Lyme disease awareness (2)

Lyme Disease Awareness
May 2014
Our Stories, Our lives, Our bond!
WE are all going to BEAT this!

Josie Graziano
• When did you first experience symptoms?
*July 2007
• Did you know you had been bitten by a
tick?
*I knew I had
been bitten by something because it was
itchy. However, I did not know it was a
tick.

Josie Graziano
• What were/are your symptoms?
* My symptoms are:
Feeling like I am going to faint, anxiety,
heart palpations, racing heart, extreme
head symptoms, chest pain, shortness of
breath, nausea, insatiable hunger and
150lb weight gain, and all over weakness.

Josie Graziano
• How many doctors have you seen?
*I have seen over 15 doctors
• Were you diagnosed incorrectly before you
received your correct diagnosis of Lyme? If so,
what were you told you had?
*I was told I had CMV. ALL OTHERS had no
clue although I asked 4 doctors about Lyme but
because their tests were negative they wouldn't
treat me and I did not know better back then.

Josie Graziano
• What types of treatments have you tired?
* I have done three years of
different antibiotics plus lots of natural
remedies. I've done a lot of different
remedies.

Josie Graziano
• How has this disease affected you and the
ones who love you?
*This disease has devastated my
family as my husband and children also
have it. We don't go anywhere because
I'm so disabled and we are financially
struggling as well. The joy seems to have
been sucked out of our lives.

Josie Graziano
• What is your plan for treatment from now on if
any?
*I don't know where to go from here because I
have been to all doctors in and out of this area
and have been on most treatments.
• Do you have any other coinfections or diseases?
*I also have babesia, bartonnella and mold
and yeast issues.

Kelly Cannings
• When did you first experience symptoms?
*I woke up on June 4, 2007 feeling
like I had the flu.
• Do you remember getting a tick bite?
*To this day I don't remember getting
bitten by a tick and never had any warning
sign.

Kelly Cannings
*I have had nausea 24/7,
joint pain, muscle weakness, dizziness,
hair loss, weight gain, major fatigue, head
and ear pressure, headaches, numbness,
eyesight issues, hormonal deficiencies,
insomnia, and the inability to exercise.

Kelly Cannings
*Over 30 doctors.
• Were you diagnosed incorrectly before you got
your correct diagnosis of Lyme? If so, what were
you told you had?
*I was told I had chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia,
addisons disease, hashimotos, depression,
anxiety, TMJ, intestinal motility disorder...at least
8+

Kelly Cannings
• What types of treatments have you tired?
* I have tired way too many to count!!
• How has this disease affected you and the ones who love you?
*Thankfully this disease has caused
my husband and I to get even closer! My parents never ceased to
amaze me in their support. But, it was traumatic for my girls as they
always wondered if one day they would wake up and Mommy
wouldn't be there. It really affected other relationships with friends
and family. Many questioned what was wrong with me. I naturally
withdrew as I was just too sick. Throughout this process, I have
come to realize when things hit bottom, who is there to support me!!
It was eye opening, but those still there were my dear friends and
family! I definitely saw true colors - good and bad!

Kelly Cannings
• What is your treatment plan for now on if
any?
*To keep living and pray that
the improvements I have seen keep
improving! To be very careful not to
expose myself to something that could
wreak havoc in my body and to continue
to educate myself and others on this
disease.

Kelly Cannings
• Do you have any other coinfections or
diseases?
*Unfortunately, due to the
damage Lyme did in my body I now have:
Hashimotos, Addison's Disease, hormonal
issues, food intolerances, - I never had
any of these before Lyme

Kelly Cannings
• This is Kelly’s husband and their five girls.

Kristy Groover
• When did you first start experiencing
symptoms?
*Almost 5 years ago
(2009). Due to stress. Dr. Sponaugle
seems to think I've had it since a kid
though.
• Did you know you had a tick bite?
*No, not at all.

Kristy Groover
*I have had insomnia, weakness in
legs, numbness on left side of my face,
lethargic/spacey feeling, dizzy, off balance
feeling, memory issues, crushing headaches
that come into my teeth, tremors, constantly
feeling like I'm getting "sick", nausea, air hunger,
can't read and soak it things in, ears feel full like
they need to pop, anxiety, horrible fatigue in the
early afternoon, TMJ. All these things come and
go (cognitive issues always lingers though)

Kristy Groover
*About 25 in the last five years.
• Were you misdiagnosed before you received
your correct diagnosis of Lyme? If so, what were
you told you had?
*low blood pressure need salt pills, Meniere's
Disease, MS, CFS, EBV, depressed, NOTHING
is wrong, equilibrium is off, bronchitis,
neuropathy, TMJ, post concussion syndrome.

Kristy Groover
• How has this disease affected you and the ones who love you?
*Me- I mourn my old life. I
used to work out 5x's per week, I used to be on the PTA and
volunteer in my son's school every Friday, I used to be able to drive
an hour away BY MYSELF without needing someone to now drive
me that distance, I am depressed at times because I feel hopeless, I
feel angry because doctor's don't understand/believe this disease
and can't fix me, I feel horrible guilt that I'm not a good enough mom
because I don't have the energy to play with my son a lot, I feel like
a boring/bad wife because I'm not fun like I used to be and my
husband has to pick up a lot of the brunt, I have such anxiety now
over the simplest things, I am so worried that I gave my son Lyme
Disease and so I'm constantly watching him like a hawk thinking
every little thing he does is because of him having Lyme...... My
loved one's- They feel completely helpless.

Kristy Groover
• What is your treatment plan from here if
any?
*Unfortunately, the
treatment really screwed me up. My body
couldn't possibly handle anymore kills so I
don't know if a LLMD would be beneficial
for me. I see a naturopath and hormone
specialist. Overall, people are shrugging
their shoulders.

Kristy Groover
• Do you have any other coinfections or
diseases?
*bartonella,
mycoplasma, PR, I'm sure babesia but it's
not seen on the fry, candida issues.

Sydney Rae Ebner
• When did you first become sick?
*July/August 2012 (When I moved into an
apt which we think had tons of Mold) {But I
also had some minor pain issues and a
couple other minor issues since giving
Birth in 2009, but never thought anything
of it: It is believed to have stayed dormant
my entire life till the stress of pregnancy
on my body}

Sydney Rae Ebner
*I had lots when I was a child (but no rashes) (country
girl).
*Extreme 24/7 pain all over (ONLY symptom still), 24/7
nausea, insomnia, weakness (ending up in wheelchair
for a month), numbness on face, extremely tired, dizzy
(room spinning), brain fog/memory issues, more
migraines, chills, low grade fever, air hunger, WAY
worse anxiety, blurriness of the eyes, All these things
come and go (cognitive issues always lingers though).

Sydney Rae Ebner
*6 Dr.'s
• How many different “diagnosis” did you get
before you got your correct diagnosis of Lyme?
*I had a
friend with Lyme and all my symptoms were just
like hers so I went to an LLMD RIGHT AWAY!
So 1 diagnosis, thankfully!

Sydney Rae Ebner
• How many different types of treatment have you
done?
*Started on many different natural treatments
which never did anything. Then 1 abx treatment
that I did not like, now on my last hardcore IV
treatment (which my body needs & is working)
Axithromycin 1x & Ceftin 2x a day, along with
many Zhang Chinese Herbs & IV Glut/Phos 3x a
week. Did a month of Rifampin/Flagyl and now
all symptoms are gone except pain.

Sydney Rae Ebner
• How has this disease affected you and your loved ones?
*For me it really affected me mentally besides all
the physical symptoms. I had always been severely depressed
(almost suicidal at points) Always having such guilt for not always
being there for my son, and guilt for my parents spending all this
money and always taking care of me. For my parents - they are the
strongest people I know, they felt lots of stress, especially because
they had to take care of me when I was in my worst and my son on
top of that when I needed help with him. Its a stressful job as a
caregiver. All the medical bills would cause fights between my
parents but they would quickly get over it. My son- Just hoping he
does not have this awful disease (but how he has only been sick a
handful of times for his entire 5 years makes me hopeful :) Enjoy the
present! This has definitely made me enjoy the little things and be
thankful for so many things I used to take for granted!

Sydney Rae Ebner
• What is your plan from here?
*Since all my symptoms except pain are all gone
for so long now, Continue my IV treatment but
am down to just IV Ceftin 1x a day; 4 days on/3
days off & Methylated B12 Shots every day.
UNTIL I am symptom free for at least 2 months
straight :) Also need to find a plan to get ALL the
different WBC counts up to normal and CD57
way up (possibly Stem Cell Therapy which I
have been talking to a doc for 6 months now
about for all my pain and to up all my numbers).

Sydney Rae Ebner
• What all do you have in addition to Lyme?
*I had major Candida, but that has been
under control for quite a long time now.
Bartonella, Mycoplasma, RMSF

Zoanna Barley
*1994. I was nine years old.
*I don't remember seeing a tick but I've
been bitten by ticks my whole life.

Zoanna Barley
*Joint pain, back pain, headaches,
migraines, extremely fast heart rate.
*Over the years I've seen several DOZEN
different doctors.

Zoanna Barley
• How many different diagnoses did you get
before you got your correct diagnosis of
Lyme?
*I was diagnosed with over ten different
things before I was diagnosed in 2007.
• How many different types of treatment
have you done?
*Probably 9-12 different treatments.

Zoanna Barley
• How had this disease affected you and your
loved ones?
*Considering that both my parents have Lyme
also, its taken over our lives. We are almost
entirely about finding an answer.
*Having just seen an environmental doctor I'm
going to start going gluten free and scent free
and try to live healthier.

Zoanna Barley
• What do you have in addition to Lyme?
*I have CVID, Hoshimoto's,
Babesiosis, Bartonella.

Ann Clark
*I first became sick when my 2nd daughter was
5 months old.
*No, I got several when I was little and had a
few symptoms growing up but it was dormant for
so long and took long to have the bacteria build
up to where it really affected me. Also, my body
went through 2 pregnancies and nursing and
that's when it really started.

Ann Clark
*My symptoms were: feeling like I was
preggo, forgetfulness, unable to focus,
walked like I was 80 years old, unable to
get out of bed for months, joint pain, back
issues, knee pain, headaches, unable to
use my hands, lost a lot of weight, brain
issues, hard time breathing, could not
focus, and more I can't remember now!

Ann Clark
* I saw almost 20 Doctors before I finally got
diagnosed.
*I was diagnosed with several (don't even
remember). Depression, ms, lupus, chronic
fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia

Ann Clark
have you done?
* I went to progressive medical center and
did all natural treatments - oxidative
therapy, sauna, bio-energetic stuff,
supplements, gluten free/dairy free diet.

Ann Clark
loved ones?
* It affected us in that my husband missed a
lot of work , my mother came to live with us to
take care of me and our daughters, I had to
have someone drive me daily to progressive for
my treatments. I was in a wheel chair/walker for
months, couldn't drive, my older daughter
became very anxious about me and she had
separation anxiety! We had a strong support
system though and The Lord brought us through
it and still is!

Ann Clark
*Lyme, bartonella, babesis, Rocky
Mountain spotted fever, and a few more I
can't remember right now.

Lana Fisher
*Since 1998 I had conjunctivitis of unknown
origin. I began seeing doctors because I had
early onset of arthritis.
*Looking back, the week after I saw my first eye
doc about problems, I had blood of my first deer
killed thrown in my face (tradition). Also had a
huge red spot on jaw that I burned with aspirin
daily ( didn't know anything about Lyme).

Lana Fisher
*Last 15 years been treated as
fibromyalgia and arthritis. By 2011 had to
replace knee. Severe RLS also.
*Saw over 15 docs, one of each kind,
cardiologist , rheumatoligist etc.

Lana Fisher
before you got your correct diagnosis of
Lyme?
*Enlodanlo syndrome, fibro, osteoarthritis,
chari malformation, autonomic
dysfunction, worsening of heart valves
leaking, tenacin 10 deficit, most recent,
caps syndrome, I'm sure there's more, but
my memory is poor.

Lana Fisher
have you done?
*Unable to tolerate treatment untill a few
months before Sponaugle. Doxy was too
painful, the biaxin made me have belles
palsy and severe pain. After only a few
months of oral antibiotics, went to
Sponaugle.

Lana Fisher
loved ones?
*I was told, " you're no fun" couldn't party
anymore and didn't feel like socializing.
Everyone thought I was stressed. One friend
thought I had cancer, because I could not
tolerate food. Lived off of medical powder food.
Keep praying, having a positive attitude on both
good and bad days so that God recognizes I
trust him no matter what. That my cross, will
benefit my family in some way.

Lana Fisher
*I plan to take a break from killing, no rife, no
herbal Abx, no monolaurin. Want to see what symptoms
I would have if I quit killing. I have very high chol. Even
though I mainly drink a medical powder. B/p usually high,
recently dropping, heart valve problems, muscle
weakness of every muscle and and sphincter ( Lol) I will
continue trying nothing that has helped others after this
temporary break. I know my day of healing is coming. I
truly believe, your thoughts become reality, I am just on
a journey of uncertainty.

Eric Thomas
*Not really sure. Been having pain issues
ever since I was a young teenager. It has just
got worse over the years. Especially the last 16
years or so.
*I have had several over lifetime. But had many,
many, many Lyme tests done but only one came
back positive.

Eric Thomas
* Memory problems, all muscles hurt and are
sore 24/7, sleep apnea, fatigue, pain through out
body. More or less the same symptoms for the
last 16 years.
*Between 3 states and one very reputable clinic I
have seen over 20 doctors / specialists. Not to
mention I have had over 200 vials of
blood drawn, countless x-rays, mri, and many
other tests. Don't remember them all.

Eric Thomas
*Roughly 5. The
usual ones chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, nerves
pinched by discs in back, chronic pain
syndrome. All of his from what little they listened
to me tell them that was going on.
• How many different types of treatment have you
done?
*Around 10 or so.

Eric Thomas• How has this disease affected you and your loved ones?
* It has caused many issues over the years. I used to work
over 40 hours a week and play sports 3 to 4 nights a week. As time
went on and the pain became worse that all had to stop. It has kept
me from doing things with my wife (Karen) over the last 19 years. I
have been unable to work for 3 years now. I have a hard time doing
anything physical related. I have issues with having energy and
ambition to almost anything anymore. It kills me because I have a
wife and daughter that I can not support and do things with that a
normal family should be doing. It messes with you every day of your
life. Psychological issues start to develop over time because of the
pain and not having any answers and any way to feel better. I
thankfully have a wife and daughter who love me. They are the only
reasons that I have not ended up an addict of drugs or alcohol or
worse. It unfortunately effects every moment of every day of every
aspect. Even something as simple as sitting on the couch with my
two girls and trying to relax is hard because I have a hard time being
comfortable and in pain. It hurts my wife to see me like this. She is
always upset and stressed out trying to find ways to help me feel
better. It effects anyone who loves you. Especially those ones
closest to you.

Eric Thomas
*The plan from here is to try and keep my head up and
hopefully someday find something that can help me feel
better. Also to love my wife and daughter as much as I
can. Just do my best that I am capable of every day I
wake up.
*I also have genetic issues with mold. I believe
there may be some other things but no one has been
able to show any proof of anything besides the mold and
Lyme. And 99% of the doctors I have and are dealing
with do not believe in either the Lyme or mold diagnosis.

Stephanie Barfield
* I starting having nerve pain in 2006 about six
weeks after our first son was born. However, now
looking back we think I contracted Lyme just before I got
pregnant and that was what caused me to have a difficult
pregnancy. There were several complications that we
can now link to the Lyme. The nerve pain marker is
October of 2006 and that was when we started the quest
for answers.
*No, we think it was in my hair.

Stephanie Barfield
*My symptoms were: Memory loss, confusion, lack of word
retrieval, inability to focus, inability to write (it would take me over
half an hour to write a 30 word thank you card), muscle weakness,
nausea, vomiting, no appetite, zero strength, sever nerve pain,
insomnia, fatigue, leg pain that caused me to go from walking to
using a walker to a wheelchair, depression, food allergies, swelling,
skin rash, “electric” feeling, uncontrollable tremors, vision issues
(sometimes I would loose color other times I would loose my vision
all together for several seconds), unable to drive without getting
headaches, migraines, smell sensitivity, kidney infections, hair loss,
and more. *My symptoms now are: Environmental sensitivity,
fatigue, head pressure, nausea on a much less sever scale, and
tremors on a less sever scale, minimal nerve pain, and weight gain.
Making my way towards zero symptoms!

Stephanie Barfield
*37
*Not sure of an exact number but some of
the labels were gallbladder issues, depression,
“NOTHING IS WRONG,” nerve damage,
shingles, endometriosis, hormone imbalance,
fibromyalgia, chronic pain syndrome, Addison’s
disease, and more.

Stephanie Barfield
have you done?
* I had my gallbladder removed, nerves
blocked and burned, more medications
than I can count, counseling, rife, natural
remedies, and antibiotics.

Stephanie Barfield
• How has this disease affected you and your loved ones?
*For me, I went from having a busy fun life to a life where every month a
new symptom would surface. After over five years and leaving our home
state I finally got a diagnosis and started IV medications. We did not know I
had genetic mutations that made it impossible for me to detox even one
single cell of Lyme or mold so the treatment began to shut me down. I went
from having a few days a month when I needed to help to being totally bed
ridden unable to even sit up on my own some days. This lasted almost 18
months before I started treatment at a new location in FL. Since doing
treatment there and discovering my genetics, I am slowly regain my life
back. However, I still struggle to live a “normal” life. I am constantly worried
about my boys and other family members having this disease.
• As for the ones I love, they watched me suffer for so long. My husband
watched me go from a vivacious 20 year old to a woman who could not sit
up on her own some days. He has to do a lot of the house chores and things
with the boys when I am not able to do them. My family and friends have
supported us so much through out this journey and I am SO thankful for
them! We could not have done this alone!

Stephanie Barfield
* I am still doing the supplemental regimen that I left
my last clinic on. I will be repeating labs to see if I can
start coming off it anything at the end of May. Other than
that, my plan is to trust the Lord and pray his will be
done in my life. He has guided us through this journey
and I have no doubt he will continue to!
*I have a massive amount of FL1953,
Trichothecene, Ochratoxin, Babesia, hormone depletion,
and genetic mutations.

Thank you so much everyone for being a part of
this awareness. I love each and every one of
you. I am so thankful for the Lord placing you in
my life. I have learned so much from you guys.
We WILL beat this!
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for
you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you
and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and
a future.”
Romans 8:18 “ I consider that our present
sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory
that will be revealed in us.”

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