Live Your Bumper Sticker

What a wonderful time of year!  What a blessing to celebrate the gift of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ who is called- Wonderful, Counselor , the Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Now we settle down for another season, a New Year of resolutions and solutions, of commitments to recommit, to renew, and refocus, from good to better to best.

All of us are at the starting line somewhere in our lives.  The opportunities for change are endless.  For some of us, change can be difficult, for others, it is a way of life.

Last fall I had an opportunity to observe this change in action. I was parked waiting for my son to finish play practice and noticed a vehicle a distance off in the parking lot with this bumper sticker:  “Love God, Love Others, No Regrets.” I thought about those words, contemplating the nature of the owner of the vehicle. Sisters, do we live our bumper stickers?  I imagined sisters I know that are in constant motion of putting their Father in Heaven in first position in their lives and automatically loving others with no strings attached-no regrets.  Shortly thereafter, I saw the owner of the vehicle.  As she was getting into her car, a stranger approached her in need of help to jump start his vehicle.   Without a second thought, the woman got out of her car, rummaged in her trunk, retrieved the cables and moved her vehicle to align it with the troubled vehicle.  I love how this woman was immediately present in her actions.

Love God, Love Others, No Regrets.  No looking back. No lost time. Love is the answer.  That scene was love in action.

A gift we can ‘give-back’ to our Savior, showing our great appreciation for Him as this New Year ensues is the gift of being present. When we are “present”, we are accountable; it is as if we are among one of the Lord’s ninety nine.  I find comfort in that!  

How can we be more present as sisters, daughters, wives, mothers and friends?

Here are a few ideas and areas where we can be present-

• ·         In our Prayers-  by truly showing gratitude, asking specifically for our needs and then patiently and faithfully waiting for answers.
• ·         Our Family-by really seeking for quality (not always quantity) one on one time- a phone call, face to face time, weekly date nights. Being fully present in our relationships blesses the relationship.
• ·         Our Church responsibilities-  attending meetings, partaking each week of the holy sacrament, attending the temple, visiting teaching our sisters in the gospel, and magnifying our callings with pure intent. 

While I know that for the most part our lives do have meaning, purpose and direction, sometimes we can get lackadaisical in our intent.  All I know is when I personally put this principle to practice, I know that I am accomplishing more and feeling the Holy Ghost more present in return.  I know that the concept of being more present will place us in a holier place.  It will help us receive more spiritual promptings, and help us feel closer to our Heavenly Father.

Former LDS church President, Gordon B Hinckley stated in the October 1997 LDS General Conference: “I see a wonderful future in a very uncertain world.  If we will cling to our values, if we will build on our inheritance, if we will walk in obedience before the Lord, if we will simply live the gospel, we will be blessed in a magnificent and wonderful way.  We will be looked upon as a peculiar people who have found the key to a peculiar happiness.  Great has been our past, wonderful is our present, glorious can be our future.”

Now a charge:  Go live your Bumper Sticker!

Best to all of you in 2014~

I'M ALIVE!

This will be a long post.  I have felt impressed for a while now to give an update and assure all of you readers that my absence has been because I AM ALIVE.  That means I am BACK! I love being back.
I can finally be a complete mom, wife, friend and functioning part of society.

Since that day 2 1/2 years ago when I did the "happy-dance" in my kitchen, shouting, "I feel good-na na na na na na naa", I have only had 2 minor setbacks requiring treatment.

I've been in "remission" from Late Stage Disseminated Lyme Disease now and various co-infections and disorders for about a year and a half.  What that means is symptom free for 1 1/2 years...

Don't be fooled by the face of Lyme Disease!  If you'll recall, the picture I first posted of me when I had full-on Lyme symptoms is for all intense purposes the picture of health (from the outside).  Lyme disease victims often look well, but are dying on the inside.

The last symptom to leave me was eye pain. You might be thinking- okay.. I could deal with that.  Eye pain with Lyme is the feeling of having your thumbs pushed firmly on your eye balls.  Try it for 10 seconds and then live it 24/7.  Not fun.

Symptoms I still get now and again:
Fleeting numbness on my face and pelvic floor, occasional numbness in my legs, arms and hands and  headaches.  My diagnosis of  Lyme was Neurological- so even though I know the bugs are still around, I expect them to show up where they left off.

Consider that since the end of 2006 I was chasing daily infections like a wildfire throughout my body- UTI's, ear infections, headaches, severe exhaustion (after a full nights sleep and 3 hour nap), stuttering, unable to sustain my weight, unable to walk without holding on, confusion, dizziness, no appetite, numbness. With no diagnosis, I was left to continuing chasing and chasing bugs.

How do I know I have turned a corner?
While there are no guarantees with a disease like Lyme, last weekend, I was on my feet for 8 hours making and serving 20 batches of homemade soup for a large function of 200!  No nap. No rest time. No symptoms.  I did this two weeks in a row for 2 separate functions!  Although I had wonderful helpers at the functions, two years ago, I couldn't have made even a small meal for my family of 6.  I couldn't walk to the edge of my driveway to get the mail.  I was just too tired and weak to do it.  I have also been walking again. I am up to about 15 miles a week or 3-4 miles every other day.

What have I done now that works? 
My regimen now consists of a "small" pile of supplements in the morning including:
Thyroid-prescription
2000mg Vitamin C
5000mg Vitamin D
probiotic
Max Gxl-product I distribute:  www.max.com/255092
Cellgevity-product I distribute
ADR- Pure Encapsulations
Eating healthier
Sleeping better
Taking a personal inventory daily

At bedtime I take an even smaller "pile" of supplements:
Calcium
1000mg Vitamin C
HRT
primrose oil

What I wish I had done and sooner:  
I have an amazing doctor!  Dr. Dee is patient and listens to her patients.  So much so that stubborn me got away with "doing it my way" until symptoms I had spun almost out of control. The number one thing I wish I would have done: start Lyme treatment sooner. I could have been better sooner and avoided a lot of cost and time.

What has contributed to my wellness:

• Sleep:  I finally allowed myself adequate rest- daily.  I slept in as long as my body needed it and took an afternoon nap for as long as my body needed it.  Sleep is key to wellness from Chronic Fatigue, EBV, Adrenal issues and of course Lyme.
• Daily Hydro-therapy: Hot showers followed by cold compresses, hydrogen peroxide baths, Epsom salt baths, saunas. CAUTION: DO NOT USE THIS THERAPY unless you have consulted with your physician.  Hydrotherapy is a fantastic detoxification method- so much so that you may not be prepared for the "die-off".
• Supplements: take what your body needs, but be reminded that Lyme is a tricky and will suddenly and without warning disregard what "has always worked".  Be flexible.  the 2 supplements that I continue to take that WORK are Max Gxl and ADR.
• IV Therapy:  Had I not started IV therapy at the aggressive rate, when I did, I can't say that I would be alive today.  My body was just not responding to the supplements that I was taking.  I wasn't getting better.  IV therapy- 4 days a week worked.  I did this for 6 months.  I was also taking 6 oral antibiotics at the same time.You really have to flood those bugs!   AGAIN-  YOU MUST CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR before trying any of these therapy methods.  

While in IV therapy, 2 of my dear IV- friends passed away.  Lyme disease is destructive.  It kills a person from the inside out.  Cells have no power because Lyme takes them over in populations that flood the body.

I am alive!  I love my Life!  I love my family for believing in my ability to recover when I had lost all faith.  

I love them for supporting me when I didn't "look" sick, but couldn't get dressed for the day or brush my hair because it took too much energy.  ( I used to sit on the edge of the bathtub to dry my hair because standing took the breath out of me!)

When your body and mind are sick, my advice to you:

1. Get a doctor: One you can trust.  One that will listen to you.  Do what they say. Don't be stubborn.  Be patient and get on the path to wellness.
2. Patient means: willing to drop everything from your plate of "to-do" to get well.  I mean everything!  YOU are your first priority. (Ya- try telling that to a type A person!) That's why I didn't get better sooner!
3. Find a support group- if you have the strength to attend.  
4. Keep up with friends and  family. You will be well again, my friend.  You will need them again, and they will need you.
5. Accept help- housecleaning, meals, running errands, taking care of kids.  This is no time to be a martyr.
6. Be True to yourself and recognize your limitations.  That's all I need to say about that.
7. Pray- Keep up your faith.  God will help you .  Trust in Him.

I have my life back.  Not sure how long it will last, but I am back.  I am full of gratitude.  I can honestly say, I did not anticipate ever recovering to the extent that I have.  It is a miracle to me.

Lyme Disease is mysterious.  It affects people differently and there is no 100% guarantee that any methods will cure you.  I know that I still have residual Lyme Disease, but I am so on it.  

Bye bye Lyme.  I hope I never see you again.

Rants, Raves and Things of Import

• On Rants...........

I am a Conservative Republican. Now, don't be too quick to press the delete button or 'unfriend' me.  I happen to like that label.   A lot.  I am a news junkie and a political follower... on BOTH sides of the line.  Strictly speaking of the Conservative side, however, my rant today is with my fellow Conservative Republican party.  Sheesh.  It's like this folks... Remember 9-11?  Remember Todd Beamer? What an incredible man he was! We didn't know much about him until after he died, but when push came to shove in that airplane, well, he did the right thing.  Well, we have a Todd Beamer right now running for the office of the president that is in the cabin of the plane trying to do his best to keep the plane from plowing into the ground.  He's a nice guy. Honorable and integral as much as we know.  Lives a clean life.  Married for 40 some years.  Raised a great family. And He LOVES America!  He is leading in the polls. He has won primaries in 2 states,  so why not rally behind him and stop this nonsense of nit-picking, and raise him to the top!  We need a candidate that will stand up to our president and defeat him.  Romney will.

• On Raves.......

Last weekend my hubby and I dropped our oldest daughter off to college.  Okay, that was the HARDEST thing I have ever done.  BUT she is in the best hands ever!  She is studying at BYU-Idaho. The feeling there is purely celestial. While listening to the President of the University the spirit was penetrable.  The campus is smallish, but sits up on the hillside with an amazing view of the valley.  My favorite building is the Spori building! When I hugged my daughter goodbye, the lump in my throat got tighter and the tears wet my cheeks.  Bye bye my sweet girl until Spring.

• On Things of Import.....

Raves and things of import kind of flow into each other.  When I was a young woman a hundred years ago it seems, on the night before having my first baby, I sat on the bed and cried.  I was ending an era in my life.  My life with my husband all to myself.  It was super painful and selfish and I remember it feeling like standing behind a page in a chapter book not knowing what the rest of the story would look like. In some ways, it was the hardest thing I had ever done!  Fast forward 18 1/2 chapter years, and saying goodbye to the baby that became is now the hardest thing I've ever done.  I started thinking about difficult passages and realized that there will be a time that my baby girl that is all grown up will be a momma someday.  She will have the same semi-selfish thing happen to her, and I will tell her it's okay-- "Someday you will have to do something even harder, and that is to let your baby go."  Before my daughter left for school, I wrote her a letter.  In the letter I told her:   

No one ever told me when you were born how it would feel to say goodbye when it was time.  No one told me that no matter what, you have to hold your head up high with grace and let it happen, because it’s the right thing to do.  No one told me how it would feel like being socked in the stomach, that your heart would break in half and that your eyes would sting for hours from crying.  No one told me. I should’ve known it would feel this way.  I’ve been psyching myself out the past couple months thinking that I would be okay.  It would be okay.  And, really, it is- okay.  It’s what it’s supposed to be like.  If it didn’t feel painful and miserable and sad, there would be something wrong for sure.  But it’s the right thing, and it feels good, even though it feels awful. 

So for now, these are things of import:  Love your babies, because soon they will grow up and leave you, and it's okay.  That's the way it's suppose to be.

The end.

12 More Reasons to Love My Husband

Over the Christmas break I watched one of my all time favorite movies: You've Got Mail.  I love the scene when Kathleen Kelly (Shopgirl) and Joe Fox (NY152) are at the outdoor market shooting off  ideas for the meaning of the NY152 email handle...  

He comes up with, " ..He's a hundred and fifty-two years old. He's had one hundred and fifty-two moles removed, so now he's got one hundred fifty-two pock marks on his... on his face... Mr. 152 Felony indictments. "

Her thoughts are, " ...The number of people who think he looks like Clark Gable. Mr. 152 insights into my soul." 

I especially love the ending scene after the two have spent the afternoon together as Joe and Kathleen and she is preparing to meet NY152 for the 'first' time.  It is a struggle because Shopgirl can't imagine wanting to meet anyone other than Joe Fox, with whom she has spent the last week with as a result of NY152's 'Tweeking'. Anyway, there are at least 152 more reasons that I think it is a lovely story.

And thus it brings me to the Sweet ending to the 12-Days of Christmas treasure trove of 2011.  12 Drummers Drumming turned out to be a CD with 12 handpicked songs with the titles beginning with You're the Inspiration, Crazy, Best Was Yet to Come, Somewhere Down the Road, The Cello's song, Will You Still Love Me, Faithfully, Somewhere Somehow, Madrona, Who Needs to Dream, After All these Years, and One More Day.  All meaningful to my journey with my husband over the last 25 years. 

All in all, for me,  it was just 12 more reasons to love my husband.  What an amazing Christmas it has been!

Christmas Baking, Lords of Leaping and Piping Hot Tea....

Every year I set aside a whole day with my best college girlfriend, Deanna, and we bake our heads off.  We start at the crack of dawn and by the end of the day we manage to have pumped out about 10 different delectable naughties.  Most of the concoctions consist of  sinful ingredients such as:  chocolate chips, butter, brown sugar, coconut and peanut butter.  This year, I thought I would store my sealed containers on my back deck.  It's about 35 degrees outside and thankfully the raccoon family that used to live in our backyard has vacated for good, so I didn't see any harm.  Last night I slept restless wondering if any critters would bother the treats and woke to find all well on deck.  Just this afternoon however, I heard munching outside the window and sure enough, a mama squirrel had bitten a whole in the side of the Tupperware box!  Talk about invasion of privacy!  Shees!

That got me thinking about the 12 Days of Christmas Surprise that I have been the recipient of.  My husbands incredible goodwill. Some of these gifts are so tender, so personal.  I am humbled by his kindness and the detail and thought he has put to each days treasure.  Last nights treasure epitomized the whole essence of the activity for me.  His twist on the Lords of Leaping was certainly different than mine.  In fact, I hadn't the foggiest idea of what he would come up with.  So, as I opened up my computer last night, out came the index card and then a packet of papers stapled at the corner. For the next hour, I read through my watery eyes, my husband's thoughts on how his testimony of our Lord "Leaps" in his heart,  through 10 of his favorite scriptures. WOW.  Truly amazing.  I am blessed. 

Now I think I will steep me some Piping Hot Tea from my 11 Pipers Piping treasure of today..... (it was a stretch, but it works.) 
Cheers and Merry Christmas~!

With these Treats comes a Price....

It's the price everyone pays during the holidays...  a little more heft around the waistline.  So, needless to say I have gained 5 pounds this week!  Number eight just added to it.  Number 9- helped take it away.... 

Eight Maids a Milking:  I had to wait all day for this one, but it was worth it.  There is a milkshake that I love from Burgerville that comes around in January/February.  Chocolate Hazelnut.  It's the BEST!  Our family has come up with a close rendition of the milkshake using hazelnut syrup, Ferrero Rocher chocolates, chocolate sauce and ice cream.  (Think:... a billion calories).  So for this surprise, I was treated with a Wallis Hazelnut chocolate shake surrounded by 8 Ferrero Rocher chocolates with toothpicks sticking out the center with little princess head stickers.  They looked like little maids with big skirts!  So clever.  So fattening! So delicious!

Nine Ladies Dancing:  I have to say that this has been one of my favorites so far.  I have been so impressed with these surprises, that I am really speechless when they are presented.  Last night I received the traditional index card that states:  On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me.... 9 ladies dancing.  There was a card underneath the index card and on the front of the card were miniature pictures of nine ladies dancing.  Above each picture there is a small hole punch circle with a number- so 9 numbers... right?  Inside the card it says:  This is no ordinary card; it is a special "Nine Ladies Dancing" card.  It is good for 9 special dances with your True Love.  Only one dance is redeemable each month, so you can enjoy the dancing throughout the coming months.  After each dance, I will hole punch your dance card until you my lovely lady, have had nine dances.  Awwwww. 

I redeemed the first one right then.  We danced to Michael Buble's- 'Everything'.  The End.

Seven Swans a Swimming in My Bathtub

You might think what I thought seeing 7 paper oragami swans  floating on cardboard pedestals in my bathtub. Ooooh, how absoluted beautiful and sweet. There are 7 Swans of Swimming in my Bathtub.  My husband leaned over my shoulder and asked me to pick one up.  As I reached down to grab the paper swan, I noticed that not just one swan, but all of the swans were made out of gift certificates!  There were 7 gift certificates for Lovely Nails nail salon floating on cardboard pedestals in my bathtub!  Now that takes thought. And Love.  Thank you honey for making my day! grin

Christmas Surprises

I love surprises. I love them so much that once on my 30th birthday, my husband surprised me with a weekend Get away.  I was told what to pack, but not where we were going. I thought we might be heading out the Gorge or to the San Juan Islands,  afterall, I knew it wouldn't be too far from home as I had a 6 month old nursing baby at home!  When we turned into the Portland Airport parking garage, my heart skipped a dozen beats and I began panicking all at the same time at the thought of leaving my baby a 2 hour flight behind and praying I'd packed the breast pump! 

Imagine my thrill at receiving a 'love-letter' upon waking on the 14th of December.  Not just any old love letter, but rather an old fashioned love letter with a homemade rendition of the 12-days of Christmas.  This week has been one surprise after another.

Day 1: I received a glass blown partridge with a white flowing feather tail, perched in a miniature white wire tree with paper pears dangling from each branch.
Day 2: A yummy box of Carmel pecan Turtles and a bottle of Dove body wash
Day 3: 3 French Crullers with paper hens poking out of the tops
Day 4:  A phone call from my hubby and a Christmas bouquet with 4 Birds of Paradise
Day 5: Five Gold Presidential $1 coins
Day 6: A 6 egg quiche delivered while laying in bed.

Tomorrow is Day 7.  Any guesses what 7 Swans of swimming will be??

Priceless Pieces and other Valuable Nuggets...

I found an exquisite vase at a garage sale recently.  It was marked $1 and I thought- what the heck?  If I get sick of it, I could always sell it and perhaps make a little profit.  Upon returning home, curiousity got the best of me. I looked at the artists signature at the bottom of the vase. Was it Tillin or Rillin or Nillin?  I couldn't be sure.

Imagine my surprise when my little vase with the lovely dancing ladies popped up on a search.  Turns out it was created by artist Polia Pillin (1909-1992).  Born in Poland, Pillin immigrated to the US and made a successful career as an artist.  Her art today fetches a great deal and the value of my vase neighbors in the market of $1200-1800. 

What a find!

Isn't it interesting the values we place on our stuff?  Moreover, I marvel at how much stuff we actually acquire! There are some things in life that you just can't put a price on however. I've listed my top 3. 

My priceless stuff:
1. My faith
2. My family
3. My Health
...(and down the list somewhere, in some silly way, I might add my little Pillin vase)
 
May you and yours have a joyous Thanksgiving holiday!
To Wellness,
Maryalice


As the holidays sneak upon us, let us all take 5 seconds (or more) to think upon the things we place values on... even the stuff that we value priceless...

Lyme Bites and other Sad Tales and Farewells

• I walked into my doctor's clinic today only to receive the bad news. Johnny died. No Not Johnny, I thought.  So unfair.  I recently wrote about him in my blog- We were IV roommates.  Lyme really bites. When I left the clinic the words that came to my mind were- "Johnny goes marching home."  I know that without a shadow of a doubt that Johnny will be welcomed home and will talk and walk again.  Bless you Johnny.  You will be missed.   

• Other sad news- my sweet friend Sarah passed away on Friday.  A more amazing woman would be hard to find.  She suffered for the last 2 years with Multiple Myeloma. Her wonderful husband and 6 beautiful children will be most at a loss not seeing her smiling face and feeling her daily courage.  I will miss my dear friend and I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes just thinking about her. Good bye sweet Sarah.  The Heaven's welcome you and you are now in our Father's arms.

• Even though I am in treatment again, I know it will only be a short time.  I have been blessed.  I thank my Father in Heaven daily for my life, for my family and friends. 

• One of the things I am most thankful for is Max.  It has given me a chance to live again.  Please have the courage to try it for yourself. www.max.com/255092 

  

Blessings to you for a marvelous day.  It's a great day to be alive!
To Wellness,
Maryalice
 

 

Lyme Protocols and Other Daring Adventures.....

     I recently returned from the "happiest place on earth" where smiles are plentiful and high adventure reigns, especially for those of the roller-coaster variety. My own children thrill in multiple turns on a ride entitled "California Screamin". The name says it all, and this ride is definitely not made for the weak in stomach. My high adventure in Disneyland usually begins somewhere between the Carmel apple shop and the ice cream parlor- often twice in the same hour. Whoohoo. 

     My experience as a Lyme patient over the last 4 years might well qualify me as a high adventure type. Those of you in Lyme treatment know what I am talking about. And for those that experience considerable die-off, that might be a weekly, daily event or hourly event. Outlined below are some treatment protocols for Lyme disease. I have starred the ones that have worked for me. I would love to hear what works for you.  Please comment on my post.

 Lyme Protocols- some I have used, currently use, tried or discarded.

1. Salt and C- flooding the body with high doses of vitamin C and sea salt has proven to be one of the most natural and least expensive protocols around, with perhaps the greatest amount of die-off. I have a friend that swears by this method and claims it cured him.  He says the die-off was considerable.
2. Rife machine (device)- many lymies use this device as more of a gage at how they are doing than an actual treatment, although it can both detect supplements which are effective or not for your body as well as send off high frequencies that apparently kill off Lyme spirochete. I have many Lyme friends that use this device religiously. Hey, we do what works.
3. IV and oral antibiotics- Proven to be effective in killing large populations of Lyme over time. Best to be aggressive with treatment but not allowing die-off too rapidly. I have had great success with this form of treatment. It is expensive and destructive on the body. but hey what is worse- having Lyme, or treating for it? I guess that is a trick question.**
4. Bicillin shots- generally speaking, these work quite well for some. Personally speaking and by experience, I would rather hook up to IV daily than be stuck in the butt daily. Just saying. IV tends to be quicker in getting higher doses of antibiotic in and working. I have several friends that use shots eeffectively. Again $$$.**
5. Naet method muscle testing and elimination of Lyme by stimulating the body with a vibration while holding a vial containing spirochetes. Seems a little hokey, but we all have to start somewhere. Have tried this method, similar concept to Rife machine.**
6. Acupuncture- needles and pins. Dare I say more? Tried but wouldn't bet my life savings on it.
7. Hydrotherapy- super effective for toxin release. We all have toxins, but in Lyme treatment this process can be extremely helpful in elimination of large spirochetal toxins during die-off.**
8. Sauna- see above.**
9. Supplements- yeah, we all take them, and some are better than others, but as stand alone treatment. no way. You've got to kill the bugs.**
10. Hydrogen peroxide- super effective detoxifier. Pour in bath, or take in IV. Inexpensive with great results added to any protocol- but not a stand alone.**
11. Epsom salts- pour a couple cups in a hot bath. Follow with hydrotherapy. Effective, inexpensive detoxifier. Not a stand alone.**
12. Essential oils- Much to consider here.  Oregano and Frankincense- must look into this.*
13. Max Gxl- Glutathione Accelerator-This has perhaps been the best product overall for helping in a natural way by enhancing my wellbeing, energy, brain fog, focusing, pain, and deliverance from the evils of LYME.  Please check it out here and order it wholesale from my site:  www.max.com/255092  (and a special nod to Annie for telling me all about it.)

Do you have other ideas?? Let me know!

The Tick Wins

So, I am going back into treatment. I had a feeling it was coming, after the last episode of swallowing,tongue and speech issues. Part of me wants to treat it like taking out the trash, or giving someone a ride to school, you know, no biggee, but deep inside, I know it means so much more, and that's what I am grappling with.
 
Why do I have to analyze every aspect of my life? 
You know, it is what it is. 

Treatment to me means:

• My life is not my own- I will have to go along with the whimsies of the meds
• My children and husband will have a new mommy for a while- which incidentally means a messier house, with less home-cooked meals
• Some people won't GET it- I mean I will hear.. "I thought your were over that thingy- what did you call it...Lyme?"
• Die-off
• Probiotics and stomach aches
• Bloating
• Lots of PJ days- hmm...that might be kinda nice for a change....
• $$$
• Defeat- hmph... defeated by a minuscule little tick
• Can you think of anything else? The list goes on....

That's it for now.  I will fill you in when the fun times begin.
To wellness,
Maryalice

MY LYME FRIENDS

Four years ago I didn't know what Lyme disease was, let alone that I would have Lyme friends, or lymies.  In the world of Lyme disease, I suppose it is much the same as the world of any disease.  Those that you meet within your circle of recovery become your friends. 

On any typical treatment day, I might sit in the IV room with C, S or J one day, or K and E the next. We all had a story.  We all had been bit at one time in our lives and some of us didn't even know it. Most of us had nothing really in common except being bit.  Some of us had IV's with 2 grams of rocephin, some were just getting started with 1 gram.  Some had DMSO mixed in  and smelled of tomato juice or garlic.   Others came for a bit of energy and got a Myers Cocktail. We all knew what we needed and we all wanted out of there and done with Lyme as soon as humanly possible.  None of us had anywhere to go. All of us had been robbed of our lives. 

Some had IV's wrapped in foil to preserve the ingredient.  Others had chelation drips, Vit B or C drips, or Hydrogen Peroxide drips.  Some got stuck 2 or 3 times, if they couldn't find an unused vein, or if they just needed 2 different drips.  Some brought home-movies for the 2-3 hour wait- others music. Many came and hooked up for a much needed nap.  There were lavender and flax seed hot packs, camouflage band aids, rubber tourniquets and plastic surgical tape.  Some lymies had babies at home that in turn were infected with borrelia. Others were business owners, husbands, wives or parents that used to have a life. Some couldn't be understood because their speech was affected.  Others had rashes or couldn't walk.  Some were 16, others 50 but looked 80. 

One of my favorites was J.  He shuffled in, slumped down in a rocker-ankles the size of tree trunks. His knees and hands rattled away. He chatted to me in garbled phonemes. Turns out that he was diagnosed with Parkinson's originally, but his treatment for Parkinson's by another doctor only exaccerbated the Parkinson's. Five years ago he was a regular guy working in a mill.  A simple lab test discovered Lyme Disease, and now it may be too late to turn the ship around.  Progress is slow.  One IV at a time. ((update... Johnny passed away from Lyme...)) 

One day I met the mirror of my new life.  I sat there, hooked up, staring at my Lyme friend that had Lyme induced ALS.  His speech was limited, due to dysphasia- impairment of speech due to neurological brain damage. His gait was slow and shuffled.  He looked at me with his tender eyes, unable to speak and I just wept. ((update... Ernie passed away from Lyme...))

There are lots of Kleenex's in the treatment room. 

I love my Lyme friends.  I know they will always be there if I ever need them again.

AWWW, TO BE A MOM, NOW THAT IS SOMETHING!

" I love my children sir, and the thought of living without them is like living without air." 
Mrs. Doubtfire

When i was a little girl, i knew exactly what i wanted to do when i grew up.  i would travel to far away places, go to college to be smarter, and find a way to be successful.  well, i have traveled here and there, gone to college, and been successful in many things.  the thing that makes most sense to me though is something that i never really put much thought into.  being a mom.  being a mom to me is the most amazing gift.  it is like Christmas every day.  it is better than fame, fortune and even ice cream!  i am so humbled that God would grant me, little ol' me, the blessing to be the Wallis kids' mom.  who knew?  in all of the details that our Father in Heaven orchestrated, how truly humbled i am that he found favor in me, and gave unto me the most incredible children under Heaven.  Amen.

PONDER THE PATH OF THY FEET

Yesterday during church I participated in an excellent discussion about Priorities. The talk, originally from Julie Beck Women's Conference 2010 states that "When priorities are out of order, we lose power".

Consider our Daily Choices... Now, humor me and  make a list with 3 columns:
Essentials: Put things here of Eternal nature- prayer, church, scriptures, love, callings, etc.
Necessities:Put things here that are "have to's to live", eating, sleeping, hygiene, shopping, laundry ( I suspect this is where most of us live, most of the time)
Nice to do: Put things here that you enjoy doing ie. hobbies, pleasures, etc.

One young lady commented that when she was stressed out, she found herself filling her time with "Nice-to-do's", but later while on a mission, her life was filled with "Essentials" and she found so much joy in serving others, it naturally became her "Nice to do's".


Another comment I found insightful: 
Self Worth does not depend on the length of your to-do list! 
How many of us find ourselves busy beyond belief and accomplishing little?

Take a moment today to Ponder on the Path of thy Feet. 
Blessings!

Shutting the Door to Lyme--- Forever?

I stand behind a heavy door that reaches to the top of the universe, ready and more than willing to slam shut the illness that has racked my body for the past several years.
Questions come to mind:

• What do the little twitches and random numbness in my cheek mean? 
• What about the bouts of fatigue?
• Is there really such thing as remission with Lyme?
• What if I get bit again?
• Will I ever be 100%?

Knowing most of the answers,  I resolve to do what I have been taught to do:

• Keep my chin up and continue to pray.
• Count my many blessings.
• Keep my covenants and remain faithful.

What else can one do?  As I reflect, I seek for answers in my journal and realize that I am much further along than I expected, and for that alone, I rejoice. 

Journal dated December 5, 2009:
It has been almost 1 1/2 years since my last entry.  It has pained me to write, as I really do not want to actualize the words that I must write.  As the days and years have gone on and I see the purple edged spine of my lonely journal, my insides groan and I resist.  Why do I resist?  I am a coward, I suppose.  Perhaps by writing, I will reveal things I don't want to believe myself, however, time is of the essence, so to speak and I must write now, before the time may come that I won't be able to anymore. I am scared.  For the 1st time in my life, I face the fact that the keys of mortality are jangling in front of me and I am simply not ready emotionally to face that.  But, come what may, it is a fact of life, that God gives it, and at some point is taken from us.  But thank the Lord for eternal life, and eternal families.  How grateful I am for that.  My health has taken so many twists and turns but continues to decline, as I see it.  In 2005, I was vibrant, active, and healthy and walking 15 miles minimum a week, organizing conferences, writing a book and homeschooling successfully, I was primary president, I had life wrapped around my finger. Today, I am sedentary, my speech is slurred, my tongue is numb, my throat won't swallow, I can't remember things and I say things backward, use the wrong words for simple things, have labored breathing and am unable to participate in activities, exercise or organizations.  I can't lead or take charge of most things.  My gait is unsteady, I have no appetite, my eyes hurt and sting and I can't see when I get up.  I am taking about 25 products to keep my brain healthier and being treated for late stage disseminated Lyme disease, Epstein Barr Virus, chronic fatigue syndrome, a bacterial infection in my lungs and now my symptoms are manifesting ALS.  More than anything I want to be well again.  I want to raise my family, be a wife to my husband and live. I will try to be positive and happy and keep a good perspective. It is scary.  The things I read aren't good and the prognosis is awful.  There is no cure.

I am turning the knob now............

My Lyme Rollercoaster

This past year has been quite the rollercoaster ride, and I hate rollercoasters.   I have been in treatment for lyme disease for the past 2 years and  many days I felt like I simply wasn't going to make it.  I thought people thought I was just faking it.  My body was not my own and somedays, if it weren't for my children and husband, I wanted to die. I can remember one night, really late, laying in bed and thinking about my life, and the quality of my life and trying to swallow, and it was so hard to swallow!  I started to cry and it was one of those uncontrollable cries. I couldn't stop crying.  I wondered if I might not be able to breathe through the night- what if my tongue got stuck in my throat because it was so numb?  My sweet husband just held me and stroked my hair.  We both had a good cry together in the middle of the night. These are the memories I have from this dreaded disease.  The following are some lyme notes that I kept when my symptoms were at their worst and manifesting ALS- Lou Gehrigs Disease.


11/18/09 through 12/10/09  Dysphasia, tongue numb, balance
12/12- dysphasia, tongue numb, balance, foot falling asleep, fatigue 
12/14- 1000mg IV - after IV felt good for a few hours
12/15- Tired, slow, tongue swallowing issues
12/16- good day, IV in afternoon, Tired but energetic; balance improving
12/17-12/23 IV's daily
12/22- swallowing issues coming back, balance poor, fatigue
12/25- nap 2 hours, balance, tongue tingling, swelling, thick, swallowing issues back
12/27-balance, eyes sore, fatigue, nap, yeasty, swallowing issues
12/28-severe headache,right shoulder pain, fatigue
12/29- arm hand stiffness, balance poor, fatigue
12/30-swallowing slow and numbness bottom/back of tongue , balance, fatigue
12/31- tongue tingling bottom and back, balance poor, legs sore and stiff


This continued until Feb 1 when my balance was restored!  No more walking around holding on to things.  The following 5 months consisted of IV's 4 days a week along with 5 other oral antibiotics.  My last IV was May 19th.


I Hate Lyme Disease, but dare I utter that I am getting better?

Just Down a Couple Flights

I' m falling out of Heaven,

Just down a couple flights

I don't remember this ever happening before.

Inside of me I want to keep falling,

part of me that is.

The other side doesn't want it all that bad.

I'd like to clutch my Bible and say to it,

Motivate Me, Read me your stories

but I can't right now

because I am falling out of Heaven.

I wrote this poem when I was a junior in high school and trying to find my way. Sometimes I find myself still trying to find my way. Don't we all?

COURSE CORRECTION

At various times in the travels of our lives comes a time of redirection. Redirections can come to us in many ways. Perhaps we are seeking a new Job or Relationship. Perhaps it is even more personal- maybe a call to Repentance or Forgiveness-

Some call this Course Correction. How many of you have used a GPS? If you plug in a destination, the GPS generally gets you where you need to go. But you know that little voice that speaks to us when we go off track and says "re-calculate"? That little voice is similar to the one we hear inside our head when we receive new information. The opportunity is then ours to either change course, or stay the same path. Occasionally, recalculation is due to a new roadway that a GPS is unaware of- In our personal lives, I would relate that to a new pathway that has been Course Corrected, and replaced with a more improved and positive pathway.

Course corrections are rarely comfortable, but nearly always necessary and healthier in the long run. With redirection, we may find a new friend, a job, repair a relationship, or seek a new destination, that we may never have known was possible.

Could it be that little word called- Change that we are running away from?

5 SIGNS OF A CONSECRATED LIFE and OTHER GREAT IDEAS

I love to hear talks that are to the point.

Today I listened to our church's semi-annual conference for 4 hours and heard multiple talks just like that!

It was a welcome breath of fresh air. One favorite talk by

Elder D Todd Christofferson gave us detailed reasons why these 5 subjects are signs of a consecrated life- Is it any wonder to you ???

• PURITY
• WORK
• RESPECT FOR OUR LIVES
• SERVICE
• INTEGRITY

Another favorite - Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf- said:

Ask yourself: what things matter most to me??

Answer - God, Family, Fellow Man, Ourselves

So- Where have we drifted for a 'more excellent' way??

Loved this: " Simplicity is the Ultimate Satisfaction" Leonardo deVinci

and finally:

L-O-V-E is spelled T-I-M-E

To wellness- MA