I have been working towards remission for five years. I was sick long before that, but in 2018 I was officially diagnosed with Lyme disease. In January 2023, Lyme and my co-infections stop coming up on A.R.T. testing, and I have been in remission ever since. However, I am still struggling through some health related issues.
After being sick for so long and recognizing I have been caring trauma around for years, my nervous system is a bit of a wreck. It seems to be stuck in sympathetic mode, (fight or flight). My body actually twitches when it is trying to go into the parasympathetic mode. I am also struggling with vagal nerve dysfunction related to my gut. All of this while trying to manage parasites (STILL!!!) and hormones (thank you perimenopause).
What Does Continued Healing Look Like
I am incredibly thankful to be in remission from Lyme and my co-infections, however, there is still so much healing to do. I have said this before, and I believe it more now than ever, slow down and make your world smaller. This was the best thing I did to heal, and it is free!
I follow many people with authority in their fields on Instagram and they are all saying the same thing. Sometimes we try too hard to heal, stress about it, buy the next best thing. I am guilty of all of these. If you are looking for people to follow, check these accounts out.
@drmarkhyman, @life.withkate, @drschaffner, @drjillcrista
Set Yourself Up for Success
So, after years of healing, thousands of dollars spent, what stuck? The things I continue to do daily, weekly, or monthly to stay in remission and continue to heal.
I quit an online job! I started it and within four months I quit! This is not the old Jill. I would have felt bad and stayed with it until a respectable amount of time had passed. I have nutrition and massage training and that is what I want to focus on. So, within two weeks, I quit, found a quaint space to practice massage in, and set up my online booking. I was circling the drain and getting more signs that this was not good for my health. I have worked too hard to stay, so I shifted very quickly.
5 Steps to Success
So, step one, shift your environment if needed. This was a must with my job choice.
We prioritize where are money is spent. I continue to see Dr. Jennifer Grushon regularly. This is to continue to work through gut issues, hormones, and parasites. As well as monitor my remission. Step two, I continue to follow a protocol. There is no way I would be in remission without Dr. Grushon’s help.
Step three, sticking to dietary needs and changes. This has been complicated as of late with my gut. I have been absolutely miserable. I told my husband this morning, “how am I supposed to help people with their diet when I can’t figure out what to eat myself?” I eat a wholefoods diet, but some of the good foods can still be triggering to your gut at different times and for different reasons. So, strive to listen to your body and use trial and error. That is the best you can do! If you are stuck try removing these foods: gluten (for anyone! so bad for us), dairy, soy, corn, eggs, artificial sweeteners, dyes, additives, flavors etc., inflammatory oils (safflower, canola, sunflower, vegetable). Then you can tweak other foods in your diet.
Step four, sleep! It isn’t rocket science to get sleep, but it is easier said than done when you have chronic conditions. All you can do it set yourself up for success, don’t stress over a bad night, try a short nap if you can when you are tired. I like the pranamat to lay on before bed. It helps relax my body. I keep lights low in the evenings, turn off wi-fi at night, try and avoid screens too close to bed, and take an Epsom salt bath about 30-60 minutes before bed.
Step five, I move my body every day! Sometimes Sundays I take off, but other times it is a great day for a walk. Do something, even if it is just stretching in your living room. Get some fresh air while you are at it. I have been weightlifting, running, walking and playing pickle ball for movement.
Tools I Use for Success
Time and time again I thought this tool is the thing that is going to change my life. They really don’t exist without doing all the things above, however there are a few things I would invest in if you are able.
- Therasage infrared sauna – I use this 2-3 times a week when it isn’t summer here.
- Dry brush – this is a simple and inexpensive thing you can do daily to move lymph. I do this almost every evening before my bath.
- Coffee enemas – Check out more about those here. I currently do 1 x week. At my sickest I did 3 x week.
- Consistency – no matter how you strive to heal, just stay consistent.
Please reach out with any questions or comments. I love hearing from people!