begin acting on; switch to smaller fish, eat more cruciferous vegetables, garlic, cilantro, and greens, and you are doing something useful whether or not you had a problem. Test in six to twelve months if you want to know. Lyme comes last, unless you have had a recent tick bite. And mold has to be dealt with before Lyme treatment is worth attempting. How to raise this with your doctor Dr. Hedaya’s advice here is practical, and it applies well beyond this topic. Don’t arrive with a theory. Arrive with a literature review. He suggests using SciSpace over PubMed; ask it for a literature review on the effects of mold on the human nervous system, and it will assemble one in fifteen or twenty minutes. Print it, along with a couple of the underlying papers. Then add the step most people skip: ask it for the counter-argument. Ask why mold might not be a factor in brain function. You are not there to win. You are there to have a real conversation, and a doctor is far more likely to engage with someone who has already tested their own position. If they refuse outright to order the testing? His view was blunt: find another doctor. Getting out of your own way None of this replaces rehabilitation. It removes the obstacles to it. That distinction matters, because the work you are already doing is not wasted; it may simply be running into something invisible. Checking your fillings takes a minute and someone willing to look in your mouth. Testing your house takes a month and a cloth. Neither is a treatment. Both are ways of making sure the treatment can do its job. This is the third conversation with Dr. Hedaya on this show. The first covered photobiomodulation and laser therapy (https://recoveryafterstroke.com/photobiomodulation-stroke-recovery/). The second covered hormones, thyroid function, and fatigue (https://recoveryafterstroke.com/hormones-and-stroke-recovery-dr-robert-hedaya/). Both are useful companions to this one. If you want a fuller framework for thinking about recovery, Bill’s book The Unexpected Way That A Stroke Became The Best Thing That Happened walks through ten tools for recovery and personal transformation. You can find it at https://recoveryafterstroke.com/book. And if this show has helped you, you can support it financially at https://patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke. Footer Disclaimer This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health or recovery plan. Related links: Dr. Hedaya’s practice First conversation, photobiomodulation Second conversation, hormones The mercury video, University of Calgary Background on that video ERMI mold testing lab Mould antibody blood testing Tick-borne and Lyme testing Literature reviews in minutes Research database The toxins textbook he mentions The post The Things Getting In The Way Of Your Recovery – Dr. Robert Hedaya appeared first on Recovery After Stroke.

Episode Highlights With MattHis wild health journey and how he got into the work he does nowOvercoming Lyme, Babesia, Epstein-Barr, parasites, mold, and heavy metals What mineral balancing is and how it is important Why he prioritizes hair mineral analysis as a form of testing over a blood testWhat makes HTMA different than other forms of testingMy personal experience with mineral balancing Minerals work within a system, and knowing your status mattersHow minerals can help the body get rid of heavy metals What ionic mimicry is and how this means our body can hold on to heavy metals and displace minerals at the level of an enzyme siteWhat enzymes are, what they do in the body, and how this relates to minerals The many places heavy metals hide and how these get passed on generationally How low zinc in kids can result in picky eating, and how to replenish it easily The potential autism link with heavy metals and how mineral balancing might helpWhy the body wants to hold on to heavy metals until minerals are balanced Most important lifestyle factors for detox and mineral balancing The surprising place where many people are getting a lot of their mercury A surprising reason to avoid seed oils that you might not have heard before How you can actually have a deficiency and a toxicity of a mineral at the same timeImportant nuance about copper in the body Manganese toxicity, how it happens and what it does (and Lyme can hide behind manganese) A missing piece with anemia that many people missResources MentionedValence NutraceuticalsFollow Matt on InstagramLMNTI talk often about the health benefits of salt and electrolytes and I am a big fan of LMNT canned drinks and packets. Go to drinklmnt.com/wellnessmana for a special offer.HiyaHiya created a super powered chewable vitamin for kids that packs twelve organic fruits and vegetables plus fifteen essential vitamins and minerals into every dose. Try it at hiyahealth.com/wellnessmama.

What if the fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, or mysterious symptoms you've been chasing for years weren't caused by stress, aging, or burnout—but by a tick bite you never even noticed? Lyme disease is one of the most misunderstood illnesses in medicine. But Lyme is rarely just one infection—it's often part of a much bigger picture involving co-infections, immune dysfunction, inflammation, gut health, and environmental triggers. In today's episode, I walk through a functional medicine approach to Lyme disease and tick-borne illness, including: Why Lyme disease is so often missed—and the hidden role of co-infections like Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma The limitations of conventional testing and treatment, and how functional medicine looks beyond the infection to understand why some people recover while others remain chronically ill The role of herbs, antibiotics, gut repair, detoxification, immune support, and mitochondrial health in a comprehensive recovery plan What the latest evidence says about emerging therapies like ozone, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and hyperthermia—as well as practical strategies to prevent tick-borne illness in the first place Lyme disease isn't always just an infection—it's often a whole-body disruption. By addressing the underlying drivers of inflammation, immune dysfunction, gut health, and cellular resilience alongside the infection itself, you give your body the best chance to heal and recover. Resources Mentioned: Track your metabolic health with Function Health: https://functionhealth.com/mark (Use code MARK2026 for $50 off your membership.) Have a question you'd love answered on Office Hours? Submit it here (0:00) Introduction to Lyme disease, overview, and Dr. Hyman's experience (4:13) Functional medicine's approach and comprehensive treatment strategies (10:51) Innovative therapies for Lyme disease (14:08) Managing die-off reactions and restoring gut health (17:18) Supporting the immune and nervous systems; prevention strategies (19:29) Future research, persistent symptoms, and conclusion (21:15) Alzheimer's disease, neuroinflammation, and call to action

What if the greatest obstacle you ever faced became the very thing that inspired thousands of others? In this inspiring episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Matt Sabatello sits down with Talan Yorn, an 18-year-old American Ninja Warrior competitor, Lyme disease advocate, public speaker, author, and founder of Lyme Ninja. Born with congenital Lyme disease, Talan has never known life without chronic illness. His journey has included years of debilitating symptoms, neurological complications, mold illness, multiple tick-borne co-infections, extensive treatment, and even spending years bedridden. Today, Talan is proving that healing is possible. Through determination, perseverance, and a relentless refusal to give up, he transformed his life from being too sick to attend school into competing on national television as an American Ninja Warrior while using his platform to inspire hope throughout the Lyme community. This episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is rarely linear—but with the right support, persistence, and belief, extraordinary things are possible. Meet Talan Yorn Talan Yorn is an American Ninja Warrior competitor, Lyme disease advocate, author, public speaker, stunt performer, ninja coach, and founder of Lyme Ninja. Diagnosed with congenital Lyme disease at just seven years old after years of unexplained illness, Talan has dedicated his life to raising awareness for Lyme disease while encouraging others facing chronic illness to never lose hope. Learn more at Lyme Ninja. Read his inspiring memoir, Overcome: A Lyme Patient's Journey to American Ninja Warrior. In This Episode Matt and Talan discuss: Growing up with congenital Lyme disease Receiving a childhood Lyme, Babesia, and Bartonella diagnosis after years of unanswered questions Living with PANS, neurological symptoms, and immune dysfunction The impact of mold illness on Lyme recovery IVIG, functional medicine, antibiotics, and long-term treatment Going from bedridden to competing on American Ninja Warrior Becoming "Lyme Ninja" Advocating for Lyme disease awareness nationwide Finding purpose through adversity Growing Up with Congenital Lyme Disease Because Talan contracted Lyme disease from his mother before birth, he never knew what it felt like to be healthy. Throughout his childhood he struggled with fatigue, joint pain, fevers, headaches, insomnia, vomiting, and difficulty walking while doctors repeatedly dismissed his symptoms as "growing pains." Everything changed after his mother was diagnosed by Lyme-literate physician Dr. Steven Harris, leading to Talan's own diagnosis at age seven. Finally having answers allowed his family to begin the long journey toward recovery. Talan reflects on what it was like growing up believing his symptoms were normal simply because he had never experienced life without Lyme disease. Watching other children run, play, and participate in sports while constantly battling pain and exhaustion shaped much of his childhood and fueled his determination to one day overcome the disease. Navigating Complex Lyme Disease Beyond physical symptoms, Talan discusses the profound neurological effects Lyme disease had on his life. Along with Lyme disease and multiple co-infections, he developed PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), OCD, anxiety, insomnia, emotional dysregulation, and episodes of overwhelming rage that were later understood to be driven by neuroinflammation. His story offers an important reminder that Lyme disease can affect far more than the joints or muscles. In children especially, behavioral and psychiatric symptoms may be signs of underlying infection rather than isolated mental health conditions. To learn more about pediatric Lyme disease and PANS/PANDAS, listen to Dr. Somer DelSignore. Treatment, Remission, and Mold Illness Over the course of more than a decade, Talan pursued a comprehensive treatment approach that included antibiotics, herbal medicine, functional medicine, IVIG, immune support, nutritional therapies, mold detoxification, and more recently peptide therapy. After years of treatment, he experienced approximately six months of remission and finally enjoyed the active childhood he had always dreamed about. He played competitive baseball, built friendships, and discovered what life felt like without constant symptoms. Unfortunately, that progress came to a sudden halt after repeated exposure to mold-contaminated homes. The mold triggered a severe relapse, leaving Talan bedridden for nearly three years and forcing him to stop attending school. During this difficult period, IVIG became an important part of his recovery after doctors discovered significant immune dysfunction and extremely low white blood cell counts. Combined with removing mold exposure and continuing treatment, Talan slowly began rebuilding his health once again. For more discussions about mold illness and chronic Lyme disease, explore Tick Boot Camp's interview with Dr. Jill Carnahan. From Bedridden to American Ninja Warrior As Talan slowly regained his health, he returned to a dream he had carried since childhood—competing on American Ninja Warrior. Watching the show as a young boy inspired him to believe that ordinary people could overcome extraordinary obstacles. Years later, after spending nearly three years bedridden, he finally began training. Progress was slow. Every workout required careful pacing, and many training sessions were followed by days of recovery. Still, every small improvement represented another step away from illness and toward the life he wanted. After three years of dedicated training and competing in Ninja Warrior competitions around the country, Talan earned a spot on Season 17 of American Ninja Warrior, advancing to the semifinals. More importantly, his appearance introduced millions of viewers to the realities of Lyme disease and showed patients around the world that recovery is possible. Becoming Lyme Ninja As Talan's athletic career grew, so did his passion for advocacy. He created Lyme Ninja to combine his love for Ninja Warrior with his mission of bringing hope to the Lyme community. Through social media, public speaking, coaching, and interviews, he encourages patients to keep fighting, even when recovery feels impossible. Learn more at Lyme Ninja. Read Talan's memoir, Overcome: A Lyme Patient's Journey to American Ninja Warrior, where he shares his remarkable journey in greater depth. Expanding His Advocacy Competing on American Ninja Warrior gave Talan a larger platform, but his mission extends far beyond the obstacle course. Today, he partners with several leading Lyme disease organizations dedicated to advancing research, expanding patient access to care, and increasing public awareness. Talan has worked with the Center for Lyme Action (CLA), advocating before Congress for increased federal funding for Lyme disease research and public health initiatives. Learn more about the Center for Lyme Action: Episode 378: Center for Lyme Action – An Interview with Bonnie Crater Episode 196: The Bionic Woman – An Interview with Meghan Bradshaw Talan is also a grateful recipient of a treatment grant from the LymeLight Foundation, which helped him continue his recovery and athletic journey. Today, he gives back as a LymeLight advocate, encouraging other young patients and families facing similar challenges. Learn more about LymeLight: Episode 324: LymeLight Foundation – An Interview with Phyllis Bedford Western Medicine Fails a Nurse's Family – An Interview with Ashley Marba More recently, Talan has partnered with Project Lyme, which sponsors his advocacy efforts and athletic competitions, and collaborates with Global Lyme Alliance to educate the public and inspire others through speaking engagements, media appearances, and community outreach. Final Thoughts Talan's story is one of extraordinary resilience. Born with congenital Lyme disease, he endured years of debilitating illness, neurological complications, mold exposure, immune dysfunction, and countless setbacks before gradually reclaiming his life. Today, he continues to manage his health while competing as an American Ninja Warrior, coaching young athletes, advocating for Lyme disease awareness, and inspiring patients around the world. His journey reminds us that healing is rarely linear. There will be setbacks, detours, and difficult days. But with perseverance, the right support, and hope, remarkable progress is possible. As Talan says throughout his advocacy work: "Never give up. Never back down. Never stop fighting." Listen to Episode 572 of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Explore more inspiring conversations by visiting our Doctor Interviews, Researcher Interviews, and the Tick Boot Camp Blog.

Can Infections Drive Alzheimer's? Nikki Schultek, founder of Intracel Research Group and co-founder of the Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative, details evidence that pathogens may contribute to Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative and neuroimmune disorders beyond the amyloid hypothesis. Schultek recounts her own misdiagnosed systemic illness with neurodegenerative symptoms, later found to involve Lyme disease, Babesia, and chronic infection with the intracellular respiratory bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae, treated with combination antibiotics. The discussion covers PANS/PANDAS as an infection-associated pediatric neuropsychiatric condition, parallels with neuroinflammation and blood–brain barrier changes, and a 2023 Alzheimer's & Dementia “research roadmap” documenting 86 infection-associated dementia cases and calling for actionable testing and collaboration. They review links involving herpes viruses, COVID-related cognitive decline, gum pathogen P. gingivalis therapies, and controversies around chronic infection diagnosis and long-term antibiotics, and share resources including alzpi.org, ILADS, MAPS, and Schultek's Pathobiome Research Center at PCOM.

Can a single infection permanently change your health, or does it simply reveal something that was already there? In this episode, host Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, welcomes back Dr. Ina Stephens, Associate Director of the UVA Health EDS & Hypermobility Disorders Center, for an in-depth discussion about Long COVID, post-infectious syndromes, and their connection to Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and immune dysfunction. Dr. Stephens explains why post-infectious illnesses are real and have been recognized for more than a century, tracing the pattern from the 1917 influenza pandemic and encephalitis lethargica to modern conditions including Long COVID, reactivated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Lyme disease, Babesia and other tick-borne infections, and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). She shares the detective work behind her Diagnostic Dilemma Clinic, how a comprehensive history and targeted evaluation uncover hidden diagnoses, and why so many patients with complex chronic illness also have hypermobility. The conversation explores emerging research showing that people with hypermobility are approximately four times more likely to develop Long COVID, with an even greater risk in those with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Dr. Stephens and Dr. Bluestein discuss the underlying biology, including immune dysregulation, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, vagus nerve dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the ways connective tissue disorders may influence recovery after infection. They also review evidence-informed treatment strategies, including supporting mitochondrial health with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC); the role of low-dose naltrexone (LDN); optimizing iron and vitamin C status; when antiviral medications may be appropriate; intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG); and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Finally, they explain why gradually increasing muscle mass and strength may have a greater long-term impact than any single supplement and share practical strategies for supporting recovery and strengthening your regimen at the first sign of illness. Whether you're living with EDS, HSD, Long COVID, POTS, MCAS, ME/CFS, Lyme disease, or another post-infectious condition, this episode offers practical, science-based insights into why these conditions overlap and what you can do to support healing. Takeaways: • Can a virus, Lyme disease, or another infection permanently change your health? Learn why post-infectious syndromes have been documented for more than a century and how infections can trigger chronic illness through immune dysregulation and autoimmunity. • Why are people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) so much more likely to develop Long COVID? Discover the research linking hypermobility, POTS, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and prolonged recovery after infection. • What do Long COVID, Lyme disease, ME/CFS, POTS, and other post-infectious conditions have in common? Explore the shared biology of immune dysfunction, autonomic and vagus nerve dysfunction, and mitochondrial dysfunction that may explain multisystem symptoms. • Which treatments actually help? Hear the evidence behind coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), low-dose naltrexone (LDN), iron and vitamin C, antiviral medications, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. • Could building muscle be one of the most powerful treatments for chronic illness? Learn why increasing muscle mass and strength may have a greater long-term impact than any single supplement, plus Dr. Stephens' practical strategy for boosting your regimen at the first sign of infection. Go http://www.AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code BENDY. Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've been handed a diagnosis and quietly accepted it as your future, this is a different way to understand how the body actually heals. For seven years, Celinne chased cystic acne across dermatologists, elimination diets, and every remedy she could find. Never knowing the real driver was undiagnosed tick-borne illness. When the diagnosis finally came (Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia), she'd already been told what most people are told: this takes years to heal, if you heal at all. Eighteen months later, her labs came back with no trace of it — a result her former client and doctor, naturopathic physician and tick-borne specialist Dr. Carrie Chojnowski, says she'd never seen. What changed the biology wasn't the medicine alone. She treated the illness as a teacher and cleared the story underneath the symptoms while the science did its work. In this conversation, Celinne and Dr. Carrie open the full case — how tick-borne illness hides and gets missed. Why a diagnosis was never meant to be a prognosis, and how changing the energetic blueprint of a story can reorganize what shows up in the body. You'll hear what becomes possible when you stop handing your future to a diagnosis and start listening to what your body is actually saying. Healing Lyme Disease. ON THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Hear the lab result that stopped her doctor cold 06:17 Trace how seven years of cystic acne hid an undiagnosed infection 12:41 Learn why so much tick-borne illness goes undiagnosed 15:04 Meet Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia as personalities at a party 26:07 Unpack the "bomb and shrapnel" reason people are told they can't heal 32:53 Sit with the belief that we choose our illnesses as teachers 40:53 Define the metaphysical — and how it lands in the body 56:42 Reclaim intuition: why no one should hand you your prognosis 1:07:00 Get the testing behind a result that read as "never had it" KEY IDEAS:

Can a single infection permanently change your health, or does it simply reveal something that was already there? In this episode, host Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, welcomes back Dr. Ina Stephens, Associate Director of the UVA Health EDS & Hypermobility Disorders Center, for an in-depth discussion about Long COVID, post-infectious syndromes, and their connection to Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and immune dysfunction. Dr. Stephens explains why post-infectious illnesses are real and have been recognized for more than a century, tracing the pattern from the 1917 influenza pandemic and encephalitis lethargica to modern conditions including Long COVID, reactivated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Lyme disease, Babesia and other tick-borne infections, and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). She shares the detective work behind her Diagnostic Dilemma Clinic, how a comprehensive history and targeted evaluation uncover hidden diagnoses, and why so many patients with complex chronic illness also have hypermobility. The conversation explores emerging research showing that people with hypermobility are approximately four times more likely to develop Long COVID, with an even greater risk in those with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Dr. Stephens and Dr. Bluestein discuss the underlying biology, including immune dysregulation, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, vagus nerve dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the ways connective tissue disorders may influence recovery after infection. They also review evidence-informed treatment strategies, including supporting mitochondrial health with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC); the role of low-dose naltrexone (LDN); optimizing iron and vitamin C status; when antiviral medications may be appropriate; intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG); and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Finally, they explain why gradually increasing muscle mass and strength may have a greater long-term impact than any single supplement and share practical strategies for supporting recovery and strengthening your regimen at the first sign of illness. Whether you're living with EDS, HSD, Long COVID, POTS, MCAS, ME/CFS, Lyme disease, or another post-infectious condition, this episode offers practical, science-based insights into why these conditions overlap and what you can do to support healing. Takeaways: • Can a virus, Lyme disease, or another infection permanently change your health? Learn why post-infectious syndromes have been documented for more than a century and how infections can trigger chronic illness through immune dysregulation and autoimmunity. • Why are people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) so much more likely to develop Long COVID? Discover the research linking hypermobility, POTS, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and prolonged recovery after infection. • What do Long COVID, Lyme disease, ME/CFS, POTS, and other post-infectious conditions have in common? Explore the shared biology of immune dysfunction, autonomic and vagus nerve dysfunction, and mitochondrial dysfunction that may explain multisystem symptoms. • Which treatments actually help? Hear the evidence behind coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), low-dose naltrexone (LDN), iron and vitamin C, antiviral medications, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. • Could building muscle be one of the most powerful treatments for chronic illness? Learn why increasing muscle mass and strength may have a greater long-term impact than any single supplement, plus Dr. Stephens' practical strategy for boosting your regimen at the first sign of infection. Go http://www.AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code BENDY. Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So many of you have asked me about Lyme disease and mold, and today I'm bringing you someone who has studied - and lived - them both.Tricia Soderstrom spent two years chasing a diagnosis while her joint pain, fatigue, and cognitive fog got dismissed as "normal pregnancy stuff" and then "just getting older." When she finally tested positive for Lyme, her doctor gave her the real news: she'd likely had it a long time, probably had co-infections too, and this wasn't going to be quick.In this episode, we get into:Why standard Lyme tests miss the diagnosis roughly 70% of the time — and why a negative result doesn't mean you're in the clearWhat co-infections like Bartonella and Babesia are, and why they change your treatment entirelyWhat happened when Tricia's kids started showing symptoms too, and how a single dose of "prophylactic" antibiotics can quietly sabotage future testingFour and a half years on antibiotics with zero nutritional support — and what she wishes she'd known before starting that protocolThe mold connection neither of us expected: how it can make Lyme symptoms worse, and why "the inspector said it's fine" isn't always true (we've both heard that one)Learning to live outside again without holding your breath every time you walk through the grassIf you've ever been told "your bloodwork is normal" while your body told you something else, this one's for you.Find Tricia at aboundinginhopewithlyme.com, and follow her @aboundinginhopewithlyme on Instagram and Facebook.You can find Laurel Brennan @rootcauseology and www.rootcauseology.com

After years of debilitating symptoms and searching for answers, Adam was diagnosed with Lyme disease.What began as a personal health battle eventually led him down a seven-year investigation into chronic illness, immune tolerance, the history of Lyme disease, and the research behind his book, The Sleeper Agent. In this conversation,Adam shares his personal journey, explains why Lyme disease can be so difficult to diagnose, discusses the role of co-infections, and explores the historical research that shaped his investigation into Plum Island and the work of Erich Traub. Topics include:• Lyme disease• Chronic illness• Tick-borne diseases• Immune tolerance• Multiple co-infections• Plum Island• Erich Traub• The Sleeper AgentIf you enjoyed this interview, the extended Waiola Plus conversation goes much further.On the Waiola Plus side, Adam discusses Operation Paperclip, biological warfare, historical biodefense programs, vaccine history, public health, chemical warfare, intelligence connections, and many of the controversial subjects that could not be included in this YouTube version.If you enjoyed this interview, the extended Waiola Plus conversation goes much further.On the Waiola Plus side, Adam discusses Operation Paperclip, biological warfare, historical biodefense programs, vaccine history, public health, chemical warfare, intelligence connections, and many of the controversial subjects that could not be included in this YouTube version.If you want the complete interview, join the Waiola Plus community at:https://www.patreon.com/wakeupwithmiyaYou can also become a YouTube Member for extended interviews and bonus content:https://www.youtube.com/@WakeUpWithMiya/joinAdam's website:https://thesleeperagent.comMahalo for watching. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with someone who might find it interesting.BUY ME A COFFEE LINK Support the Show & Stay Connected:Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/sensiblehippieJoin My Patreon for ad-free episodes & exclusive content: https://Patreon.com/WakeupwithMiyaIf you're joining Waiola – The Plus Side, please subscribe through a web browser (Safari or Chrome) instead of the Patreon app — it directly supports the show.Mahalo nui loa for supporting independent work and helping keep this platform growing.Shop my Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/profile/amzn1.account.AGYOPCXXGH6MN5RVAKGQWVZUZLEA/list/26B87RB4FZ9W2?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_6BWRT43TH4MY2NM2XD6XWant to be on the show or suggest a guest? I'm looking for guests who can speak on human trafficking, the paranormal, occult symbolism, hidden history, spiritual warfare, ancient mysteries, and specific military stories involving covert operations, secret programs, psychological warfare, unexplained events, and firsthand accounts.Email me at: Miya@wakeupwithmiya.comFollow Me Online:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WakeupwithMiyaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WakeupwithMiyaExclusive Discount!Shop at LVNTA: https://lvnta.com/lv_IcTq5EmoFKaZfJhTiSUse code OHANA for 20% off!Listen on Your Favorite Platform:Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere podcasts are available!RATE & REVIEW:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-with-miya/id1627169850Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UYrXCgma1lJYzf8glnAxyMusic Credits:Beginning: "Echoes in the Shadows" - DKEnd Music: “Crazy” - EkoBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wake-up-with-miya--6339129/support.

The Diagnosis Your Doctor Is Too Afraid to Make You've been depressed, exhausted, foggy, and in pain for years. You've tried the antidepressants. You've done the workups. Everything comes back normal. But you are not normal. You are not well. And nobody can tell you why. What if it's Lyme? Dr. Terri sits down with Pamela Cipriano, DNP, APRN — a functional medicine and Lyme disease specialist who trained under one of the country's leading Lyme experts — to have the conversation most conventional doctors won't. From a teenager who spent two years in a psychiatric facility before anyone thought to test him for Lyme, to the political reality that doctors in Texas can be reported to their board just for making the diagnosis — this episode exposes why one of the most common tick-borne diseases in the country is also one of the most misdiagnosed. The symptoms of Lyme overlap almost perfectly with depression, anxiety, hormone imbalance, autoimmune disease, and neurological disorders. That's not a coincidence. It's a diagnostic crisis. If you've been chasing answers and hitting walls, this episode is for you. What you'll discover: Why the standard two-tier Lyme test misses the majority of cases and what patients should be asking for instead [12:23] How Lyme can hide in the body for decades before a stressful event triggers full-blown symptoms [06:09] The teenager misdiagnosed with a psychiatric disorder who spent two years institutionalized before anyone tested him for Lyme [20:19] Why doctors in Texas risk board complaints just for diagnosing Lyme disease and what that means for medical freedom [08:18] How Lyme symptoms overlap with hormone deficiency, creating a compounding diagnostic blind spot [31:15] Co-infections like Bartonella and Babesia: what they are, why most doctors aren't testing for them, and how they change the treatment picture [28:15] The connection between Lyme, mold toxicity, and chronic illness and why the best providers look at all of it together [33:47] How to find a provider trained to properly test and treat Lyme when only a few hundred specialists exist in the entire country [39:14] You are not crazy. You are not anxious. You may just not have the right diagnosis yet. The Dr. Terri Show is presented by EVEXIAS Health Solutions.Learn more and find a provider near you at evexias.com Connect with Dr. Terri:

My guest Nicole Bell is the CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics and author of What Lurks in the Woods. She came to this work after her husband's Lyme disease — along with co-infections Bartonella and Babesia — was misdiagnosed as early-onset Alzheimer's. He passed away in 2022. In this episode, we talk about why the standard Lyme test misses so many people (hint: it's 30-year-old technology that relies on antibody detection from a pathogen that actively suppresses your immune system), what co-infections like Bartonella and Babesia actually do to the brain and body, and how Galaxy Diagnostics is using urine-based antigen testing and digital PCR to find what older tests can't. We also get into the myths that keep people from getting the right diagnosis — including why only 14% of Lyme patients get the classic bullseye rash, why Lyme is present in all 50 states, and why finishing a round of doxycycline doesn't mean you're in the clear. If you or someone you love is dealing with unexplained mood changes, cognitive decline, chronic fatigue, anxiety, or joint pain — this conversation is worth your full attention. For the complete show notes, links and transcripts, visit inspiredliving.show/249

Dr. Deb Muth 00:02What if I told you that before a single drop of chemotherapy goes into a cancer patient’s body, we can take a blood sample, grow their actual living cancer cells in a lab, and test 70 different drugs against those cells, all outside the patient’s body, to find out which ones actually work. And what if I told you that the conventional oncology doesn’t routinely use this test? Well, today we’re going to talk about why that matters and we’re going to go through and I’m going to share a story that is very personal to me. It’s about a 38 year old man with a rare complex cancer diagnosis and the precision testing that is helping to keep that cancer from progressing. Stay with me. This is one that is going to change how you think about cancer treatment. Dr. Deb Muth 01:05You guys can put a little ad right in here before we start the next segment here. Hey everybody, welcome back to Let’s Talk Wellness Now. I’m Dr. Deb and today we’re going deep. I mean really deep. It’s some of the most cutting edge cancer testing I have ever seen in clinical practice. Now, normally I don’t talk about cancer. And I would not be sharing this story if it was anyone other than my own family. I do have permission to share and talk about this publicly. So I want to do this. I want to make sure that I share this message. And he is giving his blessing to share this story because we both believe that it can save lives. So his name is Cameron. He’s 38 years old. And he is my son-in-law. And two years ago, he came to me with a small lymph node underneath his arm and a bullseye rash. So of course, being the lime literate person that I am, my first inclination was to say, yeah, this makes sense. You have an enlarged lymph node because you have this bullseye rash. You got bit by the tick. Let’s keep an eye on it. If it doesn’t go away, let me know. So Fast forward a year and a half later, he comes to me and says, mom, what do you think about this? This thing is getting a little bit larger. And I said, yeah, it’s a little larger. Not sure. Let’s keep an eye on it. He wasn’t feeling anything. All his labs looked okay. And then one day he was out chopping wood and he started getting numbness in that arm and he felt it again. And it had exploded in size. And so after some evaluation with my daughter and him, we decided to do a ultrasound. And we thought what was going to come back was a fatty tumor. It felt like one looks like one responded to one. He’s 38 years old. He’s healthy. There’s nothing in our mind that’s ever thinking the result that we’re going to get back. Dr. Deb Muth 03:28Is a possible lymphoma. Needless to say, we were shocked by that ultrasound result. And we go fast forward, we have the biopsy. I requested a total excisional biopsy. I was told by the oncologist that that was old school. They don’t do that that way anymore. And I need to stay out of this. I need to let the experts take care of this because that’s what they do best. And this came from a breast surgeon here in Wisconsin. And so I stepped back for a moment. I let him do his biopsy and what came back was adenocarcinoma of an unknown origin. Had we excised the entire lymph node, we would have had more tissue to work with. I think we could have gotten a better diagnosis. So over the course of the next two and a half, three months, we have some more imaging done. We have some more testing done. They send a pathology out to Mayo Clinic. And what continues to come back is this incongruent test results. If anybody’s ever had this, it’s extremely frustrating. One test shows lymphoma. Now it shows breast cancer. Then the next week it shows estrogen receptor HER2 positive breast cancer. Two weeks later, another test comes back and it says, no, it’s not HER2, it’s triple negative breast cancer. And now it looks like it’s out of the lymph nodes. Now it looks like it’s in the lymph nodes. And we do a PET scan and they can’t find cancer anywhere except in this axilla area. But now we find a lymph node on the right side. So it must have spread.Let’s go ahead and do a biopsy on that. And so they biopsy the right side and the right side comes back with nothing other than tattoo ink. Now, all of this is kind of crazy. I am not a cancer specialist. I want to start by saying that I am not a cancer specialist. What I am sharing today is from a mother-in-law’s perspective, from a medical detective’s perspective, I do know how to do research. I do know how to find answers. And so what I’m going to share with you Dr. Deb Muth 05:54Is totally my opinion and totally my experience. And I’m not telling anybody to do anything different than what their doctors are telling them to do. But I am telling you to ask questions. So I go deep down the rabbit hole and find out that Tattoo Ink can appear like metastatic cancer on a PET scan. And we all know everybody gets tattoos today. They’re all over everyone. And yet we’re not thinking about how this tattoo ink can cause problems for us down the road, not to mention that there are heavy metals in them and it’s a toxin and it’s creating an inflammatory process in your body that your body’s constantly trying to get rid of. So the surgeon says to us, well, yes, that’s normal that that lymph nodes inflamed. It’s normal that there’s tattoo ink in it. The body’s doing what it’s supposed to do. It’s trying to get rid of a toxin. Okay. I will agree with that, but My son-in-law is covered with tattoos everywhere. And why didn’t we mention the tattoo ink that was found in the left axilla? We are only mentioning it in the right axilla. So there’s a lot of controversy, a lot of confusion. Many of you would never know any of this because A, you either don’t look at your lab results. And if you do, you don’t understand what you’re looking at. And that creates a problem for us, right? You don’t know what questions to ask. So we go into the doctor and the doctor tells us you have cancer and we’re going to swoop you in. And in the next two weeks, you’re going to be doing chemotherapy and radiation. And six months from now, we’re going to be doing surgery and there’s no time for questions and you’re scared shitless and you’re just doing what you can to survive. And I get that. And I totally understand that. And I appreciate that. But I’m telling you that If that is your choice, that is your choice. But as you’re doing that, take the time to ask the right questions. When this happened to us, there was a lot of challenging things with the oncology team. Nobody bothered to allow them to be a partner in their care. They dictated their care, but didn’t allow them to be a partner. So, Dr. Deb Muth 08:17Here’s what most oncologists do when patients get a cancer diagnosis. They look at the tumor type, they look at the stage, they look up the NCC guidelines, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and they follow the algorithm. Now, I have an enormous respect for conventional oncology. I really do. Working with cancer is probably one of the hardest things in medicine that anyone can do. The advances in this field over the last 10 years have been remarkable. But here’s my issue. Standard treatment assumes your cancer is the same as the cancer in the clinical trial that created the guidelines. It’s assuming that you and your cancer are the exact same as everyone else. You are the unique fingerprint, not the cancer. And this is the problem because your cancer is unique, just as unique as if you had your fingerprint taken, the mutations driving your tumor, the drugs your cancer cells are sensitive to, the metabolic vulnerabilities of your cancer. These are all different from the person sitting next to you in the chemo suite that has the same triple negative breast cancer or HER2 positive breast cancer or prostate cancer or colon cancer that you have. So what do do about that? Well, in my world, in the integrative medicine world, we test precisely, intelligently with the tools that most oncologists have never heard of. Or if they have, they haven’t incorporated it into their treatment modality for a variety of reasons. Either it’s not acceptable by the organization that they work for, they don’t understand it, They’re not going to be able to change their protocol anyway because they have to follow the NCCN protocol. So they don’t do it or they use a portion of it and they don’t do anything outside the protocol. So today I want to cover three things with you, three tools that we used that I think every cancer patient should be asking for when they start treatment or wherever you are in treatment at this point. Dr. Deb Muth 10:44you need to have these tests done. I don’t have any affiliation with any of these companies. I don’t get paid to tell you any of this. So let me just start by saying that I understand the chemistry behind these and how important it is to give you precision cancer treatment. And that’s why I’m talking about them today. The first one we’re going to talk about is the North Star response. This is your cancer surveillance score in the blood. How much cancer is circulating in the blood. The North Star Select, your cancer’s genomic blueprint from a blood draw. And the Datar Cancer Genetic Chemoscale, the live cell drug sensitivity test that tells us which drugs actually kill your cancer. So let’s go. Let’s dive into this. Let me just take a drink here. I’m going to cough a little bit. I apologize. I have this horrible tickle. It just never seems to go away, but that is not for today to discuss. So what is all of this? OK, the North Star response is a test that was developed by a company called Billion to One. And yes, that name is intentional because of the precision involved. It’s a next generation sequencing test, meaning it reads DNA at an incredibly detailed level. And it looks at something called methylated circulating tumor DNA or methylated CT DNA. Now let me break this down in plain English for you, because this can get a little overwhelming. When the cancer cells die or shed, they release tiny fragments of DNA into your bloodstream. We call this cell-free DNA or CFDNA, and it’s hidden within that cell-free DNA. And there are fragments that come from tumor cells. We call those CT DNA or circulating tumor DNA. Here’s what makes North Star’s response different. Rather than just looking for mutations in that tumor DNA, which is what most liquid biopsies do, and a liquid biopsy is just a blood test, Dr. Deb Muth 13:03This test looks at something called methylation patterns. Think of methylation like a dimmer switch on a gene. In healthy cells, certain genes are switched on and off in a very predictable way. In cancer cells, those dimmer switches go haywire. And cancer DNA has a characteristic hypermethylation, meaning switches are turning on and should be off or off and they should be on. And these patterns are essentially a cancer fingerprint in the blood. Now the North Star response scans more than 2000 locations in the genome for these cancer specific methylation patterns. And then it adds them all up into a single number called the tumor methylation score or TMS. So for Cameron, Cameron’s blood which was drawn on April 20th, 2026, his baseline tumor methylation score came back at 13. Now here’s the critical thing, to understand this was his baseline test, his starting point. And the real power of this test is in serial monitoring, meaning we run it again and again and again over time. And if that number goes up, the cancer activity is likely increasing. If it goes down, we’re likely suppressing the tumor activity. And if it stays flat or falls, that’s telling us that the disease is responding. So this is now in the blood. We have an actual fingerprint and every test from here forward will be compared to this number. Now let’s talk a little bit about this because I was not familiar with this test at all. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I did not order this test. He’s working with Inveda Medical and they are fabulous over there. I will tell you that from the beginning. This is coming from a practitioner and from a mother-in-law. They were absolutely wonderful to us. So when I saw this North Star, I didn’t know, should it be zero? Should it be a hundred? And when I talked to the doctor, he said, Dr. Deb Muth 15:29This number is actually really good. An average person walking around who’s never been diagnosed with cancer, who doesn’t have cancer, their number will be between 75 and 100. Cameron’s was 13. I think that’s fantastic. But what was the first question that went through my head? It’s probably the same question that you guys are doing. How can he have cancer with a number of 13 when it’s less than the normal average? And if we’re supposed to use this to track what’s happening with his cancer, how are we going to do that once we remove the cancer? Is this number going to go to zero? And it could possibly do that. And we may not be able to use this to track whether or not the disease is actually gone. But what we can do is use this to track over the course of his lifetime to see if the cancer cells are coming back long before we detect them on imaging. And that’s the huge part of this.So this is not a test that just anybody should go out and get because you’re worried about cancer. It is a test that should be done in somebody that is already diagnosed with cancer. So let’s start by making sure we explain that, okay? So imagine if every time your cancer cells are active and they’re shedding and they’re multiplying and they’re fighting back, they’re leaving a signature in your blood not just any signature, but a specific chemical tag that says, cancer’s here. That’s what the North Star Response Test reads. Those tags across thousands of locations and gives us a single score. So we track that score over time like a thermometer for your tumor. If it goes up, we get concerned. If it stays stable or goes down, we celebrate. And we can catch a change in the blood often months before it will show up on a scan. Pretty important when we’re talking about surveilling somebody for cancer returning, when we’re worried about it, and everybody knows the cancer patient is always worried after they get that clean bill health that something’s gonna come back, and most of the time they’re told that there is no way for them to determine that or know that from a blood test. And here is the blood test that can tell us, yes, it can. Dr. Deb Muth 17:51So I would really encourage you guys to talk to your oncologist about this. If you can’t find an oncologist that will do this, talk to an integrative cancer doctor. They will most likely be familiar with it. If not, ask them to find it for you and order it for you. So next, let’s talk about that genetic blueprint because North Star Select is a different test also by billion to one run on the same blood draw, but this one is doing something completely different. This is a comprehensive genomic liquid biopsy. Liquid biopsy just means blood tusks, meaning it’s looking for specific mutations in 84 cancer related genes, all from a blood sample, no biopsy needle, no surgery, just a blood draw. It looks for CNVS, single nucleotide variants, tiny one-letter typos in the DNA code. It looks for indels, small insertions or deletions in the DNA. It looks for copy number changes, the sections of the genomes that are duplicated or deleted. It looks at fusions. So when two genes incorrectly link together to create a dangerous hybrid, MSI status, micro satellite instability, which tells us whether immunotherapy is likely to work. And it has extraordinary sensitivity. It can detect a mutation that represents as little as 0.15 % of cell free DNA in the bloodstream. That is an almost impossibly small signal in the ocean of genetic noise. So what did this show for Cameron? This is where Cameron’s case gets clinically fascinating and where it tells the story of how his cancer is being held in check. Two major mutations were identified as actionable. One was called CRAS G12C. Dr. Deb Muth 20:11And it’s a variant-ELI fraction at 0.1%. Now, CRAS, if you’ve spent any time in integrative oncology, you’ve heard this name. CRAS is one of the most well-known oncogenes in cancer biology. Think of it like an accelerator pedal in the car. In a healthy cell, CRAS pushes the cell to grow when it receives the signal to do so. And then it stops. In cancer, crass gets stuck in the go position, like on the accelerator, foot on the accelerator, to the floor, going as fast as you can around that track, right? But it’s stuck there permanently. It doesn’t turn off and it’s supposed to be turning off. The G12C variant specifically is a mutation at a very precise location. Position 12 of the CRAS protein, where a glycine is replaced by cysteine. And this matters because CRAS G12C is now a drugable target. There are FDA approved drugs specifically designed to lock this mutation into its inactive state, essentially putting a foot on the brake. Now those are drugs like, and I’m gonna slaughter these names, Sordisib, a brand name is Lumacras, and Atacras, the brand name is Crastol. Neither is yet FDA approved for breast cancer, but they are approved for lung and colorectal cancer with CrasG2C. And Cameron’s tests identified 10 active clinical trials within a region that he could potentially qualify for with this mutation. The fact that his CRAS G12C is circulating at only 0.1%. That is a very low fraction. We call that a VAF, V-A-F, very low fraction. And it tells us something important. It means that this mutation is present in a small subclone of the tumor. It’s not the overall tumor burden. So either way, when we identify, we know it’s there. Dr. Deb Muth 22:37We can catch it and we can watch it. Now, here’s another interesting thing that we saw. His TP53 was at 0.23%. This is a tumor suppressor gene, the guardian of genome. And this gene is responsible for telling damaged cells to either repair themselves or self-destruct. And when it mutates as it is here in the position R196Q, that guardian goes off duty. The cell no longer has a reliable mechanism to prevent uncontrolled growth. So TP53 mutations are present in roughly 50 % of all human cancers. And there’s currently no FDA approved drug directly targeting the TP53 but there are clinical implications. TP53 mutant tumors may respond differently to chemotherapy and several investigational approaches, including TP53 vaccines and aurora kinase inhibitors are under active investigation. So we are seeing things happen in this part of cancer right now. Now there’s something called the VUS list and we are watching This is what we’re watching. beyond those two actionable mutations, NORSTAR Select identified what we call variants of an unknown significance, VUS, adenocarcinoma of an unknown significance, ACUP. These are mutations where we don’t yet have enough clinical evidence to determine whether they’re driving cancer or not, but we watch them. So on our mutation list was CDH1, a gene linked to hereditary gastric and lobular breast cancer, CDKN2A, a tumor suppressor cell cycle regulator, CDK12, involved in DNA repair, EGFR, ERBB, this is HER2 receptor, tyrosine kinases. Dr. Deb Muth 24:55I thought this one was pretty interesting since he had an IHC that showed a three plus HER2, but then when we confirmed it with FISH, FISH showed that was negative, but now we’re actually seeing genes expressing this HER2. So is there a HER2? Is there not a HER2? This is really important because if we don’t get these diagnoses right in cancer the first time, people will spend months and years treating the wrong type of cancer with the wrong type of medication. And this may be in part why some people do better than others. If we get it right out of the gate, they do good. If we don’t get it right out of the gate, they don’t do so good. Very important to have the actual genetic makeup of the tumor that’s growing in somebody. Now last, we have something called Notch C1, NRAS and RAF1. These are key pathway components. Now all of these were at very low baffs under 0.5%. These are just whispers, not shouts, but whispers that this cancer is excreting, but your body is listening. We have to be listening. We have to be able to watch these things and monitor these. Now here’s another note of clinical interest. It was an androgen receptor positive cancer. So also detected as a VUS.We know from tissue pathology that Cameron’s tumor was androgen receptor positive. So seeing this in circulation confirms that this AR expression of the cells are present in the bloodstream and that an anti-androgen approach remains worth considering. What that means is suppressing the testosterone. What all of you know I’m about ready to say is that I hate ever suppressing hormones, especially in a 38 year old male. That is not necessarily a good thing. So before we go suppressing hormones willy-nilly, we have to know that it’s the right thing to do. And we have to be able to combat all of the complications that are going to result of that. A 38-year-old male with no testosterone could lead to heart disease down the road, could lead to bone loss, could lead to dementia, Alzheimer’s. Not to mention the sexual side effects that are going to be present. And in a man that is very, very Dr. Deb Muth 27:20Difficult for someone to manage. So you have to be very specific and you want to be very, very diligent about what you’re doing in these cases like this. Now the MSI status was not detected. This tells us that cancer is not a microsatellite instability high, meaning that standard monotherapy may have a lower baseline response of probability and the strategic integration that we’re working with with in Vita could create an immunogenesis genicity becomes even more critical. So immunotherapy is going to be very critical in a cancer case like this and working with somebody that understands that and can carefully navigate that, especially if you have an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s or lupus, this is all very, very pristine and has to be looked at very carefully and done very diligently in order for somebody to do this without overstimulating that immune system and causing more problems. So when we looked at the blood and found this DNA fingerprint of the cancer cells circulating in the body, from that, what we see exactly is the genetic switches that are stuck on. They’re stuck on in the wrong position. This tells us which drugs were designed to fix exactly that problem. And it opens the door to clinical trials built for these specific mutations. It also gives us a list of things to watch for over time. And if one of those tiny little signals starts to grow, we know that cancer is gaining a ground in that area. And if it shrinks or disappears, we know we’re winning. This is like, I cannot tell you how exciting this is in the cancer world and the medical world because this is really pristine cancer therapy that we’re dealing with here. And to be able to have this is just so important to life saving events in treating cancer. So. Dr. Deb Muth 29:41Let’s talk about something called the Dittar Chemoscale. This is the battle before the battle. Okay, so I’ve saved the most remarkable test for last, and this is one from a company called Dittar Cancer Genetics. They’re based out of the UK. They are CAP and CLIA certified, which means it meets the rigorous standards required for clinical laboratory testing in the US. And this test is called the ChemoScale. And it is a live cell chemosensitivity assay. So let me explain exactly what that means because it sounds complex, but the concept is actually quite elegant. When we drew the blood from Cameron, the Dittar’s laboratory isolated what are called circulating tumor associated cells or CTACs. And these are actually living cancer cells and they’re associated cells that are traveling through his bloodstream. Excuse me. So let’s think about that for a moment. Real live cancer cells isolated from a blood draw. Those living cancer cells were placed into a lab environment and exposed to over 70 different drugs, both conventional chemotherapy agents and what we call repurposed drugs. I’ll talk more about those in a minute. The lab then measured how many of those cancer cells were killed by each drug expressed as a percentage of cell death. So the scale runs from zero to a hundred and below 25%, that drug doesn’t work well against any type of cancer in that person. Might work great in somebody else, but in that particular person’s cancer that they have, it’s not gonna work so great. Anything that’s 25 to 50 % is intermediate and above 50 % is a high response. And that’s really where Dr. Deb Muth 31:43we want to be. We want to see anything higher than 50 % because that’s a great medication that can be used to kill the cancer. This is not a theoretical test. This is not based on tumor’s genetic sequence and the computer algorithm that predicts the drug response. This is a HIS actual tumor cell being killed or not being killed in real time. That is the difference. So in traditional chemotherapy, we have our protocols. If you have triple negative breast cancer, if you have HER2 positive breast cancer, if you have prostate cancer, if you have colon cancer, here’s the protocol that you’re going to use because that’s the type of cancer you have. That’s what’s been studied. Now, the problem is most of these cancers have mutated over time, especially depending on how long they’ve been in your body, because that’s what they do to try to survive. They have to change so they can survive because your immune system’s constantly trying to kill them. And so this is a really important thing. And if we don’t take an individual into response or into our thought process when we’re creating these protocols, we may give a drug that doesn’t work at all towards that cancer and you just wasted seven cycles of chemotherapy with a drug that never would have worked in the first place or had such low resistance to it that it’s now just created side effects for you but did nothing to the cancer. And then we pull out another drug and we try that. And then we pull out another drug and we try that. Instead of us knowing precisely what we can use and what we can do. And this goes for both the conventional world and the alternative world. In the alternative world of cancer, we use things like IV vitamin C and tumeric and lately ivermectin and fenbendazole and mendendazole and all kinds of other things. And if we are not truly aware that this is going to do anything, we could be wasting somebody’s time and money. So I love that this test is available. I want to walk you through a little bit about what Dr. Deb Muth 34:01we are what we saw in our case, because I think this can make a big impact on people to ask the right questions. So this particular blood test looked at several different drugs. Cameron had sensitivity from 44 % up to 61 % on different medications. Now he was really lucky. The three main drugs that they would use to treat his cancer he had greater than a 50 % response to. So that was great. However, the drugs that were recommended for him to use out of the gate had less than 50 % activity. So he would have had one drug that was really good, one drug that was not so good. And we don’t know what the outcome would have been, right? So I think this is such an incredible, incredible test to have done. This is critical friends. I’m telling you if his oncologist had chosen the two drugs based on the general guidelines for his tumor, his cells would have largely not survived. But because we ran this test, we know. So we know to avoid the drugs that won’t work and we focus on the firepower where it really counts. So I want to also talk about this repurposed drug result because this is where it gets integrated for us. Now, this section is what I want everyone in our community, our Let’s Talk Wellness community, our members to understand. This is where conventional medicine and integrative medicine intersect in a peer-reviewed clinical validated way. So the Dittar test looks at live cancer cells against what they call repurposed drugs, meaning pharmaceuticals and natural compounds that were developed for the purposes, for other purposes, like it could be an antibiotic, it could be an herbal medicine, it could be all kinds of things, vitamins, whatever. But they have demonstrated anti-cancer activity in research. And when we’re talking about integrative medicine, this is a lot of where we get Dr. Deb Muth 36:26The integrative protocols from because these particular drug compounds are known for having anti-cancer benefits. And so that’s how integrative protocols get developed. But again, it could be just like medication, like cancer drugs. If your body doesn’t have a susceptibility to it, then you’re using a product that’s not necessarily going to work. And we all know we cannot take everything that somebody recommends just simply because it has an anti-benefit to whatever it is we’re treating. There’s only so many supplements you can take. There’s only so many things you can do before you get burnt out on taking it. We call it supplement fatigue. And so we want to be very precise with what we’re doing and target this very specific area. So one of the things that showed up really, really well for our case was artemisium, sweet wormwood. It’s an anti-malarial drug that has very potent anti-cancer effects. Now I found this extremely interesting in Cameron’s case because he does have a positive tick-borne illness called Babesia. And this is one of the things that we use to treat Babesia. The other thing I think is very interesting in this case is we are studying how parasites affect cancer these days. And that’s how Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, and Menbendazole have all gotten thrown into the treatment of cancer. And so for this drug or this herb to be sensitive to this type of cancer is really intriguing to me in the world of parasites and how parasites are truly decreasing the body’s immune system and causing cancer to grow. Another thing that worked, showed up really well for him was Valprolac acid. It’s an anti-seizure drug with HDAC inhibitor properties, and this disrupts cancer cell gene expression. There was a soy formula that showed up really well. Naltrexone, you guys have heard me talk about low dose naltrexone, LDN. This actually stimulates an endogenous opioid immune response feeling, and this drug actually showed up really well. Dr. Deb Muth 38:49Something as simple as quercetin. It’s an anti-inflammatory. This is a crass inhibitor in some studies. So this is really important. I’m sure most of you have heard about the benefits of green tea and green tea also actually has anti-angiogenic or anti-cancer benefits to it. Hydroxychloroquine, very popular drug. It’s another anti-malarial drug. So again, now we have two anti-malarial drugs that are susceptible to this type of cancer. And on top of it, he has a positive babesia test. So just saying, you got to connect the dots sometimes. You got to think outside the box sometimes. Metformin is very well known as a anti-proliferative in cancer. We use it to suppress the sugar because sugar feeds cancer. Nobody should be eating sugar if they have cancer. So this one showed up as well. And then CBD, we all know of the benefits of THC, the Rick Simpson oil, and CBD can be tested to see if that is beneficial to a particular cancer cell. This is different than THC. THC works very differently in cancer. CBD is your healthy component of it. It’s the part of the marijuana plant that does not make you high. So very important here. So now let me be very clear, because I always try to be very clear. This is not FDA approved. I’m going to repeat that. This is not FDA approved. This test is a laboratory developed test, not FDA cleared. These results represent in vitro testing, meaning in a lab, not inside the human body. And the results can differ in what we call in vivo, inside the body. And this is why I always say work with a qualified clinician who can interpret these results in full clinical context. But here’s why this matters. We now have evidence, live evidence of a cancer cell that shows sensitivities to compounds that are accessible, relatively safe, and some of which he may already be using, which some of them we were. Dr. Deb Muth 41:13We were already using some of them, which made us sit back and say, this cancer has been in there for two years. If it’s a triple negative breast cancer, it’s supposed to be an aggressive breast cancer that should have spread to a different organ already after two years. It is not, it has stayed in one spot. Also interesting in this case is that there is no breast tumor that they could find anywhere. This was all confined to the axilla into the lymph node. So to have this growing for this period of time with such a small tumor marker number, that 13 that we talked about in the North Star test originally, and to see some mutations, there’s a lot of questions to this particular case. And there are lots of questions to everybody’s cancer case. They are not all straightforward cancer cases. So this is what’s important to understand this fingerprint of these cancer cells so that you can identify exactly, exactly what’s going on and treat it exactly the correct way. Super important. So this kind of information gives us the direction in an integrative protocol. It’s not guessing. This is not eat more tumor, I can hope for the best. This is personalized tumor specific precision guided integrative oncology. It is very precise. There are several countries, several clinics like this around the country that offer this type of therapy. If it’s something that you’re interested in doing, I would encourage you to look at in Vita Medical. Hope for Cancer is another great facility. There are several great facilities around the country. Like I said, that could put together an integrative approach for you if this is something that you are thinking about doing. If you’re looking for answers, if you’re in stage four or stage three and you are not getting the results that you want to get, you want to look at a different approach. You want to do a combo approach of integrative medicine and traditional medicine and alternative medicine. Dr. Deb Muth 43:37I think this is so important to look at and have experts on your team. You know, in our case, Cameron’s cancer is very complex. It’s genomically aggressive in its presentation, yet it’s not progressing to distant areas, which is so wonderful. And I want to be careful here. I can’t tell you with certainty that this is any one thing. Biology is complex. Cancer is adaptive. It’s trying to survive. That’s what it is supposed to do. It is changing its shape. It’s changing its genetic structure. It’s changing everything to try to survive and try to hide against your immune system. Now we are not even close to the finish line in our journey, but what I can tell you is that what the integrative precision approach has done that standard care alone might not do. I can tell you that today and I will share our journey along the way for any of you that are going through this that want to look at a different approach as well because I think it’s important to have this information. So first of all, we know the tumor’s fingerprint. North Star response gives us that TMS score. so we can track it over time. And if the cancer tries to gain ground, we’ll see it in the blood before a scan, we’ll show it. We know the cancer’s genetic vulnerability. We know how to handle the DNA now. We know the watch list of things to look for. And when those signals start to grow, we have a roadmap of how to address it next, how to change it. We know which drugs will automatically work against the tumor cells. We’re not guessing based on a tumor type. We tested the cells. We know how many drugs in the commercial world and in the repurposed world will and will not work. And this is going to guide the treatment protocol that we walk forward with. So we’re not giving him drugs that won’t work or have a low response. Dr. Deb Muth 45:55We’re avoiding them completely and that matters because every ineffective drug is a dose of toxicity with no benefit. There is no lie to this. Chemotherapeutic drugs are toxic. That’s how they kill the cells, but they kill the good cells and the bad cells. And if we can avoid using a drug that’s not going to work, that is so important. And then we’re layering in those repurposed and natural compounds with proven activity against specific cells. This is not complementary fluff. This is biologically active tumor tested precision medicine. Very, very important. So here is what I need you all to know and what I want you to walk away with today. If you or someone you love is facing a cancer diagnosis before treatment starts, before the first infusion goes in, I want you to ask these questions so quick. Go grab something to write with. Pause this if you need to, because this is really, really important for you to do that. And we’re going to take a break for just a second while you guys go and do that. We’re going to give you a word from our sponsor, and then we’re going to come back. And I’m going to give you the four questions that I want you to ask specifically of your medical team so that you have the answers and the ammunition that you need to work with. So we’ll be right back. Dr. Deb Muth 47:29All right, everybody, welcome back. I hope you got your pencil, your paper, your pen, your phone, whatever you’re going to take notes with because this is important. So I’m to give you four questions that I want you to ask your medical team before you get started. Question one, can we do a chemo sensitivity test before we choose a chemotherapy regime? Ask specifically about DATAR, D-A-T-A-R. cancer genetics, Oncostat Plus, or a similar functional chemosensitivity platform. Very, very important to ask those specific things. All right, question two. Can we do a comprehensive liquid biopsy to identify actionable mutations and monitor tumor burden? Ask about North Star Select, Billion to One, Guardian 360, or Foundation One Liquid CDX? I’m gonna say those for you one more time, because I said them kind of fast. North Star Select by Billion to One, Guardian 360 or Foundation One Liquid CDX? Okay, question three. Can we establish a baseline tumor methylation score, TMS, so we have a surveillance marker to track over time? and ask specifically about the North Star Response Test. All right, question four. Is there an integrative oncology center that can layer precision guided natural compounds alongside conventional treatment? Research institutes like Inveda Medical Center, CTA CA Integrative Medicine, or Hope for Cancer, these people are doing integrative medical miracles. Let me tell you, I have researched every one of them. I have spoken to each of them individually before we made our decision of who we were going to work with. They are all fantastic. You want to work with an integrative nurse practitioner who understands oncology. And if you’re working with an integrative practitioner, you want to ask them these same questions about this test so that you can get the best outcome. Dr. Deb Muth 49:56For what you’re dealing with. You are allowed to ask these questions. You are allowed to want more information from that protocol that was designed for the average patient. You’re not average and your cancer is not average either. And your care doesn’t have to be. You do not have to settle for the same thing that the person sitting next to you in the IV suite is dealing with when you both have different cancers excreting different genetic material. This is so incredibly important. want to make sure you understand precision medicine is what changes the lives for people every single day, every single day. So I started this episode by telling you about a 38 year old man with a cancer that baffled conventional medicine and integrative medicine, an occult primary that was not found complex genetic genomic profile, a presentation that in many hands might have resulted in a one size fits all treatment protocol and a prayer. And instead we ran the tests, we mapped the fingerprint, we watched the cells, we guided the protocol, and we are still fighting with precision, with data, with intelligence. This is what Let’s Talk Wellness is all about not giving up. This is what not accepting we don’t know as a final answer and demanding the level of scrutiny and personalization that every cancer patient deserves. So if this episode resonates with you, please share it because somewhere out there, there is a person who is about to get the wrong chemotherapy because no one ran the right test. And maybe, just maybe, that This episode will be the reason someone asks the right question at the right moment. If you’re going through something like this, you need a group, you need somebody to connect with, please join our free Facebook group called Seen At Last. It is where we support one another, we share this information, we share knowledge, and we help people for free support and ask the right questions. Dr. Deb Muth 52:23And if you’re inclined in your heart to pray, pray for Cameron, we could use every ounce of prayer. If you are in a position where you can help support this journey financially, we do have a fund going in free funder. I can post the link below. Every little bit helps. If you have $5, $500, it doesn’t matter. We’re raising money for this treatment. And along the way, I am documenting every step of what we’re going through so I can provide more episodes like this for you guys to share the outcome and share what our journey is like so that it can help the next person along. I really always believe that whatever happens to us happens to us because we’re meant to share it. That’s why I’ve shared my personal journey. I’m sharing his personal journey and we want to help other people. So until next time, I’m Dr. Deb. Keep asking questions, keep advocating, and never ever accept being unseen.The post Episode 274 – Stop Guessing on Chemotherapy: The Live Cell Test Most Doctors Miss first appeared on Let's Talk Wellness Now.

Could Lyme disease or co-infections be contributing to gut symptoms that aren't improving?In this episode, Dr. Crane Holmes and the turd nerds break down Lyme disease and common co-infections - including Bartonella and Babesia - and how they can impact not just the gut, but the entire body. We explore how these infections can present as chronic digestive issues, brain fog, inflammation, and multi-system symptoms that don't respond to typical treatments.In this episode, we discuss:What Lyme disease actually is (and why it's often misunderstood)The role of co-infections like Bartonella and BabesiaHow these infections can affect the gut, nervous system, and immune systemWhy symptoms often go beyond digestion (brain fog, fatigue, joint pain)When to consider Lyme or co-infections in complex casesChallenges with testing and diagnosisTreatment approaches, including antimicrobials, herbs, and biofilm supportThis episode is for anyone dealing with chronic gut symptoms, unexplained inflammation, or complex health issues that haven't improved with standard approaches.Music provided by Blue Dot.

What happens when chronic Lyme disease takes away your health, your confidence, and even your sense of self? In this deeply emotional and inspiring episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Jasmin Perdomo shares her powerful 12-year journey through chronic Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, debilitating neurological symptoms, medical gaslighting, emotional trauma, and ultimately — rediscovering herself through poetry, faith, and healing. Raised in New Jersey and once a hyper-athletic young woman, Jasmin never imagined she would one day become bedridden, unable to walk without holding onto walls, crawling from her bed to the bathroom, and searching desperately for answers no doctor seemed able to provide. But through unimaginable suffering came transformation. Jasmin opens up about: Living years undiagnosed with Lyme disease Severe neurological Lyme symptoms including vertigo, memory loss, facial paralysis, and heart complications The emotional toll of chronic illness and divorce Her experience with aggressive antibiotic protocols and Herxheimer reactions Why detoxification, nervous system healing, spirituality, and creativity became essential parts of her recovery How poetry became her lifeline during the darkest moments of her journey This conversation is raw, validating, and hopeful for anyone navigating Lyme disease, chronic illness, trauma, or identity loss. In This Episode You'll Learn Jasmin's Early Lyme Disease Symptoms Jasmin describes how unexplained fatigue, tachycardia, heart palpitations, vertigo, ringing in the ears, slurred speech, and neurological symptoms slowly overtook her life while living in Puerto Rico. The Reality of Medical Gaslighting Like many Lyme patients, Jasmin spent years searching for answers while being misdiagnosed, dismissed, and prescribed medications that failed to address the root cause of her illness. Chronic Lyme Disease and Emotional Trauma The episode explores the connection between stress, trauma, emotional suppression, nervous system dysregulation, and chronic illness progression. How Poetry Became a Healing Tool While bedridden, Jasmin returned to writing poetry — something she loved as a child — and discovered that creative expression became a powerful emotional detox and survival mechanism. Buy Bittersweet Body: a Poetic Memoir, Jasmin's debut poetry book, inspired her life's mission: to illuminate the invisible in a visible world. The Importance of Detoxification and Nervous System Healing Jasmin discusses the therapies that helped her most, including: Sauna therapy Binders Meditation Faith and prayer Journaling Acupuncture Gentle movement Emotional release through writing Learning to Receive Help One of the most moving parts of the interview centers around Jasmin's struggle with independence, vulnerability, and learning how to accept support from loved ones during her healing journey. Key Takeaways From Jasmin Perdomo's Lyme Journey Healing from Lyme disease requires addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual body. Detoxification can be just as important as antimicrobial treatment. Creativity and self-expression can become powerful healing tools. Nervous system regulation matters in chronic illness recovery. You are not weak for asking for help. Healing is possible — even after years of suffering. Quotes From This Episode “Poetry saved my life. It gave me mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when I couldn't breathe.” “When my body became a stranger, writing helped me remember who I was.” “You are not weak for asking for help.” “Healing isn't just physical. It's emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal.” About Tick Boot Camp Tick Boot Camp is a Lyme disease advocacy platform dedicated to helping people liberate themselves and others from Lyme disease through education, validation, community, and hope. Through powerful conversations with patients, doctors, researchers, and healers, Tick Boot Camp reminds listeners that they are not alone — and that healing is possible.

Lyme disease and tick-borne illness can be a scary thing... and, even scarier - they are on the RISE. Sometimes we know we've gotten exposed - other times, not so much - and we can go undiagnosed for years ... With ticks expanding in numbers and areas across North America, more and more people find themselves dealing with everything from flu-like symptoms and joint pain to fatigue, brain fog, neurological symptoms, and chronic illness that can be difficult to explain. SO - how do you know if a tick bite has become something more serious? What are the early Lyme disease symptoms to watch for? And what should you do if you suspect you've been exposed, whether recently or years ago?Today, I sit down with Lyme disease expert and naturopathic physician Dr. Alexis Chesney, author of Preventing Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases.  She has got us COVERED, and after the episode, you will feel much better equipped to deal with what's going on now. We're covering:What Lyme disease actually is and how it's transmittedWhy Lyme disease cases are increasing across North AmericaThe truth about the classic bullseye rashEarly warning signs of Lyme disease that are often overlookedHow Lyme can affect the brain, nervous system, energy levels, and moodWhy symptoms can come and go, making diagnosis difficultThe testing limitations that can lead to missed diagnosesThe difference between acute Lyme disease and long-term Lyme-related illness (and treatment!) Why some people struggle for years before getting answersCommon tick-borne co-infections including Babesia and AnaplasmosisWhether Lyme disease can be fully treated—and why there is more hope than many people realizePractical prevention strategies to reduce your risk of tick bitesThe importance of finding a practitioner who understands both the science and complexity of tick-Tick & Tick-Borne Illnesses ResourcesDr. Chesney's Website: https://www.dralexischesney.com/Dr.Chesney's Book: click hereFind a practitioner: International Lyme and Associated Diseases SocietyCanadian resource for ticks, photos & education - https://etick.ca/Test a tick you find for potential diseases - https://geneticks.ca/Canadian Lyme disease Support - https://canlyme.com/ & https://www.lymehope.ca/Big thanks to our sponsor - ITL HealthTo learn more and explore products - click here!

What happens when your body starts to heal, but your mind is still trapped in survival mode? In this episode of hol+, Dr. Taz sits down with Amy Kurtz, certified health coach, patient advocate, speaker, and author "But You Look Fine", for a powerful conversation about chronic illness, Lyme disease, medical gaslighting, nervous system trauma, and what it really means to heal.Together, they explore Amy's 20+ year journey through unexplained pain, chronic symptoms, misdiagnosis, and the search for answers that finally led to a diagnosis of late-stage neurological Lyme disease and co-infections. Amy shares what it was like to be told her labs were normal while knowing something was deeply wrong in her body, and how years of invalidation shaped her relationship with her health, her identity, and her trust in herself.Dr. Taz and Amy also discuss why so many people live in the “gray zone” between sick and well, especially when symptoms are invisible, complex, or hard to explain. They unpack why normal labs do not always mean optimal health, why Lyme disease can be missed for years, and how chronic illness can impact relationships, career, emotional safety, and the nervous system.This conversation offers a grounded and hopeful look at what happens after illness, when the body may be improving but the mind and nervous system are still bracing for the next crash. Amy introduces her concept of Medical Trauma Brain, or MTB, which describes the anxiety, hypervigilance, fear, and survival patterns that can remain after chronic illness, cancer, stroke, chronic pain, or any major health crisis.If you're listening to this and thinking, “I know something is off in my body, but I don't know where to start,” join the Circle here:

What if the reason you're tired, foggy, and burned out has nothing to do with stress or sleep? Most high-performing men assume their fatigue, brain fog, and inflammation come from doing too much. But there's another conversation happening in functional medicine that most doctors miss completely. Dr. Torrie Thompson is the founder of Meraki Wellness Center in Austin and specializes in mold, heavy metals, environmental toxins, and Lyme disease. She's spent over a decade helping people figure out what's actually wrong when their labs look "normal" but they feel terrible. This one hits close to home for Jon. He's been dealing with Lyme, Babesia, and chronic inflammation for the better part of a decade. His CRP (a key inflammation marker) has averaged 90 for the last 10 years, with his most recent test coming in at 127. Tori told him on the podcast it's the highest she's ever seen, by a lot. If you've ever wondered why you feel off and your doctor keeps telling you everything looks fine, this conversation is for you.   In This Interview: → Why mold is the most common hidden driver of chronic fatigue and brain fog in men today  → The three foods that hold the most mycotoxins (and why you can't see or smell them)  → How to actually test your body and your home for mold (and the testing companies to avoid) → The difference between binders that help and binders that hurt  → Why standard doctors miss Lyme disease and what to do if you suspect you have it  → The order of operations: why you have to clear mold and metals before treating Lyme  → Why chelation can wreck your health and what to do instead  → How to spot misaligned incentives when a doctor pushes expensive weekly IV drips  → The cheapest, most overlooked tools for healing (PEMF, grounding, breathwork, sleep)  → Why your toxic bucket size determines how sick you get and how fast you recover This Conversation Is For You If: → You're exhausted, foggy, or inflamed and your bloodwork keeps coming back "normal"  → You've been to multiple doctors and nobody can tell you what's wrong  → You suspect mold in your home or your body and don't know where to start  → You've been bitten by a tick at some point and never felt the same since  → You're a business owner whose energy is the engine and you need it back online   Next Step: If this conversation made you curious about what might be sitting in your body or your home, Dr. Torrie and her team work with clients across the country. You can learn more about her practice and the work she does at drtorriethompson.com. Connect With Dr. Torrie Thompson: Website: drtorriethompson.com Instagram: instagram.com/drtorriethompson  

Lyme disease cases are skyrocketing across North America and many people are suffering with chronic symptoms for years without answers. In this episode of Wholistic Living, we dive deep into Lyme disease, coinfections like Bartonella and Babesia, chronic inflammation, biofilms, nervous system symptoms, proper Lyme testing, and holistic remedies. We also discuss why tick populations are increasing, when ticks are most active, why Lyme disease is often missed by conventional testing, and the controversy surrounding chronic Lyme disease and Pfizer's Lyme vaccine development. If you struggle with fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, anxiety, histamine intolerance, autoimmune symptoms, or mystery illness, this episode is a must-listen.Equip Grass fed protein: www.equipfoods.com/MARLA60 Day Gut Reset ($200 OFF) - https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1716725/checkout/order_52y48hdz?coupon_code=SECRETOFFER

In this episode of Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill, Dr. Jill Carnahan welcomes Dr. Richard Horowitz, one of the world's leading experts in chronic illness and tick-borne disease, to discuss the groundbreaking science behind the MSIDS model and its implications for conditions ranging from Lyme disease to Alzheimer's. Dr. Horowitz shares revolutionary findings connecting chronic infections, inflammation, environmental toxins, gut dysfunction, and immune imbalance to persistent disease. He also discusses a surprising breakthrough involving Alzheimer's biomarkers and chronic Lyme treatment using his innovative dapsone protocol. This powerful conversation explores how addressing the root causes of inflammation and chronic illness may transform the future of medicine and offer hope for patients struggling with complex, unresolved health conditions.

What happens when your country's medical system refuses to believe you have the disease that's destroying your life? In this episode of Integrative Lyme Solutions, Dr. K sits down with Lachlan Onegin-Ward, a marine biologist and wildlife conservationist from Australia who contracted Lyme disease after being bitten by 17 ticks on a snake-spotting trip south of Sydney. What followed was a years-long battle not just against Bartonella, Rickettsia, and Babesia — but against a medical system that handed him antacids instead of answers. Lachlan shares the raw reality of fighting Lyme disease in a country that officially denies its existence, navigating a healthcare system that left him bedridden, seizing, and unable to move his arms — all while spending tens of thousands of dollars chasing a diagnosis. He opens up about the neurological relapse triggered by COVID, the PTSD of living with an invisible illness, losing close friends who couldn't understand what they couldn't see, and the grassroots mission he's now on to make sure no other Australian has to go through this alone. Key Takeaways: 0:00 Introduction  3:00 17 tick bites, one wildlife trip  8:10 Australia's medical system denies Lyme exists  13:20 Triple co-infection: Bartonella, Rickettsia, and Babesia  18:00 COVID triggers seizures after 11 seizure-free years  25:00 The financial toll of chasing treatment in Australia  30:30 Podcasting to fill the awareness gap  34:00 Invisible illness and the friends who disappeared  Schedule a Free 15-Min Phone Lyme Consultation at The Karlfeldt Center: 208-338-8902 Resources: Lyme Disease Association of Australia - https://www.lymedisease.org.au/ Tick Science Alliance - https://ticksciencealliance.au/ IGENEX - https://igenex.com/ Let's Get Aussie Wild / Corona and Lyme Podcast (Spotify) - https://open.spotify.com/show/0xRfQ3zKvuivkgtBEiFuxf Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions. ____________________________________WORK WITH DR. KARLFELDT:The Karlfeldt Center offers the most cutting-edge and comprehensive Lyme therapies available. To schedule a Free 15-Minute Discovery Call with a Lyme Literate Naturopathic Doctor, contact us at:

In this powerful in-person interview at the Tick Boot Camp studio, Matt Sabatello sits down with Dr. Somer DelSignore, DNP, a board-certified pediatric practitioner specializing in Lyme disease, tick-borne co-infections, PANS/PANDAS, autoimmune and neuroimmune disorders, autism-like regression, and congenital tick-borne illness. This episode is essential listening for parents who have been told to “wait and see,” families who have seen multiple specialists without answers, and anyone trying to understand how infection, inflammation, immune dysfunction, and nervous system imbalance can impact a child's brain and development.

Dr. Stephanie Rimka is a pioneering clinician who authored the book, "Receive: The Dance of Feminine Power." Learn more at https://drrimka.com EPISODE SUMMARY BELOW: 1. Vision for Treatment Islands Ambition to build residential centers on multiple islands Preference to remain near the United States and in jurisdictions allowing gun ownership 2. Challenges with International Patients and Systems Difficulties treating patients from Australia and Canada Systemic obstacles to providing care across borders 3. COVID-19 Era Reflections and Medical Discourse Early preparedness with peptide therapies and supportive protocols -- At the pandemic's onset, certain clinicians organized protocols incorporating peptides (e.g., thymosin alpha-1), nicotine, methylene blue, and adjuncts like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine to support immunity and nutrient delivery, leveraging prior peptide therapy experience. Belief that the pandemic response was misleading and coercive Censorship and platform restrictions -- Recounting bans and throttling on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, resorting to coded language (e.g., "cupcake") to avoid content moderation and experiencing extended live bans. 4. Social Media Enforcement and Pharmaceutical Influence Allegation of coordinated reporting by Eli Lilly -- Dr. Rimka says Instagram notified her that Eli Lilly reported her account, coinciding with actions against peers. She speculates that microdosing education threatened sales by reducing dosing volume. Selective enforcement and inconsistent standards -- Frustration is expressed over perceived preferential treatment of similar content by others and retroactive flagging of archived posts, reinforcing a sense of targeted suppression. 5. Regulatory Changes in Peptide Therapy Historical context and global research base Reclassification and access restrictions post-COVID -- Key peptides (e.g., TA1) became difficult to source after regulatory changes limiting compounding pharmacies. Clinicians turned to research-use-only and international sources, creating delays and uncertainty, which Rimka attributes to pharmaceutical efforts to limit widespread peptide use. Shift toward FDA approvals and evolving legal landscape 6. Regulatory Reclassification, Patents, and Natural Substances Peptides are naturally occurring and should not be restricted Pharma patents delivery systems/binders to capture markets 7. Pharma Influence and COVID-19 Coordination Claims Early warnings from contacts in China -- Dr. Rimka cites late-2019 warnings from contacts in Hong Kong/Shanghai who moved to Singapore and ceased WeChat communications, interpreted as signals of impending danger. Pharma's dominant role over government -- Assertions that pharma influences U.S. policy and suspect foul play in COVID-19's origins, drawing parallels to alleged bioweapon narratives involving Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome. 8. Intent Behind Global Response to COVID-19 Population control and compliance -- Mass vaccination and public health measures were designed to control and desensitize populations, testing compliance via mandates and social cues. Desensitization to tracking and bio-integrated technologies -- Warn of normalization of biometrics, implanted chips, and digital credentials, eroding autonomy and reshaping identity. 9. Vaccination Schedules, Immune Claims, and Endocrine Concerns Modern immunization schedules are excessive -- The interlocutors argue current infant vaccine schedules are unprecedentedly large compared to past generations. Rejection of autoimmune disease concept Vaccines and environmental endocrine disruptors -- Vaccine components and environmental chemicals (BPA, phthalates, microplastics) may influence sexuality and identity, citing animal studies and extrapolating to human exposures. 10. Nanotechnology, Frequencies, and Neurofeedback Potential for nano-chips/robots to alter physiology -- Dr. Rimka references public claims of nanotechnology capable of modulating cellular function and suggests undisclosed uses may exist, potentially via injections or environmental exposure. Brain manipulation and external frequency influences -- As a neurofeedback practitioner, Dr. Rimka describes modulating brain states via EEG-guided training and hypothesize that external infrastructures (e.g., 5G towers) could emit localized pulses affecting sleep, fatigue, and headaches. 11. Autism, Vaccine Injury, and Institutional Trust Correlation between vaccines and neurotoxicity -- The conversation frames vaccination as a high risk, referencing vaccine injury claims and the existence of a Vaccine Court, attributing neurotoxic effects to schedule components. CDC and FDA as misinformation sources 12. Personal Safety, Loss, and Public Pressure Denial of suicidality and acknowledgment of pressure -- Dr. Rimka confirms she is not suicidal, reflecting on past fears during heightened public controversy and the burden of advocacy when her child was young. Partner's death and suspected vaccine link Practitioner deaths and mentor loss -- A period of suspicious deaths among functional health practitioners, including her mentor, Dr. John Hicks, amplifying her sense of risk in the field. 13. Vaccine Lot Variability and Experimental Control Claims Variable vaccine lots and possible placebos -- Some vaccine lots may have been placebos, implying controlled experimentation and differential risk among recipients. 14. Peptides and Early Pandemic Protocols TA1, nicotine, methylene blue, ivermectin, and hydroxychloroquine -- Dr. Rimka details clinician-driven "stacking" strategies combining TA1 with nicotine and methylene blue, alongside ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, to enhance immune support, nutrient delivery, and reduce dosages during shortages. Public awareness of peptides was limited at the time. 15. Lyme Disease, Alpha-gal, and Non-Vaccine Strategies Lyme and alpha-gal as engineered threats -- Dr. Rimka characterizes Lyme disease as man-made with multiple vectors and views alpha-gal syndrome as unprecedented and possibly engineered, linking observed field anomalies to concerning patterns and anticipated vaccine rollouts. System optimization and aggressive post-bite protocols -- Recommended approaches include immune modulation, readiness with specific products, and rapid "killing and binding" after bites. CellCore Biosciences protocols spanning 10–12 months for chelation and pathogen elimination are endorsed, with guidance to work with trained clinicians. Electromagnetic devices and mitochondrial charge -- Bob Beck protocol devices (e.g., SOTA) and frequency-based tools to raise cellular/mitochondrial charge, positing cellular voltage as a fundamental determinant of recovery capacity. Practical toolkit -- Suggested on-hand items include DMSO, turpentine, ivermectin, silver, specific devices, peptides like TA1, and tinctures for Borrelia and Babesia, with an emphasis on early, aggressive intervention. 16. Public Communication, Professional Constraints, and Promotion Polarizing messaging and informed consent Tension between education and platform policy Credentials, partnerships, and book -- Dr. Rimka discusses her book, "Receive: The Dance of Feminine Power," emphasizing balanced masculine-feminine energies, honoring reception to reduce burnout, and reflections on motherhood and work. She also suggests a peptide stack (Klotho, Follistatin, Cell Factor).

In this episode of Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill, Dr. Jill Carnahan explores the growing science behind brain inflammation and its connection to chronic illness with Dr. Eboni Cornish. Dr. Cornish, Associate Medical Director at Amen Clinics and Treasurer of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, shares how underlying inflammation in the brain can drive symptoms often labeled as psychiatric, neurological, or behavioral conditions. Together, they discuss how mold toxicity, chronic infections, gut dysfunction, hormone imbalances, and environmental toxins can disrupt brain health and lead to symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, depression, personality changes, and fatigue. This powerful conversation highlights the importance of identifying root causes of neuroinflammation and offers hope for individuals struggling with complex chronic conditions through advanced diagnostics, functional medicine strategies, and personalized care.

GLP-1 Agonists, MCAS, Lyme Disease, and the Future of Precision Medicine In this powerful Tick Boot Camp Podcast interview, Matt Sabatello sits down with Dr. Tania Dempsey, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and internationally recognized expert in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, and complex chronic illness. In this comprehensive conversation, Dr. Dempsey delivers one of the most forward-thinking and in-depth discussions ever featured on the podcast — connecting the dots between persistent symptoms after Lyme, immune dysregulation, biofilms, nervous system dysfunction, and groundbreaking research on GLP-1 receptor agonists as mast-cell stabilizers. This episode offers science, clinical insight, and — most importantly — hope for patients who have tried everything and are still struggling. Lyme Disease, MCAS, and Why Patients Stay Sick Why Treating Lyme Alone Is Often Not Enough Dr. Dempsey explains why many patients continue to experience inflammation, pain, neurological symptoms, and relapses even after treating Lyme disease and co-infections. According to her clinical experience, this is most often due to primary Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, not persistent infection alone. Key insight: > Lyme disease frequently acts as the trigger, but MCAS is often the driver of ongoing symptoms. Dr. Dempsey clarifies the critical difference between: Primary MCAS (pre-existing immune dysfunction worsened by infections) Secondary MCAS (rare; resolves completely once infection is treated) She notes that in decades of clinical practice, she has never seen true secondary MCAS fully resolve without ongoing mast-cell management. SOT Therapy: When, Why, and How It Works Best Dr. Dempsey provides a nuanced and experience-based explanation of Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique (SOT) for Lyme and co-infections. She addresses common criticism: One-time SOT treatments are rarely sufficient Chronic Lyme often involves multiple strains of Borrelia , Babesia , and Bartonella Her most successful cases involve: Repeated testing Sequential SOT treatments targeting specific strains Immune system support between rounds Adjunctive therapies such as herbs, antiparasitics, and mast-cell stabilization She shares a remarkable case of a young woman with severe neuropsychiatric symptoms who — after years of persistent SOT treatment combined with MCAS management — is now thriving, off psychiatric medications, and successfully completing college. Biofilms: Why They Matter in Chronic Infection Dr. Dempsey firmly states that biofilms are a critical barrier to recovery in chronically ill patients. Key points: Biofilms exist in the gut, sinuses, blood, and tissues They protect microbes from antibiotics, herbs, and immune attack Resistant biofilms may involve extracellular DNA (Z-DNA), discussed at ILADS Therapies discussed: Enzymes such as lumbrokinase and nattokinase Ozone therapy Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) for severe cases Her message is clear: if you cannot reach microbial reservoirs hidden in biofilms, infections cannot be fully controlled. GLP-1 Agonists, Immune Modulation, and Breakthrough MCAS Research GLP-1 Receptor Agonists as Mast-Cell Stabilizers Dr. Dempsey presents groundbreaking findings from her published case series: “The Utility of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome” Key details: 47-patient case series Micro-dosing of GLP-1 agonists Primary medications used: tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) and semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) Unlike weight-loss protocols, Dr. Dempsey uses very low doses to target immune modulation — not appetite suppression. What GLP-1 Therapy Improved in MCAS & Lyme Patients Reported improvements included: Cognitive clarity and brain fog Chronic pain Neuropsychiatric symptoms Anxiety and depression Gastrointestinal symptoms Systemic inflammation Hormonal dysregulation In some cases, patients experienced improvement within one or two doses. Dr. Dempsey explains that mast cells express GLP-1 receptors, and activation sends a signal of safety, reducing inflammatory mediator release. Unexpected Findings: Muscle Mass and Antibody Reduction Contrary to common concerns, Dr. Dempsey observed: Preserved or increased muscle mass in the majority of patients Improved mitochondrial function and exercise tolerance Reduction in chronic antibody production (including Lyme Western Blot bands) She shares a striking case where a patient with long-standing positive Lyme antibodies saw antibody levels decline for the first time in over a decade after GLP-1 therapy — despite infection already being treated. This supports her hypothesis: > MCAS can drive persistent immune activation even when infection is no longer present. Side Effects, Screening & Who Should Not Use GLP-1s Potential side effects (usually mild): Nausea Delayed gastric emptying Occasional vomiting in sensitive patients Important clinical notes: Some patients respond better to semaglutide vs tirzepatide A small subset may require dose cycling or pulsing Antibody formation against GLP-1 drugs is a potential research focus Non-Pharmaceutical Alternatives to Increase GLP-1 Activity For patients who cannot tolerate medications, Dr. Dempsey outlines alternatives. Herbal & Supplement Options OptimumGLP Synergy (herbal blend designed to support GLP-1 signaling) Calocurb (GLP-1 supportive compound) These options may: Reduce inflammation Help stabilize appetite and blood sugar Calm mast-cell activity Diet-Based Strategies Dr. Dempsey explains why higher-protein and carnivore-leaning diets may benefit MCAS and Lyme patients: Protein and fat stimulate endogenous GLP-1 Reduced food triggers Improved metabolic stability Patients do not need to eat exclusively meat — but increasing high-quality protein intake is often beneficial. Nervous System, Trauma & Mast Cell Feedback Loops The episode explores how: Mast cells and nerves exist in a bidirectional feedback loop Chronic fight-or-flight worsens immune activation Therapies discussed: Limbic retraining programs ( Primal Trust , Gupta Program) Vagal nerve stimulation Apollo Neuro wearable Ketamine-assisted therapy Psychedelic microdosing (emerging area) Breaking the mast-cell / nervous-system loop is often essential for healing. Women's Health, PCOS & Autoimmune Illness Dr. Dempsey shares a critical insight: > In her practice, every PCOS patient also has MCAS. She explains how: Mast cells respond to estrogen, progesterone, insulin, and cortisol Hormonal fluctuations can trigger MCAS flares MCAS may underlie PMS, PMDD, endometriosis, and reproductive pain syndromes GLP-1 therapy may offer new hope for women suffering from inflammatory gynecologic symptoms linked to Lyme and MCAS. Advocacy, ILADS & The Future of MCAS Research Dr. Dempsey discusses her work with: ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society) ISMCAS (International Society for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) ISMCAS goals include: Funding MCAS research Educating clinicians globally Supporting patients and advocacy efforts She encourages patients to: Educate themselves Share credible research with providers Move on from doctors unwilling to listen Final Takeaway This episode redefines what root-cause medicine truly means. Healing chronic Lyme disease often requires addressing: Immune dysregulation Mast cell activation Nervous system dysfunction Hormonal imbalance Metabolic inflammation Dr. Tania Dempsey offers a roadmap — grounded in science, compassion, and innovation — for patients

This is episode 078 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you are suffering from Lyme and other tick-borne disease, please seek proper medical treatment. Pennsylvania has been called a ground zero of the Lyme disease epidemic in the United States. On this episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, Fred Diamond speaks with two powerful advocates who are working to change that reality. Eric Huck and Amy Tiehel from the Pennsylvania Lyme Resource Network share their deeply personal Lyme journeys and explain why advocacy, education, and community support are critical for Lyme survivors and their families. Eric's story began in 2009 after a tick bite while hiking the Appalachian Trail. Despite early treatment, his health rapidly deteriorated and he was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease along with multiple co-infections including Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis. His experience navigating the healthcare system ultimately led him to help build one of the largest Lyme advocacy organizations in the state. Amy's journey began while she was living in Los Angeles. After years of debilitating symptoms, Bell's palsy, and visits to more than 25 doctors, she was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease and Babesia. Her experience with misdiagnosis and medical dismissal pushed her into advocacy so that other patients would not have to navigate the system alone. In this powerful conversation, we discuss: • Why Pennsylvania has become a Lyme disease hotspot • The mission of the Pennsylvania Lyme Resource Network  • The challenges patients face with diagnosis and treatment  • The mental and emotional toll Lyme takes on families • Prevention through the Dare 2B Tick Aware education program • What must change to improve care for Lyme survivors Eric and Amy also share details about the Pennsylvania Lyme Patient Conference taking place April 18 in King of Prussia, where patients, doctors, and advocates will gather to learn, connect, and support one another. Learn more about the Pennsylvania Lyme Patient Conference: https://palyme.org

In this powerful and science-forward episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, host Matt Sabatello sits down with Amy Proal, PhD, a leading microbiologist whose work is reshaping how the medical community understands chronic Lyme disease, post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD), ME/CFS, and Long COVID. Dr. Proal brings a rare combination of deep scientific expertise, lived experience with chronic illness, and real-world clinical integration, offering listeners clarity on why so many patients remain sick long after standard treatment ends — and what science is finally doing about it.

What if Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, and even psychiatric symptoms are not random but driven by hidden infections? In this episode of Integrative Lyme Solutions, Dr. K sits down with research scientist and Lyme survivor Nikki Schultek to explore the infection hypothesis behind chronic disease. After battling years of misdiagnosed symptoms including asthma flares, interstitial cystitis, arrhythmias, neurological decline, and suspected MS, Nikki uncovered a complex web of infections including Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Epstein-Barr virus, and more. Now founder of the Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative, Nikki is leading a global consortium investigating how stealth pathogens may trigger neurodegeneration, immune dysfunction, and dementia. This conversation dives into intracellular infections, the Herxheimer reaction, amyloid as an antimicrobial response, sterile brain autopsies, precision medicine, and why federal health agencies are finally acknowledging Lyme disease as a serious public health crisis. If you or someone you love is dealing with chronic Lyme, long COVID, autoimmune illness, or cognitive decline, this episode may change how you see disease. Key Takeaways: 0:00 Introduction 3:15 Asthma, air hunger, and early misdiagnoses 8:40 From interstitial cystitis to suspected multiple sclerosis 14:30 Discovering intracellular infections and Chlamydia pneumoniae 18:45 Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia and the whack-a-mole effect 24:10 The Pathobiome concept and microbial imbalance 27:30 Alzheimer's disease and the infection hypothesis 32:00 Sterile brain autopsies and spinal fluid research 35:20 Amyloid plaque as an antimicrobial defense mechanism 41:00 APOE4, genetics, and infection susceptibility 44:30 Federal recognition of Lyme disease and future funding Resources Mentioned: Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative - https://alzheimerspathobiome.org ILADS - https://www.ilads.org ILADS Education Foundation - https://www.iladef.org Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - https://www.pcom.edu Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions. _______________________________The Karlfeldt Center offers the most cutting-edge and comprehensive Lyme therapies. To schedule a Free 15-Minute Discovery Call with a Lyme Literate Naturopathic Doctor at The Karlfeldt Center, call 208-338-8902 or email info@TheKarlfeldtCenter.comCheck out Dr. K's Ebook: Breaking Free From Lyme: A Comprehensive Guide to Healing and Recovery here: https://store.thekarlfeldtcenter.com/products/breaking-free-from-lymeUse the code LYMEPODCAST for a 100% off discount!

In this groundbreaking episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we interview Dr. Jayakumar Rajadas, a Stanford Medicine researcher who has discovered multiple breakthrough therapeutic candidates for Lyme disease, Babesia, and Bartonella. His work includes the discovery of Disulfiram's effectiveness against Lyme and Babesia, Azlocillin's potent activity against Lyme and Bartonella, and advanced targeted drug-delivery systems designed to preserve the gut microbiome. Dr. Jay's research has been featured in TIME Magazine (Azlocillin) and Forbes (Disulfiram), and connects deeply with the work of leading Lyme researchers, including Dr. Monica Embers (Tulane), Dr. Kim Lewis (Northeastern), Dr. Kenneth Liegner, and Dr. Brian Fallon (Columbia University). This interview delivers hope, science, and unprecedented detail on what may become the next generation of Lyme disease treatments. Key Topics Covered 1. How the Stanford Tick Initiative Sparked a New Era of Drug Discovery In 2012, Stanford launched a major initiative in response to community demand for better Lyme treatments. Dr. Rajadas was selected to lead drug development, focusing specifically on persistent/chronic Lyme disease, where few researchers were working. 2. Understanding Borrelia: Active vs. Stationary Forms & Why Chronic Lyme Persists Dr. J explains the three key survival modes of Borrelia burgdorferi: Active Phase The bacteria are replicating and metabolically active. Easier to kill with standard antibiotics. Stationary Phase Bacteria reach population limits and slow down growth. Represents early persistence mechanisms. Persister Forms Triggered by stressors like antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline). Bacteria fold into round bodies, spiral forms, or compact “cement-like” protective balls. These forms: Shut down metabolic pathways Resist penetration Survive antibiotic exposure Why Doxycycline Can Fail Doxycycline can induce persisters, causing Borrelia to form impenetrable protective shells rather than die. This is why many patients initially feel better, then relapse. 3. Disulfiram (Antabuse): Lyme + Babesia Breakthrough Featured in Forbes One of the biggest scientific shocks of the last decade: Discovery Through Stanford's high-throughput screening of FDA-approved drugs, Disulfiram emerged as a top hit. Clears Borrelia (including persistent forms) Clears Babesia — a major advantage over standard antibiotics Does NOT harm the gut microbiome Is already FDA-approved and widely used for alcohol aversion therapy Highly potent but requires careful dosing due to side effects in inflamed patients. Why Some Patients Improve, and Others Suffer Chronic Lyme patients already have heightened inflammation. Disulfiram is a powerful molecule whose polymorphic forms behave differently in different people. His lab developed: Less toxic formulations Buccal & sublingual delivery systems Rectal delivery options These may reduce neuropsychiatric side effects reported by some patients. Clinical Connections Dr. Kenneth Liegner pioneered clinical use and published cases Dr. Brian Fallon conducted NIH-listed clinical trials. Many clinicians now use Liegner's protocols. Real-world example: Matt shares the story of Brooke Stoddard (Generation Lyme), who regained his life after Disulfiram treatment under Dr. Liegner. 4. Azlocillin: The Antibiotic That TIME Magazine Called a Gamechanger If Disulfiram is the Lyme and Babesia weapon, Azlocillin may be the frontline tool for Lyme and Bartonella. Why Azlocillin Is Revolutionary Eradicates both active and persister forms of Borrelia. Destroys doxycycline-induced “cement ball” persisters by drilling into their vulnerable cell-wall synthesis pathways. Proven effective against Bartonella when paired with azithromycin, based on research by Dr. Monica Embers (Tulane) . The Cell-Wall Vulnerability Breakthrough Persisters STILL must maintain minimal cell-wall synthesis to survive. Azlocillin exploits this tiny vulnerability: It penetrates the protective sphere Breaks the “cement wall” Forces the bacteria out of hibernation Kills them rapidly This discovery is one of the biggest scientific leaps in Lyme research in a decade. The Delivery System That Protects the Gut Microbiome Azlocillin is extremely hydrophilic, making absorption difficult.Dr. Jay fixed this by creating: A magnesium-lipid nanoparticle formulation Designed to release in the upper intestine Avoiding the colon (where most microbiome lives) This allows: High bloodstream absorption Minimal microbiome damage Oral availability of a drug previously only available via IV Why Azlocillin May Be Better Than Disulfiram Hits Borrelia + Bartonella Stronger anti-inflammatory effects No polymorphism issues Fewer side effects Potent against persisters A company is preparing to bring his oral formulation to clinical trials by next year. 5. Loratadine (Claritin): The First Clue from 2012 Before Disulfiram and Azlocillin, Dr. Jay's lab identified Loratadine (Claritin) as a manganese transporter inhibitor of Borrelia. Why it mattered: Borrelia uniquely relies on manganese, not iron. Blocking manganese uptake may weaken the bacteria. The discovery went viral, with many patients reporting improvement even at OTC doses—though the binding affinity was weak. This project introduced the concept of drug repurposing for Lyme to the scientific community. 6. Melittin (Bee Venom) — The Micro-Needle Patch Alternative Bee venom therapy is widely used in the Lyme community, but risks stings and allergic reactions. Dr. J is developing: Melittin micro-needle patches Delivering the active peptide without stinging Using dissolvable, painless needles A safe, controlled, pharmaceutical-grade delivery approach This could modernize bee venom therapy and make it more accessible. 7. Mechanism of Brain Fog & Fatigue in Lyme: A Major Breakthrough Dr. Jay's lab published a neuroscience paper demonstrating: Outer Surface Protein (Osp) Nanoparticles Borrelia sheds lipid-coated outer membrane particles. These form stable nano-vesicles that: Enter the bloodstream Cross into the brain Cause mitochondrial dysfunction Reduce ATP production Result: Brain Fog, Fatigue, Cognitive Dysfunction This explains why neurological Lyme can persist even after bacterial levels drop. This work ties strongly to ongoing research at Columbia University under Dr. Brian Fallon. 8. Collaborations With World Leaders in Lyme Research Dr. J's research intersects with: Dr. Kim Lewis (Northeastern University) Reproduced and validated Disulfiram findings publicly. Helped launch interest in persister-killing therapies. Dr. Monica Embers (Tulane University) Demonstrated Azlocillin + Azithromycin effectiveness against Bartonella. One of the world's foremost experts in persistent infection models. Dr. Kenneth Liegner Early clinical pioneer of Disulfiram therapy. Published stunning recovery cases. Dr. Brian A. Fallon (Columbia University) Leading psychiatrist specializing in post-treatment Lyme. Conducted planned Disulfiram clinical trials. These collaborations form a powerful network accelerating treatment development. 9. New Anti-Inflammatory Discoveries: Galangin & More Dr. Jay recently co-authored a 2025 paper on: Galangin (Thai ginger rhizome extract) Which may reverse cardiac inflammation and fibrosis His team is also exploring other nutraceutical molecules for chronic inflammation relief in Lyme patients. 10. Dr. Jay's Personal Story of Illness and Hope He reveals for the first time: He was diagnosed with Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma Lost the ability to walk Suffered unbearable pain After cutting-edge therapies and research, he is now in full remission His message to Lyme patients: “There is ALWAYS hope.”

What happens when Lyme disease goes undiagnosed for 15 years — and the emotional toll becomes just as devastating as the physical symptoms?In this episode of Integrative Lyme Solutions, Dr. K sits down with Susan Pogorzelski, author of The Last Letter: A Novel and founder of the Lyme Brave Foundation. Susan shares her 30-year journey through misdiagnosis, neurological decline, co-infections like Babesia, severe fatigue, psychiatric symptoms, and the long road of recovery. From being dismissed by doctors to experiencing suicidal ideation during treatment, Susan opens up about the isolation, trauma, and resilience that shaped her healing.This powerful conversation explores Lyme misdiagnosis, Babesia treatment, herxing, emotional trauma, nervous system regulation, EFT tapping, relapse recovery, and how chronic illness can reshape identity. If you or a loved one is navigating chronic Lyme disease, co-infections, or the emotional weight of invisible illness, this episode is both validation and hope.Key Takeaways:0:00 Introduction3:15 15 years of misdiagnosis and declining neurological health8:20 Gallbladder surgery, rapid deterioration, and ER visits12:05 Lyme diagnosis and multiple co-infections confirmed15:40 Babesia treatment and what moved the needle in recovery19:30 Herx reactions, suicidal ideation, and psychological symptoms23:50 Emotional trauma, loneliness, and invisible illness27:45 EFT tapping, nervous system healing, and energetic tools30:10 Relapses, flares, and building resilience over time33:00 Lyme Brave Foundation and supporting patients emotionallyResources Mentioned:Susan Pogorzelski Website - https://www.susanpogorzelski.com/aboutLyme Brave Foundation - https://lymebravefoundation.orgThe Last Letter: A Novel by Susan Pogorzelski - https://www.amazon.com/Last-Letter-Novel-Susan-Pogorzelski/dp/0988875136Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions.#Babesia #InvisibleIllness #ChronicLyme _______________________________The Karlfeldt Center offers the most cutting-edge and comprehensive Lyme therapies. To schedule a Free 15-Minute Discovery Call with a Lyme Literate Naturopathic Doctor at The Karlfeldt Center, call 208-338-8902 or email info@TheKarlfeldtCenter.comCheck out Dr. K's Ebook: Breaking Free From Lyme: A Comprehensive Guide to Healing and Recovery here: https://store.thekarlfeldtcenter.com/products/breaking-free-from-lymeUse the code LYMEPODCAST for a 100% off discount!

Dr. Bobbi S. Pritt joins Tick Boot Camp Podcast for a scientific deep dive into Lyme disease diagnostics, co-infections, and emerging tick-borne pathogens. Dr. Pritt is Professor and Chair of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic and Director of the Clinical Parasitology Laboratory in Rochester, Minnesota. An internationally recognized expert in vector-borne diseases, she is globally known for discovering new tick-borne pathogens—including Borrelia mayonii and Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis—and for advancing cutting-edge molecular and metagenomic diagnostic testing used nationwide. This episode offers essential clarity for anyone navigating Lyme disease, unexplained symptoms, or confusing test results. Dr. Pritt explains why standard tests often miss early Lyme, how PCR and molecular tools can detect active infection, and what metagenomic sequencing may offer for more accurate and comprehensive diagnostics in the future. Episode Summary Dr. Pritt breaks down how Lyme and other tick-borne diseases are detected through antibody testing, PCR, tissue analysis, and cutting-edge molecular methods. She explains how her lab discovered multiple new pathogens in the upper Midwest, the role of tick species in disease transmission, and why co-infections complicate diagnosis. This conversation also explores geographic spread, climate change, tick behavior, and the strengths and limitations of today's test algorithms. Key Topics • Discovery of Borrelia mayonii as a second cause of Lyme disease in the U.S. • Identification and characterization of Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis • Geographic hotspots and why the upper Midwest produces unique pathogens • Tick species differences: blacklegged vs. lone star ticks and their hunting strategies • Co-feeding in ticks and its role in pathogen evolution • Why early Lyme tests often return false-negative results • The science behind false positives and cross-reactivity • PCR advantages and limitations for detecting Borrelia • When skin biopsies can outperform blood tests • Differentiating Lyme, B. miyamotoi, Anaplasma, Babesia, and Powassan virus • When clinicians should order a full tick-borne disease panel • How climate and ecological changes drive new tick-borne threats • The promise of metagenomics and immune-signature diagnostics What You'll Learn • Why current Lyme testing algorithms struggle in early infection • How new tick-borne pathogens are discovered and validated • Why lone star ticks are more aggressive and changing regional risk • When and why molecular testing is more effective • What symptoms point to co-infections needing additional testing • Why doxycycline is not effective for certain pathogens like Babesia • How metagenomic sequencing could identify every pathogen in a single sample • Where diagnostic innovation is heading and what patients can expect

Is chronic babesiosis finally getting the scientific attention it deserves?In this episode of Integrative Lyme Solutions, Dr. K sits down with Dr. Geoff Dow, CEO & President of Sixty Degrees Pharmaceuticals, to discuss a groundbreaking clinical trial targeting chronic babesiosis — a common and often overlooked Lyme co-infection. Originally developed for malaria prevention, the drug Tafenoquine (brand name Kodatef®) is now being studied for its potential to treat persistent Babesia infections and Lyme-related fatigue.They explore the science behind red blood cell parasites, how Babesia differs from malaria, why chronic babesiosis remains controversial, and what makes this new trial the first FDA-reviewed IND study focused on chronic disease. If you or a loved one struggle with Lyme-related fatigue, relapsing babesiosis, or limited treatment options, this conversation offers cautious optimism and a closer look at the future of targeted therapies.Key Takeaways:0:00 Introduction3:10 From Malaria Drug Development to Lyme Co-Infections6:45 How Babesia Infects Red Blood Cells and Causes Fatigue10:40 Why Chronic Babesiosis Is Still Controversial14:50 No FDA-Approved Drugs Specifically for Babesiosis18:30 New Clinical Trials for Chronic and Relapsing Babesiosis24:00 Measuring Fatigue as a Primary Endpoint in Chronic DiseaseResources Mentioned:Sixty Degrees Pharmaceuticals - https://www.sixtydegreespharma.comKodatef® (Tafenoquine) Information - Available via company website aboveMount Sinai (Clinical Trial Site) - https://www.mountsinai.orgYale Babesiosis Case Series (Referenced Study) - https://medicine.yale.eduMedical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions. _______________________________The Karlfeldt Center offers the most cutting-edge and comprehensive Lyme therapies. To schedule a Free 15-Minute Discovery Call with a Lyme Literate Naturopathic Doctor at The Karlfeldt Center, call 208-338-8902 or email info@TheKarlfeldtCenter.comCheck out Dr. K's Ebook: Breaking Free From Lyme: A Comprehensive Guide to Healing and Recovery here: https://store.thekarlfeldtcenter.com/products/breaking-free-from-lymeUse the code LYMEPODCAST for a 100% off discount!

Can Lyme disease begin before birth — and could it be driving neurodevelopmental conditions like autism, ADHD, and anxiety?In this episode of Integrative Lyme Solutions, Dr. K is joined by Dr. Somer DelSignore, a leading pediatric integrative clinician, to explore the overlooked science of congenital Lyme and in utero transmission of vector-borne infections. Dr. DelSignore explains how infections such as Borrelia, Bartonella, and Babesia can cross the placenta, disrupt fetal brain development, and silently fuel inflammation that shows up later as behavioral, cognitive, and immune dysfunction.You'll learn why standard TORCH testing fails to catch these infections, what symptoms parents should watch for in infants and children, and how addressing inflammation, infections, and immune imbalance can dramatically improve outcomes. This episode offers critical insight for parents, practitioners, and anyone focused on true prevention and root-cause healing in pediatric Lyme disease.Key Takeaways:0:00 Introduction and Dr. Somer DelSignore's clinical journey3:10 From pediatric ICU to integrative Lyme care6:20 Congenital Lyme: 40 years of overlooked science9:00 Why TORCH testing misses vector-borne infections12:45 Preconception testing and prevention strategies15:30 Why treating Lyme before pregnancy matters18:05 Infant symptoms parents should never ignore21:10 Autism, neuroinflammation, and misdiagnosis24:15 The RESET framework for pediatric healing28:10 What real recovery can look like for childrenResources Mentioned:IGeneX Laboratories – https://igenex.comTLABDX (Babesia & Bartonella testing) – https://www.tlabdx.com/Horowitz/MSIDS 38 point symptom checklist – https://projectlyme.org/msids-questionnaire/IV Ozone Therapy – https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ozone-therapySOT (Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy) – https://projectlyme.org/supportive-oligonucleotide-therapy-sot-for-lyme/Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions. _______________________________The Karlfeldt Center offers the most cutting-edge and comprehensive Lyme therapies. To schedule a Free 15-Minute Discovery Call with a Lyme Literate Naturopathic Doctor at The Karlfeldt Center, call 208-338-8902 or email info@TheKarlfeldtCenter.comCheck out Dr. K's Ebook: Breaking Free From Lyme: A Comprehensive Guide to Healing and Recovery here: https://store.thekarlfeldtcenter.com/products/breaking-free-from-lymeUse the code LYMEPODCAST for a 100% off discount!

This is episode 76 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast. To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media. [NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.] In this episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, Fred Diamond, author of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor" sits down with Dr. Jennifer Miller, who oversees clinical and scientific operations at Galaxy Diagnostics, for one of the most important conversations we've ever had about Lyme disease. We discuss the basics. Not just what Lyme does, but why it happens in the first place. Dr. Miller brings decades of deep scientific experience studying Borrelia burgdorferi and explains: ✅ How ticks actually become infected ✅ Why nymph ("seed") ticks are the biggest threat to humans ✅ What happens biologically inside the tick and inside your body ✅ Why Borrelia is so hard for the immune system (and antibiotics) to find ✅ How co-infections like Bartonella and Babesia complicate diagnosis and recovery ✅ Why some people develop neurological symptoms while others don't ✅ Why today's antibody tests often miss active infections and how Galaxy is working on direct detection methods to change the standard of care We also talk about:

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Julia Bruzzese, a 22-year-old Lyme disease survivor, disability advocate, and future physician whose life was forever changed by an untreated tick bite in childhood. After developing a classic bull's-eye rash at age 9, Julia went undiagnosed for nearly two years, despite textbook symptoms of Lyme disease. By age 11, she experienced a catastrophic neurological decline that left her paraplegic and wheelchair-bound. Over the next decade, Julia saw more than 100 doctors, endured profound medical gaslighting, and navigated an exhausting journey through antibiotics, IVIG, IV antibiotics, plasmapheresis, stem cells, ozone therapy, and integrative care. Julia's story became internationally known after a moment with Pope Francis on the JFK airport tarmac went viral in 2015—an event that opened doors to care, advocacy, and awareness. She later became the emotional centerpiece of the award-winning documentary The Quiet Epidemic, appeared at New York Fashion Week as a Lyme disease advocate, and was profiled by renowned journalist Mary Beth Pfeiffer. Today, Julia is finishing her undergraduate degree and has been accepted into medical school, determined to become the kind of doctor she needed when the system failed her. This episode is a masterclass in: Pediatric Lyme disease Medical gaslighting vs. lack of education Clinical diagnosis vs. unreliable testing The patient-doctor relationship Chronic illness, disability, and purpose Why Lyme disease changes lives—and why early treatment matters Childhood Lyme Disease & Missed Diagnosis Tick bite and bull's-eye rash dismissed at age 9 Two years of worsening symptoms labeled as “growing pains,” viruses, or psychological Why early Lyme treatment saves lives Neurological Collapse & Hospital Trauma Sudden onset of paralysis, vision loss, fevers, hair loss, and weakness at age 11 Over 100 doctors and repeated hospitalizations Being accused of malingering and conversion disorder The devastating impact of medical disbelief on children The Quiet Epidemic Documentary How Julia became the heart of the film at age 12 Why she initially hesitated to share her story The emotional impact of seeing her illness reflected on screen How the documentary helps families explain Lyme disease to others Meeting Pope Francis & Global Awareness How a school principal secured last-minute tickets The Pope walks directly to Julia's wheelchair The moment that changed everything Media coverage that led to access to lifesaving care Treatment Journey Lyme-literate diagnosis by NP Somer DelSignore Oral and IV antibiotics IVIG (including under-dosing issues) Plasmapheresis POTS, Babesia, Bartonella, and autoimmune complications Stem cell therapy abroad Ozone and integrative protocols Why there is no single silver bullet for Lyme disease The Medical System & Lyme Denial Why doctors often say “it's all in your head” The difference between malice and lack of training How medical education fails chronic illness patients Fear of insurance companies, lawsuits, and “accepted guidelines” Why Lyme is a clinical diagnosis, not a test result Reframing “Medical Gaslighting” Why anger is understandable—but not always healing How patients and doctors can become better partners Understanding doctors' limitations without excusing harm Advocacy with clarity, not hostility Disability, Identity & Resilience Navigating life and education as a wheelchair user Accommodations, accessibility, and invisible illness “I have Lyme. I am not Lyme.” Learning when to rest, when to fight, and when to live Becoming the Doctor She Needed Working as a medical assistant and hospital volunteer in a wheelchair Applying to and being accepted into medical school Becoming the first wheelchair-using medical student at her institution Why lived experience belongs in medicine Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Lawsuit filed in NYC (March 2021) against multiple doctors and hospitals Failure to diagnose and treat Lyme disease despite clear evidence Why Lyme malpractice cases are rare—and necessary Seeking accountability, not revenge Purpose, Faith & Meaning From “Why me?” to “Why not me?” How suffering clarified her calling The role of faith, family, and community Why Julia wouldn't give this journey back—even now Memorable Quotes “I was criminalized as an eleven-year-old child for being sick.” “It actually was in my head—the bacteria was in my brain.” “I have Lyme disease. I am not Lyme disease.” “There is no silver bullet for Lyme. Healing is trial and error.” “I wouldn't be who I am—or know my purpose—without this journey.” Why This Episode Matters This episode is essential listening for: Parents of children with unexplained symptoms Lyme disease and chronic illness patients Medical professionals and students Advocates fighting for better diagnostics and care Anyone who has ever felt dismissed, unseen, or unheard in healthcare Julia Bruzzese's story is not just about Lyme disease—it's about truth, resilience, accountability, and hope.

The Great Mimicker: Is It Lyme Disease or Something Else? | Podcast #469

In this powerful episode, Tick Boot Camp Podcast interviews Dr. Karolina Praskeviciute (“Dr. Pras”), a multilingual, European-trained medical doctor who has lived in Lithuania, Hong Kong, London, and the United States, traveled to 89 countries, and now uses her global experience to understand chronic illness from a unique vantage point. Dr. Pras shares her deeply personal story of lifelong unexplained symptoms, childhood mold exposure, a bull's-eye rash at age 15, and a medical system unequipped to recognize chronic tick-borne illness. After a devastating case of early COVID-19 in February 2020, her immune system collapsed, triggering full-blown Lyme disease, Babesia, Bartonella, tick-borne relapsing fever, MCAS, and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). This conversation bridges both sides of medicine—Western and functional—and explores how chronic illness forced Dr. Pras to reevaluate everything she learned as a third-generation physician. She now brings a rare, dual perspective as both clinician and patient. Key Topics Covered ➤ Growing up in Lithuania: culture, safety, freedom & early mold exposure She describes an independent childhood surrounded by nature—but also living in a poorly insulated home with significant hidden mold that triggered early allergies, stomach pain, nosebleeds, and metallic taste. ➤ Medical school awakening: Why Western medicine failed her symptoms Despite coming from a family of doctors, she noticed early on that conventional medicine couldn't explain many of her symptoms—and she witnessed firsthand how chronic illness is minimized, dismissed, or mislabeled. ➤ The first tick bite at 15 & the bull's-eye rash ignored by doctors Despite developing textbook erythema migrans, pediatricians refused treatment. Her mother initiated a short doxycycline course on her own—far too short to prevent chronic Lyme. ➤ Traveling the world & accumulating exposures After living and working across continents, she now believes different strains, microbes, and environmental factors layered into the perfect storm. ➤ Long COVID as the breaking point Like many chronically ill patients, COVID destabilized everything: massive immune dysregulation nonstop inflammation MCAS flares worsening neurological symptoms Lyme and Babesia fully activating ➤ Mold + Lyme + Long COVID = The Perfect Storm Her CIRS diagnosis revealed why she never recovered even after leaving mold exposure—and why immune dysfunction made Lyme treatment far more complex. ➤ Her diagnostic breakthrough with IGeneX After repeated false-negative Western blots, specialty testing finally uncovered: Lyme Babesia Bartonella Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) Immune activation on FISH testing ➤ Treatment: Herbs, LymeStop, detox, keto, and functional medicine Her current regimen includes: Houttuynia (major reduction in joint pain within 1 week) Cryptolepis (powerful antimicrobial requiring slow titration) Custom herbal protocols (single-herb tinctures) HBOT INUSpheresis Light sauna Gentle lymphatic drainage Vagus nerve support Journaling & limbic system retraining Strict ketogenic diet after a 7-day fast dramatically reduced inflammation She also discusses the risks of Botox, fillers, tattoos, and skincare toxins for chronically ill patients. ➤ Nervous system healing as the foundation of recovery She explains why vagus nerve work and limbic retraining may fail if patients are still in toxin exposure (like mold or endotoxins)—a vital distinction rarely discussed. ➤ Becoming a doctor who understands chronic illness from both sides This episode explores: medical defensiveness gaslighting vs unhealthy doctor-patient dynamics why patients must be empowered, not dismissed why doctors also need compassion and realistic expectations how her future clinical practice will integrate empathy, functional medicine, and lived experience Top Quotes From Dr. Pras “I dismissed my own symptoms because I was trained to believe nothing was wrong unless labs proved it.” “Mold was the silent force that weakened my system long before Lyme took over.” “Healing is not linear. Some days it feels like I'm starting over, but I always come back stronger.” “Doctors have tools—but without a healthy doctor-patient relationship, those tools don't work.” “I can help others now because I know when to push and when to pull back. Lived experience matters.” Where to Find Dr. Karolina Pras Instagram: @drkaromd Email: drkaro@healthkonsultant.com (“consultant” spelled with a K)

Tick-borne diseases continue to expand across North America, but diagnosing them in the clinical laboratory remains complex—especially when timing between symptom onset and testing isn't considered. In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, Luis is joined by Kyle Rodino, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Assistant Director of Microbiology, for a lab-focused discussion on tick-borne disease diagnostics. They cover major bacterial, parasitic, and viral causes of tick-borne disease, and walk through how molecular testing, serology, and microscopy are used at different stages of illness. The conversation highlights why test selection and timing matter, common diagnostic challenges—particularly with Babesia and Lyme disease testing—and how laboratories can support better diagnostic decision-making. A practical episode for microbiologists, laboratorians, and clinicians navigating real-world testing challenges in the lab.   Additional resources: Update on North American tick-borne diseases and how to diagnose them https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.00807-23   Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8   Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi  

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