“IF YOU GO THROUGH HELL, KEEP GOING” -Winston Churchill
I think I’ve summarized chronic Lyme Disease and co-infections life. My name is Carmen McKnight, and this is my journey back to health. Below I’ve journaled my doctor appointments, diagnoses, and treatments. Hold on to your focus; it’s a novel, really.
–Looking back, I realize one thing: I’ve had Lyme disease symptoms for years. Living, as the doctors put it, “in a functional state,” my ignorance kept me blind.
-From around age twelve to fourteen, I had an unusual experience that left me physically fragile and mentally agitated. -For three or four days, I lived in a feverish sort of coma, drifting in and out of consciousness, which scared my poor mother. – I was never taken to the hospital, so I can’t tell you what caused it or what it was. As I previously mentioned, I was left very jumpy, moody, and fatigued. Up to that point, I ran track in school, practicing to take it professionally, and lived a normal life. But after the “dark days,” things simply changed. I’ve fought with this frailness ever since. I kept pushing on in my Eastern European way, pushing through life’s pains and struggles, assuming they would dissolve with time. In a way, this thinking awarded me with a healthy amount of resilience.
Romanian– (Uitindu-ma in trecut, imi dau seama ca am avut simptome de la muscatura de capuse ani de zile. Au inceput dupa ce am cazut la pat intr-un stagiu de inconstienta cu o temperatura extrem de ridicata, trei zile si trei nopti pe perioada anilor 10-14. Inainte fugeam -ca atleta- la concursurile de viteza si rezistenta, facind parte din primii 4 pe scoala, binenteles dupa Lala care era foarte buna. Dupa, lucrurile sau schimbat si am inceput o lupta de subriditate si sensibilitate care inca o lupt, desi o urasc. Datorita mentalitatii Europenei de Est, am impins durerea la o parte si mi-am trait viata intr-o calitate cit de frumoasa posilib, dezvoltindu-mi o rezilitate.)
–This blog documents my life before and after-mostly after- being diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2014.
Romanian– (Acest blog documenteaza viata mea dupa ce am fost diagnosticata cu Lyme disease in 2014 produsa de la muscatura de capuse.)
–The active battle against Lyme disease began on January 15th, 2014, unknown to me at the time, but as I mentioned could’ve started when I was a kid. I was working as a massage therapist in a clinic facility. On the morning of Jan. 12th, 2014, “all hell broke loose,” as the expression goes. I felt as if an invisible finger pushed a button in the thoracic area between my breast bones (more accurately known as the Solar plexus), and I began a battle I never signed up for or imagined would happen to me.
Romanian- (Lupta activa a bolii a inceput in Ianuarie 15, 2014. Lucram intr-o clinica medicala ca terapista de masaj si in dimineata zilei de 15 Ianuarie parca iadul a explodat si am simtit un deget invizibil inpingind un buton invizibil intre oasele sinilor/ partea de stomach, si am inceput o lupta grea de neimaginat.)
–The first few days, I assumed it was a very nasty flu -since most symptoms presented with flu-like symptoms- but as it progressed from bad to worrisome, I knew something was very off and quite odd. The elevated stress of late (my little 11-year-old brother’s death, pregnancy #3, school, graduation, state exam, a trip to Europe during that summer, and beginning work) were contributing factors to a weakened immune system. The enemy within had a fantastic acidic and toxic environment and attacked just at the right time.
Romanian-(La inceput am crezut- bazata pe simptome- ca am prins o raceala sau o gripa puternica. Dar dupa citeva zile, vazind ca simptomele se inrautatesc mi-am dat seama ca ceva nu e in regula. Ceva straniu se intimpla.)
–From a super active individual (unable to sit still- which later I realized was a symptom of malfunctioning neurotransmitters- a genetic mutilation where the body is not producing the right amount of dopamine, serotonin, etc.) and a person who ate an organic diet cooked by me at home, I dropped like a fly. Overnight. It began with a five-day bed existence (extremely unusual for me) and a dramatic drop in weight (128 pounds to 119 (54.25 kg) in five days) while bed resting. I was mostly snacking throughout the day, experiencing the following: pale face, a very white, ghost-like look, fever, cold extremities (hands and feet) and later they became numb or tingly (lips as well), clammy extremities, rapid heart palpitation (intensified during the night), NAUSEA (around the clock), extreme fatigue (could not make myself a sandwich without stopping and resting every other minute only to go back in bed and rest for the remaining of the day), too exhausted to talk, stomach discomfort, heavy chest/ pressure feeling, swollen left side submandibular lymph nodes, pain in the left side of body trunk (spleen area), shallow breathing, sharp pain in the stomach. Additional symptoms came within weeks and months, such as Irregular periods, heavy periods, rash, joint pain (9 out of 10 on the pain chart), sharp intermitted bone pain, heat intolerance, faint spells, metal/bitter taste in the mouth, numb/tingling fingers, toes and lips, cold face, continual weight loss, glossy eyes, headaches, confusion, memory loss, memory fog, dizziness, muscle spasms and tremors, facial numbness, right-hand numbness, left side neurological slowdown in cognitive responses, body twitching, speech impairment, eyelash area swelling and redness, loss of eyelash, loss of hair, loss of facial color, itchy rashes over the body, pain in the right kidney, ovary pain, burning in the bladder/vagina area, sharp heart stabs, short term memory loss- some days worse than others, fear, depression, anxiety, a complete emotional roller-coaster (although I kept it to myself a lot).
Romanian-(De la o persoana activa si plina de energie am cazut, peste noapte, ca o musca. Am stat in pat non-stop cinci zile cazand in greautate de la 58kg la 53.9kg, facind nimic. Aveam urmatoarele simptome: Fata palida, temperatura ridicata, miinile si picioarele reci, batai de inima rapide (care se intensificau in timpul noptii), GRETURI non-stop, oboseala extrema ( nu puteam sa-mi fac un sendvici fara sa nu ma opresc din minut in minut si sa ma odihnesc, dupa care ma duceam inapoi in pat unde stateam lungita restul zilei), prea obosita sa vorbesc, durere in stomac, greautate pe piept, sistemul limfatic in parte stinga sub ureche umflat, durere in partea stinga a abdomenului, respirare slabita. Majoritatea simptomelor au continuat ani de zile. Noi simptome au aparut intre timp: ciclu iregular si greau, iritatie de piele, dureri in toate incheieturile si oasele corpului, intoleranta la caldura, lesin, scadere in greutate neintentionat, ochi sticlosi, dureri de cap, confuzie, pierdere de memorie, ameteli, tremuraturi in muschii corpului, amorteala a partii drepte de fata si mina, partea stinga a corpului- neurologic functiona mult mai incet.)
–Not all the expenses are added here. I go as I find them or when I have time to file them.
Update: Main complaints for the past five years (2014-2020) are fatigue and nausea. These two seem to be faithful companions.
1/20/2014 –First ER visit- MultiCare Federal Way Urgent Care– 253-874-2000 (hesitated since I don’t have insurance). Misdiagnosed with bronchitis (despite my insistence that I’ve never once coughed) and put on Zithromax (an antibiotic). Dr. Gilbert J Aguilar. 1413 S 348th St. Bldg L Ste #104 Federal Way. BP 151/93; Pulse 90; Temp. 98.6 (Forehead/Temporal Artery), Resp. 20; Height 5″4′; Weight 119 lb (down from approx. 126 lb five days previous); BMI 20.52kg/m2; SpO2 100%. Emotional status: frustrated over having to miss work, worried about possibly losing my new job, a job I loved. Confused over the diagnosis. I had no cough, so the diagnosis of bronchitis didn’t make much sense. $100
Romanian-(Prima vizita la urgenta, nu aveam asigurare medica, si mi-au zis ca am bronsita desi am insistat in a le aminti ca nu tusesc. Tratament- antibiotic. Emotional eram frustrata sa pierd atatea zile de lucru (5) sau sa-mi pierd locul de munca.)
1/25/2014 –Second ER visit-MultiCare, Federal Way. Dr. Martin R Marquez, BP 140/88; Pulse 86; Temp. 100.4 F; Rep. 18 SpO2 100%. Symptoms subsided slightly only to come back with a vengeance on the fifth day while finishing the first antibiotic prescription. X-rays were taken, proving I never had bronchitis, but everything else appeared normal. Negative for influenza, no bacterial source found upon exam, and he believes I have a viral syndrome- he did highlight those words in pink on the paperwork I received afterward. I need to do a follow-up appointment with a family doctor. Treatment: Take Ibuprofen 600mg every 6 hours as needed for pain or fever. No answers. Still working, but I’m having a very hard time at work due to a dramatic decrease in energy and all the other symptoms. Emotional status: What in the world is going on? What kind of nasty flu is this? Why am I so very weak? Just have to put mind over matter and push through. And that’s what I did, despite the lack of results. A little worried but very hopeful for a full recovery. $434.80
Romanian-(A doua vizita la urgenta, simptomele au reaparut dupa cinci zile. Diagnostic- negativ pentru pneumonie, negativ pentru influenza, si nu aveam bronsita. Razele la plamini au aparut normale, nu sa gasit sursa bacteriala la test, dar crede ca e sursa virala. M-au trimis acasa cu febra si cu raspunsul “nu stim ce ai. Inca mai lucram desi energia mi-era redusa dramatic.”
2/12/2014 –UWMedicine- doctor Ahlan Mohamed Jama, Complaint of abdominal pain and extreme fatigue. Lab work ordered: CBC (Hemogram); Hemoglobin, Basic metabolic Plan, H.Pylori AB, IGG BY EIA (Particular ulcer bacteria predominant in Eastern European population). The doctor, a young woman with lots of energy, seemed capable, but she looked up on the computer at a list of common diseases while asking questions using an elimination process. I knew most diagnoses in Western medicine generally come after a process of elimination has ruled out what is not wrong with a patient. I was alright with that. Omeprazole capsules, 20 MG, oral, prescribed for heartburn (acid reflex possibility). Blood Pressure 116/81, Pulse 82, Temp. 99.2, Weight 118 lb, BMI 20.24 kg/m2, SpO2 100%. Stomach ulcer suspected or heartburn. Results came back negative; everything turned out normal (Hemoglobin 11.7 value, range 11.5-15.5 g/dL). Emotional status: This- whatever this is- is not getting better. I’m worried. The lack of answers concerns me. $352.2
Romanian-(Programare la doctor de interne, analize de singe si pentru bacteria H. Pylori presenta in ulcer la persoanele care sau nascut si trait in Europa de Est. Rezultate- totul normal.)
2/28/2014 -UWMedicine- Dr. Ahlan Mohamed Jama. Fatigue is the primary complaint, malaise even. Symptoms are worsening. So fatigued I barely stand on my feet. Took everything within me to drive the 10-minute route here. Even sitting in the waiting room is exhausting. New Lab work ordered: CBC (Hemogram), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, C. Difficile, Toxigenic by PCR, CT Scan of Abdomen, Culture: Bact-Stl C&S Ent Bat, Fecal leukocyte exam, Stool ova, and parasite exam, U/A Auto Dipstick only. The doctor seems a little puzzled as to what’s going on. I share her concern. Notes: Fatigue (primary encounter diagnosis). Plan (actual doctor’s notes): Vitals are stable, but unclear as to the cause of her multiple symptoms, which could be GI-related, infectious, or rheumatology. Per the patient, her Upper GI issues have improved with the OTC omeprazole, and she can continue to take it as needed. We will F/U (follow-up) in 1 week or sooner; if her symptoms worsen, she will call or seek medical help. Blood pressure: 120/76, Pulse 91, Temp. 98.6, Weight 114Ib. BMI 19.56kg/m2, SpO2 100%. The urine test was contaminated. Must re-do. $1105.27 Emotional status: I’m concerned for my well-being. I feel like I’m dying slowly, and not sure why? My face has a ghostly white color, and my extremities are cold. I’m severely fatigued and have no answers yet as to why? I have severe nausea, and the left side of my body hurts continuously.
Results: Infection found in my urine. Treatment: Omeprazole antibiotic. I began feeling a little better slowly and could pick up more energy.
Romanian-(Doctor de interne- din nou analize de singe de data asta mai detaliate, de glanda tiroidala si anlize de urina. Rezultat- infectie in urina. Tratament- antibiotic. Am ineput sa prind un pic de putere. Pentru ca nu ma insanatoseam; trimitere la tomografie computerizata (CT scan- nu sint sigura ca asa se traduce in romaneste) de abdomen, test de scaun, rezultat- normal.)
3/03/2014 –UWMedicine– Stool and urine test.
Romanian-(Test de urina)
3/3/2014–South Center Imaging, Tukwila. CT Scan of Abdominal and Pelvic with Contrast (referred by Dr. Jama, Ahlan Mohamed on 2/12/2014. (Intravenous agent- Optiray 320ml 125 ml). Findings: Lungs bases-normal. Abdomen-Liver, geographic hypodensity adjacent to the falciform ligament likely represents focal fat. Gallbladder- normal, no evidence of calcified gallstones or gallbladder wall thickening. Bile Ducts- there is dilation of the proximal left and right intrahepatic biliary ducts. The proximal extrahepatic biliary duct is dilated, measuring up to 1 cm in diameter. This tapers distally to 0.4 cm at the intra-pancreatic CBD. No evidence of choledocholithiasis or mass. Spleen-There is a benign-appearing septated cystic lesion in the superior anterior spleen which measures 1.7×1.0 cm. This may represent a lymphangioma (A lymphangioma is a swelling or mass that occurs mainly in the head, neck, and mouth. A lymphatic malformation (lymphangioma) is thought to occur due to abnormal lymphatic system development; however, the exact underlying cause is unknown in most cases. Cystic hygroma (cystic lymphangioma) may occur as part of genetic syndromes such as Noonan, Turner, and Down syndrome.- Google) Pancreas-No focal lesion within the pancreas. No dilation of the main pancreatic duct. Adrenal–normal. Kidney-small subcentimeter hypodensity in the interpolar region of the left kidney is too small to definitively characterize but statistically likely represents a cyst. Bowel–the patient has a redundant sigmoid colon with moderately increased stool burden. The appendix is normal. No evidence of intestinal inflammation or obstruction. Lymph nodes-multiple nonenlarged retroperitoneal or intraperitoneal lump nodes. Ascites-none. Vasculature-normal. Pelvis: Bladder normal. Uterus/Ovaries-the uterus is normal. The left ovary contains a 2.4×2.0 cm cyst, likely physiologic and normal findings in a menstruating female. The right ovary is normal and measures 1.9×1.7 cm. Bones-normal. Emotional status; it seemed they may have found something, and maybe I’ll finally get answers. So far, no answers, no diagnosis. No one knows what’s going on. $350
3/06/2014–UWMedicine– Urine test results:Color- dark yellow; Clarity-hazy;Glucose-negative; Bilirubin (indirect)-negative; Ketones-1+ (flag); Specific Gravity- 1.020; Occult Blood-2+ (flag); Ph-5.5; Protein- Trace; Urobilinogen-Normal; Nitrite-Negative; Leukocytes 1+ (flag). Diagnoses; Abnormal urinalysis. $54.43
3/09/2014–UWMedicine-Walk in to retake urine test.
3/9/2014-UWMedicine– Urine results: Abnormal Urine Findings (791.9) Emotional status: Very frustrated with Western medicine. Some test results are off, and besides the antibiotic prescription, I haven’t received anything that gives me a clarified answer. I’m barely holding the light workload, and my boss Teresa is ensuring I get it, for which I’m so grateful.
3/11/2014 – Dr. Witalis, ND. Frustrated with this lack of answers, I tried a Naturopathic doctor in Seattle, a medically brilliant doctor who lacks social skills. I didn’t mind that. I wasn’t there for her social skills. I was there to get healed. I was there for answers. She told me I had swine flu symptoms, meningitis symptoms, a fatigued heart, a fatigued kidney and liver, a collapsed immune system, and anemia. So far, she was the first one to have some answers. I was diagnosed with anemia about 15 years earlier, including Vit. D and B deficiency, so her last suggestion was spot on. Anemia runs in my family on my mother’s side. So does kidney failure, but that’s for another blog entry. All symptoms were still lingering. I’ve embarked on a roller-coaster ride of good days and bad days- predominately bad days- but the extreme fatigue frightens me. I’m barely functioning and need help being driven to doctor appointments; I’m too fatigued to drive myself, and from a cognitive point of view, I’m quite off- my eyes shift to a corner, and from that point on, I can’t focus. I’ve become dependent when it comes to driving to and from my doctor appointments. The naturopath doctor immediately put me on a big dose of Prenatal vitamins with Copper, EpiCor (helps with excessive blood loss), and All-Zyme. It’s helping. Ordered a neurotransmitters test, a hormonal test, and a cortisol test. ($395). Missed my baby sister’s wedding back in Romania:( Emotional status; frightened and fighting depression. I’m forced into a state of dependency, which I hate, and I have no idea how to react to it. Elizabeth, my new neighbor, and friend, is so very kind in helping me with all my doctor appointments. I’m like a shadow and feel like I’m barely hanging around. Oh God, what is this?
Romanian- (Doctor pe baza naturala. Ea mi-a zis ca inima e foarte slabita, probabil am meningita care sa provocat de la gripa porcine, rinichii si ficatul toxic, sistemul imun foarte slabit, anemie. Iara-si teste, si pastile pe baza naturala. Simptomele inca persista, am zile bune si zile rele, dar ma simt slabita non-stop. Am nevoie sa ma conduca cineva la programari de doctori, prea slabita sa conduc eu. Ma pus pe vitamine Prenatale, doza maxima imediat cu Cupru. Ma ajuta. Nu am putut merge la nunta sorei mai mici in Romania)
3/19/2014 – ARNP Jennifer M Brown, UWMC ESC Gastroenterology specialist. I’m trying to get to the bottom of this intense stomach pain and severe, around-the-clock, nausea. Lab work; Amylase, Hepatic Function Panel, Lipase. She suggests a colonoscopy and upper GI Endoscopy; diagnostic Epigastric pain, Periumbilical pain, Weight loss, unintentional(116 lb). Still very nausea, weak, cold extremities, cold lips, no color in the face, fast heartbeats during the night time. A little more energy and weight gain from the vitamins. Vitals: BP. 131/79, Pulse: 78, Weight: 116 ib, Height 5′ 3.75′, BMI 20.07 kg/m2, SpO2 100%. $615.34
Romanian-(Specialist gastrointestinal, teste de singe la ficat, trimitere la colonoscopie si endonoscopie. Non-stop greaturi, slabita, alba la fata, piciore, miini si buze reci, pala la fata, bataii rapide de inima predominant in timpul noptii, slabire in greautate, dar un pic de energie ridicata de la vitamine.)
3/24/2014-UWMedicine– Urine test results. Color- yellow, Clarity- clear, Glucose-negative, Bilirubin-negative, Ketones-negative, Specific Gravity- 1.005, Occult Blood- 2+ (abnormal), ph-6.0, Protein-negative, Urobilinogen- normal, Nitrite- negative, Leukocytes-negative. Associated Diagnoses: UTI (urinary tract infection). $8.00 Antibiotics.
3/28/2014 –Massage/craniosacral- Steve K. Shelton therapy to help with the neurological side of things as well as with the severe upper back/neck muscle tension. $85
More craniosacral and massage therapy, but I don’t have the precise dates (about five sessions total)
(4/1/2014 Cranio, 4/8/2014 Cranio, 4/22/2014 Cranio, Sarah Peters) A lot of past emotional trauma coming up. $195
4/9/2014-NeuroScience lab test- at home- (neurotransmitters, cortisol, hormone). $445
4/30/2014- Dr. Witalis N.D. Test results and supplements. $348
Neurotransmitters test, adrenal gland test, and hormonal test results are back and out of whack. Serotonin 55.4 (L) 125-175 normal range; Glycine 4426.0 (H) 182-2225 normal range; Glutamate 78.6 (H) 13-30 normal range; Histamine 39.0 (H) 15-19 normal range; Dopamine 191.0 (H) 125-175 normal range. Glutamate regulates the electrical/nerve activity in the body. She’s worried I’m having absent seizures or I’m at risk for that. (Glutamate is a powerful excitatory neurotransmitter that is released by nerve cells in the brain. It is responsible for sending signals between nerve cells, and under normal conditions, it plays an important role in learning and memory.)
- hyperalgesia (pain amplification, a key feature of FMS)
- anxiety.
- restlessness.
- ADHD-like symptoms, such as the inability to focus.
The high histamine means I have no tolerance for anything synthetic. The cortisol levels start low in the morning, drop dramatically around 6-8pm, and go up after 10pm. If cortisol levels are high during the night, it damages the brain because the patient can’t sleep and heal. DHEA is low, 99.4. That means it does not regulate the body temperature the way it should; this also, in the normal range, helps to repair the body, bones, temperature stabilizer, gives energy, and keeps muscles lean, among other things. Hormone test; Estradiol is low, less than 1.1. Treatment; 6 different supplements ( 7-Keto-DHEA 50, 5-HTP 100, Taurine DFN, Rhodiola Rosea, L-Theanine.)
Romanian- Rezultatele de la Doctorul Naturalist; Imbalanta hormonala, la glandele adrenaline in systemul nervos. Tratament; 6 suplimente naturale.
Got insurance! Life Wise. By now, my energy is a little better; I seem to do better at work, but I can tell something is seriously wrong, and we’ve already spent lots of cash out-of-pocket with hardly any answers.
Romanian- Am asigurare medicala, la lucru am prins puteri un pic dar imi dau seama ca ceva nu este in regula cu sanatatea mea dar nimeni nu-mi da un raspuns clar. Deja am platit $5000 din buzunar.
5/07/2014– Franciscan Women’s Health Associates of St. Francis. Office visit. $132.06 So frazzled by the lack of concise answers, I just made an appointment here in hopes for… not sure yet. Emotional status: beyond frustrated. Not much was done in this appointment besides a medical history and check-up. Waste of time and money.
5/15/2014 – Virginia Mason Clinic and Hospital in Federal Way, Dr. Viisoreanu Delia. Chief complaint: palpitations, chest pain, nausea. Assessment and plan: KG, CBC, BMR, TSH, free T4, iron panel. Holter monitor x 48 hours ordered; consider cardiology consultation. Vitals: Height- 5’4″, Wt-115 lb, BMI- 19.78, BP- 124/64, PPR- 82, Temp. 37.2 C(99.0 F), O2 Sat. 100%. New Lab work. EKG shows normal sinus rhythm. Heart (listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope: Normal S1 and S2. Regular rate and rhythm. No audible murmur, gallop, or rub. No carotid bruits. No lower extremity edema bilaterally. Lungs: CTA bilaterally. Emotional status: I feel stronger and more energetic due to the antibiotics for the UTI. I can pick up the workload and have been springy and hopeful. Whatever this was, I feel that’s getting behind me, and I’m happy to move on with my life and work. My patient’s load is increasing again to 5 messages per day:) Hope:)
Romanian- (Ne-am luat asigurare medicale. Doctor nou intern, la alt spital. Teste noi de singe si inima. Rezultat- normal)
5/29/2014 -VM. Echo stress test- Interp. Elizabeth Y Chan MD. The patient exercised on a treadmill according to the Bruce protocol for 10 minutes and 0 seconds. Results-normal. Emotional status; relieved yet puzzled. Happy to see myself getting better; still struggling somewhat but very hopeful. Maybe this was just a weird reaction to me starting work.
6/2/2014 -VM. Colonoscopy and Endoscopy, Dr. Geoffrey C. Jiranek, MD, Federal Way. Upper GI endoscopy; Findings- the esophagus was normal, the stomach was normal, and the examined duodenum was normal. Colonoscopy; the exam was otherwise normal on direct and retroflection views. Hand notes; poor reaction to moderate sedation. Consider Addison’s. Emotional reaction; relieved.
Romanian- (Colonoscopie si endonoscopie- rezultat- normal)
6/5/2014 -VM, 48 hours heart monitor Holter study. Conclusions; sinus rhythm, average heart rate 75 beats per minute, maximum heart rate 126 beats per minute, minimum heart rate 48 beats per minute, rare premature atrial complexes, rare premature ventricular complexes, one couplet, one episode of second-degree av block type 1, followed by two beats 2:1 av block at 5pm, no symptoms. Results: slightly elevated heartbeats a few times during the night but I should not worry. Come back if symptoms persist. My health began increasing, and all I was doing is taking the supplements from the Naturopath doctor. I’m feeling pretty happy to put the whole ordeal behind me.
Romanian-(Monitor de inima- 48 de ore- Rezutat- batai de inima un pic ridicate in timpul noptii, dar sa nu-mi fac griji, daca simptomele persista sa vin inapoi pentru alt test. Ma simt mai bine, iau doar suplimentele naturale de la doctorul naturalist, si pentru prima data prind sperante de insanatosire.
6/14/2014 N.D Witalis– $107 (picking up supplements)
6/16/2014 -I passed out at work– Saint Francis Hospital ER- MD Michelle Holm. $3626.28 Unresponsive to the ME team, in and out of consciousness, unable to talk, focus, hold my head, anything, back of neck very tight, could not lift my head when conscious, could not follow the finger with my eyes. The medications I’m o 5-HTP oral, Multivitamins, Taurine oral. Vitals: BP. 106/58, Pulse 80, Temp. 37 C (98.6 F), Respirations 14, Height 5’4″, Weight 52.164 kg (115 lb), Body Mass Index 19.73 kg/m2, Oxygen Saturation 98%, never smoked. Medication administered: sodium chloride 0.9% IV, ondansetron (Zofran) 4mg/2ml, injection intravenous, Lorazepam (antivan) tablet 0.5mg, oral. Procedures: CBC and differential, CT head without contrast, Comprehensive metabolic panel, Differential, ECG 12 lead, GFR female, Hemogram, POCT pregnancy- urine, Rapid drug screen- urine, Troponin I, urinalysis with culture. Diagnoses- Lightheadedness. All tests ( EKG, head CT, blood work) come back normal, except urine test (blood in urine 2+ and RBC are 3-5, Ph 5.0). I began with low Oxygen when I got there, but nothing significant otherwise. However, since they released me as I was walking towards the exit of the hospital I noticed something was wrong with the way I walked, I could not keep a straight line, I kept stumbling into the walls on each side, my legs felt funny, my neck and head began to twitch slightly and I began to feel a little confused. I thought it was due to the stress of what I just went through. A week later I was still the same, could no longer walk in a straight line, twitching of neck and head, lots of pain in the back of my neck, fatigue, began to be confused, began to not talk, had a hard time holding on to a straight line of thoughts, forgot a lot of words, miss-placed words in sentences, I thought I was going crazy. Meanwhile, Chet’s company is having problems and he needs to cut hours, then work for stocks share only, the past checks are late, very late, we’re living off what we’ve put aside and that’s draining down fast as the hospital bills are piling up.
Romanian- (Am lesinat la serviciu, au chemat ambulanta, nu mai raspundeam la sugestiile lor, nu mai eram constienta, mau dus la spital unde au facut alte teste. Test de singe, raze la cap, EKG (inima). Rezultat- normal infara de oxigen care a fost scazut o perioda de timp. Dupa ce mi-au dat drumu, pe coridorul spitalului spre iesire am observat ca nu mai mergeam drept, ci tot timpul ctre peretii de ling mine, caput si gitul au inceput sa-mi tremure intr-o parte, si eram un pic confuza. Dar am crezut ca era de la stresul experientei. O saptamina mai tirziu si inca nu-mi revenisem, nu mai puteam sa merg in linie dreapta, incepuse-mi sa fiu confuza, sa nu-mi mai aduc aminte cuvinte de zi cu zi, nu mai vorbeam, mi-era greau sa inteleg conversatii, vorbeam pe sarite, am inceput sa cred ca-mi pierd mintile. In acelasi timp compania unde lucreaza Chet are probleme, nu-l mai plateste in timp, ia scazut orele, lucreaza numai pentru stocuri, traim numai de ce am putut pune deoparte pentru zile negre, ca astea, in acelasi timp datoriile medicale cresc ).
6/20/2014 VM Dr. Viisoreanu. A follow-up to the ER trip. At this point I can tell the doctor is looking at me as if I have Munchausen’s syndrome. It’s frustrating and easy to be intimidated but something is really off and no one can find what exactly is going on. Munchausen is a very expensive mental issue to have, but I don’t have that. I know myself, and this is not a cry for attention. I was far too happy at work to make up such a horrible syndrome. Plan: MRI/MRA with a complete neurovascular bundle, consult neurology for further evaluation, consult cardiology for palpitations. Vitals: Ht. 162.56 cm, Wt. 114 lb 8 oz (51.94 kg), previous weight 52.28 kg on 05/15/2014, BP. 122/70, PPR 78, O2Sat. 100%. Medical History; anemia and acid reflux/heartburn. Emotional status: devastate. I can no longer return to work.
6/24/2014 VM Blood drawn (Hepatitis B). Normal.
6/25/2014 -VM. Head/neck MRI– MR Brain, MRA of the Circle-of-Willis, and MRA of the neck vessels. Findings: normal MR brain. MRA everything looks good but “the right vertebral artery is not seen and may be congenitally absent. The left vertebral artery is a large vessel. There is no left vertebral artery occlusion or stenosis seen. The left basilar artery is unremarkable.”
Romanian-( MRI (RMN) -Imagistica prin rezonanta magnetica la cap si git. Rezultate normale cu exceptia lipsei arterei vertebrale in partea dreapta)
7/3/2014 –Virginia Mason Seattle- MD Roberts John. Neurologist specialist consult. “Evaluation for the current event (syncope on 6/16/2014) included a brain MRI with MR angiography of the neck and head that was ordered by the referring provider. This was done on June 25th and the brain appears normal on MRI without any evidence of ischemia, demyelinating disease or mass. The MR angiogram of the neck and head is normal with the exception of what appears to be a complete absence of the right vertebral artery. The radiologist suspected that this is a congenital variant. I reviewed the image and would agree with the radiology report.” Vitals: BP 120/72, Pulse 84, Respiration 20, Carotid pulse 2+ and without bruits. “Mental status: Notable for a bright and articulate individual who is quite talkative. She is fully oriented to self, place, time and purpose.” Had to put this one in:) ” Cerebellar: Testing shows possible mild dysmetria -“Dysmetria is a lack of coordination that occurs when the cerebellum isn’t functioning correctly. …” -Google, in the left upper extremity but not the right extremity. She does not have dysmetria in the legs. Assessment: This woman has had episodes of syncope occurring every several months since she was a teenager. Most likely, this is benign due to vasovagal drops in blood pressure or other benign conditions. It is possible that she has a more significant problem occurring. She does appear to have only 1 vertebral artery which is most commonly a congenital variant, although could be residua of previous vertebral artery dissection or other condition that could result in chronic stenosis or occlusion. It is possible that with just 1 vertebral artery, she is more prone to syncope with neck movement, although this is not a condition that is easily remedied. A seizure disorder remains possible, although the descriptions of her episodes are not entirely consistent with that. Nonetheless, the electroencephalogram might be helpful to elucidate this. Plan: CT angiogram of neck and head to help to clarify her cerebral vascular anatomy including if she truly has an absence of the right vertebral artery. Electroencephalogram. Follow-up.
Romanian-(Consult cu specialist neurologist, a observat ca partea stinga raspunde mai incetul decit partea dreapta, a recomandat mai multe teste si electrolytes).
7/7/2014 -VM- Federal Way. CT angiogram head and neck scan. Results- right vertebral artery is very small in caliber but does appear- possible from birth.
Romanian-( Tomografie computerizata la cap, au gasit artera dar e forate mica (nedezvoltata).
7/10/2014 VM Cardiology Consultation, MD Baldwin Drew. Palpitations complain. Diagnoses: Syncope (vasovagal syncope). Rash: follow up with Dr. Viisoreanu if symptoms persist. Lab work including an ANA titer. Vitals: Ht. 5’4″, Wt. 117ib (53.07kg), BMI 20.08, BP. 110/60, PPR 80, O2Sat 100%. “You’re just one of those unfortunate cases.” He had zero bedside manners. Cold and in a hurry. Blood work normal, except RBC Distribution Width 11.7 (low), Urea Nitrogen 8 (low).
7/10/2014 –New symptoms. A large rash over the trunk of my body. By now I can no longer return to work, drive or think straight. I live in an increasing state of confusion and I’m slowly but surely losing my ability to think, to understand or respond. I can no longer multitask, I’m very sensitive to sound. I am losing myself and don’t know what’s really happening to me. Meanwhile one of my brothers was in the emergency again, this has been going on the past six months with at least three visits per month. No one can find out what’s wrong with him. My mom is in the emergency as well, blood pressure stuff.
Romanian-(Simtome noi; iritatie de piele de la git pina la buric, confuzia mentala se inrautateste, imi pierd abilitatea de a gindi clar, de a intelege bine pe cei din jur si de a raspunde. In acelasi timp, acasa in Romania, unul din fratii mei era in urgenta iarasi, in ultimele cel putin sase luni el a fost la urgenta cam de trei ori pe luna, nimeni nu stie ce are, a slabit puternic. Mama e in spital cu probleme de tensiune)
7/14//2014 -Went to work– a new position- front desk until things get figured out, much lighter workload and less intense (10am- 2pm). Teresa is great, she’s doing her best to keep me on staff as I struggle with…whatever this is.
7/16/2014 –VM Seattle. EEG neurologic test- 14-338. MD Elliott Michael A. Normal brain activity but intermittent shaking as a result of the test that lasts four hours (whole body muscular visible shaking).
7/16/2014 VM Seattle. MD Roberts John, a follow-up to the EEG test. Diagnostics: I don’t know what’s wrong with you but the brain looks good.
Romanian-(EEG- test la cap la care se uita dupa convulsii sau epilepsie, criza de 4 ore, Diagnostic; nu stiu ce ai, creierul este okay.)
7/18/2014 –Massage/ craniosacral- Sarah Peters- $65
7/26/2014 –Massage/ craniosacral
7/28/2014 –Tern Christian Counseling, Gregory R. Gates, MA, CDP. My first Psychologic evaluation appointment ever, only to realize this was a waste of my time. There is something wrong with my body! Emotional update: I know I’ve got trauma from the past and many people keep pointing the possibility that this is a mental break-down manifested in the body. I’m beginning to wonder if there’s any truth to that. Yet, somewhere deep within myself, I know something else is really wrong. (Psiholog) $175
7/31/2014 Tern Christian Counseling. I had to do this session on the phone from home. Too weak to go in. In bed all the time it seems.
8/3/2014 –A second day at the new front desk position. Had to come home early, because I was not feeling well and Teresa could tell. This was to become my last day of work at Federal Way Muscular Therapy. A very sad day for me.
8/8/2014 – Massage/ craniosacral. -Sarah- $65
Happy Anniversary! 6/14/2016- branch fell on our house, way to celebrate the anniversary.
8/15/2014 –Massage/ craniosacral. (The only reason I stopped going was due to the fact that I no longer could drive.)
8/18/2014- My mother-in-law, Janet, in the hospital, cancer removal operation. Soon she’ll start chemo. We went and visited her:) Financially, Chet’s barely getting paid since the company is trying to hold its head above the water.
8/25/2014 –University Healing Center, Dr. Xue Zhi Wang, Chinese Acupuncture Seattle appt. Symptoms worsening, very fatigued, very frail, lost so much weight, I feel like I’m slowly dying and no doctor knows why, very white, cold extremities and lips, barely breathing, too weak to walk. I no longer drive myself, I get to the doctors only by other’s help. So I found out about this Chinese Acupuncture Doctor in Seattle from a friend. The first sign of hope, after seeing him. He also takes insurance. I love the Naturopath Doctor but she doesn’t take insurance and she’s expensive- good but expensive. The Acupuncture Doctor told me that my heart is extremely fatigued (I agree for I’m barely breathing), liver toxicity and low energy, same for kidneys, the immune system is shut down and I have anemia. I never told him what ND Witalis tolled me but his findings were along the same line as hers. I found that interesting. (This was the first hope I had in months). He put me on some herb mixtures for treatment, one of which was called “Heart energy care tonic” (ingredients: Radix Notoginseng, Radix Angelicae Sinesis, Radix Ginseng, Ganoderma Lucidum Seu Japonicum, Radix Astragali Seu Hedysari, Cortex Eucommiae, Herba Leonuri), also sleeping pill, all from natural supplements and I finally am able to sleep throughout the night. Like any detox, I felt absolutely horrible before I felt better. Elizabeth took me. $95
Romanian-(Acupunctura. Doctorul chinez cu tratament pe baza de plante si radacini de plante, mi-s zis; inima slabita, rinighii si ficatul toxic, anemie, sistemul imun la pamint. Tratament pe baza de plante. Prima raza se speranta
8/28/2014 –Acupuncture appt. First signs of improvement, digesting his herbal mix) 50% increase in energy and decrease of other symptoms:) Looking good. Hope. $70
Romanian-(Acupunctura- primele simptome de insanatosire:))))) 50% may bine.)
9/1/2014 Accupuncture $5
Ran out of my herbal mixture prescribed to me by the acupuncturist but the doctor is in vacation so I have to wait for a refill. New symptoms: join pain with extreme shooting pain, felt like crying all the time, felt suddenly 90 years old, pain ALL THE TIME!
Romanian-(Simptome noi, dureri in TOATE incheieturile, cu sagetaturi in oase, am simtit penste noapte ca parca aveam 90 de ani si eram in dureri enorme TOT TIMPU!)
9/18/2014 –VM MD Viisoreanu Chief complaint: fatigue, multiple joint pain, syncope. Plan: cosyntropin stimulation test ordered to check for adrenal insufficiency as etiology for my fatigue and syncope, ESR, CRP, Lyme disease serology ordered, hand x-rays ordered to evaluate for arthritis, consult rheumatology to evaluate for inflammatory arthritis as etiology of her multiple joint pain. Vitals: Ht. 162.56 cm, Wt. 116ib (52.79 kg), Previous weight 53.07kg as of 07/10/2014, BP 108/70, PPR 76, Temp. 36.9 C (98.4 F). Results of x-ray are normal. I asked the doctor to look into autoimmune diseases and I asked specifically for a Lyme disease test (heard from a friend about this Lyme Disease issue). Emotional status- I’m depressed. I don’t know what’s wrong. I’m angry, moody, in pain all the time, living in bed, unable to be a proper mother to my children and a wife to my husband. I’m worried he’ll divorce me now that I’m no longer productive. I question my own self-worth and whether it’s better to end my life and stop putting my family through such an ordeal both emotionally and financially. I would say I’m pretty depressed, don’t you think?
Romanian-(Programare la doctor- am intrebat-o sa inceapa sa se uite la boli autoimune si sa-mi faca test de Lyme boala bazata pe informatiile unei prietene.)
9/20/2014 –Acupuncture:) The doctor is back from vacation. I have been bleeding for 10 days now-menstrual bleeding- and that’s very unusual. $161.40
9/27/2014- Acupuncture $178.60 +meds
10/2/2014 –VM Federal Way. 8:20 am Cortisol, Inflammation, and Lyme disease lab work
Romanian-(Test de singe- cortisol, inflamatie si Lyme disease sau muscatura de capuse)
10/5/2014 –Got the news the Lyme disease test came back positive. Lyme Disease Ab, Total, EIA, and Western blot 3.75 -High. The doctor called me at home, Sunday evening. I had no idea what that meant since I knew nothing of this Lyme disease. I thought one week of antibiotic would cure me and bring my life back to normal. Emotional status: happy that finally there was a cause to all these symptoms, yet naive enough to think it would be over soon. Planning to return to work:)
Romanian-(Am primit stirea ca testul de Lyme disease a iesit pozitiv, si atunci am inceput sa ma interesez ce este Lyme disease de fapt, produs de la muscatura de capuse.)
10/7/2014 –Rite Aid FederalWay. I picked up the antibiotic treatment-Doxycycline. I began to feel better on the antibiotics, giving me hope. $4.28
Romanian- (Tratament de antibiotic)
10/11/2014 –Acupuncture $85
10/12/2014– Contour Seattle Restaurant celebrating feeling better with our friends.
Romanian-Sarbatorind faptul ca ma simt mai bine cu prieteni.
10/13/2014 –ER TRIP Valley Medical Center Hospital. Diagnosis: movement disorder. Procedures: CBC w/ Auto Differential, CT head without IV contrast, Call Dr. Jogn Roberts, Virginia Mason neurology, call neurology. comprehensive metabolic Panel, ECG 12 Lead (Hospital only), HCG, Monitor, Obtain Medical records, POCT Glucose, Protime-INR. Discharge. Symptoms: shallow breathing, pupils dilated, right facial numbness and right-hand numbness, unable to focus, smile, squeeze fingers, lift legs, body shaking. I thought I wasn’t going to make it this time. Since then temporary facial and body contortions, muscle trembling, speech impaired, (SEVERE fatigue, nausea, feverish episodes, cold hands and feet, confusion) the symptoms in the parenthesis I’ve had them since Jan. Emotional status: What the hell? I thought I was getting back to normal and now this? Why? Will it ever end? When will it end? What’s going on God? When is this illness going to end? How much is this going to cost? I want to die and get it over with. $551.12
Romanian-( Urgenta! Respiratie slabita, pupilele dilatate, partea dreapta a fetei amortita si mina dreapta la fel, nu puteam sa-mi concentrez privirea, nu puteam sa zimbesc sau sa le string degetele la doctori sau sa-mi misc picioarele sau sa vorbesc, tremuraturi in corp. De atunci paralizie temporara a fetei, probleme cu vorbirea.)
90% of the time my life is spent in bed.
State of neurological paralysis-like symptoms, Chet’s feeding me an apple.
10/23/2014 –12 pm. Dr. Susan L. Marra, Lyme disease specialist Naturopathic Doctor, Seattle. Consultation, lab work ordered 14 supplements and a cocktail of three antibiotics. I walked in, held up by Chet (my husband) with the paralysis of the upper body, barely walking and talking, too weak to finish her test, confusion, extremely fatigued. Very bad first impression with this doctor, but I had no other immediate option at this point and we were pretty desperate. Initial exam $395, supplements $1303.60, Lab Corp$ 20.73 and antibiotics $54.74 with a total of $1774.27. She kept on telling me that I’m very sick, with the understanding to prepare for the worst and she kept telling me that I’ll never get 100% better. Magnesium IV also prescribed. Also, the road to recovery will be very long, a predicted 5 years with intensive antibiotic treatment. Chet found another workplace and slowly we’ve been seeing some money coming in. Treatment plan: Antibiotics (Doxycycline 2x a day 200mg, Plaquenil 200 mg 2x a day and Tindamax 500 mg 2x a day with Paramicrodicin, a grape seed extract that helps break the Borrelia burgdorferi cysts, 2 caps 2x a day) and Nystatin 500 000 units/cap, 3 caps 2x a day (this is nasty stuff), also Orthobiots 2 caps 2x/day, Saccro B 2 caps 2x/day, Plantadophillus 2 caps 2x/day, Pearls 2 caps 2x/day (these last 4 are probiotics), also Vit. D 50 000 IU/week, Mag Taurate 800 mg 2x/day for the muscles, Acetyl Carnitine 2 caps- opens Babesia, Bartonella, and Borrelia, CoQ10 800 mg 2x/day for mitochondria supports, Pectasol 6 caps 2x/day for toxin binder, NAC 1 cap 2x/day for liver support, Glutathione 2 tsp 2x/day- removes neurotoxins, Chlorophyll 1 dropper 2x/day in 12oz of water for alkalinity and Cell food 8 drops in 12oz of water for alkalinity as well. Emotional status; I’m ready to die. God, who kept a constant vigilance over me (the four angels in the four corners of my room) is constantly encouraging me while a dark voice constantly cheers me on to kill myself. I’m so very tired and I can see the emotional and financial strain this is putting on my family. I see it in their eyes. It’s a constant unspoken monologue. I’m so very tired. God, just let me die.
Romanian- (Lyme disease specialist, doctor naturalist, 3 antibiotice puternice plus 8 suplimente naturale) Chet ma sprijinit sa pot intra in clinica, nu mai pot merge, sint paralizata mai tot timpul, de multe ori nu mai pot vorbi, viata mea e numai in pat de citeva luni. Mi-a luat $2000 pentru suplimente naturale. Nu-mi place doctorita asta, si voi cauta alta. Chet a gasit altceva de lucru si usor incep banii sa intre in casa.)
10/23/2014 LabCorp, Seattle, blood is drawn. 3 tubes. CD8-/CD57+Lymphs, Abs. CD8-CD57+Lymphs, and other tests.
10/23/2014 – University Healing Center, picking up more Chinese medicine. $50 I began an intense antibiotic treatment- Double the dose of Doxycycline
Romanian-(Am inceput tratament intens de antibiotice)
10/25/2014 –Quest Diagnostics, blood work, 20 tubs of blood drawn for more lab work … this is it so far:) Intense treatment program of supplements and antibiotics (6 times a day I ingest pills).
Romanian-(20 de tuburi de singe si cam atita deocamdata).
11/5/2014 –Quest Diagnostics Federal Way– blood was drawn (insurance does not cover this test since it’s directly linked with Lyme).
Romanian-Luat singe. Assigurarea nu acopera plata.
Besides Chet and family both here and Europe, my main support core of friends:) Later on, Elizabeth becomes a pillar of help:) And that’s water in the glass:) Emotional status: continually an internal battle.
Romanian-Temelia de support a for Chet in primul rind, familia si prietenii din Europa, cei din imagine aicea in America si Elizabeta care a fost un support extraordinar de puternic.
12/1/2014 Christian Faith Center- counseling talk with pastor Terry Tarsiuk at 1:30 pm regarding an incident that happened on 11/7/2014. I was tolled a demon of sickness has possessed me, but pastor Terry does not think so.
12/1/2014 –4 pm. Dr. Susan Marra, Seattle, $345 Lyme disease specialist appointment- Blood test results: LabCorp-Human Trans Growth Factor beta 1 was 7500 (high, normal is between 344-2382), IgeneX results –Babesia Duncani bacteria- positive at 40 (less than 20 is the normal range) also this test cost $420 and insurance does not cover it. Babesia Duncani is a bacteria similar to malaria and attacks the blood cells of its host then destroys the red blood cells from within leaving the host hungry for air. Quest Diagnosis results ($683.37)- low VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in other words my body is sluggish in producing new blood cells and other findings, less than 31 (31-86 pg/ml normal range), HTGF C677T mutation positive, this is a critical enzyme required for a metabolic process that repairs DNA, switches genes on and off, and numerous other functions (does not convert folate and folic acid -each a form of vitamin B9- into the biologically active form called L-methylfolate or (5-MTHF), Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Antibody (IGG) 1.38 (high) showing a previous infection, EBV Viral Capsid AG (VCA) is more than 5.00 (high) which it means Epstein Barr Virus, Streptozyme Screen was positive (Strep infection), Streptozyme Titer (mycoplasma pneumoniae) 1:100 (high), MMV6 Herpesvirus 6 IGG 1:80 (high), Vitamin D, 25-OB was 24 (Low) normal range is 30-100ng/ml, Vitamine D, 1,25 (OH)2 was high at 96 (normal range is 18-72pg.ml), HTGF B 1 (Human Transforming Growth Factor) was high at 7500 which means a lot of inflammation present. The treatment plan: start with one antibiotic- Doxy, a week later add the second, Plaquinil? then the third, Malarone 3 tablets 2x/day on top of all the supplements. Added also is Methyl Protection 1 cap 2x/day, 5-HTMF 1 cap 2x/day and Hepato support 2 caps 2x/day. I don’t trust this doctor. One of the new antibiotic she wants me to take costs $ 1600 per months and this is with insurance called Alinia. I told her that she’s killing me with all these antibiotics and my body can’t take it. At this point my life is only lived in bed and it’s been going on for months. I no longer do anything else, only lay in bed and hope this miserable pain will go away some day or I’ll die. God, you must help me.
Romanian-Specialist- rezultate de singe, positiv pentru Babesia Duncani (o forma de malarie), deficit in Vit. D, Positiv pentru muscatura de capuse, inflamatie, etc nu stiu in romaneste:( Alti $800 dati azi pe suplimente naturale, plus vor $1600 pe luna pentru anitbioticul care ea vrea sa-l iau timp de doi ani. Trebuie sa gasesc neaparat alt doctor. In pat non-stop cu crize de paralizie, greau de vorbit si de gindit.
New diet- salads.
Romanian- Dieta noua- salate.
NEW YEAR-2015-New Year resolution- HEALTH!!!!!
1/12/2015 Quest Diagnosys- blood draw- looking at the liver enzymes. $39.99
1/15/2015 –Dr. Susan Marra, Seattle, Lyme specialist appointment-$768. Blood results good for liver function (With a high doze of antibiotic intake we have to check le liver status regularly). By now I have regular seizures, paralysis in the face and arms. She wants me to start Alinia antibiotic at $1600 per month on to of all the other supplement expenses. I’m done with this doctor. She preaches fear and doom and I need someone to give me hope.
Romanian- Rezultatele normale pentru ficat si alte organe, din cauza tratamentului intes de antibiotice.
Enough energy to wait in the car as Chet does the grocery shopping.
Romanian- Destula energie sa astept in masina in timpul in care Chet face cumparaturi.
2/3/2015 –Craniosacral/ massage appt. with Sarah Peters. $65 Masaj
3/10/2015–New naturopath doctor- Dr. D. in B. 4 pm. $233 for the initial appointment. (Lyme and autoimmune disease doc) Lab work ordered along with a saliva test. The cognitive test showed neurological issues and medical history was acquired. This doctor is nice and she does things very different, not sure what to believe but at this point, I’m willing to stand on my head if that gets me better. Treatment for adrenal gland support ordered progesterone cream, oxidized water, Natrum mariatricum (for calming the sympathetic system) (98.4 F, SPO2- 98.0, BP 116.0/64.0 mmHg- vitals). Doctor specialist nou, nu mai vreau antibiotice. Test de saliva, historie medicala, test de memorie.
4/17/2015 –Blood work.
4/17/2015 –Regulation Thermometry test $273. This is an infrared test, a tool used to get the functional picture of all the organ system in the body. Used in Europe for more than 20 years.
4/17/2015–Full Body Scan: ES Complex test (Picture). This test evaluates the autonomic nervous system, organ functions and risk factors associated with heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. I’m not on any medication now except supplements and vitamins. She’s given me only one supplement bottle. I really like her, she seems to know what she’s talking about. She wants to focus on strengthening the immune system.
Romanian- Test de singe, si alte doua teste care nu le stiu in romaneste, dar se uita la toate organele si functionarea lor, la sistemul nervos si circular, etc. Test European, assigurarea nu acopera, In fotografie unul din teste. (pe baza de sistemul cardiac).
5/18/2015 –DR. D 12pm appt. Looking at the test results. Vitals: Temp. 98.5 F, BP 104/66, Pulse 92.0 bpm, SPO2 99.0%.
Test results: ES Tech ANS/HRV results: decreased immune system, insulin resistance, decrease potassium/magnesium, elevated chloride, increase Ph, lower body lymph blockage, ANS dysfunction (high sympathetic, high adrenaline at 49.0), generalized neural network blockage, Large intestine inflammation.
Treatment: Arsenicum album 200k given in the office, Artemisinin Solo capsules, 2 2x/day and Neural therapy paraspinal/adrenals injections once a week for four weeks. Ordered a stool test for infections. $822.29.
Romanian-Resultat: sistem imun slabit, resistenta la insulina, scazut in potasium/magneziu, ridicata clorina, ridicata PH, blocat sistemul limfatic de la mijloc in jos, sistemul nervos blocat in general, inflamatie in matele mari.
5/27/2015 –Dr. D’s office but Dr. Fox performed the Neurotherapy injections along each side of my spine and adrenal glands. This is meant to calm my CNS and to rewire the whole thing, it’s like a computer jump start. I start feeling stronger, I’m gaining weight:) $152
Romania- Terapie pe baza neurologica, injectii dealungul sirei spinarii si in glandele adrenaline. Incep sa ma simt mai bine si sa ma ingras:)
6/01/2015 –Diagnos-Tech, Inc. Stool test, $285
6/10/2015 –Neurotherapy injections, 10:30 am $179
6/18/2015 –Neurotherapy injections, 10:30am. $179
6/30/2015 –Neurotherapy injections, 10 am. $179
7/27/2015 –11:30 am Dr. D follow-up appointment. Vitals: Temp. 98.0 F, BP 140/72, Pulse Rate 128.0 bpm, SPO2 99%.
Blood test results: increased mold presence in the body, mitochondrial disorder, Mycoplasma infection (Lyme co-infection).
Treatment: anti-mold diet ( avoid sugar, dried fruits, peanuts and adequate hydration of 10 cups of water each day), IV Glutathione and Phosphatidyclorine to bind mold out of the body, as well as support the nervous system. Myers IV with CoQ10 injection. Supplements: cilantro tincture 10 drops 2x/day away from meals and in water. Chlorella Pyrendoisa 3 tablets 3x/day away from food. A-Bart 15 drops in water one time a day and away from food, start with one drop and work your way up to 15 drops. Emotional status: I’m getting stronger, but I still have too many faint and painful days. But I see hope. $411.40
Romanian- Programare la doctor; mi-a gasit alta infectie prin ultimul test de sange, prezenta de mucegai in corp. Usor, usor prin puteri:)
7/27/2015 –Dr. D clinic. IV Myers treatment with a CoQ10 shot.
Romanian-Injectie de CoQ10, inceput de tratament intravenos impotriva mucegaiului, inflamatiei, imputernicit sistemul imun.
8/4/2015 –Dr. D’s clinic. 11:30 am IV Meyers cocktail (with CoQ10 shot) and PC push with Dr. Fox. $279
Romanian-A doua terapie intravenoasa, injectie.
I still experience extreme fatigue daily, continual nausea, and a general feeling of malaise.
8/13/2015 –Dr. D’s clinic. 12:30 pm, Meyers IV with CoQ10 shot and PC push/5 cc Glut. $324. A am experiencing a dyslexia sort of side-effect, itching all over from small red bumps, extreme fatigue and joint pain.
Romanian- A treia terapie intravenoasa, injectie.
Starting to feel better for small intervals at the time, paralysis-like symptoms decrease from daily to weekly.
Romanian- Incep sa prind puteri si sa am mai multa energie desi numai pe perioade scurte. Simptomele de paralizie incep sa scada – le aveam zilnice, dar incep sa le am acum de cateva ori pe saptamana numai.
8/18/2015 –Dr. D’s clinic. 10:30 am Meyers IV treatment with CoQ10 shot and PC Push/5 cc Glut. $324
Romanian- A 4-a terapie intravenoasa, injectie.
Detox signs from the treatment: Prolonged menstruation, spotting, lower abdomen pain of a 9 out of 10 scale, itchy bumps on the body, moodiness, headaches with the feeling of bloody nose, joint stiffness and pain at times, plugged sinus, bone pain, fatigue, lower abdomen ache and the ever-present pain in my left side that’s been there for a year and 8 months now, bitter taste in the mouth, watery eyes when tired.





















5/23/2017-Woke up with a severe rash all over my body. 10:15am Zoom Care Visit in Queen Anne for the rash, predominantly on the trunk but present in the upper and lower extremities, neck, ears, partially on my face but heavily on the sides of the body predominantly on the left side. I have been itching since Friday evening, it progressively got worse and woke up this morning covered with hives. Diagnostic: Urticaria (a skin rash triggered by a reaction to food, medicine or other irritants), well, that really narrows it down:) Treatment: Claritin or Zantac (anti-allergy pills). $100, 98.6 Temperature.
5/31/2017-Dr. Traci. 3:30pm, Artesunate IV-double dose- and blood drawn (three tubes, checking the status of liver enzyme, inflammation in the blood and immune system). $170.00
6/6/2017-Dr. Winston, 3pm Artesunate IV Treatment, double dose. $208 98.6 temperature.
6/7/2017– Dr. Traci. Blood test results from Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp of CD57 looking good at 61 (it was 59, so it’s stable)-liver enzyme. Red blood cell count was slightly low, but iron and B12 levels were okay. Thyroid looks good as well:) Overall things are improving so we’ll keep plugging away at the Lyme. “I think you’re doing enough right now, so let’s not change anything” was Dr. Traci’s kind advise. $391.55
6/12/2017-Dr. Winston. 2:30pm, Artesunate IV, double dose. 99.1 temperature and BP a little low. The vein was giving us trouble, the IV hardly in. Slower drip and no movement. $220
6/14/2017-DDS Richard Stickney. 2pm, First two mercury fillings out, “you had quite a bit of decay under the big filling” dentist’s words. I feel like flying I am so happy to get rid of those. I feel like my mouth is a mine and metal is being extracted:)
6/19/2017-Dr. Winston. 2:30pm, Artesunate IV treatment, double dose. 100.0 Temperature. The vein did not cooperate at all this time so I got poked lower in the arm. Elizabeth dropped me off, like old times, she came over for a visit:) $189.80
6/27/2017- Dr. Winston. 11 am, ArtesunateIV, double dose. Woke-up feeling awful; nausea, the body shaking (due to the heat and exhaustion I think, maybe dehydration, had to ask Meleah to come along, I felt that weak. 99.2 F I had got poked three times. First time even though she found the vein the IV would not drip, finally the third time, she went into a deep vein and we got going. Flat on my back now, resting in bed:) I feel old. $170
7/3/2017- Virginia Mason Emergency, Seattle. Zwart Joshua MD
Complains-bleeding since the 18th of June, nausea, lack of appetite, severe headaches and memory lapses in mid-sentence, faint and prolonged fever the past two weeks. Tests: Blood tests (very hard time for the male nurse to find my veins since they were not visible. I was poked again a few times leaving a greenish/purple bruise. The test is looking for infection, dehydration and anemia, ultrasound of the ovaries, kidneys, and uterus. Results: blood work came back normal, no infection, iron levels within the range (even if on the lower side of the range), and the ultrasound showed growth of tissue in a part of the uterus where they’re not supposed to be, thickening the wall, but it’s not cancerous. A possible start of adenomyosis, but he was hesitant to put the diagnose without further investigation.
Discharge Diagnosis: Menometrorrhagia.
Treatment: follow-up with a gynecologist and see what they recommend-wise. $300
7/5/2017-DDS Richard Stickney. 12pm, installing the porcelain cap in the previous amalgam (mercury) filling in the lower left 1st molar, #19. $2557
7/11/2017-Dr. Winston. 1:30pm, Artesunate IV, double dose. 99.8 temp. $170
7/19/2017- DDS Richard Stickney. 2pm, (lasted almost three hours, pulled four mercury fillings, upper left, all four back teeth -two molars and two premolars- lots of deep cavity under two fillings, needing two crowns on two of the teeth, temporary crown on now, jaw dislocated and popped back in, than treated with heat laser. $2557 This was a very hard appointment and I dread going back. But I must finish what we began.
8/1/2017-DDS Richard Stickney. Bite adjustment, 5-10 minutes:)
8/23/2017– Dr. Traci. 2:30 pm, follow up. This is the first time I’ve heard the word remission:))) Blood was drawn for some lab work, looking into the liver enzymes, pancreas, and few other things to explain the severe nausea as of late. 99.2 temperature. (Meleah had a first-time appointment as well with Dr. Winston, lab work as well). $283.77
9/08/2017-Dr. Winston. 2pm, Artesunate IV, double dose. Poked four times again. My veins keep collapsing. I think we’ll move to shots for the future instead of IV”s. $170 (Also Meleah had a follow-up/test results appt. and the adrenal gland is fatigued, supplements as treatment and a certain diet $57).
9/11/2017-DDS Richard Stickney. 4pm, installing the porcelain crowns $1885
9/25/2017-DDS Richard Stickney. 11:30 am, removing the last mercury filling also the piece of mercury from my gum which had to be cut out with a laser. Once the numbing wore off I experienced one of the worst pain of my life, so intense I became delirious and kept on laughing. It took forever for the Tylenol to take effect, but once it did, I felt better. Tired, but better. Since the mercury has been removed my energy shot up dramatically, right away, the peripheral shadows disappeared completely, so did the brain fog and my coordination is far better. What a great improvement:) $827
10/5/2017- Eye Care Queen Anne, 11am, vision exam. The eye looks good and with the exception of a pigmentation residue left in my right eye from the Lyme inflammation all is well. The residue it’s a piece of history left on the eye that looks like a coffee ring left on a cup after the coffee is gone. Got new lenses. $179
10/9/2017-DDS Richard Stickney. 12:30 pm bacterial swab test. Still, too much activity but a decreased number of spirochete bacteria, dangerous because it goes directly into the bloodstream. Stepping up on the deep cleaning.$35
As of today, 10/4/2017, here are the supplements I take on a daily bases: Results RNA Lyme complex, Lyme tincture, Vit. C, Vit. D3, Iron (only during menstrual cycles), Burbur-Pinella detox brain-nerve cleanse, Teasel tincture (to draw out the Lyme parasites), Enula microbial defense tincture, Bromelain, PectaSol-C (this stuff really makes me feel awesome), Chlorella, Chlorophyll, Omega 3-6-9 with primrose oil, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Berberine- 500 (for the gut), Stress B-complex, Magnesium Malate, Progesterone cream, CBD oil (when needed), Results RNA extra strength, Frankensenss oil (when needed), Zyflammed (turmeric and anti-inflammatory), Cranactin. Sure remission looks like work, but it beats the alternative:)
Today 10/11/2017 we found out we closed on our new apartment and we should get the keys anytime. While boxing and detail cleaning, I came across some past medical test results showing clearly viral infection present way before 2014.
07/25/2000- Comprehensive Metabolic test shows: Glucose 116 (High),CPK or Creatine Phosphokinase was 60 (low), the normal range is 96-140. CPK is an enzyme in the body found mainly in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles and a low level could be meaningless if no other liver or organ failure issue exists. CBC Red Blood Count low at 4.16 vs the normal range of 4.20-5.40, MCH or Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin is a calculation of the average amount of hemoglobin inside a single red blood cell and in my case it turned up high at 31.8 vs the normal range of 27.0-31.5. “A high MCH is commonly a sign of macrocytic anemia. This condition occurs when the blood cells are too big, which can be a result of not having enough vitamin B12 or folic acid in the body.”-Medical News Today article. Neu or Neutropenia are white blood cells that protect the body from infections, and mine was high at 82.7 vs 37.0-80.0 normal range. Now the Final Microbiology report came back with a few findings of their own: Neu# was high at 29 vs the normal range of 0-20, signifying a viral infection and Sed Rate was high which is evidence of inflammation and/or viral infection.
11/12/2010 Auburn Regional Medical Center -ER trip, complaining of chest pain, fatigue and malaise. Phys Ed: Bruce Neely M.D. The CBC blood panel showed low counts of Hemoglobin 11.8 (normal range is between 12.0-16.0), Hematocrit 34.4 (normal 34.5-47.0), Lymph Percentage 14.9 (normal 15.0-43.0) and high levels of MPV, which stands for Mean Platelet Volume at 10.9 (normal 7.0–9.2). High MPV could mean inflammation, iron deficiency, myeloproliferative disorders, and splenectomy, infection, sickle cell anemia in the body.The INR test came low at 1.00 (2.00-3.00 normal range) shows how well the blood clots. No diagnosis found, no idea why I felt so bad. No answers in other words.
But it shows me a historical pattern of me fighting this nasty disease long before diagnosed. It wasn’t just me thinking that I was just a frail thing naturally.
12/23/2017-Z00M+CARE QUEEN ANNE- Dr. Chris Pohl. Diagnosis: Ovulatory Bleeding. Tests: Urine pregnancy (negative), Trichomonas vaginalis (negative), Gardnella vaginalis (negative), Candida species (negative). Treatment: Birth control pills and Naproxen (500mg a 1x/day). Need to do an ultrasound and follow-up with a Gynecology specialist. Also, lab works, but after two pokes they could not get any blood so they sent me to LabCorp, which I did not go to, tired of multiple pokes and vein collapsing. Also, my last CBD’s came back normal, and thyroid tests came back fine as well. $201.58
12/26/2017- Zoom+Care Queen Anne, Hannah Gordon, follow-up. The bleeding is lighter, but I had severe nausea and feeling horrible overall. Urine test for GC/Chlam test since the first swab could not be processed due to the blood presence interfering. Test result- Negative. Consult and prescribed Ondansetron for nausea. $190.40.
2018
1/8/2018- Virginia Mason Gynecology Specialist- Dr. Mihalov Linda. 2:45 pm. Main complaint- excessive and prolonged bleeding (since 12-12-2017). Blood work ordered, looking at the thyroid, iron levels, hormone level. Pap smear test.
Treatment: Norethindrone Acetate (progesterone) to stop the bleeding. Results of treatment: allergic reaction to the progesterone manifested in right ovary, kidney and submandibular extreme pain (up all night delirium from the pain), extreme and suicidal depression.
Test Results: “The pap smear was negative and you also tested negative for the human papillomavirus. You are not anemic but you are mildly iron deficient, based on your low ferritin value (stored iron level). The thyroid is normal and you’re hormone level indicates that you may be entering the menopausal transition.”
Treatment based on test results: one iron supplement a day, reduce the progesterone dose.
1/25/2018- Virginia Mason, ARNP Janet Dwight-Follow-up. 3:30pm. Ordered an ultrasound of the pelvic area, prescribed progesterone tablets- Progesterone Micronised (a more natural form of the hormone), so far I don’t see any negative side-effects.
1/26/2018-Virginia Mason Radiology and Ultrasound. 12:20pm.- Ultrasound.
Impression: 1. Myometrial findings suggestive of adenomyosis, as before. 2. Interval resolution of the previously demonstrated hemorrhagic cyst or follicle in the left ovary has resolved on its own.
“You still show thin endometrium and some mild adenomyosis.”
Thank God, I’m getting better:)
2/12/2018.Began a semi-new Lyme treatment (mix of tinctures of Teasel Root and Lyme 2 the Buhner protocol, and Burbur-Pinella nerve-brain detox cleanse). Four days into it I re-lived the intense joint/bone pain Lyme brings, flu-like symptoms and severe cervical neck muscle tension and stiffness. Today (2/19/2018), eight days later I still feel the severe neck muscle tension (can’t bring my chin all the way down my chest due to severe pain and stiffness), not as bad flu-like symptoms and hardly any joint pain. Lots of headaches today, especially in the occipital area, very short attention span and crankiness.
03/25/2018-Virginia Mason Emergency trip- Simons W. Reed MD. Main complaint- Seizure, other complaints/symptoms are severe nausea, disassociation, unable to visually focus, cold skin to touch especially extremities, headaches (especially in the occipital area left side or the back of the head), feel as if I was going to have a nose bleed on the right side, general ill feeling with inability to support myself on my feet, muscle contractions or shakes, multiple bowl (soft) movements within the hour, anxiety, black spots in my vision (seen them for the past three weeks), slurred speech, extreme pain in my pelvic area, in fact that’s how the whole thing began, woke me up at 4 am from my sleep and immediately I knew something was really off and odd. Tests: Bloodwork CBD panel, urine test, Head CT. Treatment: Intravenous Seizure medication, stopped the slurred speech and helped the eyes to focus. The urine came back with a possible urinary tract infection result but the test was inconclusive due to the fact that I didn’t have the regular symptoms ( Blood and CT scan results all negative. Follow up with a neurologist.
3/28/2018- Antibiotic Treatment- CEPHALEXIN (similar to penicillin)
5/10/2018- Magnolia Chiropractic & Massage Clinic– Massage treatment for the severe lumbar and mid-thoracic pain, since Monday morning. Post-treatment: pain reduced 80%, I can lift my left leg and get up without problems:) Triggered the pelvic pain.
5/14/2018- MC&M– massage- even better. Extreme fatigue after the message and panic sense when the right side of the body began treatment, emotionally stuck. Thank God I’m getting better:)
5/23/2018-MC&C-massage.
6/02/2018-Virginia Mason Labs-Urine sample. I’ve been having severe pelvic pain, involving the low back, ovary area, and rectum), fever, clammy skin, swelling of my abdomen, lowest abdomen swelling and pain. This has been going on for more than a year, but lately (since my last trip to the ER in March) is constant. The only thing that ranges is the intensity of the pain, from a dull presence to severe pain to the point of delirium. The last two CT scans found significant adenomyosis in my uterus. Results:
Blood, Urine 2+ (Abnormal), Urine Leukocytes Esterase 3+ (Abnormal) (was 2+ on ER trip in March of this year, so it’s up), Urine C/S If Indicated Sent (Abnormal), Urine Red Blood Cells 2+ (Abnormal), White Blood Count 2+ (Abnormal), Bacteria 1+ (Abnormal).
Treatment: Ampicillin, one every 12 hours, until gone.
6/5/2016-Virginia Mason Gynecology- Dr. Christine Reily- Hysterectomy operation recommended to remove the uterus and fallopian tubes.Despite the pelvic pain and fever, this year has been the best year so far, I’m building muscle strength, endurance, and stamina and I’m very grateful to God guiding me through this process and showing me the steps I need to take towards full health. Sure I put the effort into my healing, after all, it’s my responsibility, and I’m good with that:)
7/31/2018-Virginia Mason, Seattle, Urologist Specialist- Dr. Kobahsi Kathleen, 1:30pm-Complains: severe pelvic pain predominant in the back and lower front (ovaries area), nausea, fever, clammy skin, shivers, burning in the vagina, swollen abdomen, irritability. Test: Urine and Cystoscopy. Findings: a mild case of bladder trabeculation,2+ Blood in urine, Abnormal Trace of urine Leukocyte Esterase, U Sediment was abnormal, urine C/S abnormal, urine red blood cells 3+, white blood cells 1+, Bacteria 2+, Epithelial cells 1+, all of these were abnormal, the rest were normal. RX: Yuvafem (unrelated treatment, especially since I never mentioned any complaints about pre-menopause issues. No period since December of 2017). No temperature was taken at the appointment.
8/1/2018- Virginia Mason, Seattle, CT- kidneys, ovaries, uterus, blood test. Results: low point of creatinine (0.4mg/dl). CT: still waiting.
8/8/2018- After two e-mails I finally got a phone call from the urology department. CT results show a kidney stone in my right kidney but fortunately does not block any of the ducts and 4 cm cysts on top of both ovaries.
8/8/2018- Magnolia Bartell Drugs, picking up Probiotics and antibiotics for a UTI infection (Sulfamethoxazole-Trime), one pill twice daily.
8/22/2018-Virginia Mason Seattle, Dr. Kobashi, 10:20 am, a follow-up appointment to discuss our next steps. She ordered an ultrasound. We scheduled a shock wave lithotripsy with Dr. Nick Cowan (M.D) for the 28th and only on a need base -ureteroscopy, in case the location of the kidney is not too visible from the ultrasound. From the CT the visibility was low, the stone is in the lower lobe pocket of the right kidney, not obstructing anything. Left a urine sample to exclude any infection.
8/23/2018- Virginia Mason 9am– Pre-Screening for the procedure/ surgery done on the phone with Susan, a nurse.
8/23/2018-Virginia Mason, 3pm. Ultrasound of the pelvic area and kidneys. The cysts have shrunk a little (prayer does work:), and the stone has moved closer to an obstruction area.
8/28/2019- Virginia Mason, 3:45pm, Dr. Cowan Nick, Patient # 13166, lithotripsy surgery/procedure. Urine sample left for testing. The stone was very visible on the x-ray, the procedure went really well and very fast. Mild allergic reaction after cefazolin (ancef) treatment resulting in hives on my chest. Been given Ibuprofen to settle the reaction. Prolonged sleeping in the recovery room after general anesthesia, took me one hour and a half to wake up, I woke up with body tremors/shakes and kept falling back asleep. It took a total of two hours to fully wake up (nausea-medicated for it, faint voice, besides the normal disorientation in the beginning). Given three extra strong Tylenol and one Ibuprofen before general anesthesia, IV set in the right hand, general anesthesia done in liquid form through the IV. Thank God all went well:)
8/28/2018-VM follow-up call from nurse, 9:45 am. Recovery is going very well. No pain, no bruising, able to urinate, urine a little brown- normal after the procedure, mild nausea, fatigue, all normal after the procedure, a little headache.
9/7/2018- Virginia Mason Seattle, Dr. Maholov Gynecology specialist appointment to talk about the ovarian cyst findings.
4/4/2019- UWMedicine Urgent Care- Radiologic chest exam plus consultation- not getting better from a three long nasty flues, test normal, thank God.
Also began a Mimosa pudica parasitically treatment at home, at the end of April and within four days after taking a low dose, I eliminated a 5cm long mucous- clear worm looking thing. Stopped because I got freaked out, but I began again today 6/3/2019. Also had a relapse soon after my brothers – who surprised me with a visit:)- left. That surprise I’ll never forget:) Thank God for my brother’s:)
9/13/2019- Swedish Medical Clinic in Queen Anne- annual exam w/ Dr. Elizabeth Christine Hutchinson. Blood Pressure: 102/72, BMI 22.28, Weight 129 pounds 12.8 oz, Pulse 76, BSA 1.63 m2. Stool test ordered for parasites, mammogram for right breast due to axillary swollen lymph nodes on the right side. Test results: negative for worms, no breast cancer, just water cysts in the breast tissue and fat tissue with lymph nodes in the right axillary area. Excellent.
9/19/2019- Seizure at home.
11/6/2019- Dr. D. 12:30 pm back to her:) Vitals: Temperature: 98.1 F, BP 129/78 mmHg, Pulse rate 72bpm, SPO2 98%. Since I’ve had my last seizure I’ve been struggling. Tendencies to have seizures is very high and recovering is longer with each seizure. During her examination, and triggered by some components I had another seizure. According to her Bartonella is back, followed by Babesia and then Boureglia. They are stabilized in my right, back of the cervical region, entire gut zone, left knee and left hip. I have a recommendation to a neurologist for next week. She ordered more lab tests.
11/6/2019- LabCorp- (around 3-3:30 pm) I had about 7 or 8 large tubes of blood drawn out for testing. CA 27.29; Comp. Metabolic Panel (14); Hemoglobin A1c; Insulin; Adiponectin; FSH and LH; IGF-1; Testosterone, free and total; Sex Hormone Binding Glob, Serum; Progesterone; Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy; GGT; Homocyst(e)ine; ANA w/reflex; Histamine Determination, blood; C-Reactive Protein, Cardiac; CD57 HNK1; CMV Abs IgG/IgM; Toxoplasma gondii Ab, IgG; Toxoplasma gondii Ab, IgM; Antistreptolysin O Ab; TSH+T4F+73Free; Reverse T3, Serum; Thyroid Antibodies; Zinc, Plasma or Serum; Copper, Serum; Ceruloplasmin; NK Cells; Mono Cells antigen;
11/8/2019– Bloody nipple discharge.
11/7/2019- LabCorp test results (not all of them), most of them are normal (good news), but the Abs.CD8-CD57+Lymphs came back low (47/uL), the reference is 60-360. In 2015 this very same test came back low at 59, but now is even lower. According to my research these are T cells, and the lower these CD cells are the weaker the immune system is and they’re usually low in Lyme disease patients.
11/14/2019- Dr. Christopher Laurence- neurologist specialist- He’s a different sort of doctor, natural supplements prescription mostly. It looks like my serotonin is very low- as a result I’m depressed, or experiencing depression, and my neurological system is “exposed” or unable to protect one self from the outside stimulations (or internal), thus I’m functioning mostly on a sympathetic response (fight and flight), unable to relax even at night (clenching my jaw). My neck and upper back is severely tense (feels solid like a rock), and of course it hurts me. He prescribed three supplements to be introduced slowly and gradually increased due to the high level of hypersensitivity my entire body seems to be at this point and those are: Stress Factor, Seriphos, Magnesium Glycinate Complex. (I’m writing this entry on 12/3/2019 so I’m mid way through the first and second supplement and they’re helping. I no longer feel as if I’m going to have a seizure episode every other hour, I can withstand more stress, noise and activity).
11/15/2019- LabCorp test results, the rest of them. All normal with the exception of: Potassium is low (3.3 mmol/L), reference is 3.5-5.2; ALT (SGPT) is high at 39 IU/L, reference is 0-32; Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Ab. is high, greater than 10.00U/mL, reference is 0.00-0.59; Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy 27.4 ng/mL is low, reference is 30.0-100.0.
ALT looks like is an enzyme in the blood that breaks down food into energy.
CMV is an infection (primary or reactivated).
12/7/2019– Swedish Medical Group in QA, Dr. Elizabeth C.Hutchinson, primary doctor, follow-up. The mammogram looked good, the bloody nipple discharged resolved on its own, most likely a cyst got popped during the mammogram, Low potassium history, perimenopausal or menopausal status, strain of subscapularis mm, cholesterol test, low Vit. D. More blood tests for cholesterol and potassium, urine test at home for potassium loss, take vit. D and calcium, rest my right arm. Lab work/blood drawn.
12/8/2019-12/9/2019- Lab results– slightly elevated cholesterol, potassium just barely in the normal range, and the hormonal test show that I am in menopause. Just great, the hot flashes make sense now. (My FSH or Follicle Stimulation Hormone value is 129.8 mIU/ml, for postmenopausal is 25.8-134.8 standard range; and the LH or Luteinising Hormone is 69.7 mIU/ml and the standard range for a postmenopausal is 7.7-58.5)
12/10/2019-12/11/2019- 24 hour urine test done at home.
12/26/2019-Swedish Q.A.-Dr. Hutchinson- Follow-up to look over the tests. Today’s visit: Adhesive Capsulitis of right shoulder, Menopause (too early), Hypokalemia, Fatigue, unspecified type, depression-unspecified. Bp. 112/72, BMI 22.49, Weight 131 lb, pulse 72, BSA 1,64m2. More tests: Morning cortisol blood test for Addison’s Disease, x-ray of the shoulder, bone density test, Pt for the shoulder.
12/27/2019- Blood draw Swedish. QA, the cortisol level is at the lowest on the chart, does not rule out Addison’s. See an endocrinologist for further investigations.
2020
1/13/2020- Shoulder X-ray– Swedish Ballard, no broken bone, no arthritis
1/16/2020– 1:30 pm, First PT appointment ever for my right shoulder pain and decreased ROM. Trevor, Q.A.
1/20/2020– 2:15pm PT, Q.A.
1/27/2020– 2:30pm Neuro appointment with Dr. Chris. I’m getting better on his medication, the neurological system is calming down, my jaw is not as tense, and my body not as rigid. Keep at it- continue the treatment- for up to six months, if needed, no need for chiropractor now since my spine/head situation has aligned back.
1/28/2020– PT appointment with Greg in Magnolia. Adhesive Capsulitis or frozen shoulder diagnostic.
2/4/2020– PT magnolia
2/15/2020– Eye appointment– Magnolia-cataracts mild case in both eyes and freckles found in both back of the eyes (normal).
2/19/2020– PT appointment, Magnolia 2pm.
3/5/2020– Bone density test, Swedish Ballard, 10:30am.
3/5/2020– Bone Density test results indicate osteopenia, a mild form of low bone density. Recommend exercising at least 3x per week and calcium rich diet (dairy, spinach, kale, tofu, salmon and chia seeds).
3/11/2020– Dr. Elizabeth Hutchinson, Q.A- Subjects: premature menopause, frozen shoulder, neck pain. Blood pressure: 110/72; Pulse 84, Weight 60.8 kg (134 lb ). Inspection of neck, + abnormal curvature, step off between C7 and C6). Medication: estradiol-norethindrone 0.05-0.14 MG/Day commonly known as Combipatch, place one onto skin 2x a week.
3/12/2020– Cervical spine x-ray– complaint of back neck pain. Results: There is no abnormal motion with flexion or extension although there is a limited range of motion. No evidence of acute fracture. Disk: Small osteophytes are present C5-C6 with mild disk space narrowing. Small osteophytes are present at C4-C5, without disk space narrowing. Doctor’s notes: Your x-rays does show a little bit of arthritis.
3/27/2020– Menstrual bleeding. Unusual, only 4% of woman have this, its under doctor’s watch. Possible POI or Primary Ovarian Insufficiency or other causes. (Still bleeding as of today 4/1/2020).
4/17/2020–Seattle Radiology, 10:45 am, US Pelvis Transvaginal ultrasound. Bleeding while on menopause or post-menopause. Results: none
6/26/2020–Dr. Matthew D.Davies, MD- 1:30pm, Endocrinology specialist at Swedish Diabetes management via ZOOM/video session. Plan adrenal work-up.
7/1/2020– Dr. Elizabeth Hutchinson, 11:11am via Zoom/video, follow up of Dr. Davies appointment.
7/11/2020– Swedish First Hill OP Infusion– 3:15pm- adrenal test. Bp. 101/71, Temp. 98.8F, Respiration 16, Oxygen Saturation 98%, Pulse 74. Medication given: Cosyntropin (CORTROSYN), blood labs (Adrenocorticotropic Hormon, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Cortisol, 30 min, Cortisol, 60 min, Cortisol, Serum; FSH, Prolactin, T4, free; TSH.) Results: none.
7/17/2020-Alexandra H Quinn, PsyD. Phone conversation. Social worker counsel.
8/3/2020-Amy Cromer, MA, MHP, LMHCA, 11:30 am
8/10/2020-Amy Cromer, MA, MHP, LMHCA, 11:30 am
8/11/2020- Swedish Ballard Emergency Center, 1am. Severe nausea, disorientation, chills, vomiting (in my mouth a little), dizziness, malaise all over. Evaluation: weakness (uncertain cause), vomiting. Seen Dr. Richard Joseph Sweeney, MD. Reason for visit: nausea, dizziness. Diagnoses: Nausea, Weakness. Labs completes: CBC with Differential,Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Ethanol, POC Troponin I, performed two times, POC Urinalysis Dipstick, POCT Rapid urine drug screen with BUP, Pregnancy, Serum, Qual; TSH, Labs in progress: Coronavirus (Covid-19), Imaginnng tests: ECG 12 lead, XR Chest AP Portable. Done today: poct Troponin I 2 times, POCT UA Distick only (clinitek). Medications: Lorazepam (ATIVAN), Ondansetron (Zofran), ondasetron (Zofran), sodium chloride 0.9%. End of visit vitals: Blood Pressure 115/63, Temp. 97.9 F, Pulse 94, Respiration 17, Oxygen Saturation 98%. (“your blood pressure was found to be greater than 120/80mmHg during today’s visit. It is possible that this elevation of your blood pressure to be temporary. However, it may also mean that you have pre-hypertension or hypertension (high blood pressure). Please follow up with your primary care provider to recheck your blood pressure.”) Medication prescribed: ondansetron (for nausea) also known as ZOFRAN ODT.
Test results: The TSH levels a little high. Checking them in 4-6 weeks to rule in/out hypothyroidism. Possible an acute illness like a viral infection, for the symptoms that put me in the ER.
8/17/2020– Amy Cromer, MA, MHP, LMHCA, 11:30 am.
8/31/2020–Amy Cromer, MA, MHP, LMHCA, 11:30 am.
9/7/2020–Amy Cromer, MA, MHP, LMHCA, 11:30 am.
9/14/2020–Amy Cromer, MA, MHP, LMHCA, 11:30 am.
9/21/2020– Amy Cromer, MA, MHP, LMHCA, 11:30 am.
9/28/2020–Amy Cromer, MA, MHP, LMHCA, 11:30 am.
9/28/2020–Blood Lab- TSH. Results normal
10/5/2020– Amy Cromer, MA, MHP, LMHCA, 11:30 am.
10/20/2020– 11:30 am, Cardiologist Specialist, Swedish, Ballard, Dr. John l Petersen II, Vitals: 120/84, 22.49 BMI, 131 lb, 57 pulse, 93% Oxygen saturation, 1.64m2 BSA. Holter monitor 48 hours – up to 21days installed. Recommended MRI Cardiac w Stress w wo contrast.
10/12/2020–Amy Cromer, MA, MHP, LMHCA, 11:30 am.
10/26/2020– Amy Cromer, MA, MHP, LMHCA, 11:30 am.
11/2/2020–Amy Cromer, MA, MHP, LMHCA, 11:30 am.
11/9/2020–Amy Cromer, MA, MHP, LMHCA, 11:30 am.
11/16/2020–Amy Cromer, MA, MHP, LMHCA, 11:30 am.
12/2/2020– I found out about the Holter monitor tests results on my patient portal chart today. There has been detected a –rare supraventricular ectopy- activity and a –rare ventricular ectopy- one as well. I have no clue as to what that means, but upon research it seems common… unless one has Lyme disease. Then it could be signs of something else. The insurance originally rejected the MRI test until these results came back. We shall see after the MRI if these issues are the cause of my severe fatigue or not. At this point I’m not even sure if I’m not making it in my head, only to find my body in spasm or seizure like activity after I push and do chores around the house. I’m glad I’m alive and that’s all that it matters. God has been taken good care of me. So has Chet. So have I. (My brain seems very fatigued today so forgive my poor literary work in this entry.)
2021
I’ve been seeing Amy usually once a week with the exception off holidays, B-days and vacations. After my mom died on February 2nd- the worst day of my life- I took a break from counseling. I could not think straight for a while. I am amazed how well I did under the circumstance. Then two months later my grandma on my mother side died too and two months after that Mica, our little dog died. We’ve also been robbed this year and lost five bikes, three of them were RAD, electric bikes. I haven’t had the easies of years but I’m getting stronger despite it all. I thank God for keeping me together. I can do far more than in the past seven years, I can withstand more stress than before, I can last, energy-wise, longer after physical effort.
My husband and I are working on a documentary called “Beating Lyme”. The teaser trailer can be seen on YouTube. Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/R36XsjoT6sI Hopefully we’ll be done by September of this year. I’m also writing poetry. One book is already on Amazon kindle called “It’s Lyme Stew Time”, a two parts book showing the obvious difference of my brain’s ability to rhyme before treatment ( a child like effort) to a more sophisticated and engaged effort after treatment. The poems were written during the past seven years, expressing lots of suffering and frustration anyone usually finds in the midsts of a battle. Here’s the link to the book for anyone who is interested: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Lyme-Stew-Time-Poetry-ebook/dp/B08MWVVHRG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=it%27s+Lyme+stew+time+book&qid=1627340626&sr=8-1
I’m in the process of writing my second poetry book, hopefully a lighter and more hopeful one, but the truth is that no battle comes wrapped in pretty ribbons and soft tissue paper. I’m also hoping to release soon a short-story children’s book and when I’ll feel more ambitious my second novel. The first one is in my native language- Romanian- format only.
January 7- 2021– MRI- cardiac w/ contrast.- normal results.
February 25th- 2021- Eye Appointment, Magnolia, 3:30pm. Mild case of cataract in both eyes, stigmatism in left eye, and the freckles in the back of my eyes, one in each in the exact spot on both eyes, benign.
11/09/2021- DDS Richard Stickney- X-rays and evaluation. I knew I had more dental work to do and after four years I figured it was overdue. Findings: some gum infection, some cavities but they are the same as four years ago so I did well in my oral hygiene, and that one molar with an old root canal and a popped crown needs taken care of.-456
11/16/2021- DDS Richard Stickney- cleaning and bacterial removal from the infected pocket. Exam of the bacteria shows less activity than four years ago, no spirochetes!. As the dental hygienist put it: ” Four years ago you had serial killers in your mouth, now you have convenience store small time robbers. And after a four year absence I’d say you did a good job.” We’ll I’ve downgraded my killers so that’s an upgrade:)-315
2022
1/03/2022-DDS Richard Stickney-Cavity work. So deep it was near the nerve. “You had the equivalent of a dental surgery, so go home and take it easy for the rest of the day. If there’s throbbing pain or ache let me now.” There was some, but after five days it went away. -645
2/08/2022-DDS Richard Stickney- Remove old crown, clean decay, temporary cap, and take care of the adjacent tooth cavity. Long appointment. 2205
2/23/2022-DDS Richard Stickney- Put the permanent crown on.
06/29/2022- Seattle Dental Care- Comprehensive perio evaluation, collection of microorganisms. DDS Richard is retiring and the new doctor is not for me.
2023
1/29/2023- Olympic Medical Center Emergency in Port Angeles, pain in the lower back. Blood in the urine, and a 2mm kidney stone on my left side.
2/11/2023- Olympic Medical Center Emergency in Port Angeles, severe reaction to almond butter.
We love you Carmen!! We are believing for full restoration in your body in Jesus name! We are thinking and praying for you.
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Thank you guys:) God bless you:)
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I hope you get better soon mom! Battle lyme disease and make sure to win!
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Thank you my good boy:) You are such a blessing to us:)
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Hang in there my friend. This too will pass. One day soon we’ll get out our rocking chairs and share battle stories while u knit:)
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That is one funny image in my head😂😂😂 sounds great:) I’ll take you up in that:)
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Merry Christmas Carmen,
We all miss you and hope you make a speedy recovery. Hope you enjoy this Holiday!
Teresa FWMT and Staff
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Thank you Teresa:) Merry Christmas:)
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Thank you RobertFum
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Thank you for following my blog. I decided that I would read yours, about your journey with Lyme disease. What an incredible story, with so many heart-rending experiences Your husband sounds amazing through all of this, although I’m sure his resolve was often tested. I know that my wife is constantly worried about my severe pain and the many side effects of my diabetes. It really gets her down, but she does her best to be supportive, even when she’d really like to just go away.
You also impress me with your logging ability Your clarity is unbelievable. I can scarcely remember yesterday myself, and my treatment regime. Maybe if I make half the effort you make things would have progressed better for me.
Congratulations on a most impressive blog, and a life filled with purpose. You will get where you want to go.
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Hi Donald,
Your kind comment was such a pleasure to read. Thank you for your compliments on my logging ability, I think it’s a result of my utter fascination with the human body and the pathologies that affect health. I’m sorry to hear about your struggle with diabetes, a surely insidious disease, and a silent killer. My mom is struggling with that as well. I know strict diet helps slow the damage in the body, and hopefully reverse it, and avoidance of stress. My husband has been very supportive and I’m so very thankful for that.
Wish you a great day. -Carmen-
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The business of managing diabetes is both harder and easier than I imagined. The hard part is that knowledge is so hard come by, the easy part is that once you know what to do, just do it!
I’ve been doing Intermittent Fasting for 36 hours a day, 3 days a week. And then on eating days I try to eat a really small amount of carbs and sugars.
I’ve lost 35 pounds so far in 12 weeks, with ups and downs. It is working, and my blood glucose is dropping like a stone.
Thanks for the feedback.
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That sounds good, the intermittent fasting, it’s not only beneficial for loosing weight but for giving the gut a break and a chance to reboot, so to speak. Insulin resistance starts in the gut, as I’ve been told by a great doctor, so heal the gut heal so many issues. Keep going and do the things that work for you. For stress, there are great natural supplements on the market but be sure it does not interfere with you meds. B vit. and D vit. are very important to the body.
Glad you’re feeling better, keep it up.
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